Dual-sided latch assembly

Abstract

A latch assembly comprising a first button accessible on a first side of the latch assembly; a second button accessible on a second side of the latch assembly opposing the first side; a first catch actuated by the first button; and a second catch actuated by the second button; wherein in a closed configuration, the first and second catches interfere with relative movement of each other; and wherein actuation of the first button causes the first catch to move past the second catch and vice versa.

Description

DUAL-SIDED LATCH ASSEMBLYFIELD

[0001] The present teachings generally relate to a dual sided latch.BACKGROUND

[0002] Bed caps are used to cover cargo beds of vehicles, protect cargo from the elements, provide security to cargo, and define an amount of vertical space above the sidewalls of a cargo bed.

[0003] Conventional bed caps typically do not have unlocking mechanisms accessible from the inside of the bed cap and cargo area. Similarly, tailgates typically are not provided with unlocking mechanisms accessible from the inside of the cargo area. Thus, individuals can be locked inside the same if they climb into the cargo bed and shut the hatch behind them. In some circumstances, vehicle owners may configure their cargo beds for camping spaces, exacerbating the challenges with lack of unlocking mechanisms.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a latch that can be actuated from two sides, such as from tire inside and the outside of a bed cap.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a latch assembly, which may address at least some of the needs identified above. Tire latch assembly may comprise a first button accessible on a first side of the latch assembly; a second button accessible on a second side of tire latch assembly opposing the first side; a first catch actuated by the first button; and a second catch actuated by the second button; wherein in a closed configuration, the first and second catches interfere with relative movement of each other; and wherein actuation of the first button causes the first catch to move past the second catch and vice versa.

[0006] In a locked configuration the first catch or the second catch may be precluded from disengaging from the other;

[0007] The latch assembly may further comprise a lock associated with the first catch or tire second catch. The lock may be accessible from the first side or the second side. The lock may preclude the first catch from moving past the second catch or vice versa.

[0008] The latch assembly may comprise a first pivot member and a second pivot member each comprising a first leg and a second leg extending from a pivot axis. The first and second buttons may be respectively located on the first legs. The first and second catches may be respectively located on the second legs.

[0009] The first and second pivot members may pivot about tire pivot axis upon depressing, respectively, the first and second buttons to allow the first and second catches to move past each other.

[0010] A pivot direction of the first pivot member may be opposite a pivot direction of the second pivot member.

[0011] Tire first pivot member and / or tire second pivot member may comprise a finger extending in opposing relationship to the first catch and / or the second catch.

[0012] The lock may comprise a wall and an aperture adjustable in position into a path of the finger, the wall precluding, at least partially, movement of the finger and the aperture receiving tire finger.

[0013] The lock may be angularly translatable and / or axially translatable to adjust the position of the wall and the aperture.

[0014] In the locked configuration the first pivot member and / or the second pivot member may be confined to pivotal translation along a first angle.

[0015] In an un-locked configuration, the first pivot member and / or the second pivot member may be pivotable along a second angle. The second angle may be greater than the first angle.

[0016] The latch assembly may comprise a lever on the first side or the second side of the latch assembly. The lever may pivot about a pivot axis.

[0017] Tire latch assembly may comprise an arm extending from the lever at or proximate to the pivot axis. The ann may be adapted to engage a surface. Tire arm may pivot with the lever. Hie arm may be rigidly connected to the lever. The latch may be indexed to the ann.

[0018] The latch assembly may comprise a housing. The first and second pivot members and the lock may be located in the housing. The latch may cover an opening in the housing.

[0019] The latch assembly may comprise a bracket and a flange that cooperate to clamp onto an article. Tire flange may be a part of the housing. The flange may extend from the first side of the latch assembly.

[0020] The first button may be off-axis of the second button.

[0021] The first legs of the first and second pivot members may be generally parallel to each other and the second legs of the first and second pivot members are generally parallel to each other.

[0022] The pivot axis of the first pivot member may be generally parallel with the pivot axis of the second pivot member.

[0023] Tire first leg of the first pivot member may engage the lever.

[0024] The latch assembly may comprise a first biasing member acting upon the first pivot member to provide a return movement counteracting depression of the first button. Hie latch assembly may comprise a second biasing member acting upon the second pivot member to provide a return movement counteracting depression of the second button. The first biasing member may assist in opening the latch. The first and second biasing members may be torsion springs. Hie first biasing member may be arranged on the pivot axis of the lever and the second biasing member may be arranged on the pivot axis of the second pivot member.

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a bed cap, which may address at least some of the needs identified above. The bed cap may comprise the latch assembly described above. The bed cap may comprise a hatch that is held closed by the latch assembly.

[0026] Tire lever may be accessible on an exterior of the bed cap.

[0027] The surface may be on or proximate to a pillar of the bed cap. The surface may be on a bracket attached to the bed cap on or proximate to the pillar.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with a bed cap.

[0029] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a latch assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0030] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a latch assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a latch assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a latch assembly in accordance with the present teachings.

[0033] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of pivot members and a lock in accordance with the present teachings.

[0034] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of pivot members and a lock in accordance with the present teachings.

[0035] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a bed cap with the latch assembly of the present teachings.

[0036] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a bed cap with the latch assembly of the present teachings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present teachings describe a latch assembly. Tire latch assembly may have a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The latch assembly may be manipulated into an open configuration and / or a closed configuration from both the first and second sides.

[0038] The latch assembly may be employed on a vehicle. The latch assembly may be employed on a vehicle accessory. The vehicle accessory' may include a bed cap, a tonneau cover, a tailgate, or any combination thereof.

[0039] The vehicle may comprise a cargo area. Hie cargo area may be defined by a front wall, a tailgate, and side walls (e.g., two opposing side walls). The front wall may be located proximate to a cab. The tailgate may oppose the front wall. The side walls may extend between the front wall and the tailgate. The cargo area may define a space on a posterior portion of a vehicle (e g., posterior to a cab).

[0040] In one example, the latch assembly may be employed on a bed cap. The bed cap may cover a cargo area of the vehicle. The bed cap may comprise walls extending generally vertically from the front wall, tailgate, and side walls of the cargo area. Hie walls may meet at comers, otherwise referred to herein aspillars. The bed cap may comprise a roof extending between the walls. The walls and roof of the bed cap may define an enclosed space in cooperation with the cargo area. The enclosed space may extend a distance above a top surface of the front wall, tailgate, and side walls. The roof of the bed cap may be generally coplanar with the roof of a cab, although the present teachings are not intended to be limited to this configuration.

[0041] The bed cap may rest upon and / or may be fastened to the cargo area. The bed cap may rest upon top surfaces of the side walls and optionally the front wall of the cargo area. One or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) may extend through the bed cap and into receiving features in the top surfaces of the side walls and / or front wall. One or more clamps may clamp the bed cap to the side walls and / or front wall.

[0042] Tire bed cap may comprise one or more doors, hatches, windows, or any combination thereof. The hatches, windows, or any combination thereof may be opened to provide access to the cargo area. Tire hatches, windows, or any combination thereof may be hingedly engaged to the bed cap. In this regard, the hatches, windows, or any combination thereof may rotate to open or close. The hatches, windows, or any combination thereof may be located on a rear wall of the bed cap and / or one or both side walls of the bed cap.

[0043] The latch assembly described herein may be located on the hatches, windows, or any combination thereof. Tire latch assembly may be actuated to open, close, or lock the hatches, windows, or any combination thereof. The latch assembly may hold the hatches, windows, or any combination thereof in a closed configuration by engagement with the bed cap.

[0044] The latch assembly may comprise a first side and a second side. Tire first side may be accessible on an exterior of tire bed cap. Tire second side may be accessible on an interior of the bed cap.

[0045] The latch assembly may comprise a first button accessible on tire first side thereof and a second button accessible on tire second side thereof. In this regard, the latch assembly may be manipulated into open and closed configurations from the exterior of the bed cap and the interior of the bed cap. Thus, a user may be able to actuate the second button from the interior of the bed cap and avoid being locked inside the cargo area and / or bed cap.

[0046] Tire latch assembly may comprise a first pivot member and a second pivot member. The first pivot member may be actuated by the first button and the second pivot member may be actuated by the second button. The first and second pivot members may each comprise a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs may extend from respective pivot axes of the first and second pivot members. The first legs may be oriented generally perpendicular to the second legs. The first and second pivot members may be L- shaped.

[0047] Tire first legs may be generally parallel to each other. Tire second legs may be generally parallel to each other. The pivot axes of the first and second pivot members may be generally parallel to each other.The pivot axes may be oriented perpendicular to the lengths of the first and second legs. Central axes of the first and second buttons may be off-axis from one another.

[0048] Tire first and second buttons may be located on the first legs. Depressing the first and second buttons may cause pivotal translation respectively of tire first and second pivot members about their respective pivot axes. Corresponding pivotal translation of the second legs may be influenced by depressing the first and second buttons of the first legs.

[0049] The first and second pivot members may each comprise a catch. The catches may be located on the second legs. The catches of the first and second pivot members may be oriented toward each other. The catches may be in the form of a hook, finger, or the like. The catches may each comprise a first surface that engages the other catch and / or interferes with movement (e.g., axial and / or pivotal translation) of the other catch. The catches may each comprise a second surface that the other catch may translate along to achieve a closed configuration. Tire second surface may be beveled, chamfered, and / or radiused. The first and second surfaces may be adjacent to each other.

[0050] A pivot direction of the first pivot member may be opposite a pivot direction of the second pivot member. For example, where the first pivot member pivots clockwise, tire second pivot member may pivot counterclockwise, or vice versa.

[0051] Depression of the first button may cause the first catch to disengage from and / or cease interference of the second catch. Depression of the second button may cause the second catch to disengage from and / or cease interference of the first catch.

[0052] The latch assembly may comprise an arm. Tire arm may function to engage a surface of the bed cap to captivate a door, hatch, or window relative to the bed cap. In this regard, the latch assembly may function as a compression latch. Tire surface may be a surface of the bed cap or a bracket fastened to the bed cap. When engaged to the surface, the arm may preclude opening of a door, hatch, or window of the bed cap. In a closed configuration, the arm may extend between the bed cap and a door, hatch, or window of the bed cap. In an open configuration, the arm may be pivoted such that the arm can clear the bed cap. Thus, the arm may move with the door, hatch, or window to provide access to the cargo area. The arm may pivot about a pivot axis.

[0053] The latch assembly may comprise a lever. The lever may function to move the arm into and between the closed and open configurations. The lever may be located on the first side or the second side of the latch assembly (preferably the first side of the latch assembly). The lever may pivot about a pivot axis. The pivot axis of the lever may be the same as the pivot axis of the arm. The pivot axis may be parallel to the pivot axes of the pivot members. Tire lever may be rigidly connected to the arm. Thus, movement of the lever causes corresponding movement of the arm and vice versa.

[0054] The lever may be located on the first or second side of the latch assembly, preferably the first side. The lever may be accessible on an exterior of the bed cap.

[0055] Tire arm may be accessible on an interior of the bed cap. Upon depressing the first and / or second buttons, tire ann may be freed to pivot out of engagement with the surface. The present teachings contemplate a biasing member aiding at least partial pivotal translation of the ami. The present teachings contemplate that from the interior of the bed cap, a user may manipulate the arm (e.g.. by hand).

[0056] In some aspects, only the lever or the arm may pivot. In this regard, the lever or arm may comprise a structure for attachment of the other that is off-axis of the pivot axis.

[0057] The arm and lever may be monolithically constructed. The arm and lever may be discrete structures fastened together. The ami and lever may be indexed to each other. For example, a polygonal feature of the lever may fit into a corresponding polygonal hole of the arm, or vice versa.

[0058] In a closed configuration, the catches may preclude pivoting of the arm and lever. In this regard, the catches interfere with pivoting of the first pivot member and the second pivot member. Attempt to actuate the ami and / or lever in the closed configuration may result in the catches engaging each other.

[0059] In an open configuration, the catches may clear each other allowing pivoting of the arm and lever. The open configuration may be effectuated by depressing the first button and / or the second button. Depressing the first button may cause the first pivot assembly to pivot and the first catch to clear the second catch. Depressing the second button may cause the second pivot assembly to pivot and the second catch to clear the first catch.

[0060] The latch assembly may comprise one or more biasing members. The biasing members may function to provide a return movement of the first and second buttons; assist in opening the latch; or both. The biasing members may include springs. The springs may be torsion springs, although it is contemplated that other varieties of springs may be suitable.

[0061] The biasing members may include a first biasing member. The first biasing member may be arranged on the pivot axis of the arm and / or lever. For example, a coil of a spring (e.g., a torsion spring) may be coaxial with the pivot axis. The first biasing member may act upon the first leg of the first pivot member. The first biasing member may exert a force upon the first leg that is in a generally opposing direction of the force applied during depression of the first button. Hie first biasing member may provide a return movement of the first button.

[0062] The force exerted by the first biasing member may be translated to the latch. That is. the first leg of the first pivot member may engage the latch and thus, force exerted upon the first leg may be translated to the latch. The first biasing member may assist in opening the latch. That is, depression of the first button may cause the catches to disengage and / or clear each other and upon releasing the first button, the latch may pop open. A user may pull the latch to further actuate the arm to clear the bed cap.

[0063] The first biasing member may be a torsion spring including a first leg engaged with the first leg of the first pivot member and a second leg engaged with a housing of the latch assembly, described herein.

[0064] Tire biasing members may include a second biasing member. The second biasing member may be arranged on tire pivot axis of the second pivot member. For example, a coil of a spring (e.g., a torsion spring) may be coaxial with the pivot axis. Hie second biasing member may act upon the first leg or the second leg of the second pivot member. The second biasing member may exert a force upon the second pivot member that is in a generally opposing direction of the force applied during depression of the second button. The second biasing member may provide a return movement of the second button.

[0065] The second biasing member may be a torsion spring including a first leg engaged with the second pivot member (e.g., the first leg of the second pivot member or the second leg of the second pivot member) and a second leg engaged with a housing of the latch assembly, described herein. The second pivot member may comprise a protrusion providing a surface upon which the first leg of the torsion spring may engage. The protrusion may extend from the second pivot member in a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the second pivot member.

[0066] The latch assembly may comprise a lock. The lock may function to preclude the latch assembly from transitioning between the closed configuration and the open configuration; preclude disengagement and / or non-interference of the catches relative to each other; at least partially prevent pivotal movement of one or both of the catches; or any combination thereof. The lock may be actuated into a locked configuration and an un-locked configuration by a key. The lock may be accessible on the first or second side of the latch assembly, preferably the first side.

[0067] Tire second leg of the first pivot member and / or the second leg of the second pivot member may comprise a finger. Hie finger may extend in opposing relationship to the first and / or second catch.

[0068] The lock may comprise one or more walls and one or more apertures. The walls and apertures may be adjustable in position into a path of the finger. The lock may be angularly and / or axially translatable to adjust the position of the walls and the apertures. The walls may preclude, at least partially, movement of the finger. The aperture may receive the finger.

[0069] In a locked configuration, the first pivot member and / or the second pivot member may be confined to pivotal translation along a first angle. In an un-locked configuration, the first pivot member and / or tire second pivot member may be pivotable along a second angle. The second angle may be greater than the first angle.

[0070] The lock may be cylindrical. The walls and apertures may be arranged around a circumference of the cylindrical lock. For example, rotation of the lock may selectively locate the walls and apertures in a path of the finger.

[0071] In some aspects the walls and apertures may be arranged along a length of the lock. In this regard, the lock may axially translate to selectively locate the walls and apertures in a path of the finger.

[0072] Tire second pivot member may be free of a finger. The second pivot member may pivot with the latch assembly in a locked configuration. That is, the lock may not interfere with movement of the second pivot member. In this regard, a person may not be locked into the interior of the cargo area and / or bed cap.

[0073] The latch assembly may comprise a housing. The housing may contain the elements of the latch assembly described herein. For example, the housing may contain the first and second pivot members, the lever, the lock, biasing members, pins, or any combination thereof. The housing may provide surfaces on which the biasing members may rest and engage when energy is input into the biasing members. Any pivoting elements described herein may pivot relative to the housing.

[0074] The housing may extend at least partially through a door, hatch, window, or any combination thereof. The door, hatch, window, or any combination thereof may comprise a hole into which the housing may be accepted. The housing may comprise a flange. The flange may extend from the housing on or proximate to the first side of the latch assembly. The flange may preclude the housing from passing completely through the door, hatch, window, or any combination thereof.

[0075] The housing may be open on one side (e.g.. the first side). The lever may cover the opening. Hie opening may provide access to the elements within the housing for assembly and / or servicing.

[0076] The latch assembly may comprise a bracket. The bracket may function to affix the latch assembly to the door, hatch, window, or any combination thereof. The bracket may cooperate with the flange to affix the latch assembly. The bracket and flange may clamp onto opposing sides of the door, hatch, window, or any combination thereof.

[0077] The bracket may be fastened to the housing. A fastener may extend through the bracket and into the housing. The fastener may include a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt, a screw, or the like). The fastener may be adjusted to accommodate different thicknesses of door, hatch, window, or any combination thereof. One or more dimensions of the bracket may be adapted to accommodate different thicknesses of door, hatch, window, or any combination thereof. The bracket may be generally U-Shaped.

[0078] The latch assembly may comprise one or more elongate members. The elongate members may function to connect the first pivot member, second pivot member, lever, ann or any combination thereof to the housing: provide pivotal translation of the first pivot member, second pivot member, lever, arm or any combination thereof; or both. The elongate members may be cylindrical, such as in the form of pins. The elongate members may include roll pins.

[0079] Holes in opposing sides of the housing may have diameters that are generally equal to or less than the diameters of the elongate members. In this regard, the elongate members may be friction-fit into the holes. Holes extending through the first pivot member, second pivot member, lever, arm or any combinationthereof may have diameters that are generally equal to or greater than the diameters of the elongate members such that the foregoing may pivotally translate about the elongate members.

[0080] FIG. 1 illustrates a bed cap 10 covering a cargo area 12 of a vehicle 14. The bed cap 10 comprises a hatch 16 that can be opened to provide access to the cargo area 12 and closed to secure the cargo area 12 and protect the cargo area 12 from the weather. Tire hatch 16 comprises a latch assembly 18 for retaining the hatch 16 in a closed configuration and optionally locking the hatch 16 in the closed configuration. The latch assembly 18 may be actuated by a user to manipulate the hatch 16 between an open configuration and the closed configuration. The present teachings contemplate that the latch assembly 18 may be used with any hatch of the bed cap 10, including hatches located above a tailgate (as shown), on one or both of the opposing sides of the bed cap 10, a roof of the bed cap 10, or both.

[0081] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a latch assembly 18 according to the present disclosure. The latch assembly 18 includes a first side 20 and a second side 22 opposing the first side 20. With reference to FIG. 1, the first side 20 is accessible outside of the bed cap 10 and / or cargo area 12 and the second side 22 is accessible inside the bed cap 10 and / or cargo area 12. In this regard, the latch assembly 18 may be manipulated from both of the first and second sides 20, 22 to open the hatch 16. A first button 24 is accessible on the first side 20 and a second button 26 is accessible on the second side 22. The first and second buttons 24, 26 are depressible to unlock the latch assembly 18.

[0082] The latch assembly 18 comprises a lever 28 and an arm 30 rigidly connected to the lever 28. Depression of the first button 24 allows the lever 28 to be pivoted and the arm 30 to disengage from a surface. Depression of the second button 26 allows the arm 30 to be pivotally translated to disengage from a surface. Tire arm 30 may be exposed on an inside of the bed cap 10 and / or cargo area 12. In some aspects, the arm 30 may be gripped by a user to disengage it from a surface or to engage it to a surface. Tire surface may be associated with a bed cap 10 as shown in FIG. 1, although the present teachings contemplate that the surface may be associated with a tonneau cover, a tailgate, or the like. The ann 30 may be adjustable. In this regard, a threaded fastener such as a bolt may be rotated to extend or retract the threaded fastener and a jam nut may be used to set the position of the threaded fastener. Tire arm 30 may be adjusted to function with various structures and / or geometries, described in greater detail with regard to FIG. 6A.

[0083] The latch assembly 18 comprises a bracket 32, functioning to affix the latch assembly 18 to an article such as a bed cap. In this regard, the latch assembly 18 comprises a housing 34 with a flange 36 such that a portion of the latch assembly 18 can extend through a hole formed in the article. A first surface of the article can be engaged by the flange 36 and a second surface of tire article can be engaged by the bracket 32. The article may be clamped between the flange 36 and the bracket 32. A weather sealing (e.g., a gasket) may be disposed between the flange 36 and the first surface, possibly located within a groove formed in the flange 36, a groove formed in the first surface, or both. The bracket 32 can be affixed to the housing 34 bya fastener (e.g., a threaded fastener such as a bolt, screw, or the like). One or more dimensions of the bracket and / or threaded engagement of the fastener at different positions relative to the housing 34 may adapt the latch assembly 18 for engagement with articles of various thicknesses. That is, a distance between the bracket 32 and the flange 36 can be adjusted.

[0084] The latch assembly 18 comprises a lock 40. functioning to preclude actuation of the latch 28. Further details of the lock 40 and associated mechanism is shown in FIG. 3.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a bi-sectional view of the latch assembly 18. The latch assembly 18 comprises a first pivot member 42 and a second pivot member 44. The first and second pivot members 42, 44 each comprise first legs 46, 50 and second legs 48, 52. The first legs 46, 50 are oriented about 90° to the second legs 48, 52 although tire present teachings are not intended to be limited to this angle. Tire second legs 48, 52 are parallel to each other, although the present teachings are not intended to be limited to this arrangement.

[0086] The first and second legs 46, 48 of the first pivot member 42 meet at a pivot axis 58 and the first and second legs 50, 52 of the second pivot member 44 meet at a pivot axis 60. The first and second pivot members 42, 44 may pivot about their respective pivot axes 54, 56. The first and second pivot members 42, 44 may be fixed within the housing 34 by an elongate member, such as a cylindrical elongate member that provides for pivotal translation. As shown, roll pins are used.

[0087] The first button 24 is attached to the first leg 46 and the second button 26 is attached to tire first leg 50. The second legs 50, 52 respectively comprise a first catch 58 and a second catch 60. In a closed configuration, the first and second catches 58, 60 are engaged together and / or interfere with movement relative to each other. Depression of either button 24, 26 causes the corresponding catch 58, 60 to pivot and cease engagement with and / or interference of the other. Non-engagement and / or non-interference of the catches 58, 60 allows the arm 30 to be disengaged from a surface.

[0088] The lever 28 and ann 30 are rigidly connected such that they move together. Thus, movement of the lever 28 causes corresponding movement of the arm 30 and vice versa. It can be seen that the lever 28 and arm 30 are rigidly connected to each other by indexing a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) feature with a hole having a corresponding polygonal profile, although other arrangements of rigid connection are contemplated by the present teachings. The lever 28 and arm 30 pivot about a pivot axis 62.

[0089] The latch assembly 18 comprises a first biasing member 64 to provide a return movement counteracting the depression of the first button 24. Depression of the first button 24 pivots the first pivot member 42 in a first pivot direction and the first biasing member 64. when the first button 24 is released, pivots the first pivot member 42 in a second pivot direction. Additionally, the first biasing member 64 causes the lever 28 to open and the arm 30 to disengage from a surface. This may be initiated by depression of the first and / or second buttons 24, 26. As shown, the first biasing member 64 is a torsion spring aligned with the pivot axis 62. One leg of tire torsion spring engages the housing 34, while the other leg of thetorsion spring engages the first leg 46 of the first pivot member 42. Force upon the first leg 46 translates to the lever 28 as the first leg 46 engages the lever 28.

[0090] Tire first pivot member 42 comprises a finger 66 located in opposing relationship to the first catch 58. Pivotal translation of tire first pivot member 42 causes the finger 66 to move along a path and approach the lock 40. Hie lock 40 is rotatable to lock and un-lock the latch assembly 18. Tire lock 40 comprises an aperture 68 and a wall 70. Rotation of the lock 40 selectively positions the aperture 68 or tire wall 70 in the path of the finger 66. The wall 70 limits the path of the finger 66 while the aperture 68 receives the finger 66. Thus, in a locked configuration, the first pivot member 42 is confined to pivotal translation along a first angle and, in an un-locked configuration, the first pivot member 42 is pivotable along a second angle, the second angle being greater than tire first angle. Within the first angle, the first catch 58 remains engaged and / or interferes with the second catch 60. Within a portion of the second angle, the first catch 58 disengages from and / or ceases to interfere with the second catch 60.

[0091] FIG. 4 shows the latch assembly 18 with the lever 28 in an open configuration. The lever 28 may be biased into tire open configuration by the first biasing member 64, shown in FIG. 3. The lock 40 is rotatably positioned such that the aperture 66 aligned with the finger 64 allowing the first catch 58 to pivotally translate and disengage from and / or cease interference with tire second catch 60 or vice versa. Biasing by tire first biasing member 64 and / or pulling the lever 28 causes corresponding movement of the arm 30.

[0092] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show the first and second pivot members 42, 44 and the lock 40 in spatial arrangement relative to each other as shown in FIG. 3. The second pivot member 44 comprises a protrusion 72 extending therefrom in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 56. The latch assembly 18 comprises a second biasing member 74 to provide a return movement counteracting the depression of the second button 26. Depression of the second button 26 pivots the second pivot member 44 in a first pivot direction and the second biasing member 74, when the second button 26 is released, pivots the second pivot member 44 in a second pivot direction. As shown, the second biasing member 74 is a torsion spring aligned with the pivot axis 56. One leg of the torsion spring engages the housing 34, while the other leg of the torsion spring engages the protrusion 72 of tire second pivot member 44.

[0093] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate a bed cap 10 having a latch assembly 18 installed thereon. A thickness of the bed cap 10 is clamped between the flange 36 and bracket 32 of the latch assembly 18. The latch assembly 18 is in a closed configuration whereby the arm 30 is engaged with a surface of the bed cap 10. As shown, the surface is on a bracket fastened to and extending from the bed cap 10. The present teachings contemplate that the arm 30 may engage any surface of the bed cap 10.

[0094] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application.

[0095] Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous fonns, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description.

[0096] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the invention set forth herein are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with tire full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0097] The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0098] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0099] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

[0100] The disclosure of ”a’’ or "‘one” to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps.

[0101] The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Tirus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0102] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower endpoint and any higher endpoint. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, e.g., temperature, pressure, time, and the like is, e.g., from 1 to 90, from 20 to 80, or from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as, e.g., 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc., are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings.

[0103] For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest endpoint and the highest endpoint enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0104] The term “consisting essentially of’ to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components, or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of tire terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

[0105] While tire terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another region, layer, and / or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, and / or section discussed below could be tenned a second element, component, region, layer, and / or section without departing from the teachings.

[0106] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0107] The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 10° or less, about + / - 5° or less, or even about + / - 1° or less. Tire tenns “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 0.01° or greater, about + / - 0.1° or greater, or even about + / - 0.5° or greater.

[0108] The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 10% or less, about + / - 5% or less, or even about + / - 1% or less. The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 0.01% or greater, about + / - 0.1% or greater, or even about + / - 0.5% or greater.REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0109] 10 Bed cap

[0110] 12 Cargo area

[0111] 14 Vehicle

[0112] 16 Hatch

[0113] 18 Latch assembly

[0114] 20 First side

[0115] 22 Second side

[0116] 24 First button

[0117] 26 Second button

[0118] 28 Lever

[0119] 30 Arm

[0120] 32 Bracket

[0121] 34 Housing

[0122] 36 Flange

[0123] 38 Fastener

[0124] 40 Lock

[0125] 42 First pivot member

[0126] 44 Second pivot member

[0127] 46 First leg

[0128] 48 Second leg

[0129] 50 First leg

[0130] 52 Second leg

[0131] 54 Pivot axis

[0132] 56 Pivot axis

[0133] 58 First catch

[0134] 60 Second catch

[0135] 62 Pivot axis

[0136] 64 First biasing member

[0137] 66 Finger

[0138] 68 Aperture

[0139] 70 Wall

[0140] 72 Protrusion

[0141] 74 Second biasing member

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1: A latch assembly comprising: a first button accessible on a first side of the latch assembly; a second button accessible on a second side of the latch assembly opposing the first side; a first catch actuated by the first button; and a second catch actuated by the second button; wherein in a closed configuration, tire first and second catches interfere with relative movement of each other; and wherein actuation of the first button causes the first catch to move past the second catch and vice versa.Claim 2: Tire latch assembly according to Claim 1, wherein in a locked configuration the first catch or the second catch is precluded from disengaging from the other; optionally wherein the latch assembly further comprises a lock associated with the first catch or the second catch, the lock being accessible from the first side or the second side; and optionally wherein the lock precludes the first catch from moving past the second catch or vice versa.Claim 3 : The latch assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein tire latch assembly comprises a first pivot member and a second pivot member each comprising a first leg and a second leg extending from a pivot axis; and wherein the first and second buttons are respectively located on the first legs and the first and second catches are respectively located on the second legs.Claim 4: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second pivot members pivot about the pivot axis upon depressing, respectively, the first and second buttons to allow the first and second catches to move past each other.Claim 5 : Tire latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pivot direction of tire first pivot member is opposite a pivot direction of the second pivot member.Claim 6: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pivot member and / or the second pivot member comprise a finger extending in opposing relationship to the first catch and / or the second catch; and wherein the lock comprises a wall and an aperture adjustable in position into a path of the finger, the wall precluding, at least partially, movement of the finger and the aperture receiving the finger.Claim 7: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock is angularly translatable and / or axially translatable to adjust the position of the wall and the aperture.Claim 8: Tire latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the locked configuration the first pivot member and / or the second pivot member is confined to pivotal translation along a first angle; and wherein in an un-locked configuration the first pivot member and / or the second pivot member is pivotable along a second angle, the second angle being greater than the first angle.Claim 9: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch assembly comprises a lever on the first side or the second side of the latch assembly; and wherein the lever pivots about a pivot axis.Claim 10: Tire latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch assembly comprises an arm extending from the lever at or proximate to the pivot axis, the arm being adapted to engage a surface; optionally wherein the arm pivots with the lever; optionally wherein the arm is rigidly connected to the lever; and optionally wherein the latch is indexed to the arm.Claim 11 : Tire latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch assembly comprises a housing in which the first and second pivot members and the lock are located; and optionally wherein the latch covers an opening in the housing.Claim 12: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch assembly comprises a bracket and a flange that cooperate to clamp onto an article; optionally wherein the flange is a part of the housing; and optionally wherein the flange extends from the first side of tire latch assembly.Claim 13: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first button is off-axis of the second button.Claim 14: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein tire first legs of the first and second pivot members are generally parallel to each other and the second legs of the first and second pivot members are generally parallel to each other.Claim 15 : Tire latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis of the first pivot member is generally parallel with the pivot axis of the second pivot member.Claim 16: The latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg of the first pivot member engages the lever.Claim 17: Tire latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch assembly comprises a first biasing member acting upon the first pivot member to provide a return movement counteracting depression of the first button and a second biasing member acting upon the second pivot member to provide a return movement counteracting depression of the second button: optionally wherein the first biasing member assists in opening the latch; optionally wherein the first and second biasing members are torsion springs; and optionally wherein the first biasing member is arranged on the pivot axis of the lever and the second biasing member is arranged on the pivot axis of the second pivot member.Claim 18: A bed cap comprising the latch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, optionally wherein the bed cap comprises a door, a hatch, or a window that is held closed by the latch assembly.Claim 19: The bed cap according to Claim 18, wherein the lever is accessible on an exterior of tire bed cap.Claim 20: The bed cap according to Claim 18 or Claim 19, wherein the surface is on or proximate to a pillar of the bed cap; optionally wherein the surface is on a bracket attached to the bed cap on or proximate to the pillar.