CONJUNTO DE TRAVA E MÉTODO PARA DETECTAR A PRESENÇA DE UM BATENTE DENTRO DE UM CONJUNTO DE TRAVA

Abstract

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SENSING A STOP WITHIN A ROTARY LOCK. The present invention relates to a lock assembly comprising a frame and a tongue including a surface for receiving a stop and being movably coupled to the frame between an open and closed position. A trigger is mounted on the frame and is movable between a locked and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position of the trigger, the trigger is positioned to retain the tongue in the closed position. A stop bar is movably coupled to the trigger and is positioned to be contacted by the stop, wherein the stop bar is configured to move during the movement of the stop in the tongue. A device for detecting a position of the stop bar, wherein the position of the stop bar is indicative of the position of the stop and the position of the trigger.

Description

1 / 32 LOCK ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A STOP WITHIN A LOCK ASSEMBLY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[001] This request claims priority for the Request of US Provisional Patent No. 63 / 028,926, filed on May 22, 2020, entitled 'METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SENSITING A STRIKER WITHIN A ROTARY LATCH', the entire content of which is incorporated into this report by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical locks. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Latch assemblies are reliable in many applications for securing items such as panels, doors, and door stops together. For example, containers, doors, cabinets, cupboards, drawers, compartments, and the like can be secured with a latch. One type of latch assembly includes a rotating tongue or cam, which remains open until the tongue or cam strikes a stop (or pin). The relative displacement of the assembly with respect to the stop causes the rotating tongue to turn and engage the stop. There is a need for new rotating tongue assemblies having a design that is at least simpler, more compact, and cost-effective. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a locking assembly comprises: a painting; a tongue including a surface to receive a stop and being movably coupled to the frame between a position Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 6 / 88 2 / 32 open and closed, wherein, in the closed position, the tongue is positioned to retain the stop to the locking assembly and, in the open position, the tongue is not positioned to retain the stop to the locking assembly; a trigger that is mounted on the frame and is movable between a locked and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position of the trigger, the trigger is positioned to retain the tongue in the closed position; a stop bar that is movably coupled to the trigger and is positioned to be contacted by the stop, wherein the stop bar is configured to move during the movement of the stop on the tongue; and means for detecting a stop bar position, wherein the stop bar position is indicative of the stop position and the trigger position.

[005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting the presence of a stop within a latch assembly comprises detecting the presence of the stop bar when the stop moves the stop bar relative to the trigger, wherein the presence of the stop bar indicates that the latch has moved to the closed position and the trigger has moved to the locked position.

[006] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a locking assembly comprises: a frame defining an opening to accommodate a door jamb and having a projection that extends adjacent to the opening; a tongue including a surface for receiving the stop and being movably coupled to the frame between an open and closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the tongue is positioned to retain the stop to the locking assembly; and a damper having a surface for contacting the stop and wherein the damper is mounted on the projection. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 7 / 88 3 / 32 of the picture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[007] The above aspects and features and others of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art through the detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[008] Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[009] Figure 1B illustrates an exploded view of the latch in Figure 1A.

[0010] Figures 1C and 1D illustrate elevation views of the latch of Figure 1A shows the lock in its closed and open positions, respectively, where one latch cover has been omitted to reveal the internal components of the lock.

[0011] Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of the latch in Figure 2A.

[0013] Figures 2C and 2D illustrate isometric views of the lock Figure 2A shows the lock in closed and open positions, respectively, where a latch cover is shown in dashed lines to reveal the internal components of the lock.

[0014] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate an isometric view of a latch according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention interacting with an actuator and striker. In Figure 3A, the latch is shown in a locked and latched state. In Figure 3B, the latch is shown in an unlocked and latched state. In Figure 3C, the latch is shown in an unlocked and unlocked state. In Figure 3D, the latch is shown in an unlocked and unlocked state, and the trigger is rotated to a position such that the latch Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 8 / 88 4 / 32 is ready to receive the door frame again.

[0015] Figure 3E illustrates an exploded view of the latch in Figure 3A, in which the actuator and the striker have been omitted.

[0016] Figure 3F represents an isometric view of the latch of Figure 3A shows a closed and locked state, where several components have been omitted to reveal the internal components of the latch.

[0017] Figure 3G illustrates a first alternative design for the latch in Figure 3F, in which the latch includes an alternative trigger.

[0018] Figure 3H illustrates a second alternative design for the latch of Figure 3F, in which the latch includes a different alternative trigger.

[0019] Figure 3I illustrates an isometric view of the latch spring of Figure 3A.

[0020] Figures 3J and 3K are isometric views of a multi-point locking system including the lock of Figure 3A. In Figure 3K, several details of the multi-point locking system are shown in dashed lines to indicate that these details are positioned on an opposite side of the door and would not normally be visible when viewed from this perspective.

[0021] Figure 4A illustrates an exploded view of a latch according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figures 4B-4E illustrate cross-sectional views of the latch of Figure 4A. In Figure 4B, the latch is shown in a locked configuration. In Figure 4C, the latch is shown in a locked configuration. In Figure 4D, the latch is shown in an unlocked and unlocked configuration. In Figure 4E, the latch is shown in an unlocked and unlocked configuration.

[0023] Figure 4F illustrates an isometric view of the lock cover of Figure 4A.

[0024] Figure 4G illustrates an isometric view of the latch trigger of Figure 4A. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 9 / 88 5 / 32

[0025] Figure 5A illustrates a front elevation view of a latch according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 5B illustrates another front elevation view of the latch from Figure 5A with the front frame member omitted to reveal internal components of the latch.

[0027] Figure 5C illustrates an isometric view of the latch in Figure 5B with the actuator omitted.

[0028] Figure 5D is an exploded view of the latch in Figure 5A with the actuator and release cable omitted.

[0029] Figures 5E and 5F represent front elevation views of the latch in Figure 5D interacting with a stop. In Figure 5E, the latch is shown in a locked and engaged state. In Figure 5F, the latch is shown in an unlocked and unlocked state, and the trigger is rotated to a position so that the latch is ready to receive the stop again.

[0030] Figure 5G illustrates a front elevation view of the latch shown in Figure 5E with the stop omitted.

[0031] Figure 5H illustrates a front elevation view of the latch. Figure 5G with the stop bar omitted to reveal the interaction between the trigger and the tongue.

[0032] Figure 5I illustrates a rear isometric view of the latch of Figure 5A.

[0033] Figures 5J and 5K illustrate isometric views of the firing pin bar of the latch in Figure 5A.

[0034] Figure 5L illustrates an isometric view of the damper of the latch of Figures 5A and 5H.

[0035] Figure 5M is a detailed view of the latch in Figure 5A with several components omitted.

[0036] Figure 5N is an isometric view of the latch spring of Figure 5A. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 10 / 88 6 / 32 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Although the invention is illustrated and described in this report with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. On the contrary, various modifications can be made to the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

[0038] Several terms are used throughout the report to describe the physical form or arrangement of elements. Several of these terms are used to describe elements that conform to a cylindrical or generally cylindrical geometry characterized by a radius and a central axis perpendicular to the radius. Unless a different meaning is specified, the terms are given the following meanings. The terms longitudinal, longitudinally, axial, and axially refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation that is parallel to a central axis. The terms radial and radially refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation that is perpendicular to the central axis. The terms inward and internally refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation that extends in a radial direction toward the central axis. The terms outward and externally refer to a direction, dimension, or orientation that extends in a radial direction away from the central axis.

[0039] In the report, relative terms such as horizontal, vertical, up, down, superior and inferior, as well as derivatives of the meso (e.g., horizontally, descending, ascending, etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation as described or as shown in the figure of the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not normally intended to require a particular orientation.

[0040] Terms relating to fastenings, couplings and the like, such Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 11 / 88 7 / 32 as assembled, connected and interconnected, refers to a relationship in which structures are fastened or fixed to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both fixings and movable or rigid relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0041] The terms proximal and distal may be used in this report as relative terms.

[0042] Figures 1A-1D illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a latch 10. The latch 10 generally comprises a rear frame member 12 and a front frame member 14 which are connected to each other by pins 16, 17, 18. Taken together, these components may be said to constitute a frame or compartment. The frame members are (optionally) composed of folded sheet metal and may be considered a compartment for the latch 10. Although not shown, additional fasteners may be included to fasten the frame members 12 and 14 together. The frame members 12 and 14 are spaced apart from each other by pins 16-18 to form an interior space to accommodate the other components of the latch 10.More specifically, a spring guide retaining member 20 is positioned between frame members 12 and 14 and includes an opening 22 to receive pin 16, as well as a dovetail-shaped opening 36 to receive a spring guide 30 (as described later). A tongue 24 is rotatably mounted on pin 18 and moves (i.e., rotates) between a closed position (Figure 1C) and an open position (Figure 1D). The tongue 24 includes an open C-shaped channel 26 that is dimensioned and configured to accommodate and interact with a stop, as is known in the art. An opening 28 is provided in the tongue 24 to which a spring guide 30 is rotatably connected. The spring guide 30 is an elongated body having a first end defining a... Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 12 / 88 8 / 32 pin 32 which is rotatably positioned within the opening 28 in the tongue 24. The second, opposite end 34 of the spring guide 30 is substantially flat and is positioned to move within a defined opening 36 in member 20. The end 34 moves in an unrestricted manner within the opening 36 of member 20 and without separating from member 20 as the tongue 24 moves between the open and closed positions. A compression spring 38 is positioned in the elongated portion of the spring guide 30. One end 39 of the spring 38 is positioned to rest on a protrusion 37 of the opening 36 of member 20, while the opposite end 41 of the spring 38 is positioned to rest on the pin 32 of the spring guide 30.

[0043] In the closed position of the tongue 24 shown in Figure 1C, the spring 38 is configured to push the tongue 24 in a counterclockwise position (as seen in that figure) and remain in the closed position. On the other hand, in the open position of the tongue 24 shown in Figure 1D, the spring 38 is configured to push the tongue 24 in a clockwise position and remain in the open position. Therefore, the latch 10 can be considered a bistable latch because the latch 10 can remain in the open position until it is moved to the closed position and can also remain in the closed position until it is moved to the open position. In other words, the latch 10 is stable in both the closed and open positions.Latch 10 is bistable at least in part because pin 32 of spring guide 30 is connected to tongue 24 in a location where, in the closed position of tongue 24, a force vector (see arrow in Figure 1C) from spring guide 30 drives tongue 24 around its axis of rotation towards the closed position. And, in the open position of tongue 24, a force vector (see arrow in Figure 1D) from spring guide 30 drives tongue 24 around its axis of rotation towards the open position.

[0044] To move latch 10 from the closed position to the position Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 13 / 88 9 / 32 open, the stop (not shown) is pulled out of the latch 10 (or vice versa) with sufficient force, thereby rotating the tongue 24 clockwise and against the inclination of the spring 38. At some point during the rotation from the closed to the open position, the spring 38 is positioned so that it propels the tongue 24 towards the open position. The stop eventually separates from the channel 26 of the tongue 24, and the tongue 24 remains in the open position by virtue of the inclination of the spring 38. In the open position, the upper end of the tongue 24 rests against a bearing surface 40 that is formed in a tab of the frame member 12.

[0045] To move the latch 10 from the open position to the closed position, the stop is moved into the channel 26 of the tongue 24, thereby rotating the tongue 24 counterclockwise and against the inclination of the spring 38. At some point during the rotation from the open position to the closed position, the spring 38 is positioned so that it propels the tongue 24 towards the closed position. Once the tongue 24 has reached the closed position, the stop is captured within the channel 26 of the tongue 24 and the tongue 24 remains in the closed position by virtue of the inclination of the spring 38. In the closed position, the lower end of the tongue 24 rests against a bearing surface 42 which is formed in a tab of the frame member 12.

[0046] Latch 10 can be referred to as a pull-to-open and push-to-close type latch.

[0047] Figures 2A-2D represent a second exemplary embodiment of a 110 lock. The 110 lock is substantially similar to the 10 lock, and only the primary differences between these locks will be described hereafter. The 110 lock generally comprises a rear frame member 112 and a front frame member 114 that are connected to each other by pins 117 and 118 and / or other fasteners. An opening 136 is formed in the front frame member. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 14 / 88 10 / 32 114 to accommodate movement of a spring guide 130. The end 134 of the spring guide 130 is substantially flat and is positioned to move within the opening 136. The end 134 has a cross-sectional area that is reduced compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated portion of the spring guide 130 that is located closer to the pin connector 132. The end 134 moves within the opening 136 without separating from the opening 136 as the tongue 124 rotates around the pin 118 between the open and closed positions. A compression spring 138 is positioned in the elongated portion of the spring guide 130. One end 139 of the spring 138 is positioned to rest on the surface facing the interior 137 of a tab formed in the frame member 114, while the opposite end 141 of the spring 138 is positioned to support a pin connector 132 of the spring guide 130.The pin connector 132 is rotatably coupled to an opening 133 formed in the tongue 124, as in the first embodiment. A precursor damper 150, which may be made of a soft ductile material, is positioned between the frame members 112 and 114. A concave upper surface 152 of the damper 150 is provided to be contacted by the precursor when the latch 110 is held in the closed position. In operation, the precursor damper 150 prevents or limits shocks, squeaks and rattles.

[0048] In the closed position of the tongue 124 shown in Figure 2C, the spring 138 is configured to push the tongue 124 clockwise (as seen in that figure) and remain in the closed position. Conversely, in the open position of the tongue 124 shown in Figure 2D, the spring 138 is configured to push the tongue 124 counterclockwise and remain in the open position. Therefore, like the latch 10, the latch 110 can be considered a bistable latch because the latch 110 can remain in the open position until it is moved to the closed position and Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 15 / 88 11 / 32 can also remain in the closed position until it is moved to the open position.

[0049] Although not shown, latches 10 and 110 may also include a trigger, such as trigger 211, which is configured to retain the tongue in a locked position as well as release the tongue.

[0050] Figures 3A-3F illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a latch 210. In Figures 3A-3D, the latch 210 is shown interacting with an actuator 202 and striker assembly 204. The actuator 202 may be part of a larger assembly including the latch 210. Similarly, the striker assembly 204 may be part of a larger assembly including the latch 210 and / or actuator 202.

[0051] The actuator 202 is (optionally) an electric solenoid that is configured to be connected to a power source and a computer controller by wires 203. When receiving a command from the computer controller (not shown), the actuator 202 is configured to actuate (i.e., extend or retract or otherwise change position) a piston 205 at the end of the actuator 202, and the piston 205 is configured to interact with a trigger 211 of the latch 210, as will be described later. Other types of actuators are known to those skilled in the art. The actuator 202 may also be omitted.

[0052] The precursor assembly 204 includes an elongated rail 208 and a precursor 207 that is fixedly mounted to the rail 208 by a support 209 using fasteners. The rail 208 may be flat, as shown, or it may be rounded, for example. The geometry and shape of the rail 208 may vary. The rail 208 is movable relative to the latch 210 in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 3C. Either the rail 208 moves relative to the latch 210 or the latch 210 moves relative to the rail 208. The striker 207 is a cylindrical (or semi-cylindrical) member that is configured to interact with the tongue 224 of the latch 210. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 16 / 88 12 / 32

[0053] The 210 lock shares some similarities with the lock 110 and the main differences between these latches will be described hereafter. With reference now to Figures 3E and 3F, the latch 210 generally comprises a rear frame member 212 and a front frame member 214 which are connected to each other by pins 217 and 218 and / or other fasteners. The rear frame member 212 includes a mounting surface and opening 213 on which the actuator 202 (not shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F) is mounted by fasteners (not shown). A tongue 224 has an opening through which the pin 218 is positioned and the tongue 224 moves (i.e., rotates) around the pin 218 between a closed position (Figure 3B) and an open position (Figure 3C). A torsion spring 215 is mounted around pin 218 and includes a first free end that is mounted on the rear frame member 212 (or other stationary feature) and a second free end that is mounted on a bearing surface on the tongue 224.Spring 215 tilts tongue 224 to the open position. A trigger 211 has an opening through which pin 217 is positioned, and the trigger 211 moves (i.e., rotates) between a locked position (Figure 3F) and an unlocked position (Figure 3C). A torsion spring 219 is mounted around pin 217 and includes a first free end that is mounted on the rear frame member 212 (or other stationary feature) and a second free end that is mounted on a bearing surface in the trigger 211. Spring 219 tilts trigger 211 to the unlocked position.

[0054] A spring member 230, which is made of a ductile and resilient material, is positioned on an elevation that is above the frame member 212 and below the trigger 211 and the tongue 224. The spring member 230 includes four legs depending on it that propel the trigger 211 and the tongue 224 toward the frame member 214, thus preventing the trigger 211 and the tongue 224 Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 17 / 88 13 / 32 shake during operation. A spring arm 232 also extends from the spring member 230. The spring arm 232 is a curved flexible member that is positioned to interact with a perimeter surface of the tongue 224.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3F, in the closed position of the tongue 224, the spring arm 232 is seated in a concave recess, indentation or depression 234 formed on the outer perimeter of the lower side of the tongue 224. The holding force exerted by the spring arm 232 on the tongue 224 is greater than the force exerted by the torsion spring 215 so that the tongue 224 remains in the closed position even after the trigger 211 has been moved to the unlocked position (Figure 3B). And, in the open position of the tongue 224, the spring arm 232 is seated in another concave recess, indentation or depression 235 formed on the outer perimeter of the lower side of the tongue 224. It is observed that a plurality of depressions 234 / 235 are defined on the side of the lower perimeter of the tongue 224. Once the tongue 224 is moved to the open position, the force exerted by the spring arm 232 on the tongue 224 retains the tongue in the open position.

[0056] Therefore, in the same way as latch 10, latch 210 can also be considered a bistable latch because latch 210 can remain in the open position until it is moved to the closed position and can also remain in the closed position until it is moved to the open position.

[0057] In the locked position of the trigger 211 shown in Figure 3F, a tab 221 extending from the perimeter of the trigger 211 rests on a bearing surface of the frame member 212. Furthermore, in the locked position, a v-shaped recess 223 formed along the perimeter of the trigger 211 is positioned within a v-shaped projection 225 formed on the perimeter of the tongue 224. Engagement between Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 18 / 88 14 / 32 the recess 223 and the projection 225 as well as the tab 221 and the frame 212 prevent the tab 224 from moving counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 3F) towards the open position.

[0058] The trigger 211 includes a control surface 227, in the form of a folded projection, which projects from the latch 210 towards the actuator 202. The control surface 227 is positioned to interact with the piston 205 of the actuator 202. The piston 205 is configured to rest on the bearing surface 227 to move the trigger 211 from the locked position (Figure 3F) to the unlocked position (Figure 3C).

[0059] As shown in Figures 3G and 3H, other control surfaces are provided. For example, in Figure 3G, the control surface 227a has a hole or opening that can be connected to a cable (not shown), and the cable can be connected to an actuator (not shown) to pull the cable to cause the trigger 211 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.In Figure 3H, the control surface 227b is provided in the form of a finger tab that is positioned on the upper side of the trigger and is positioned to be accessed by (for example) a user to manually move the trigger 211 to cause the trigger 211 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0060] Turning now to Figures 3A-3D, in Figure 3A, the latch 210 is shown in a locked and latched state. In the locked and latched (i.e., closed) state, the latch 210 retains the stop 207 within the tongue 224. If a user attempted to move the stop 207 away from the latch 210 (for example, by changing the position of the rail 208), the latch 210 would prevent the movement of the stop 207 and the rail 208 because the trigger 211 would prevent the tongue 224 from rotating counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 3F) to the open position.

[0061] In Figure 3B, latch 210 is shown in an unlocked and locked state. To unlock latch 210, the controller Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 19 / 88 15 / 32 of the computer activates the actuator 202, which causes the piston 205 of the actuator 202 to extend and rest on the control surface 227 of the trigger 211, causing the trigger 211 to rotate counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 3F) and against the inclination of the spring 219. Once the recess 223 of the trigger separates from the projection 225 of the tongue 224, the trigger 211 is held in the unlocked position and the latch 210 is unlocked. In the unlocked state of the latch 210, the tongue 224 remains in the closed state by virtue of the engagement between the spring arm 232 and the tongue 224.

[0062] In Figure 3C, latch 210 is shown in an unlocked and unlocked state. To move the latch 210 from the locked (i.e., closed) state to the unlocked (i.e., open) state, the user changes the position of the rail 208 and the stop 207 away from the latch 210. The stop 207 moves the tongue 224 (which is unlocked) counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 3F) against the inclination of the spring arm 232. As the tongue 224 rotates, the spring arm 232 slides along the lower surface of the tongue 224. The tongue 224 eventually releases the stop 207 as the firing pin 207 is moved away from the latch 210. The tongue 224 remains in the open state by virtue of the engagement between the spring arm 232 and the tongue 224 retainer 235. At this stage, the trigger 211 remains in the unlocked state due to the engagement between piston 205 and control surface 227 of trigger 211.

[0063] In Figure 3D, the latch 210 is shown in an unlocked and unlocked state. To return the trigger 211 to the locked position, the computer controller actuates the actuator 202, which causes the piston 205 of the actuator 202 to retract and separate from the control surface 227 of the trigger 211. The torsion spring 219 returns the trigger 211 to its locked position, whereupon the tab 221 rests on the frame member 212, as shown in Figure 3F. At this stage, the Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 20 / 88 16 / 32 tongue 224 remains open.

[0064] To return lock 210 to the locked and locked state of In Figure 3A, the user moves the firing pin 207 towards the latch 210. The firing pin 207 engages with the opening in the tongue 224, and the tongue 224 rotates clockwise (as seen in Figure 3F) against the inclination of the spring 215. The projection 225 of the tongue 224 passes through the perimeter of the trigger 211 (and causes a slight rotation of the trigger 211 against the inclination of the spring 219) until the stop 207 rests against the frame members 212 and 214. At this point, the protrusion 225 of the tongue 224 is seated in the recess 223 of the trigger 211. The latch 210 is then held in the locked state shown in Figure 3A.

[0065] Returning now to Figures 3J and 3K, the 210 latch, actuator 202 and rail 208 can be used as part of a multi-point locking system 292 to secure a door 290 to a door jamb or other structure.

[0066] The multi-point locking system 292 comprises an actuator 294 in the form of a lever, handle or actuator, for example. The actuator 294 is movable between a first position corresponding to a locked state of the gate 290 and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state of the gate 290, as is known in the art. The actuator 294 has an output end that is connected to the rail 208 of Figure 3C. Moving the actuator 294 between the first and second positions causes the rail 208 to be changed up and down, as is known in the art.

[0067] One or more of the percussion sets 204 are connected to rail 208.

[0068] One or more 295 tongues (four shown) are individually connected to port 290. The 295 tongues can be pivotally mounted on port 290, for example. Specifically, Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 21 / 88 17 / 32 Each latch 295 is connected to a cam 296 that pivots on the door 290. Each latch 295 is also connected to the rail 208, so that changing the position of the rail 208 causes the cams 296 and the latches 295 connected to it to rotate between the locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the latches 295 are oriented so that they retain the door 290 in the door jamb or other structure. And, in the unlocked position, the latches 295 are oriented so that they do not retain the door 290 in the door jamb or other structure.

[0069] One or more guides 297 are mounted on the door 290. Each guide 297 may include a rectangular through hole to receive the rail 208, in order to restrict the rail 208 to two degrees of freedom of change of position. One or more additional guides 298 are also mounted on the door 290. Each guide 298 may include an open end groove to receive the rail 208, in order to restrict the rail 208 to one degree of freedom of change of movement.

[0070] One or more of the latches 210 are fixedly connected to the door 290. Each latch 210 is configured to interact with a stop 207 that is mounted on the rail 208, as described previously. In the locked state of the latch 210, the latch 210 restricts the stop 207 as well as the entire multi-point locking system 292. In the unlocked state of the latch 210, the latch 210 does not prevent the striker 207 as well as the entire multi-point locking system 292 from moving.

[0071] Incorporation of the latch 210 and the stop 207 within the mechanical multi-point system 292, even as an adaptation, produces an electrical locking system 292. In this way, it is not necessary to replace the mechanical actuator 294 with an electromechanical actuator. The push-to-close / pull-to-open style of the 210 lock also allows the 292 system to remain even though the 210 lock is not locked. However, a remote signal can be transmitted. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 22 / 88 18 / 32 for the latch 210 in order to lock the system 292. More specifically, the spring arm 232 holds the latch 234 in a fixed position until the stop 207 is moved, thus allowing electronic locking if the door 290 is not open.

[0072] Although the multi-point locking system 292 has been described for use with the lock 210, it should be understood that the multi-point locking system 292 can incorporate any of the locks described in the present invention without extensive modification.

[0073] Figures 4A-4D illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment of a 310 latch. The 310 latch is similar to the 210 latch of Figure 3A, and the primary differences between them will be described below.

[0074] The 310 lock generally comprises a frame or compartment comprising a rear frame member 312 and a front frame member 314 which are connected to each other by fasteners or clamps, for example. Various components are positioned within the interior space defined by the frame, and these components will be described hereafter.

[0075] A tongue 324 includes coalesced pins 318 that are positioned within openings 313 defined in the frame members. The pins 318 may be integrated into the body of the tongue 324 or may comprise one or more separate components that are mounted on the tongue 324. The tongue 324 moves (i.e., rotates) around the openings 313 between a closed position (Figure 4B) and an open position (Figure 4D). The tongue 324 includes a concave area to receive a stop, in the same manner as the other tongues described above. A concave recess 325 (Figure 4C) is formed along the perimeter of the tongue 324 and a corresponding projection 323 is formed on the perimeter of the trigger 311. The engagement between the recess 325 and the projection 323 prevents the tongue 324 from rotating counterclockwise. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 23 / 88 19 / 32 (as seen in Figure 4B) towards the open position.

[0076] An opening 328 (Figure 4A) is provided in the tongue 324 to which a spring guide 330 is rotatably connected. The spring guide 330 is an elongated body having a first bifurcated connecting end 331 which is rotatably positioned within the opening 328 in the tongue 324 by a pin 332 which is positioned through fused holes in the bifurcated end 331. The second, opposite end 334 of the spring guide 330 is substantially flat and is positioned to move within a defined opening 336 in the frame. The end 334 moves in an unrestricted manner within the opening 336 of the frame and without detaching from the frame as the tongue 324 moves between the open and closed positions. A compression spring 338 is positioned over the elongated portion of the spring guide 330.One end of spring 338 is positioned to rest on a protrusion 337 (Figure 4D) of the opening 336 of the frame, while the opposite end of spring 338 is positioned to rest on the bifurcated connecting end 331 of spring guide 330.

[0077] In the closed position of the tongue 324 shown in Figure 4B, the spring 338 is configured to push the tongue 324 in a counterclockwise position (as seen in that figure) and remain in the closed position. On the other hand, in the open position of the tongue 324 shown in Figure 4D, the spring 338 is configured to push the tongue 324 in a clockwise position and remain in the open position. Therefore, the latch 310 can also be considered a bistable latch because the latch 310 can remain in the open position until it is moved to the closed position and can also remain in the closed position until it is moved to the open position.

[0078] As best shown in Figure 4G, the trigger 311 includes co-aligned pins 317 that are positioned within the openings 315 (Figure 4A, one shown) defined in the frame members. The Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 24 / 88 20 / 32 pins 317 may be integrated into the trigger body 311 or may comprise one or more separate components that are mounted on the trigger 311. In use, the trigger 311 moves (i.e., rotates) around the opening 315 (Figure 4A, one shown) between a locked position (Figure 4B) and an unlocked position (Figure 4C). The axes of rotation of the trigger 311 and the tongue 324 are parallel. The trigger 311 includes a control surface 327 in the form of a leg extending from the trigger body 311. The control surface 327 is configured to be contacted by an actuator 302, as will be described later, to move the trigger 311 between the locked and unlocked positions. An opening 321 is defined in the trigger body 311 to accommodate the coiled portion of a torsion spring 319. A pin (such as pin 317) may be positioned through the coiled portion of the spring 319 to retain the spring 319 in place.One leg of the torsion spring 319 is positioned against the trigger 311 while the other leg of the torsion spring 319 is positioned against a stationary surface, such as a surface on the frame. The spring 319 tilts the trigger 311 to the locked position.

[0079] An actuator 302 is mounted on the frame and is configured to actuate (i.e., extend or retract or otherwise change the position of) a piston 305 at the end of the actuator 302. The actuator 302 is a solenoid, however, other types of actuators are known to those skilled in the art. Like the actuators described above, the actuator 302 is connected to the computer controller for control purposes.

[0080] As best shown in Figures 4C and 4F, a cap 350 is connected to the piston 305 in a fixed manner so that the cap 350 moves with the piston 305. The cap 350 has a J-shaped body 351, a C-clamp 352 mounted on the curved end of the body 351, and a projection 353 that extends longitudinally and outward. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 25 / 88 21 / 32 of body 351. Clamp C 352 and projection 353 may be integrated into body 351 or these elements may be separate components that are mounted on body 351. Clamp C 352 is connected to piston 305 in a non-rotating manner. Projection 353 is configured to interact with the control surface 327 of trigger 311 of latch 310.

[0081] A 360 sensor is mounted on the frame and is configured to detect one or more of the rotation position, presence or absence of the latch 324 (and / or trigger 311) and transmit a corresponding signal to a computer controller via a cable. The 360 ​​sensor can be a switch, for example. Other means of detecting the closed or open state of the latch 324 are known to those skilled in the art, such as magnetic sensors, proximity sensors, Hall effect sensors and optical sensors.

[0082] Returning now to the operation of the 310 lock shown in Figures 4B-4E, in Figure 4B, the latch 310 is shown in a locked and latched state. In the locked and latched state (i.e., closed), the latch 310 retains the stop within the tongue 324. If a user attempted to move the stop away from the latch 310 (or vice versa), the latch 310 would prevent the stop from moving because the trigger 311 would prevent the tongue 324 from rotating counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 4B) to the open position.

[0083] In Figure 4C, latch 310 is shown in an unlocked and locked state. To unlock latch 310, a user instructs the computer controller to actuate actuator 302, which causes piston 305 of actuator 302 to retract. Alternatively, the computer controller may perform this unlocking step in response to an event, such as a vehicle being placed in the P parking position.

[0084] When retracted, projection 353 on lid 350 rests Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 26 / 88 22 / 32 on the control surface 327 of the trigger 311, which causes the trigger 311 to rotate counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 4C) and against the inclination of the spring 319. Rotation of the trigger 311 causes the projection 323 of the trigger 311 to separate from the recess 325 of the tongue 324. Once the recess 325 of the tongue 324 separates from the projection 323 of the trigger 311, the trigger 311 is held in the unlocked position, and the latch 310 is unlocked. In the unlocked state of the latch 310, the tongue 324 remains in the closed state due to the inclination of the spring 338 applied against the tongue 324. In the locked state, the sensor 360 detects the closed state of the tongue 324 and communicates it to the computer controller.The computer controller can, for example, send a warning to the user if it is determined that trigger 311 is unlocked (by virtue of the known position of actuator 302) while another condition is present (for example, a motor vehicle to which the lock is connected is being activated).

[0085] In Figure 4D, latch 310 is shown in an unlocked and unlocked state. To move latch 310 from the locked (i.e., closed) state to the unlocked (i.e., open) state, the user changes the position of the stop away from latch 310 (or vice versa). The stop moves the tongue 324 (which is unlocked) counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 4D) to the open position and against the inclination of spring 338. Tongue 324 remains in the open state by virtue of the inclination of spring 338 applied against tongue 324.

[0086] In Figure 4E, latch 310 is shown in a locked and unlocked state. To lock latch 310, a user instructs the computer controller to actuate actuator 302, which causes piston 305 of actuator 302 to extend. When extended, trigger 311 is allowed to rotate clockwise and return to the locked position under the inclination of spring 319. However, while the tongue 324 is Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 27 / 88 23 / 32 maintained in the open / unlocked state, the trigger 311 remains rotated as shown in Figure 4E due to interference between the tongue 324 and the trigger 311. Furthermore, it is observed that the force applied indirectly to the tongue 324 by the spring 319 is less than the force applied indirectly to the tongue 324 by the spring 338.

[0087] To move the latch 310 from the locked and unlocked state of Figure 4E to the locked and locked state of Figure 4B, the user moves the stop towards the latch 310. The stop engages the opening in the tongue 324 and the tongue 324 rotates clockwise (as seen in Figure 4B) against the inclination of the spring 338. The projection 323 of the trigger 311 passes around the perimeter of the tongue 324 due to the inclination of the spring 319 until the stop is captured by the tongue 324 in the locked position. At this point, the protrusion 323 of the trigger 311 is seated in the recess 325 of the tongue 324, thus locking the tongue 324. The latch 310 is then held in the locked and locked state of Figure 4B.

[0088] It should be understood that the latch 310 can be moved between the unlocked states shown in Figures 4C and 4D without locking the tongue 324 using the trigger 311. Likewise, the user can move the trigger 311 between the locked and unlocked states (by means of the computer controller or other device) as desired.

[0089] Figures 5A-5H illustrate a fifth exemplary embodiment of a 410 latch. The 410 latch is similar to the 210 latch, and the main differences between these latches will be described below.

[0090] In Figures 5A and 5B, the latch 410 is shown interacting with an actuator 402 and a release cable 409. The actuator 402 is substantially similar to the actuator 202. When a command is received from the computer controller (not shown), the actuator 402 is configured to actuate (i.e., extend or retract) a piston. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 28 / 88 24 / 32 405 from the end of actuator 402, and piston 405 is configured to interact with a trigger 411 of latch 410 to move trigger 411 from a locked position to an unlocked position. Release cable 409 is also connected to an opening in trigger 411. In operation, cable 409 can be pulled either manually or automatically to release trigger 411 (i.e., move trigger 411 from the locked position to the unlocked position). Actuator 402 and cable 409 may be part of latch 410 or may be part of a separate assembly. Actuator 402 and / or cable 409 are omitted in several figures.

[0091] With reference now to Figures 5A-5D, the latch 410 generally comprises a rear frame member 412 and a front frame member 414 (omitted in Figures 5B and 5C) which are connected to each other by pins 417 and 418 and / or other fasteners. A tongue 424 has an opening through which pin 418 is positioned and the tongue 424 moves (i.e., rotates) around pin 418 between a closed position (Figure 5E) and an open position (Figure 5F).

[0092] As best shown in Figures 5B and 5C, a torsion spring 415 is mounted around pin 418 and includes a first free end 415a that rests on the rear frame member 412 and a second free end 415b that is mounted in a depression 434 formed in the perimeter of the tongue 424. The spring 415 pushes the tongue 424 into the open position. A trigger 411 has an opening through which pin 417 is positioned and, like trigger 211, trigger 411 moves (i.e., rotates) between a locked and an unlocked position. A torsion spring 419 is mounted around pin 417 and includes a first free end 419a that rests on the rear frame member 412 and a second free end that is mounted on a bearing surface in the trigger 411. The spring 419 tilts the trigger 411 to the locked position. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 29 / 88 25 / 32

[0093] As shown in Figures 5B and 5N, a spring member 430, which is formed from a ductile and resilient material, is situated between (i) the frame element 414 and (ii) the trigger 411 and the tongue 424. The spring member 430 includes four legs dependent on it that propel the trigger 411 and the tongue 424 toward the frame member 412, thereby preventing the trigger 411 and the tongue 424 from rattling during operation. The first and second spring arms 432 and 433 extend from the spring member 430. The first spring arm 432 is a curved flexible member that is positioned to interact with a surface of the tongue 424. The second spring arm 433 is a curved flexible member that is positioned to interact with a surface of a stop bar 450.

[0094] As shown in Figure 5C, in the closed position of the tongue 424, the first spring arm 432 is seated in a concave recess, indentation or depression 434 formed on the outer perimeter of the lower side of the tongue 224. The spring arm 432 rests above the second free end 415b of the spring 415. The holding force exerted by the spring arm 432 on the tongue 424 is greater than the force exerted by the torsion spring 415 so that the tongue 424 remains in the closed position even after the trigger 411 has been moved to the unlocked position. And, in the open position of the tongue 424, the spring arm 432 is seated in another recess, indentation or concave depression 435 formed on the outer perimeter of the lower side of the tongue 424. The force exerted by the spring arm 432 on the tongue 424 retains the tongue in the open position.Therefore, like latch 10, latch 410 can also be considered a bistable latch because latch 410 can remain in the open position until it is moved to the closed position and can also remain in the closed position until it is moved to the open position. However, the spring arm 432 can be omitted if desired, and in that case, latch 410... Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 30 / 88 26 / 32 would not be bistable.

[0095] The trigger 411 includes a tab 421 extending from the perimeter of the trigger 411. In the locked position of the trigger 411 shown in Figures 5F and 5H, the tab 421 rests on a bearing surface of the frame member 412. Furthermore, in the locked position, a v-shaped recess 423 is formed along the perimeter of the trigger 411 and a corresponding v-shaped projection 425 formed on the perimeter of the tongue 424 is positioned within the recess 423. Engagement between the recess 423 and the projection 425 as well as the tab 421 and the frame 412 prevents the tongue 424 from moving counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 5F) towards the open position.

[0096] With reference now to Figures 5A and 5H, the trigger 411 includes a control surface 427, in the form of a vertically extending projection, which is configured to interact with the piston 405 of the actuator 402. The piston 405 is configured to rest on the bearing surface 427 to move the trigger 411 from the locked position (Figure 5H) to the unlocked position. The control surface 427 also has a hole or opening 427a that is connected to the cable 409, as described previously, to move the trigger 411 from the locked position (Figure 5H) to the unlocked position.

[0097] With reference now to Figures 5B, 5D, 5E, 5J and 5K, a stop bar 450 is pivotally mounted in an opening 451 (Figure 5D) in the center of the trigger 411 by a pin 452. The pin 452 passes through an opening 453 in the stop bar 450 and the opening 451 in the trigger 411. The stop bar 450 is mounted directly onto the trigger 411. The stop bar 450 is configured to rotate relative to the trigger 411 around the pin 452. The perimeter of the stop bar 450 includes a concave portion 459 that is configured to interact with the Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 31 / 88 27 / 32 striker 407. The stop bar 450 is an elongated member having an outer surface and an inner surface. A projection or tab 455 projects from the inner surface of the stop bar 450. The tab 455 is configured to interact with a wiper arm 458 of a switch 460.

[0098] The switch 460 is connected to a computer controller (not shown) by a cable 461 that terminates in a connector. A cover 462 is positioned over the switch 460 and at least a portion of the wiring extends from it to partially conceal the switch 460. The switch 460 may be fixedly connected to the frame member 412. In operation, in an open state of the switch 460, the tab 455 of the stop bar 450 is not positioned in contact with the wiper arm 458 of the switch 460, thus indicating that (i) the stop 407 is not positioned inside the latch 410 and / or (ii) the trigger 411 is rotated to the unlocked position. And, in a closed state of switch 460, tab 455 is positioned in contact with wiper arm 458 of switch 460, thus indicating that (i) stop 407 is positioned inside the latch 410 and (ii) trigger 411 is rotated to the locked position.

[0099] If, for example, the firing pin 407 were positioned inside the latch 410 and the trigger 411 were rotated to the unlocked position, then the tab 455 of the stop bar 450 would not be positioned in contact with the wiper arm 458 of the switch 460 and the switch 460 would then be in an open state. This is because the stop bar 450 is mounted and moves with the trigger 411 and, in the unlocked position of the trigger 411, the travel path of the tab 455 of the stop bar 450 is radially outward and therefore does not cross the stationary wiper arm 458 of the switch 460. This arrangement of the switch 460, trigger 411 and stop bar 450 or Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 32 / 88 28 / 32 substantially reduces the potential for, or prevents, false 'closed' readings while trigger 411 is unlocked.

[00100] When switch 460 is closed, it transmits a corresponding 'closed' signal to the computer controller via cable 461. Other means of detecting the presence or absence of stop bar 450 are known to those skilled in the art, such as magnetic sensors, proximity sensors, Hall effect sensors, and optical sensors. Thus, switch 460 can be more generally referred to as a means of detecting a position, presence, or absence of stop bar 450.

[00101] As best shown in Figure 5B, the second spring arm 433 of spring member 430 is positioned to rest on the perimeter surface of the stop bar 450. The second spring arm 433 is configured to tilt the stop bar 450 toward the stop 407. Moving the firing pin 407 toward latch 410 causes the stop bar 450 to rotate relative to the trigger 411 against the tilt of the spring arm 433. As shown in Figures 5E and 5F, counterclockwise rotation of the stop bar 450 is limited by the spring arm 433 and clockwise rotation of the stop bar 450 is limited by pin 417.

[00102] It should be understood that the first and second spring arms can be replaced by simple spring elements, and that the first and second spring arms do not need to be associated with the same spring component. Thus, the first and second spring arms can be referred to more generally as spring elements in this report.

[00103] Returning now to Figures 5D, 5I, 5L and 5M, the rear frame member 412 includes a folded flap section 470 having an L shape that extends inward toward the interior of the frame. The folded flap section 470 is positioned adjacent to and if Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 33 / 88 29 / 32 extends from the concave opening 471 in the rear frame member 412 which is provided to accommodate the stop 407. The free end of the folded flange section 470 extends upwards towards the stop 407. The folded flange section 470 is integrally formed with the frame member 412. The folded flange section 470 is disposed between the pins 417 and 418 viewed in a longitudinal direction. The folded flange section 470 may be referred to in the present invention more generally as a projection.

[00104] A damper 474 is mounted on the folded flange section 470. The damper 474 may be made of an elastomeric material such as rubber, for example. The upper end of the damper 474 includes a concave surface 476 which is configured to interact with the cylindrical body of the stop 407. In operation, the stop 407 contacts the concave surface 476 without producing an audible noise, squeak or rattle. The lower end of the damper 474 includes an opening 478 to receive the free end of the folded flange section 470. The damper 474 may be connected to the folded flange section 470 using adhesive, for example. Two elongated arms 480 are positioned on opposite sides of the opening 478. In an assembled form of the latch 410, the arms 480 are positioned in the channels that run adjacent to the folded flap section 470, as best shown in Figure 5I.An outer surface of the shock absorber 474 is kept level with an outer surface of the frame member 412 and extends into an inner region of the frame formed by the frame members 412 and 414. An opening 482, in the form of a rectangular opening, extends through the width of the shock absorber 474 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction) and intersects the opening 478. The opening 482 receives a barb 473 (Figure 5M) in the folded flange section 470 to secure the shock absorber 474 to the frame.

[00105] Returning now to the operation of the 410 lock shown in Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 34 / 88 30 / 32 Figures 5E and 5F, in Figure 5E, the latch 410 is shown in a locked and latched state. In the locked and latched (i.e., closed) state, the latch 410 retains the striker 407 within the latch 424. And the latch 424 is held in a fixed rotational position by the trigger 411 due to the interface between surfaces 423 and 425 (see Figure 5H). The switch 460 is held in a closed position as soon as (i) the striker 407 is positioned inside the latch 410 and (ii) the trigger 411 is rotated to the locked position.

[00106] In Figure 5F, latch 410 is shown in an unlocked and unlocked state. To move the latch 410 from the locked (i.e., closed) state to the unlocked (i.e., open) state, the computer controller actuates the actuator 402, which causes the piston 405 of the actuator 402 to extend and rest on the control surface 427 of the trigger 411, causing the trigger 411 to rotate counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 5F) and against the inclination of the spring 419. Rotation of the trigger 411 may result in slight rotation of the tongue 424 until the recess 423 of the trigger separates from the projection 425 of the tongue 424. Alternatively, instead of activating the actuator 402, changing the position of the release cable 409 (manually or by an actuator) would also result in counterclockwise rotation of the trigger 411.

[00107] Once the recess 423 of the trigger separates from the projection 425 of the tongue 424, the trigger 411 is held in the unlocked position and the latch 410 is unlocked. In the unlocked state of the latch 410, the tongue 424 remains in the closed state by virtue of the engagement between the spring arm 432 and the tongue 424. If, however, the spring arm 432 were omitted, then the tongue 424 would automatically move to the open state by virtue of the spring 415.

[00108] The user then moves stop 407 away from latch 410. Stop 407 moves latch 424 (which is unlocked) counterclockwise (as seen in Figure 5F) against the inclination of the Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 35 / 88 31 / 32 spring arm 432. As the tongue 424 rotates, the spring arm 432 slides along the surface of the tongue 424. The tongue 424 eventually releases the firing pin 407 when the stop 407 is moved away from the latch 410. At the same time, the firing pin 407 separates from the stop bar 450 and, in the absence of the firing pin 407, the second spring arm 433 impels the stop bar 450 to rotate clockwise. Consequently, the tab 455 of the stop bar 450 separates from the wiper arm 458 of the switch 460, thus indicating that (i) the stop 407 is not positioned inside the latch 410 and / or (ii) the trigger 411 is rotated to the unlocked position. The computer controller identifies this change of state due to the signals (or lack thereof) transmitted from switch 460.

[00109] The tongue 424 remains in the open state due to the engagement between the spring arm 432 and the tongue 424, as well as the force exerted by the spring 415. At this stage, the trigger 411 remains in the unlocked state due to the engagement between the piston 405 and the control surface 427 of the trigger 411.

[00110] To return the trigger 411 to the locked position, the computer controller actuates the actuator 402, which causes the piston 405 of the actuator 402 to retract and separate from the control surface 427 of the trigger 411. The torsion spring 419 then returns the trigger 411 to its locked position. At this stage, the latch 424 remains open due to the rolling force of the spring arm 432.

[00111] To return the latch 410 to the locked and locked state of Figure 5E, the user moves the firing pin 407 towards the latch 410. The firing pin 407 engages the concave opening in the tongue 424 and the tongue 424 rotates clockwise against the inclination of the spring 415. The projection 425 of the tongue 424 slides on the perimeter of the trigger 411 (and causes a slight rotation of the trigger 411 against the inclination of the spring). Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 36 / 88 32 / 32 419) until the firing pin 407 rests on the damper 474. At which point the projection 425 of the tongue 424 is seated in the recess 423 of the trigger 411. The latch 410 is then held in the locked and locked state of Figure 5E. The tab 455 of the stop bar 450 contacts the wiper arm 458 of the switch 460, thus indicating that (i) the stop 407 is positioned inside the latch 410 and (ii) the trigger 411 is rotated to the locked position.

[00112] It is noted that the various elements described in the separate modalities can be combined or substituted.

[00113] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in this report, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided only as examples. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Consequently, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 37 / 88

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Locking assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a frame; a tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) including a surface (152) for receiving a stop (207, 407) and being movably coupled to the frame between an open and closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) is positioned to retain the stop (207, 407) to the locking assembly and, in the open position, the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) is not positioned to retain the stop (207, 407) to the locking assembly; a trigger (211, 311, 411) that is mounted on the frame and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position of the trigger (211, 311, 411), the trigger (211, 311, 411) is positioned to retain the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) in the closed position;a stop bar (450) that is movably coupled to the trigger (211, 311, 411) and is positioned to be contacted by the stop (207, 407), wherein the stop bar (450) is configured to move during the movement of the stop (207, 407) into the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424); and means for detecting a position of the stop bar (450), wherein the position of the stop bar (450) is indicative of the position of the stop (207, 407) and the position of the trigger (211, 311, 411).

2. Locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop bar (450) is rotatably coupled to the stop (211, 311, 411) and is configured to move independently of the stop (207, 407).

3. Locking assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting a position of the stop bar (450) and the trigger (211, 311, 411) is configured to simultaneously detect the position of the stop bar (450) and the trigger (211, 311, 411).

4. Locking assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection means comprises a switch (460).

5. Locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detection is selected from a group consisting of a switch (460), a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a Hall effect sensor and an optical sensor.

6. Locking assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop bar (450) is configured to rotate during the movement of the stop (207, 407) in the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424).

7. Locking assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop bar (450) is configured to rotate around a first axis and the trigger (211, 311, 411) is configured to rotate around a second axis that is different from the first axis.

8. Locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking assembly has a push-to-close and pull-to-open configuration.

9. Latch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the trigger (211, 311, 411) includes a control surface (227, 327, 427) that is configured to be moved to release the trigger (211, 311, 411) from the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) so ​​that the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) can move to the open position.

10. Locking assembly, according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises an actuator that Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, page 39 / 88 3 / 4 is configured to move the control surface (227, 327, 427) of the trigger (211, 311, 411).

11. Locking assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the unlocked position of the trigger (211, 311, 411), the trigger (211, 311, 411) is not configured to retain the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) in the closed position.

12. Locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a spring element (38) which is positioned to tilt the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424), wherein, in the closed position of the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424), the spring element (38) is configured to tilt the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) so ​​that the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) remains in the closed position.

13. Locking assembly, according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a torsion spring (215, 415) for tilting the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) towards the open position.

14. Locking assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a spring element (219, 319, 419) which is configured to polarize the stop bar (450) towards the stop (207, 407).

15. Method for detecting the presence of a stop (207, 407) within a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly includes (i) a frame, (ii) a tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) that is movably coupled to the frame between an open and a closed position and includes a surface to receive the stop (207, 407), (iii) a trigger (211, 311, 411) that is mounted on the frame and is movable to a locked position to retain the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) in the closed position and thus retain the stop (207, 407) within the locking assembly and (iv) a stop bar (450) that is movable coupled to Petition 870260033290, of 10 / 04 / 2026, p.40 / 88 4 / 4 trigger (211, 311, 411), the said method characterized in that it comprises: detecting the presence of the stop bar (450) when the stop (207, 407) moves the stop bar (450) in relation to the trigger (211, 311, 411), wherein the presence of the stop bar (450) indicates that the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424) has moved to the closed position and the trigger (211, 311, 411) has moved to the locked position.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the detection step comprises detecting a surface of the stop bar (450) using a detection means.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the detection means is selected from a group consisting of a switch (460), a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a Hall effect sensor and an optical sensor.

18. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises the step of activating an actuator to release the trigger (211, 311, 411) of the tongue (24, 124, 224, 324, 424). Petition 870260033290, dated 10 / 04 / 2026, p. 41 / 88

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