Latch assembly and tool using such latch assembly

Abstract

A latch assembly having a positionable handle rotatably secured to a base of a first housing member is described. The latch assembly also has a movable latch member configured to contact the catch of the second housing member. The latch assembly also includes a shield that generally surrounds the handle when the handle is positioned to the engaged position. The shield limits access to the handle. To move the handle and disengage the latch assembly, a tool needs to be inserted into a recess defined by the shield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This topic relates to latching assemblies, and more particularly to improved overcenter drawlatch assemblies, tools and housings for using such latching assemblies, and related methods. Background Technology

[0002] For decades, over-center tension latches have been used in a variety of applications as a reliable and secure means of latching doors, hatches, and other closures. While the basic design of over-center tension latches has remained relatively unchanged, there have been some significant developments throughout their history.

[0003] The first over-center pull latches were likely developed in the early 20th century as a simple and effective way to secure doors and hatch covers on industrial machinery and vehicles. These early latches consisted of simple hooks or latching mechanisms that were pulled over the center to secure the closure. These latches were typically made of metals such as steel and were manually operated.

[0004] The design of the over-center tension latch has been improved by adding a spring bias mechanism. This makes it easier to operate the latch with one hand and allows for a more secure closure. This design also allows for more precise control over the amount of force required to hold the latch in place, thus enabling tension adjustment to suit different applications.

[0005] Subsequently, a novel over-center tension latch was developed, which uses a cam mechanism to provide a safer and more reliable closure. This design (known as a cam-over latch) uses a cam mechanism to pull the latch over the center to provide a robust and secure closure that is resistant to vibration and shock. Cam-over latches are now widely used in applications where secure closure is critical, such as in the aerospace, defense, and transportation industries.

[0006] In recent years, advancements in new materials and manufacturing technologies have enabled the production of over-center tension latches that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than previously known latch assemblies. These new latches are typically made of high-strength plastics and composite materials, and they can incorporate features such as adjustable tension, tamper-proof locking mechanisms, and corrosion-resistant coatings.

[0007] A common feature of many over-center tightening latches is the mechanism for gripping the latch handle. Typically, the handle of an over-center tightening latch is designed to be easy to grip and operate, and its shape and texture provide a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions.

[0008] The handle for a center-tightening latch typically consists of a lever or handle attached to the latching mechanism. When the user pulls or rotates the handle, the latching mechanism is actuated, thereby pulling the latch past the center and securing the closure.

[0009] The design of the handle can vary depending on the specific application and user preferences. Some handles are designed for one-handed operation, while others require two hands. Some handles may have a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access, while others may have an adjustable tension mechanism to allow the user to adjust the force required to lock the latch.

[0010] Some industrial regulations, such as IEC 62841, require the use of tools to open certain types of containers or enclosures, thus limiting their opening by hand.

[0011] Other industries may also have regulations or standards requiring certain types of containers or enclosures to be secured with tools or keys to prevent unauthorized access. For example, the pharmaceutical industry may require the use of locking mechanisms that can only be opened with special tools or keys to secure drug storage containers to prevent theft or tampering. However, these components are often complex and expensive.

[0012] In general, many industries require the use of tools to open containers or enclosures to ensure that equipment is properly secured and accessible only to authorized personnel. While mandatory in some applications, there is still a need for an improved latching assembly, particularly an over-center tension latching assembly that can be easily used in a variety of applications and requires common tools to open, while being reliable, durable, and inexpensive. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This topic addresses the difficulties and drawbacks associated with previous methods as follows.

[0014] In one aspect, this subject matter provides a latching assembly for releasably securing a first member to a second member. The latching assembly includes a handle having a hinge. The handle defines a first side, a second side oriented in opposite directions, an outer surface extending between the first and second sides, and a distal end positioned relative to the hinge. The hinge secures the handle to a base of the first member. The handle is positionable between a first position in which the latch is engaged and the first member is secured to the second member, and in a second position in which the latch is disengaged and the first member is not secured to the second member. The latching assembly also includes a latching member fixedly connected to the handle and configured to contact a fastener of the second member when the handle is positioned in the first position. The latching assembly also includes a protective shield extending at least partially around the handle. The protective shield defines a recess adapted to receive insertion of a tool to contact and position the handle.

[0015] In another aspect, this subject provides a drain cleaner comprising a housing having a first member and a second member, and at least one latching assembly including a handle with a hinge. The handle defines a first side, a second side oriented in opposite directions, an outer surface extending between the first and second sides, and a distal end positioned relative to the hinge. The hinge is used to secure the handle to a base of the first member. The handle is positionable between a first position and a second position, in which the latch is engaged and the first member is secured to the second member, and in a second position, the latch is disengaged and the first member is not secured to the second member. The drain cleaner also includes a latching member fixedly connected to the handle, the latching member being configured to contact a fastener of the second member when the handle is positioned in the first position. The drain cleaner also includes a protective shield extending at least partially around the handle. The protective shield defines a recess adapted to receive insertion of a tool to contact and position the handle.

[0016] In another aspect, this subject provides a latching assembly including a handle with a hinge defining a first side, a second side oriented in opposite directions, an outer surface extending between the first and second sides, and a distal end positioned relative to the hinge. The hinge secures the handle to a base of a first member. The handle is positionable between a first position and a second position, in which the latch is engaged and the first member is secured to the second member, and in a second position, the latch is disengaged and the first member is not secured to the second member. The latching assembly also includes a latching member fixedly connected to the handle and configured to contact a fastener of the second member when the handle is positioned in the first position. The latching assembly also includes a protective shield extending along at least one of (i) the first side of the handle, (ii) the second side of the handle, and (iii) the distal end of the handle. The protective shield defines a recess adapted to receive a tool to contact and position the handle. The tool has an actuator end, wherein the actuator end is sized and shaped to insert into the recess defined by the protective shield.

[0017] As will be appreciated, the subject matter described herein can be implemented in other and different ways, and certain details therein can be modified in various respects without departing from the claimed subject matter. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1A An embodiment of a latch assembly in the engaged position according to this subject matter is shown.

[0019] Figure 1B It shows the disengaged position. Figure 1A The latching assembly.

[0020] Figure 2 The image shows the part in the engagement position. Figure 1A A latch assembly and a tool for disengaging the latch assembly.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B The schematic cross-sectional view of the latch assembly shown further illustrates the latch assembly in the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a front view of a drain cleaning tool in which housing components are secured together using a latching assembly according to this subject matter.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Side view of the drain cleaning tool and latch assembly shown.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the drain cleaning tool shown.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a portion of the drain cleaning tool shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This topic relates to latching assemblies, tools and housings using such latching assemblies, and related methods of using such latching assemblies, for example, to secure and / or engage tool housings together.

[0027] latch assembly

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate embodiments of the latch assembly 2 according to this subject matter. The latch assembly 2 is described and illustrated in conjunction with a housing or enclosure member (e.g., a housing or enclosure member used in the housing or enclosure of a tool). The latch assembly 2 selectively secures housing components together and releases the housing components from each other upon disengagement. As described herein, the latch assembly can only be disengaged by using a specific tool.

[0029] The latch assembly 2 includes a handle 10 defining a first side 12, a second side 14 oriented in opposite direction, an outer surface 16 extending between the side 12 and the side 14, and an inner surface 18 oriented generally in opposite direction to the outer surface 16. The handle 10 also includes a distal end 20. In the accompanying drawings, the handle is shown as 10A or 10B depending on its location as described herein.

[0030] The latch assembly 2 also includes a latch member 30. The latch member 30 is movably fixed to the handle 10, typically at a proximal end 32. The latch member 30 also defines a distal end 34 typically opposite the proximal end 32. In the accompanying drawings, the latch member 30 is shown as 30A or 30B, as described herein.

[0031] The latch assembly 2 also includes a hinge 40 about which the handle 10 is positioned. The hinge 40 provides movement of the handle, preferably rotational movement.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the latch assembly 2 is used in association with a base 50 that extends from or is otherwise associated with the first housing or outer shell member 70. The base 50 may be integrally formed with or attached to the first housing member 70. Non-limiting examples of housing or outer shell members include cases, containers, outer bodies, and / or portions thereof, such as cases, containers, outer bodies, and / or portions thereof for tools, machinery, or other equipment. The base 50 defines a hinge capture region 52 that mates with the hinge 40 to provide positioning of the handle 10 about the hinge 40.

[0033] The latch assembly 2 is also used in association with a catch 60 extending from or otherwise associated with the second housing or outer shell member 80. The catch 60 may be integrally formed with or attached to the second housing member 80. The catch 60 defines a receiving area 62 that contacts the distal end 34 of the latch member 30. The latch member 30 is movably fixed to the handle 10 and configured to contact the catch 60 of the second housing or outer shell member 80 when the handle 10 is positioned in a first engaged position. The receiving area 62 may be configured in various arrangements and forms. Non-limiting examples include recesses or grooves sized and shaped to engage in a fit-fitting manner with the latch member 30. It is also contemplated to use one or more protrusions or one or more outwardly extending members that receive and engage the latch member 30.

[0034] The handle 10 is locating between multiple positions. In the figures, the handle 10 is shown in a first position, in which the latch assembly 2 is engaged and the first housing member 70 is secured to the second housing member 80. The figures denote the handle 10 and latch member 30 in the engaged position by the suffix A, namely 10A and 30A respectively. The handle 10 is also shown in a second position, in which the latch assembly 2 is disengaged and the first housing member 70 and the second housing member 80 are movable relative to each other or are not secured. The figures denote the handle 10 and latch member 30 in the disengaged position by the suffix B, namely 10B and 30B respectively. As previously stated, Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The latch assembly 2 in the engaged position is depicted. Figure 1B and Figure 3 The latch assembly 2 is depicted in the disengaged position. It should be understood that the handle 10 and the latch member 30 can be positioned to other locations not depicted in the drawings, in which the latch assembly 2 is disengaged and the first housing member 70 and the second housing member 80 are movable relative to each other or are not fixed.

[0035] The latch assembly 2 also includes a protective cover 90. This protective cover extends at least partially around the handle 10. The protective cover defines a recess 92 adapted to receive... Figure 2 The tool 100 shown is used to contact and position the handle 10. In many versions of the latch assembly 2, a guard 90 extends along a first side 12, a second side 14, and a distal end 20 of the handle 10. In a particular version of the latch assembly 2, the guard 90 extends along at least two of the first side 12, the second side 14, and the distal end 20 of the handle 10. In a specified version of the latch assembly 2, the guard 90 extends along the first side 12 and the second side 14 of the handle 10 until it reaches or is adjacent to the proximal end 32 of the latch member 30.

[0036] Typically, the guard 90 restricts access to the inner surface 18 of the handle 10 and the distal end 20 of the handle 10. Although access is restricted, it is permitted by a recess 92 defined by the guard 90. The sides 12 and 14 are also restricted by the guard 90 to prevent actuation of the handle 10.

[0037] Access to the inner surface 18 and / or distal end 20 of the handle 10 via the recess 92 of the protective cover 90 can be achieved by inserting the tool 100 into the recess 92 of the protective cover 90 and contacting the tool 100 with one or both of the inner surface 18 and / or distal end 20 of the handle 10. After the tool 100 contacts the inner surface 18 and / or distal end 20, the handle 10 can be displaced by appropriate movement of the tool 100. In this way, the handle 10 and the latching member 30 can be selectively positioned, thereby disengaging the latching assembly 2 from a previous engaged state or position. Figure 2 A tool 100 having an actuator end 102 and a grip portion 104 is shown. The actuator end 102 is sized and shaped such that it can be inserted into a recess 92 of a protective cover 90 and subsequently contact is made between the actuator end 102 and the handle 10 to position the handle 10 in a disengaged position. It should be understood that this subject matter includes various shapes and configurations of the tool 100. In many embodiments, the tool 100 may be an Allen wrench, an Allen wrench, or other tool that can be mounted within the recess to actuate the handle. Furthermore, the size, shape, arrangement, position, and / or configuration of the recess 92 defined in the protective cover 90 may also vary according to this subject matter. That is, this subject matter is not limited to the specific embodiment illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] In some versions of the latch assembly 2, the protective cover 90 restricts access to the handle 10 without extending to cover the outer surface 16 of the handle 10 or obstructing viewing of the outer surface 16 of the handle 10. In this way, the protective cover 90 does not interfere with the movement or displacement of the handle 10. Furthermore, the ability to view the handle 10 provides the user with visual feedback as to whether the latch assembly 2 is engaged or disengaged.

[0039] Tools and casings

[0040] This topic also provides a variety of tools and tool housings that utilize the described latch assembly. Non-limiting examples of such tools include power tools, compressors, drain cleaning equipment, electrical utilities, plumbing tools, other construction tools, cases, toolbenches, and workstations.

[0041] A preferred tool having a housing with one or more latching assemblies is a drain cleaning tool having a drum-shaped housing and components.

[0042] The drum-shaped housing is used to store and / or accommodate drain cleaning cables and can additionally facilitate cable deployment and / or retraction. The drum-shaped housing also includes a drum or cable carrier rotatably mounted inside. Drain cleaning tools and systems also include a transmission assembly for transmitting rotational power from a power source to the drain cleaning cable. For example, the drain cleaning tool also includes a transmission device that engages with a rotational power source (e.g., a drill). The transmission device is capable of efficiently transmitting energy (e.g., rotational motion) directly from a power drill or alternative power source to the input side of the transmission device, which may be a flexible shaft or other component of the transmission device. The transmission device may additionally include a configuration for selectively transmitting power from a power drill or other power source to the drain cleaning cable. An example of such a configuration is a power control switch. Providing the user with an easy-to-use power control switch allows the user greater and more precise control over the cleaning process.

[0043] The cable carrier is configured to rotate within a fixed drum-shaped housing, preventing direct contact between the cable carrier and the user. This helps reduce the occurrence of crush points, especially during system use or transportation.

[0044] The drum-shaped housing provides an internal area where drain cleaning cables are stored or housed when not in use. The drum-shaped housing is typically cylindrical or partially cylindrical in shape. However, this subject matter is not limited to cylindrical or drum-shaped forms and includes a variety of other shapes and configurations. In certain versions, the drum-shaped housing is configured to generally be placed horizontally in use and generally be upright when stored. In this regard, the term "horizontal" refers to the generally horizontal orientation of the front surface of the drum-shaped housing, or a plane parallel to the ground or substrate. The term "vertical" refers to a plane with a generally vertical orientation of the front surface of the drum-shaped housing.

[0045] The drum-shaped housing can be formed by injection molding of a polymer material. The drum-shaped housing can be provided in a clamshell configuration. In such versions, the drum-shaped housing includes a front part and a rear part, which may be the same or different. Figure 4 and Figure 5An embodiment of a drain cleaning tool according to this subject matter (referred to herein as "drum housing 150") is shown. The drum housing 150 includes a front wall 152, a rear wall 154 oriented in opposite directions, and a generally annular sidewall 156 extending between the front wall 152 and the rear wall 154. In a particular version shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, the drum housing is formed by a front component 152A and a rear component 154B, which contact and engage with each other along an interface 159 that generally bisects the drum housing 150. The drum housing 150 also defines a cable port 153 through which a drain cleaning cable can extend. The cable port 153 provides access to the interior of the drum housing 150. The cable port 153 may include a protective insert that can be used to prevent abrasion of the drum housing 150 as the cable is advanced or retracted relative to the drum housing 150. The protective insert may be formed of a material exhibiting a relatively low coefficient of friction, and in some versions, such a material exhibits a coefficient of friction lower than that of the material of the drum housing. In certain versions, the inner span or opening (i.e., inner diameter) of the protective insert is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cable, thereby providing a wiping function to remove excess liquid or debris from the outer surface of the cable when it is retracted into the drum housing 150. The drum housing 150 may optionally include a transport handle 160 that typically extends from the sidewall 156. The drum housing 150 may also include an auxiliary transport handle 161 disposed along the outer surface, such as an auxiliary transport handle 161 disposed on the front wall 152. The drum housing 150 may additionally include a cable retainer 163 typically disposed near the cable port 153. The cable retainer 163 is used to releasably engage portions of the cable (e.g., the distal end or other areas). Securing or retaining the cable along the drum housing 150 facilitates the transport and storage of the drum housing 150 while the cable is contained. Otherwise, the internal cable carrier may rotate relative to the drum-shaped housing, and the cable may be unintentionally pushed or pushed out of the drum-shaped housing.

[0046] The housing portions, namely the front part 152A and the rear part 154B, are typically secured together by at least one latching assembly positioned along the periphery of the drum-shaped housing. Figure 4 and Figure 5A drain cleaning tool utilizing at least one latching assembly 2 according to this subject matter is shown. At least one latching assembly 2 is used to secure the front part 152A and the rear part 152B together. The front part 152A and the rear part 152B can be secured together using a single latching assembly 2 or multiple latching assemblies 2. It is also contemplated to use one or more latching assemblies 2 in combination with one or more conventional latching assemblies (designated as latching assembly 3 in the reference drawings). It should be understood that this subject matter includes virtually any positioning and / or orientation of one or more latching assemblies 2 on the drum-shaped housing 150. That is, this subject matter is not limited to positioning the latching assembly 2 near the handle 160. This subject matter is also not limited to the position of the latching assembly 2 or the conventional latching assembly 3 as shown in the reference drawings.

[0047] Drain cleaning cables used in the tools and systems of this subject typically include a protective sheath, a rotatable shaft within the sheath, a cable or component, a drive-end coupler usually crimped onto the shaft or cable, and one or more collars crimped onto the cable at the opposite end of the drive end. Such additional collars may also be used to protect the cable from components such as set screws and / or to provide precise positioning for tool spacing.

[0048] The cable transmits torque from the drive mechanism to the distal end of the cable, where a cleaning attachment or tool is positioned. As will be understood, torque transmission is performed by an internal rotatable shaft. If a cable construction is used instead of a shaft, the internal rotating cable used for torque transmission can be, for example, made of a high tensile strength wire (e.g., steel) wound around an inner core. The cable comprises multiple layers of the same wire without an inner core. Multiple layers of wire typically constitute a cable of the desired diameter, which also affects the flexibility of the resulting cable and thus the range of pipe sizes that the cable can effectively clean. The cable, or its layers, can be wound in opposite directions or not in opposite directions; this is a method for manufacturing cables capable of withstanding torque in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

[0049] The drive end is the location where mechanical power is transmitted from the transmission. Fittings coupled to the transmission are typically mechanically crimped onto the cable and include configurations of barrel-end type components with shouldered screws, pins, locating pins, and / or shear pins, which act as coupling pins to connect the transmission to the cable.

[0050] Located inside the drum-shaped housing 150 is a rotatable cable carrier. This internal drum-shaped cable carrier serves several functions. Its primary function is to hold the drain cleaner cable when not in use and to smoothly move the cable during use. Figure 6A schematic cross-sectional view of a drum-shaped housing 150 with a drum or cable carrier 210 is shown. The cable carrier 210 is rotatably mounted inside the drum-shaped housing 150. The cable carrier 210 is generally annular in shape and includes a rear wall 212 and circumferential side walls 214. As previously described, the cable carrier 210 is rotatably supported within the drum-shaped housing 150 by a bearing assembly 200. One or more bushings 232 can be used to facilitate rotation of the input shaft 272 relative to the drum-shaped housing 150. One or more bushings 232 can also be used to provide rotational support for the input shaft 272. In certain versions, such as Figure 6 As shown, the distal end face 272A of the input shaft 272 is located below the plane X of the front wall 152.

[0051] Cable carrier 210 can be configured to provide cable channel 216 in which drainage pipe cleaning cables 110 are stacked or coiled, such as Figure 6 As shown. Cable channel 216 is typically located adjacent to the inner surface of circumferential sidewall 214, and in many versions, between circumferential sidewall 214 and auxiliary inner sidewall 213. In these versions, sidewalls 214 and 213 extend laterally from rear wall 212. In some embodiments, auxiliary inner sidewall 213 is typically concentrically located within sidewall 214 and spaced radially from sidewall 214 by a distance R. Thus, in these versions, R constitutes the width dimension of cable channel 216. Rear wall 212 may also include recessed or recessed receiving areas to facilitate keeping drain cleaning cable 110 near sidewall 214. Figure 6 A bearing assembly 200 with races 202 and 204 is further shown, which rotatably supports the cable carrier 210 inside the drum-shaped housing 150.

[0052] Figure 7 Another view of the system is shown after the internal cable carrier has been removed. Therefore, in this figure, the drive assembly 270 and the cable holding platform (described in more detail herein) are shown as “floating.” The rotatable cable carrier 210 ( Figure 7 Below (not shown), along the rear wall 154, are several optional abrasion pads 240, typically made of a polymer material. Typically, the abrasion pads are formed of a material exhibiting a relatively low coefficient of friction. Generally, the material of the abrasion pads exhibits a lower coefficient of friction than the material of the drum-shaped housing. These abrasion pads 240 are configured to contact the rotating cable carrier 210 when the carrier 210 is under stress and comes into contact with the interior of the drum-shaped housing 150. In many versions, the abrasion pads 240 are raised and... Figure 7The abrasion pad 240 extends onto an adjacent surface inside the drum, shown as surface 151. The abrasion pad 240 also serves a structural function. If the machine is dropped or otherwise subjected to stress, the pad 240 contacts the cable carrier 210 to help safely redirect the force to the drum housing 150. The pad 240 adheres to the interior of the drum housing 150, but can also be mechanically fastened. However, many embodiments allow for the replacement of the pad 240.

[0053] The equipment and apparatus system also includes components for transmitting rotational power from a drilling rig or other power source to the drain cleaning cable. The drive allows the user to maintain a fixed position where the drilling rig or other power source is connected. In many embodiments, the drive includes an input shaft that rotates but does not translate relative to the system during use. The drive also includes an output component for transmitting rotational power to the cable end within the drum-shaped housing area, more specifically within the cable carrier. The drive is generally shown as drive 270 in the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Various rotary power sources can be coupled to the input shaft of the drive unit to provide rotational power to the drive unit and ultimately to the drain cleaning cable. Power drills can be used. While battery-powered drills are preferred for many applications, corded drills can also be used. Other portable rotary power sources can also be considered. Furthermore, impact power tools can be used to provide rotational power to the drive unit.

[0055] In many embodiments, the input shaft 272 of the transmission 270 is positioned along and accessible along the front wall 152 of the drum-shaped housing 150. Furthermore, in certain versions, the input shaft 272 is located at the center of the front wall 152 of the drum-shaped housing 150, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Position the input axis 272 at the center and orient the axis 272 around the center as shown. Figure 6 Rotation of axis Y, as shown, can improve operational efficiency and generate additional benefits. This axis Y is parallel to, extends together with, or is coaxial with the axis of rotation of cable carrier 210.

[0056] refer to Figure 7The drive unit 270 may include one or more gears that redirect power from a rotational power source (e.g., a user-supplied device). The drive unit 270 may additionally use a conveyor belt. The input shaft 272 may be a hexagonal shaft that accepts a multipoint Jacob's chuck from a user-supplied power source. This subject matter may include other configurations of the input shaft. Non-limiting examples of other configurations of the input shaft 272 include shafts with square, triangular, circular, elliptical, and other cross-sectional shapes. Power is transmitted from the input shaft through a series of gearboxes consisting of helical gears, bevel gears, or spiral bevel gears, and redirected to the output end 274 and ultimately to a crimp fitting on a drain cleaning cable. The cable may be coupled to one of the shafts on the gearbox via a pin or a shouldered screw. In many versions, a headed locating pin is preferably used to couple the cable to one of the shafts on the gearbox. This subject matter includes other engagement or coupling configurations, such as one or more shear pins or one or more other pins known in the art. Further descriptions and details of drain cleaning tools and related components are provided in U.S. Serial No. 17 / 210586 filed March 24, 2021 and U.S. Serial No. 17 / 207850 filed March 22, 2021.

[0057] Although this document describes the use of one or more latching assemblies 2 with drain cleaning tools, it should be understood that the latching assemblies can be used with a variety of other tools and their housings or enclosures.

[0058] method

[0059] This topic also provides various methods for securing two or more components together using the latching assembly described herein. As previously mentioned, the components typically to be releasably secured together are tool housing members. Refer to Figures 1 to... Figure 3 If housing members 70 and 80 are not already in a position close to each other, they are moved closer together. The handle 10 is rotated about the hinge 40 toward the fastener 60, allowing the latching member 30 to swing past the fastener 60. The distal end or region 34 of the latching member 30 is positioned within the receiving region 62. The handle 10 is then rotated about the hinge 40 away from the fastener 60 and toward the base 40, so that the distal end 34 of the latching member 30 is securely held within the receiving region 62. Typically, rotation of the handle 10 about the hinge 40 continues until the handle 10 contacts or comes very close to the first housing member 70. The latching assembly 2 is in an engaged state or position.

[0060] At this engagement position, the protective shield 90 extends and / or generally surrounds the handle, thereby preventing the user from gripping the handle 10. In many versions of the latch assembly 10, the protective shield 90 does not extend to cover the outer surface 16 of the handle 10 or obstruct viewing of the outer surface 16 of the handle 10.

[0061] To disengage the latch assembly 2, the user inserts tool 100 into the recess 92 defined in the protective cover 90 and pushes handle 10 toward the disengaged position. Typically, this is performed by contacting the inner surface 18 and / or distal end 20 of handle 10 with tool 100 (e.g., the actuator end 102 of tool 100) and displacing handle 10 to rotate it about hinge 40 toward fastener 60 and second housing member 80. Further positioning of handle 10 to release latch member 30 from fastener 60 allows second housing member 80 to move or be positioned independently of first housing member 70.

[0062] Undoubtedly, many other benefits will emerge from the future application and development of this technology.

[0063] All patents, applications, standards and articles mentioned in this article are incorporated herein in their entirety by way of citation.

[0064] This subject matter includes all operable combinations of the features and aspects described herein. Therefore, for example, if one feature is described in association with an embodiment while another feature is described in association with another embodiment, it should be understood that this subject matter includes embodiments having combinations of these features.

[0065] As stated above, this subject matter addresses many problems associated with prior strategies, systems, and / or devices. However, it should be understood that various changes can be made to the details, materials, and arrangements of the components, which have been described and illustrated herein to explain the nature of this subject matter, without departing from the principles and scope of the claimed subject matter as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A latching assembly for releasably securing a first member to a second member, the latching assembly comprising: A handle including a hinge, the handle defining a first side, a second side oriented in opposite directions, an outer surface extending between the first and second sides, and a distal end positioned relative to the hinge, the hinge for securing the handle to a base of a first member, the handle being positionable between a first position and a second position, in which the latch assembly is engaged and the first member is secured to the second member, and in the second position, the latch assembly is disengaged and the first member is not secured to the second member; A latching member, which is fixedly connected to the handle and configured to engage the fastener of the second member when the handle is positioned in a first position; A protective shield extending at least partially around the handle, wherein the protective shield defines a recess adapted to receive a tool for actuating the handle.

2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the protective cover extends along (i) a first side of the handle, (ii) a second side of the handle, and (iii) a distal end of the handle.

3. The latch assembly according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the handle further defines an inner surface oriented opposite to the outer surface, and the protective cover restricts access to the inner surface of the handle and the distal end of the handle by means of the recess defined by the protective cover.

4. The latch assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the handle is moved from the first position to the second position by inserting the tool into the recess and bringing the handle into contact with the tool.

5. The latch assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the outer surface of the handle is exposed and not covered by the protective cover.

6. The latch assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the tool has an actuator end, wherein the size and shape of the actuator end are configured such that it is inserted into the recess defined by the protective cover.

7. The latch assembly of claim 6, wherein after the actuator end of the tool is inserted into the recess defined by the protective cover, the actuator end contacts the handle.

8. A drain cleaner, comprising: A shell having a first component and a second component; At least one latching assembly includes a handle with a hinge, the handle defining a first side, a second side oriented in opposite directions, an outer surface extending between the first and second sides, and a distal end positioned relative to the hinge, the hinge for securing the handle to a base of a first member, the handle being positionable between a first position and a second position, in which the latching assembly is engaged and the first member is secured to the second member, and in the second position, the latching assembly is disengaged and the first member is not secured to the second member; A latching member, which is fixedly connected to the handle and configured to engage the fastener of the second member when the handle is positioned in a first position; A protective shield extending at least partially around the handle, wherein the protective shield defines a recess adapted to receive a tool for actuating the handle.

9. The drain cleaner of claim 8, wherein the protective cover extends along (i) a first side of the handle, (ii) a second side of the handle, and (iii) a distal end of the handle.

10. The drain cleaner according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the handle further defines an inner surface oriented opposite to the outer surface, and the protective cover restricts access to the inner surface of the handle and the distal end of the handle by means of the recess defined by the protective cover.

11. The drain cleaner according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the handle is moved from a first position to a second position to reach a latch disengaged position by inserting the tool into the recess and bringing the handle into contact with the tool.

12. The drain cleaner according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the outer surface of the handle is exposed and not covered by the protective cover.

13. The drain cleaner according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein the at least one latching assembly comprises a plurality of latching assemblies arranged and positioned along the periphery of the housing.

14. The drain cleaner according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein the tool includes an actuator end and a grip, the actuator end being sized and shaped such that the actuator end of the tool can be inserted into the recess defined in the protective cover.

15. A latching assembly, comprising: A handle including a hinge, the handle defining a first side, a second side oriented in opposite directions, an outer surface extending between the first and second sides, and a distal end positioned relative to the hinge, the hinge for securing the handle to a base of a first member, the handle being positionable between a first position and a second position, in which the latch assembly is engaged and the first member is secured to the second member, and in the second position, the latch assembly is disengaged and the first member is not secured to the second member; A latching member, which is fixedly connected to the handle and configured to engage the fastener of the second member when the handle is positioned in a first position; A protective cover extending along (i) a first side of the handle, (ii) a second side of the handle, and (iii) a distal end of the handle, wherein the protective cover defines a recess adapted to receive a tool for actuating the handle; The tool includes an actuator end, the size and shape of which are configured such that it is inserted into the recess defined by the protective cover.

16. The latch assembly of claim 15, wherein the outer surface of the handle is exposed and not covered by the protective cover.

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