Vehicle glove box latch

Abstract

To provide a vehicle glove box latch.SOLUTION: The vehicle glove box latch includes: a housing; a paddle pivotably connected to the housing; a rotor pivotably connected to the housing; a pawl coupled to the rotor and having an end that is engaged with an opening in the vehicle; and a lock barrel mounted to housing for locking and unlocking the vehicle glove box latch. In a locked state of the lock barrel, the pawl cannot be disengaged from the opening in the vehicle. In an unlocked state of the lock barrel, the pawl can be disengaged from the opening for opening the vehicle glove box. The lock barrel, the rotor and the rotor mounting portion are concentrically aligned along an axis, which reduces a depth of the latch, and reduces a space in the glove box necessary for accommodating the latch, thereby resulting in an increase in an available storage space in the glove box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 651,998, entitled "Latch for a Vehicle Glove Box," filed April 3, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 679,401, entitled "Latch for a Vehicle Glove Box," filed June 1, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of latch or connector systems configured to provide a mechanical connection between adjacent components, and more particularly to a latch system for securing an automotive glove box or accessory component door in a closed position. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Door closure systems for automobiles, such as glove compartments, typically include a housing, a door, and a latch that cooperates with one or more strikers to hold the door in a closed position to cover the housing. Continuing, a need has emerged to provide improvements to or replacements for existing door closure systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box is provided. The vehicle glove box latch includes a housing configured to connect to the vehicle glove box, a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, a rotor pivotally connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing, at least one pawl coupled to the rotor and having an end configured to engage with an opening in the vehicle to which the vehicle glove box is attached, and a lock barrel attached to the housing for locking and unlocking the vehicle glove box latch. When the lock barrel is in a locked position, the at least one pawl cannot be removed from the opening in the vehicle. When the lock barrel is in an unlocked position, the at least one pawl cannot be removed from the opening in the vehicle to open the vehicle glove box. The lock barrel, rotor, and rotor mounting portion are concentrically aligned along a single axis, thereby reducing the depth of the latch and the space required in the glove box to accommodate the latch, thereby increasing available storage space in the glove box.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a latch for a vehicle glove box includes the steps of: - mounting a first leg of a spring into a spring mounting portion of a housing of a vehicle glove box latch assembly; - mounting a rotor in a rotor receiving portion of the housing; - rotating the rotor relative to the housing; - positioning the second leg of the spring within a spring mounting recess formed in the rotor; Includes.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a latch for a vehicle glove box includes a housing having a front surface facing away from the vehicle glove box, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and at least one side surface interconnecting the front and rear surfaces. A retention feature of the housing extends laterally beyond the at least one side surface of the housing for attachment to an opening formed in the vehicle glove box. Means or means are provided for attaching the rear surface of the housing to the vehicle glove box. A user-operated paddle is pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing such that at least a portion of the paddle is positioned in front of the front surface of the housing. The paddle is configured to move from a home position to a deployed position to open the vehicle glove box.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a latch for a vehicle glove box includes a housing configured to connect to a vehicle glove compartment, a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, a rotor pivotally connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing, and at least one pawl coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends, one of the opposing ends of the pawl including an engagement portion configured to engage an opening in the vehicle in which the glove compartment is mounted, and the other of the opposing ends of the pawl including a post attached to the opening in the rotor to secure the pawl to the rotor.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle glove compartment includes a door, a latch assembly housing, and a user-operated paddle. The door is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position relative to the vehicle dashboard and has an opening and a hole. The latch assembly housing has a front surface facing away from the door, a rear surface opposite the front surface, at least one side surface interconnecting the front and rear surfaces, and a retention feature on the housing extending laterally beyond the at least one side surface of the housing for attachment to an opening formed in the door. A fastener is configured to pass through the hole in the door and attach to the rear surface of the latch assembly housing for attaching the door to the latch assembly housing. The user-operated paddle is pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the latch assembly housing such that the paddle is positioned in front of the front surface of the latch assembly housing. The paddle is configured to move from a home position to a deployed position for opening the vehicle glove compartment.

[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a latch for a vehicle glove box includes a housing configured to connect to a vehicle glove box, a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, a deadbolt movable relative to the paddle between locked and unlocked positions, and an actuator configured to engage the deadbolt to move the deadbolt between the locked and unlocked positions, wherein when the deadbolt is in the locked position, the deadbolt is positioned to prevent the paddle from moving from the home position toward the deployed position, and when the deadbolt is in the unlocked position, the deadbolt is positioned to allow the paddle to move from the home position toward the deployed position.

[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling a latch assembly includes positioning a coil of a spring on a rotor, mounting a first leg of the spring in a first spring mounting recess formed in the rotor, moving a second leg of the spring relative to the rotor to position the second leg in a second spring mounting recess formed in the rotor, mounting the rotor in a rotor-receiving portion of a housing of the latch assembly, and rotating a roller relative to the housing to connect the rotor to the housing.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box includes a housing configured to connect to a vehicle glove box, a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position, a rotor pivotally connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing, the rotor including a pair of pawl-receiving portions, and two pawls each having opposite ends, one of the opposite ends of each pawl including an engagement portion configured to directly or indirectly engage an opening in a vehicle to which the glove box is attached, and the other of the opposite ends of each pawl coupled to one of the pawl-receiving portions. In one orientation of the pawls, the vehicle glove box is configured to be operated in a vertical-lift configuration, and in another orientation of the pawls, the vehicle glove box latch is configured to be operated in a side-pull configuration.

[0012] These and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a door assembly. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the door assembly. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is another front perspective view of the door assembly, showing the latch assembly separated from the door. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the latch assembly of the door assembly of FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 3A] 3A is a rear perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a front perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3C] 3C is a front elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3D] 3D is a right elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3E] 3E is a left elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3F] 3F is a top view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3G] 3G is a bottom view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4A] 4A is a front perspective view of a paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4B] 4B is a rear perspective view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4C] 4C is a rear elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4D] 4D is a right elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4E] 4E is a left elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4F] 4F is a bottom view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4G] 4G is a top view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5A] 5A is a rear perspective view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5B]5B is a front perspective view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5C] 5C is a rear elevational view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5D] 5D is a right elevation view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5E] 5E is a bottom view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6A] 6A is a front perspective view of the lock barrel of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6B] 6B is a rear perspective view of the lock barrel of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of a torsion spring of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of another torsion spring of the latch assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a front elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2, showing the latch assembly in a locked and closed position with one of the pawls shown truncated. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the locked closed latch assembly of FIG. 9A taken along line 9B-9B. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a rear elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 9A in the locked and closed position. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a front elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 9A, showing the latch assembly in an unlocked and closed position. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the unlocked and closed latch assembly of FIG. 10A taken along line 10A-10B. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a rear elevation view of the unlocked and closed latch assembly of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a front elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 10A, showing the latch assembly in an unlocked and closed position. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the unlocked and open latch assembly of FIG. 11A taken along line 11B-11B. [Figure 11C]FIG. 11C is a rear elevational view of the unlocked and open latch assembly of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A is a side elevational view of the latch assembly of Figures 2, 9A, 10A and 11A, showing the latch assembly in a closed position. The latch assembly of 12A can be locked or unlocked. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a side elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 12A, showing the latch assembly in the open position. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a side elevational view of the latch assembly of FIGS. 12A and 12B, showing the sweep profile of the paddle trajectory. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a detailed view of the door assembly of FIG. 1B from the rear of the door assembly. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a bottom view of the partial door assembly of FIG. 13A. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the partial door assembly of FIG. 13A taken along line 13C-13C. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of the partial door assembly of FIG. 13B taken along line 13D-13D. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A shows a method for connecting the pawl to the rotor of the door assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B shows an alternative method for connecting the pawl to the roller of the door assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a door assembly, showing only a portion of the door. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a rear perspective view of the door assembly. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is another front perspective view of the latch assembly with the latch assembly separated from the door. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D is a front elevation view of the door assembly. [Figure 15E] FIG. 15E is an elevation view of the door assembly from the left side. [Figure 15F] FIG. 15F is a bottom view of the door assembly. [Figure 15G] FIG. 15G is an elevation view of the door assembly from the right side. [Figure 15H] FIG. 15H is a rear elevation view of the door assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the latch assembly of the door assembly of FIGS. 15A-15H. [Figure 17A] 17A is a rear perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 17B] 17B is a front perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 17C] 17C is a front elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 17D] 17D is a right elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 17E] 17E is a left elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 17F] 17F is a top view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 17G] 17G is a bottom view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18A] 18A is a front perspective view of a paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18B] 18B is a rear perspective view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18C] 18C is a rear elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18D] 18D is a right elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18E] 18E is a left elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18F] 18E is a bottom view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18G] 18G is a top view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 19A] 19A is a rear perspective view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 19B] 19B is a rotor front perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 19C] 19C is a rear elevational view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 19D] 19D is a right elevation view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 19E] 19E is a bottom view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 20A] 20A is a front perspective view of the lock barrel of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 20B] 20B is a rear perspective view of the lock barrel of the latch assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a rear elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in an unlocked and closed state, with various faces of the latch assembly cut away to show the interaction between the lock barrel and rotor. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is another view of the latch assembly of FIG. 21A, showing the latch assembly in an unlocked and open position. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C is another view of the latch assembly of FIG. 21A, showing the latch assembly in a locked and closed position. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is a bottom view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in the unlocked and closed position. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a bottom view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in the unlocked and open position. [Figure 22C] FIG. 22C is a bottom view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in the locked and closed position. [Figure 23A] FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in the unlocked and closed position. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in an unlocked and open position. [Figure 23C] FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in a locked and closed position. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A is another cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in an unlocked and open position. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is yet another cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 16 shown in an unlocked and open position. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A is a front perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a door assembly having a non-locking latch assembly. [Figure 25B] FIG. 25B is a rear perspective view of the door assembly. [Figure 25C] FIG. 25C is another front perspective view of the door assembly with the latch assembly separated from the door. [Figure 25D] FIG. 25D is another front perspective view of the door assembly with the latch assembly partially assembled to the door. [Figure 26A] FIG. 26A is a perspective view of the latch assembly (including the pawl) of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B is a front elevational view of the latch assembly (including the pawl) of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 26C] FIG. 26C is a right side view of the latch assembly (including the pawl) of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 26D] FIG. 26D is a left side view of the latch assembly (including the pawl) of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 26E] FIG. 26E is a rear view of the latch assembly (including the pawl) of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the non-locking latch assembly of the door assembly of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 28A] 28A is a top view of the latch assembly of FIG. 27, showing the paddle in phantom to reveal the remaining components. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 28A taken along line 28B-28B. [Figure 29A] 29A is a front perspective view of a paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29B] 29B is a front elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29C] 29C is a rear elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29D] 29D is a left elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29E] 29E is a right elevational view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29F] 29F is a bottom view of the paddle of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 30A] 30A is a front perspective view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 30B] 30B is a front elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 29. FIG. [Figure 30C] 30C is a rear elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 30D] 30D is a bottom view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 30E] 30E is a left elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 30F] 30F is a right elevational view of the housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 31A] 31A is a rear perspective view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 31B] 31B is a rear elevational view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 31C] 31C is a front elevational view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 31D] 31D is a top view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 31E] 31E is a right elevation view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 31F] 31F is a left elevational view of the rotor of the latch assembly of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a locking latch assembly for use with the door assembly of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 33A] FIG. 33A shows the sequence of steps for assembling the latch assembly of FIG. [Figure 33B]FIG. 33B shows the sequence of steps for assembling the latch assembly of FIG. [Figure 33C] FIG. 33C shows the sequence of steps for assembling the latch assembly of FIG. [Figure 33D] FIG. 33D shows the sequence of steps for assembling the latch assembly of FIG. [Figure 33E] FIG. 33E is a detailed view of the latch assembly of FIG. 33D. [Figure 34A] FIG. 34A is a front elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 32 shown in a locked configuration. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 32 shown in a locked configuration. [Figure 34C] FIG. 34C is another cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 32 shown in the locked configuration. [Figure 35A] FIG. 35A is a front elevational view of the latch assembly of FIG. 32 shown in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 32 shown in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 35C] FIG. 35C is another cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 32 shown in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 36A] 36A is a front perspective view of the electronic lock assembly of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 36B] 36B is a rear perspective view of the electronic lock assembly of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 37A] 37A is a perspective view of a deadbolt of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 37B] 37B is a front elevational view of the deadbolt of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 37C] 37C is a top view of the deadbolt of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 37D] 37D is a bottom view of the deadbolt of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 37E] 37E is a right elevational view of the deadbolt of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 37F] 37F is a left elevational view of the deadbolt of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 38] 38 is a perspective view of a spring of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32; [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32, the alternative arrangement including a motor-driven clock spring. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32, the alternative arrangement including a motor-driven eccentric member. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 shows an alternative motor driven eccentric for the arrangement of FIG. 40 with a motor driven crescent cam. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram of yet another arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32, the alternative arrangement comprising a motor-driven rack and pinion. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of yet another arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32, the alternative arrangement comprising a spring biased motor driven rack and pinion. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of yet another arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32, the alternative arrangement including a motor-driven rack and pinion biased by a living spring extending from the rack and engaged by a stationary post. [Figure 45A] FIG. 45A is a front view of a partially assembled locking latch assembly for use with the door assembly of FIGS. 25A-25D, according to a fifth representative embodiment. [Figure 45B] FIG. 45B is a left side view of a partially assembled locking latch assembly for use with the door assembly of FIGS. 25A-25D, according to a fifth representative embodiment. [Figure 45C]FIG. 45C is a right side view of a partially assembled locking latch assembly for use with the door assembly of FIGS. 25A-25D, according to a fifth representative embodiment. [Figure 45D] FIG. 45D is a side view of a partially assembled locking latch assembly for use with the door assembly of FIGS. 25A-25D, according to a fifth representative embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is an exploded view of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 shows a representative procedure for assembling the spring, rotor, and base housing of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 shows an exemplary procedure for assembling the spring, rotor, and base housing of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 shows an exemplary procedure for assembling the spring, rotor, and base housing of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 shows a representative procedure for assembling the spring, rotor and base housing of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 shows a representative procedure for assembling the spring, rotor, and base housing of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 shows an exemplary procedure for assembling the spring, rotor, and base housing of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 shows the base housing of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 54A] FIG. 54A is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the assembled locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A, showing the latch assembly in the closed position. [Figure 54B] FIG. 54B is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the assembled locking latch assembly of FIG. 45A showing the latch assembly in the open position. [Figure 55]FIG. 55 is a bottom view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a locking latch assembly for use with the door assembly of FIGS. 25A-25D. [Figure 56A] FIG. 56A shows a pawl connected to the locking latch assembly of FIG. [Figure 56B] FIG. 56B is a pawl connected to the locking latch assembly of FIG. 55, showing the locking latch assembly rotated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Although the invention is illustrated and described in this application with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Various modifications can be made to the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims without departing from the invention.

[0015] First embodiment A first embodiment of a door assembly 100 incorporating aspects of the present invention is shown in Figures 1A-14B. Door assembly 100 generally includes a door 102 (only the front panel of which is shown). Door 102 may be, for example, a glove compartment door for a vehicle. Although not shown, the door is mounted in an opening, such as an opening formed in the dashboard of the vehicle. Door 102 is hinged to the opening and is movable between a closed position and an open position, as is known in the art.

[0016] In the closed position of the door 102, the front face 107 of the door is flush with the surface of the dashboard. In the open position of the door 102, the door 102 protrudes from the surface of the dashboard. A striker (not shown) is provided around the periphery of the opening in the dashboard.

[0017] Door 102 can be a single component or can be made up of multiple components attached together. Door 102 is generally rectangular with a generally rectangular recessed area 106 on its front face 107. Two protrusions 115 and 119 protrude outward in a rearward direction from the back face of door 102.

[0018] Projection 115 includes an opening extending therethrough. A hollow, square clip 121 is attached to the opening in projection 115. Each inwardly facing surface of clip 121 includes a resilient tab 129 that can accommodate lateral movement of a pawl positioned therein.

[0019] Protrusion 119 has a free end 131 that is narrower than the remainder of protrusion 119, as can be seen in Figure 13D. An elongated recess 133 or groove is formed in the rearward facing surface of free end 131. The purpose of protrusions 115 and 119 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 13A-13D.

[0020] The latch assembly 104 is attached to the door 102 to releasably hold the door 102 in a closed position. The latch assembly 104 is positioned at least partially within a recessed area 106 of the door 102 so that the front surface of the latch assembly's paddle 400 is flush with or slightly recessed against the front surface 107 of the door 102. Alternatively, the paddle 400 can protrude slightly or significantly if the design requires. The latch assembly 104 is attached to the recessed area 106 of the door 102 by threaded fasteners 109 and clips 307 on the housing 300 of the latch assembly 104, as will be described later with respect to the method of assembly of the door assembly 100.

[0021] The fastener 109 together with the clip 307 provide a means for attaching the latch assembly 104 to the door 102. It should be appreciated that the means for attachment can vary. For example, the means for attachment can include, for example, multiple clips, multiple fasteners, snaps, clamps, welding, adhesive, barbs, slots, prongs or surfaces, or any other device that can be used to attach the latch assembly 104 to the door 102.

[0022] 1B, 14A, and 14B, at least a portion of the latch assembly 104, including the rotor 500 and two pawls 112 and 114, protrudes from the rear surface 110 of the door 102 through an opening 113 formed in the recessed area 106. The pawls 112 and 114 are configured to releasably engage strikers of a vehicle opening. When the pawls 112 and 114 engage the strikers, the door 102 is maintained in a closed position. The engagement between the free ends 112a and 114a of the pawls 112 and 114, respectively, and their respective strikers prevents the door 102 from being moved from the closed position to an open position. When the pawls 112 and 114 are disengaged from the strikers, the door 102 is maintained in the open position or can be easily moved to the open position.

[0023] Opposite the free end 112a and 114a of each pawl 112 and 114 is a post 120 and 127, respectively, that connects to the rotor 500 of the latch assembly 104. As shown in FIG. 14A , the post 120 of the pawl 112 includes a shaft 128a extending from the end of the pawl 112, a spherical portion 128b at the free end of the shaft 128a, and an annular groove 128c formed between the shaft 128a and the spherical portion 128b. While not explicitly shown, it should be understood that the post 127 of the pawl 114 is substantially identical to the post 120. The connection between the pawls 112 and 114 and the rotor 500 can be any type of connection (fixed or releasable) and is not limited to the connection shown.

[0024] 1B and 13A-13D, pawl 114 is positioned on door 102 through clip 121 and attached above protrusion 119 of door 102. Pawl 114 includes a guide section 123 that interacts with protrusion 119. Guide section 123 includes an opening 124 formed in a wide region of pawl 114. Two prongs 125 extend into and toward each other from either side of opening 124. Prongs 125 approach but do not intersect central axis E (FIG. 13A) of pawl 114. Each prong 125 is V-shaped, with the apex of the V pointing toward central axis E.

[0025] The prongs 126 are formed on the sides of the opening 124 adjacent to both sides of the opening 124 to which the prongs 125 are attached. The prongs 126 extend along the central axis E. As shown in FIG. 13A , the prongs 126 extend past the prongs 125 along the central axis E to a predetermined length. The prongs 126 are positioned at a predetermined height above the prongs 125 so that the prongs 125 and 126 do not contact each other, as shown in FIG. 13C . The prongs 125 and 126 can be integral with the claw 114 or can be provided as separate components attached to the opening 124. The prongs 125 and 126 are flexible. The prongs 125 interact with both sides of the free end 131 of the projection 119, as shown in FIG. 13D , and the prongs 126 interact with recesses 133 formed in the free end 131. The interaction between the pawl 114 and the protrusion 119 is described in further detail with reference to Figures 13A-13D.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the latch assembly 104. The major components of the latch assembly 104 are a base housing 300, a user-operated paddle 400, a rotor 500, a lock barrel 600, torsion springs 700 and 800, and two optional pawls 112 and 114. The base housing 300 is mountable to the front surface of the door 102 and remains fixed in place (i.e., stationary) during operation of the latch assembly 104. The paddle 400 is rotatably mounted to the front surface 302 of the housing 300 about a pivot axis A (FIG. 12C). The rotor 500 is rotatably mounted to the rear surface 304 of the housing 300 about a concentric axis B (FIGS. 9C, 10C, and 11C). The pawls 112 and 114 (which may or may not be considered to form part of the latch assembly 104) are attached to the rotor 500. A lock barrel 600 is attached to the housing 300 and aligned with the opening 402 in the paddle 400. The lock barrel 600 is installed to lock or unlock the latch assembly 104. The lock barrel 600 is an optional component and can be omitted. A torsion spring 700 is connected to the paddle 400 to hold the paddle 400 in the home position shown in FIG. 1A. A second torsion spring 800 is connected to the rotor 500 to bias the rotor 500 to a rotational position corresponding to the closed state of the latch assembly 104 (i.e., pawls 112 and 114 engage the striker).

[0027] The individual components of the latch assembly 104 will now be described in more detail.

[0028] 3A-3G show the base housing 300 of the latch assembly 104. The base housing 300 is a substantially rectangular body to which the other components of the latch assembly 104 are attached. A recess 301 extends through the housing 300 (unless the latch assembly 104 includes a lock barrel 600). The outer barrel of the lock barrel 600 is secured within the recess 301.

[0029] The base housing 300 includes a clip 307 for attaching the door 102. The clip 307 is formed on one side of the housing 300. The clip 307 is a flexible tab or prong that extends outward from one side of the housing 300. The clip 307 may also be referred to as a retention feature in this application, and the retention feature may be, for example, a post, a surface, a clamp, a slot, or a protrusion.

[0030] Two arcuate ribs 310 protrude from the sidewall 311 of the housing 300. The ribs 310 are configured to be positioned within corresponding arcuate slots 404 disposed in the sidewall 311 of the paddle 400. The slots 404 are longer (measured in length or arc length) than the ribs 310 to allow the paddle 400 to rotate relative to the housing 300 (compare FIGS. 12A and 12B). The engagement between the slots 404 and the ribs 310 allows the paddle 400 to rotate about axis A relative to the housing 300.

[0031] The rib 310 may more generally be referred to as the paddle mounting portion of the housing 300. It should be understood that the connection between the housing 300 and the paddle 400 may differ from that shown and described. For example, the paddle 400 may be connected to the housing 300 by, for example, a post, clip, shaft, fastener, pin, or hinge.

[0032] A hollow cylinder 312 projects rearward from the rear face 304 of the housing 300. The cylinder 312 is collinear with the recess 301, and the interior of the cylinder 312 forms at least a portion of the recess 301. The cylinder 312 is interrupted by two flexible prongs 314 positioned on opposite sides of the cylinder 312. Each prong 314 includes a barb 316 at its end, and each prong 314 is configured to flex relative to the cylinder 312. The barbs 316 are configured to connect to slots 506 formed in the rotor 500. The engagement between the barbs 316 and their respective slots 506 retains the rotor 500 in the housing 300. The slots 506 are longer (measured in length or arc length) than the barbs 316 to allow the rotor 500 to rotate relative to the housing 300 without becoming dislodged from the housing 300 (compare Figures 9C, 10C, and 11C).

[0033] The engagement between the housing 300 and the rotor 500 can be different. For example, the prongs 314 can be fixed (rather than flexible) and keyed into slots formed in the rotor 500. Also, the interface between the cylinder 312 and the hollow space 530 formed by the cylindrical inner wall 501 can be switched so that the inner diameter of the cylinder 312 interfaces with the rotor 500 rather than the outer diameter of the cylinder 312 as shown.

[0034] Cylinder 312 and prongs 314 may be more generally referred to as the rotor mounting portion of housing 300. It should be understood that the connection between housing 300 and rotor 500 may differ from that shown and described. For example, rotor 500 may be connected to housing 300 by, for example, a post, clamp, barb, face, fastener, clip, or shaft.

[0035] The rotor mounting portion of the housing 300, the rotor 500, and the lock barrel 600 at least partially overlap one another along axis B and are concentrically aligned along the same axis B. This arrangement results in a reduced depth D (FIG. 9B) of the latch assembly 104, which in turn reduces the depth of the recess 106 in the glove box door 102 required to accommodate the latch assembly 104, thereby increasing the available storage space within the glove box. Conversely, if the rotor mounting portion, the rotor, and the lock barrel were offset from one another and did not overlap, this arrangement would result in an increased depth of the latch assembly, which in turn increases the depth of the recess 106 in the glove box door 102 required to accommodate the enlarged latch assembly, thereby increasing the available storage space within the glove box.

[0036] Alignment pins 318 (FIG. 3A) protrude from the rear face 304 of the housing 300. Each pin 318 is configured to be inserted into a hole 130 (FIG. 1B) located in the door 102 for alignment purposes.

[0037] Two tracks 320 are formed in opposing side walls 311 of housing 300. A post 407 of paddle 400 travels in each track 320 as paddle 400 is rotated. Post 407 interacts with track 320 to limit rotation of paddle 400 beyond a set point and help prevent paddle 400 from separating from housing 300. Each track 320 is an indentation formed in side wall 311. Track 320 is at least partially formed in shoulder 317 formed on the underside of rear face 304 of housing 300.

[0038] 4A-4G show the paddle 400 of the latch assembly 104. The paddle 400 includes a substantially rectangular front surface 410 in the form of a wall. An opening 402 is formed in the surface 410 to accommodate the lock barrel 600. The opening 402 can be omitted if the lock barrel 600 is omitted. An end 412 of the front surface 410 farthest from the slot 404 is configured to be grasped by a user of the latch assembly 104. Opposing side walls 414 and 416 project downwardly from the front surface 410. The side wall 414 includes one of the two slots 404 and a rounded leg 420 extending downwardly from the wall 414 adjacent the slot 404. The rounded leg 420 is configured to rotate the rotor 500, as described below. One of two posts 407 extends inward from the bottom edge of the side wall 414 toward the side wall 416. Side wall 416 includes the other of the two slots 404. The other of the two posts 407 extends inward from the bottom edge of side wall 416 toward side wall 414. As described above, each post 407 is positioned within one of the tracks 320 of housing 300 in the assembled configuration of latch assembly 104.

[0039] 5A-5G show rotor 500 of latch assembly 104. Rotor 500 is a substantially circular body that can rotate relative to housing 300 against the bias of spring 800. Two crescent-shaped recesses 510a and 510b (individually or collectively referred to as recesses 510) are formed on the periphery of rotor 500. Each recess 510 is configured to releasably couple to one of posts 120 and 127 of pawls 112 and 114, respectively. Posts 120 and 127 can pivot within recess 510 during operation without becoming disengaged from recess 510.

[0040] Each recess 510 is formed by a C-clip having a discontinuous periphery. The discontinuous periphery forms an opening 511 through which a post 120 or 127 can be inserted into the C-clip (according to one method of mating the post with the rotor). As shown in FIG. 5B, an annular rib 513 protrudes around the periphery of each recess 510. The rib 513 is positioned between the front and rear faces of the rotor 500. In the assembled configuration, the rib 513 is positioned within the recess 128c of each of the pawls 112 and 114.

[0041] Various prior art designs include posts on the rotor that couple to recesses in the pawls (i.e., the opposite of the post and recess arrangement in latch assembly 100). Locating posts 120 and 127 on pawls 112 and 114 and recesses 510 on rotor 500 for receiving posts 120 and 127 provides the ability to bias pawls 120 and 127 into engagement with rotor 500 during rapid deceleration or a crash. This arrangement also provides additional rigidity, allowing pawl 112 to rotate without pivoting.

[0042] The rotor 500 includes a bottom wall 512 having a stepped surface that, in the assembled configuration of the latch assembly 104, is oriented substantially parallel to the rearward-facing surface 304 of the housing 300. A substantially cylindrical inner wall 501 and a substantially cylindrical outer wall 503 project perpendicularly from the bottom wall 512.

[0043] An annular recess or groove 502 is formed in the forward-facing surface of rotor 500 between walls 501 and 503. Recess 502 is sized to receive the coil of spring 800. Recess 504 intersects annular recess 502 and faces tangentially thereto. Recess 504 is formed in the periphery of rotor 500, and shoulder 505 is formed where recess 504 intersects peripheral surface 507 of rotor 500. One of the free legs of spring 800 is positioned within recess 504 and seats on shoulder 505.

[0044] Two slots 506 are formed in the bottom of the inner wall 501 of the rotor 500. The slots 506 are positioned circumferentially opposite one another along the circumference of the inner wall 501. As described above, the barbs 316 of the housing 300 are configured to connect to the slots 506 such that the rotor 500 is rotatably mounted to the housing 300. The slots 506 extend into the bottom wall 512. In operation, the rotor 500 can rotate until the ends of the slots 506 contact the fixed barbs 316 of the housing 300. As described above, the housing 300 (and its barbs 316) are stationary, and the rotor 500 rotates relative to the stationary housing 300.

[0045] A hollow space 530 is formed by the inner wall 501 to receive the end of the lock barrel 600. A post 514 projects upward from the center of the bottom wall 512 in the same direction as the inner wall 501. A crescent-shaped opening 515 extends through the bottom wall 512. The post 604 of the lock barrel 600 is movably positioned within the crescent-shaped opening 515. The crescent-shaped opening 515 includes a crescent-shaped slot bounded by two opposing ends 515a and 515b. The central axis of the crescent-shaped opening 515 is substantially aligned with the rotational axis B of the rotor 500. The post 514 is configured to increase the rigidity of the rotor 500 at the interface between the post 604 and the opening 515.

[0046] A bearing surface 520 is formed on the peripheral surface 507 of the rotor 500. In operation, the legs 420 of the paddle 400 press against the bearing surface 520 to rotate the rotor 500 against the bias of the spring 800, as will be described below.

[0047] One or more of the housing 300, paddle 400, and rotor 500 may be made of plastic and formed in an injection molding process, or may be made of metal (such as aluminum) and formed, for example, in a casting process. Other acceptable materials and material forming processes are known to those skilled in the art.

[0048] 6A and 6B show the lock barrel 600 of the latch assembly 104. The lock barrel 600 is rotatably mounted to the housing 300 and is radially aligned with the opening 402 of the paddle 400. A shoulder 602 formed on the upper end of the lock barrel 600 seats on the forward-facing surface 302 of the housing 300. The outer body of the lock barrel 600 is rotationally fixed relative to the housing 300. The lock barrel 600 includes an internal cylinder 603 that can rotate relative to the housing 300 and the outer body of the lock barrel 600. A post 604 extends from the internal cylinder 603 and can rotate with the internal cylinder 603. The lock barrel 600 is solid except for a series of internal wafers 607 that are configured to extend and contract transversely relative to the cylinder 603.

[0049] A post 604 extends from the rear face of the lock barrel 600. The post 604 is rotatable about a central axis B of the lock barrel 600 when an appropriate key (not shown) is inserted into a keyway 605 in the internal cylinder 603 and turned within the internal cylinder 603 of the lock barrel 600, as is known in the art. A crescent-shaped recess 606 is formed at the rear end of the lock barrel 600 adjacent the post 604. In the assembled configuration, the post 514 of the rotor 500 is movably seated within the recess 606.

[0050] The internal lock cylinder 603 is configured to be moved between an unlocked state and a locked state using a key, as is known in the art. In the locked state of the lock barrel 600, the paddle 400 is prevented from rotating about axis A from the home state shown in FIG. 1A. When a key is inserted, the wafer 607 contracts and disengages from the housing 300, allowing the lock barrel 600 to rotate with the key. In the unlocked state, the paddle 400 can be rotated by a user to and from the home position shown in FIG. 1A. It can be seen that in the home position of the paddle 400 shown in FIG. 1A, the pawls 112 and 114 are engaged with their respective strikers. The lock barrel 600 can be locked or unlocked with the paddle 400 in its home state.

[0051] The lock barrel 600 may differ from that shown and described. As a non-limiting example, the lock barrel 600 may be electronically actuated. As another example, the lock barrel may be omitted entirely from the latch assembly 104. If the lock barrel 600 is omitted, the paddle 400 does not require the hole 402. The shape, location, and configuration of the post 604 may vary. The lock barrel 600 may be attached to the paddle 400 (or other component) in a variety of ways.

[0052] 7 shows a torsion spring 700 of the latch assembly 104. The torsion spring 700 is connected to the paddle 400 to hold the paddle 400 in the home position shown in FIG. 1A. In the home position of the paddle 400, the rearward-facing surface 405 (FIG. 4B) of the paddle 400 faces (and is parallel to) the front surface 302 (FIG. 3B) of the housing 300.

[0053] Torsion spring 700 includes a coil body 702 having two free ends 704 and 706. Free ends 704 and 706 extend in opposite directions along separate axes that are each oriented parallel to a central axis of coil body 702.

[0054] In the assembled configuration of latch assembly 104, coil body 702 is positioned within a recess 303 (FIG. 3B) formed in front face 302 of housing 300. End 704 of spring 700 is positioned within the opening in housing 300 or against the face of recess 303, and the other end 706 of spring 700 is positioned against rearward-facing face 405 of paddle 400.

[0055] 8 shows a torsion spring 800 of the latch assembly 104. The torsion spring 800 is connected to the rotor 500 to bias the rotor 500 to a rotational position corresponding to the closed state of the latch assembly 104 (i.e., the pawls 112 and 114 engage the striker).

[0056] Torsion spring 800 includes a coil body 802 having two free ends 804 and 806. Free ends 804 and 806 each extend in opposite directions along separate axes oriented parallel to central axis B of coil body 802. In the assembled configuration of latch assembly 104, coil body 802 of spring 800 is mounted within annular recess 502 formed in the front face of rotor 500 as described above.

[0057] Although not shown, a bumper made of a flexible material can be seated between the rear surface of paddle 400 and the top surface of housing 300 to reduce noise when the paddle is moved to the home position.

[0058] Referring to the assembly process of the latch assembly 104, the lock barrel 600 is mounted within the recess 301 of the housing 300 such that the outer barrel 300 is fixed to the housing 300 and the lock cylinder 603 (and post 604) can rotate relative to the housing 300.

[0059] The coil 802 of the spring 800 is mounted over the cylinder 312 of the housing 300. The free end 806 of the spring 800 is positioned within the slot 306 of the housing 300. The rotor 500 is then moved over the cylinder 312 of the housing 300. The free end 804 of the spring 800 is positioned within the recess 504 of the rotor 500. The rotor 500 is rotated, thereby winding the spring 800. The rotor 500 continues to move over the cylinder 312 and is rotated to a position where the barbs 316 of the housing 300 are held in the slots 506 of the rotor 500.

[0060] The coil body 702 of the spring 700 is positioned within a recess 303 (FIG. 3B) formed in the front face 302 of the housing. An end 704 of the spring 700 is positioned within an opening in the housing 300 or against the face of the recess 303. The paddle 400 is attached to the housing 300 by positioning the ribs 310 within respective slots 404 of the paddle 400. The other end 706 of the spring 700 is positioned against the rearward-facing face 404 of the paddle 400. The point where the end 706 of the spring 700 contacts the paddle 400 is rearward of the axis A so as to bias the paddle 400 toward the home position.

[0061] It should be appreciated that a separate elastomeric element can be installed prior to assembly of the paddle to act as a bumper between the housing and the underside of the paddle, which helps to reduce noise when the paddle is released.

[0062] Alternatively, the lock barrel 600 can be installed last, after the entire assembly has been installed and attached to the door system. Applications can include lock barrels that are installed near the end of a vehicle production line. This does not preclude the lock from being installed earlier and supplied as a completed unit, although in such cases the lock is unlikely to be installed until the paddle is installed.

[0063] It should further be seen that a passage is formed in the housing (near 309) that provides access to the lock cylinder's retaining wafer. In this manner, when the paddle is opened to a full rotation, a tool has access to the lock cylinder's retaining wafer, allowing removal and maintenance of the lock cylinder.

[0064] The latch assembly 104 is now assembled and ready to be assembled to the door 102 to form the door assembly 100.

[0065] When assembling the door assembly 100, the latch assembly 104 (assembled) is moved toward the opening 113 of the door 102 until the clip 307 of the housing 300 snaps, clips, or engages with the slot 122 (FIG. 1B). The rear face 304 of the housing 300 is then abutted against the front face of the door 102, and the pin 318 of the housing 300 is positioned within the hole 130 (FIG. 1B) of the door 102. The fastener 109 is moved from the rear side of the door 102 through the door hole 117 and into the hole 309 in the rear face 304 of the housing 300. The fastener 109 is threadedly fastened to the hole 309 of the housing 300, thereby securing the latch assembly 104 to the door 102.

[0066] Assembly of the latch assembly 104 to the door 102 is accomplished by the snap engagement described above (via parts 307 and 122) with only a single fastener 109 engaged from the rear of the door 102. This attachment method simplifies the assembly process while also allowing for precision in assembly.

[0067] Post 120 of pawl 112 is mounted within recess 510a of rotor 500. End 114a of pawl 114 is positioned through an opening in clip 121 (FIG. 1B). Post 127 of pawl 114 is then mounted within recess 510b of rotor 500.

[0068] As can be seen in Figures 14A and 14B, posts 120 and 127 can be inserted into their respective recesses 510 from two different, mutually perpendicular directions. In particular, as shown in Figure 14A, posts 120 and 127 can be inserted into their respective recesses 510 in a front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 14B, posts 120 and 127 can be inserted into their respective recesses 510 in a right-to-left direction through openings 511. The interlocking orientation of posts 120 and 127 within their respective recesses 510 prevents posts 120 and 127 from accidentally separating from their respective recesses 510.

[0069] The guide section 123 of the pawl 114 rides on the free end of the projection 119 of the door 102 .

[0070] The door assembly 100 is now fully assembled and ready for operation. The above description of the assembly of the latch assembly 104 and door assembly 100 is not limited to any steps or order of steps that may vary from those described without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0071] 9A, 9B, 9C, and 12A, the lock barrel 600 is maintained in the locked position, preventing the paddle 400 from pivoting outward from the home position shown in the previous figures. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 9C, the paddle 400 is prevented from pivoting outward because the post 604 of the lock barrel 600 is positioned against the end 515a of the crescent-shaped opening 515 in the rotor 500. If the user attempts to rotate the paddle 400 while the assembly 104 remains in the locked position, the rounded leg 420 of the paddle 400 will press against the bearing surface 520 of the rotor 500, thereby forcing the rotor 500 to rotate counterclockwise (as viewed from the rear of the latch assembly in FIG. 9C). However, rotor 500 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by the engagement between locked post 604 and end 515a of crescent-shaped opening 515. Lock barrel 600 must be unlocked (thereby moving post 604) before paddle 400 can be rotated to the open position.

[0072] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 12A, a user inserts a key into the keyway 605 of the lock barrel 600 and rotates the lock cylinder 603 (arrow in FIG. 10C), thereby reversing the lock barrel 600 from a locked state to an unlocked state, as is known in the art. Compare the orientation of the keyway 605 in FIGS. 9A and 10A. As can be seen in FIG. 10C, unlocking the lock cylinder 603 causes the post 604 of the lock barrel 600 to move away from the end 515a of the opening 515 in the rotor 500 and become centered (substantially centered) within the opening 515. At this stage, the latch assembly 104 is still in the closed position, but the post 604 no longer abuts the end 515a of the opening 515 in the rotor 500, allowing the rotor 500 to rotate counterclockwise. With the latch assembly 104 in the closed position, the door assembly 100 cannot be moved relative to the opening in the vehicle in which it is installed without rotating the paddle 400, as described below.

[0073] 11A, 11B, 11C, and 12B, to move the latch assembly 104 to the open position, the user rotates the paddle 400 outward (arrow in FIG. 12B) about axis A against the bias of spring 700. As the paddle 400 is rotated outward, the slots 404 slide over respective ribs 310 of the housing 300. As shown in FIG. 11B, the paddle 400 rotates relative to the lock barrel 600. At the same time, the rounded legs 420 of the paddle 400 press against the bearing surfaces 520 of the rotor 500, thereby rotating the rotor 500 counterclockwise (as viewed from the rear of the latch assembly in FIG. 11C). The rotor 500 is free to rotate counterclockwise against the bias of spring 800 because the post 604 is spaced from the end 515a of the opening 515 in the rotor 500.

[0074] As rotor 500 rotates, slots 506 in rotor 500 ride over prongs 314 in housing 300. Also, as rotor 500 rotates, pawls 112 and 114 move inward toward housing 300 (compare distances D1 and D2 in Figures 10B and 11B). As pawl 114 moves inward, prong 125 (Figure 13D) slides along the side of protrusion 119. Posts 120 and 127 can rotate relative to their respective recesses 510 in rotor 500.

[0075] Rotation of paddle 400 and rotor 500 to the open position is stopped when (i) prongs 314 press against the ends of their respective slots 506, (ii) ribs 310 press against the ends of their respective slots 404, and / or (iii) posts 407 of paddle 400 contact shoulders 317 of housing 300. At this point, legs 420 of paddle 400 remain in contact with bearing surfaces 520 of rotor 500, preventing disengagement from rotor 500. With latch assembly 104 in the open position, door assembly 100 can move relative to the opening in the vehicle to which it is attached.

[0076] When the user releases paddle 400, spring 700 returns paddle 400 to the home position shown in Figure 12A. Simultaneously, spring 800 rotates rotor 500 clockwise back to the starting position shown in Figure 10C. Spring 800 also returns the paddle to the home position through engagement of legs 420 with bearing surfaces 520. As rotor 500 rotates clockwise, pawls 112 and 114 move outward, away from housing 300, so that ends 112a and 114a of pawls 112 and 114, respectively, can engage a striker (not shown) on the opening of the vehicle to which door assembly 100 is attached.

[0077] The user then closes the door assembly 100, thereby concealing the vehicle opening and causing ends 112a and 114a of pawls 112 and 114, respectively, to engage strikers (not shown) in the vehicle opening.

[0078] The lock barrel 600 is still in an unlocked state at this stage. A user can insert a key (if not already inserted) into the keyway 605 of the lock barrel 600 and rotate the lock cylinder 603, thereby reversing the lock barrel 600 from an unlocked state to a locked state, as is known in the art. Locking the lock cylinder 603 moves the post 604 of the lock barrel 600 toward and presses against the end 515a of the opening 515 in the rotor 500, thereby preventing the rotor 500 from rotating counterclockwise and opening the latch assembly 104. With the latch assembly 104 in the locked state, the pawl, paddle, and rotor are all locked in place and prevented from rotating. This feature improves crash safety and performance and can reduce BSR (bump, squeak, rattle).

[0079] 13A-13D, when the door assembly 100 moves, either during normal use or, for example, due to an accident, the guide section 123 of the pawl 114 limits unintentional deflection of the pawl 114 relative to the door 102. In particular, the prong 125 of the guide section 123 clamps against the side of the free end 131 of the projection 119, as shown in FIG. 13D, limiting or preventing deflection of the pawl 114 along axis F (FIG. 13D). The prong 126 of the guide section 123 is a hard stop that interacts with a recess 133 formed in the free end 131 of the projection 119 to limit or prevent downward deflection of the pawl 114 along axis G (FIG. 13C). The prongs 125 and 126 are flexible to accommodate some deflection. The prongs 125 and 126 are configured to help reduce vibration and noise in the pawl 114 by limiting movement and deflection of the pawl 114 under vibration.

[0080] It should be understood that the above description of the operation of the latch assembly 104 and door assembly 100 is not limited to any particular order of steps, which may vary from that shown and described without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0081] Second embodiment A second embodiment of a door assembly 900 incorporating aspects of the present invention is shown in Figures 15A-24B. Door assembly 900 is structurally and functionally similar to door assembly 100 of Figures 1A-1C, and only the differences between these door assemblies are described below. The pawl of door assembly 900 and the protrusion on door 902 for supporting the pawl are not shown.

[0082] The latch assembly 904 of the door assembly 900 is attached to the door 902 to releasably hold the door 902 in a closed position. Figure 16 is an exploded view of the latch assembly 904 of the door assembly 900. The main components of the latch assembly 904 are a base housing 910, a user-operated paddle 912, a rotor 914, torsion springs 916 and 918, a lock barrel 920, and optionally two pawls (not shown).

[0083] The base housing 910 shown in Figures 17A-17G is similar to housing 300, and only the major differences between these housings are described below. One alignment pin 930 protrudes from the rear surface 932 of the housing 910. The pin 930 is aligned with the centerline of the housing 910. The pin 930 is configured to be inserted into a hole 934 (Figure 15B) located in the door 902 for alignment.

[0084] Two prongs 936 also protrude from the rear surface 932 of the housing 910 at the same end of the rear surface 932 as the pin 930. The prongs 936 are positioned at opposite corners of the rear surface 932. Each prong 936 includes a barb at its free end and is configured to snap into a recess 938 ( FIG. 15B ) located in the door 902 for retention prior to attaching the base housing 910 to the door 902 using fasteners 993 (not shown in this view, but shown in FIG. 25B ). The fasteners are guided through holes 940 in the door 902 and threaded into holes 942 in the housing 910 to secure the base housing 910 (and the entire latch assembly 904) to the door 902.

[0085] It will be appreciated that with proper design and control, fasteners can be eliminated from the assembly and the unit can be held to the door using only the prongs.

[0086] A clip 944 in the form of a flexible tab or prong is formed on one side of the housing 902 and extends outward from said side of the housing 902. A rib 946 extends outward along the centerline of the clip 944. The clip 944 is configured to be inserted into a recess 948 formed in a side of a rectangular recessed area 949 of the door 902. The upper end of the recess 948 includes a groove 950 for receiving the rib 946 of the clip 944. The engagement between the rib 946 and the groove 950 is used as a location feature during assembly of the latch assembly 904 to the door 902.

[0087] A pin 954 protrudes from opposing side walls 958 and 959 of the housing 910. The pin 954 is sized to be received within a blind channel 955 ( FIG. 18B ) formed in the paddle 912. A through hole 956 is formed through the side walls 958 and 959 of the housing 910 for receiving a pin 960. As shown in FIG. 16 , the pin 960 has an annular relief (or cutout) 962 formed in a central region thereof. In the assembled configuration of the latch assembly 904, a protrusion 964 extending from the inner surface of the housing 910 seats within the relief 962 of the pin 960. The engagement between the protrusion 964 of the housing 910 and the relief 962 of the pin 960 retains the pin 960 within the through hole 956 of the housing 910. A pin 960 is positioned through the center of the coil of spring 916 to bias paddle 912 to the home position.

[0088] The pin 960 can also be retained by other methods not described in this application.

[0089] A bore 970 for receiving the lock barrel 920 is formed through the housing 910. Two inwardly extending angled protrusions 972 are positioned at diametrically opposed positions along the inner circumference of the bore 970. The protrusions 972 are configured to engage a surface of the lock barrel 920 to secure the lock barrel 920 within the bore 970 while allowing the lock barrel 920 to rotate within the bore 970.

[0090] The use of two inwardly extending protrusions 972 can be varied in both number and style as needed to accommodate the specifics of the lock cylinder design.

[0091] 18A-18G is similar to paddle 400, and only the primary differences between these paddles are described below. Paddle 912 includes opposing side walls 973 and 974. An arcuate, dead-end groove 955 is formed in each side wall 973 and 974, with each groove 955 sized to receive one of the pins 954 of housing 910. Another arcuate groove 976 is formed in each side wall 973 and 974, with each groove 976 sized to receive one end of pin 960.

[0092] When assembling paddle 912 to housing 910, pin 954 is inserted into groove 955 until hole 956 in housing 910 aligns with arcuate groove 976. Pin 960 is then inserted through groove 976 and hole 956 until relief 962 on pin 960 engages protrusion 964 on housing 910, thereby securing paddle 912 to housing 910.

[0093] 22A-22C, 24A, and 24B, paddle 912 is pivotable about housing 910 between a closed position (FIG. 22A) and an open position (FIG. 22B). As paddle 912 is pivoted from the closed to the open position, groove 976 slides over pin 960 and groove 955 slides over pin 954. The arc made by the pivot is defined by two separate pins (one on each side of paddle 912) that ride in arcs about the same center. The arcs of grooves 955 and 976 are concentric.

[0094] In the open position of the paddle 912, the pin 960 presses against the end of the groove 976, and the wall 977 (FIG. 18B) of the paddle 912 presses against the outer wall 979 (FIG. 17B) of the housing 910 at location 981, thereby preventing the paddle 912 from rotating further beyond the open position shown. In other words, in the open position of the paddle 912, further rotation of the paddle 912 is prevented by features on both ends of the housing 910.

[0095] A bumper 983 formed from a soft material such as rubber or plastic is positioned within an opening formed in the housing 910. The bumper 983 is also positioned to contact the underside of the paddle 912 when the paddle 912 is in the closed position. The bumper 983 reduces noise generated between the housing 910 and the paddle 912 when the paddle 912 is returned to the closed position as shown in Figures 23A and 23C.

[0096] The housing and bumper form directional grooves or passages that provide access to the lock retaining wafers as described above.

[0097] 19A-19E is similar to rotor 500, and only the major differences between these rotors will be described below. Rotor 914 includes a body 980 having a circular bottom wall 982. Two arcuate cutouts 984 surround the periphery of wall 982 at diametrically opposed locations. Each cutout 984 includes an enlarged opening 985 for receiving one of the barbs 986 of housing 910. When assembling rotor 914 to housing 910, barbs 986 are first positioned through their respective enlarged openings 985 of rotor 914, and rotor 914 is rotated to space barbs 986 from their respective openings 985. Barbs 986 retain rotor 914 to housing 910.

[0098] The barbs 986 and corresponding cutouts 985 can be sized to control installation orientation. In other words, one barb and one corresponding cutout can be sized larger than the other pair to prevent installation in the incorrect orientation. Also, the number of barbs required for installation can be varied.

[0099] An annular wall 987 extends from the bottom surface of bottom wall 982, and an interior space 987a is formed within annular wall 987 in which the distal end of lock barrel 920 is positioned. A linear rib 988 is disposed on the underside of wall 982 and within interior space 987a for interacting with a post 990 of lock barrel 920, as described below. An annular groove 987b surrounds wall 987 and is sized to receive spring 918.

[0100] 20A and 20B is similar to lock barrel 600, and only the primary differences between these lock barrels are described below. Lock barrel 920 includes a post 990 (similar to post 604) that extends from and is rotatable with an inner cylinder 994. Post 990 has a rectangular cross section with a relief disposed therein.

[0101] 21A-21C, in the unlocked-closed state of the latch assembly 904 shown in FIG. 21A, the post 990 of the lock barrel 920 is spaced apart from the rib 988 of the rotor 914. Thus, the paddle 912 and rotor 914 are free to rotate toward the open position. In the open-unlocked state of the latch assembly 904 shown in FIG. 21B, the paddle 912 has rotated toward the open position, and the rotor 914 is rotated by the paddle 912. In the open position, the post 990 of the lock barrel 920 remains spaced apart (circumferentially) from the rib 988 of the rotor 914. In the closed and locked state of the latch assembly 904 shown in FIG. 21C, the post 990 of the lock barrel 920 is rotated (i.e., by turning the key in the lock barrel 920) such that the post 990 presses against the rib 988 of the rotor 914, thereby preventing counterclockwise rotation of the rotor 914 (as shown in FIG. 21C) and preventing rotation of the paddle 912 to the open position.

[0102] Third embodiment A third embodiment of a door assembly 1000 incorporating aspects of the present invention is shown in Figures 25A-31F. Door assembly 1000 is structurally and functionally similar to door assembly 900 of Figures 15A-24B, and only the differences between these door assemblies will be described below.

[0103] The non-locking latch assembly 1004 of the door assembly 1000 is attached to the door 1002 to releasably hold the door 1002 in a closed position. The latch assembly 1004 of the door assembly 1000 is attached to the door 1002 similar to the latch assembly 904.

[0104] The procedure for assembling the latch assembly 1004 to the door 1002 begins in Figure 25C with the latch assembly 1004 being moved toward the door 1102. In Figure 25D, the latch assembly 1004 is toed and angled to mate with the door 1002, with the clip 944 of the latch positioned within the recess 948 of the door 1002 as described above. In Figure 25A, the latch assembly 1004 is threaded into the recess in the door 1002 until the clips on the latch assembly 1004 connect within their respective openings in the door 1002. In Figure 25B, the fasteners 993 are attached to the door 1002 and the latch assembly 1004.

[0105] 26A-26E show a latch assembly 1004 and two pawls 1006 and 1008 attached to the latch assembly 1004. The pawls 1006 and 1008 operate in substantially the same manner as the pawls of the latch assembly 104.

[0106] 27-28B show a non-locking latch assembly 1004 for door assembly 1000. The main components of latch assembly 1004 are a base housing 1010, a user-operated paddle 1012, a rotor 1014, torsion springs 916 and 918, and optionally two pawls 1006 and 1008 (not shown in this view). Common features between latch assembly 1004 and latch assembly 904 will not be described here.

[0107] Paddle 1012 shown in Figures 29A-29F is substantially similar to paddle 912, except that paddle 1012 includes a square opening 1015 in its side. Opening 1015 is used for the deadbolt of the locking version of latch assembly 1100 shown in the fourth embodiment of Figures 32-38. Although not shown, opening 1015 in paddle 1012 can be replaced with a dead-end pocket, ledge, or bearing surface against which the deadbolt can press without departing from the scope of the present invention. The third embodiment is non-locking, and opening 1015 plays no particular role for non-locking embodiments.

[0108] The base housing 1010 shown in FIGS. 30A-30F is substantially similar to the housing 910, except that the housing 1010 includes a square opening 1016 in its side. The square opening 1016 is used for the deadbolt of the locking version latch assembly 1100 shown in the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 32-38. Additionally, the opening 1018 in the housing 1010 is sized to accept only the other style of lock barrel of the locking version latch assembly. Two outwardly protruding ramps 1020 and 1022 are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the housing 1010. The radius of curvature of the ramps 1022 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the ramps 1020. Each ramp 1020 and 1022 is configured to interact with a surface or indentation formed on the inner surface of the paddle 1012 to help guide the rotation of the paddle 1012 around the base housing 1010. As can be seen in FIG. 34C, a slot 1011 is formed in the bottom wall of the housing 1010 for retaining a spring tab as described with reference to the locking version of the latch assembly 1100 shown in the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 32-38.

[0109] Rotor 1014 shown in Figures 31A-31F is similar to rotor 914, except that rotor 1014 does not include internal ribs (similar to 988) configured to interact with a lock.

[0110] In operation, starting with the closed position of the latch assembly 1004 shown in FIG. 25A, the user rotates the paddle 1012 outward against the bias of the spring 916 to the extended position shown in FIG. 25D. The paddle 1012 operates in the same manner as described with respect to the second embodiment. As the paddle 1012 is rotated outward, the rounded legs 1020 of the paddle 1012 press against the bearing surfaces 1022 of the rotor 1014, thereby rotating the rotor 1014 counterclockwise (as viewed from the rear of the latch assembly in FIG. 25B) against the bias of the spring 918. As the rotor 1012 rotates, the slots 1024 of the rotor 1014 ride over the prongs 1026 of the housing 1010. Additionally, as the rotor 1014 rotates, the pawls 1006 and 1008 move inward toward the housing 1010, moving away from their respective strikers on the vehicle dashboard. With the latch assembly 1004 in the open position, the door assembly 1000 can move relative to the opening in the vehicle in which the door assembly 1000 is mounted.

[0111] When the user releases the paddle 1012, the spring 916 returns the paddle 1012 to the home position shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B . The spring 918 also returns the paddle 1012 to the home position through bearing engagement between the leg 1020 and the bearing surface 1022 of the rotor 1014. The paddle 1012 rides on the bumper 983 to prevent BSR as described above. As the rotor 1014 rotates clockwise, the pawls 1006 and 1008 move outward, away from the housing 1010, so that the free ends of the pawls 1006 and 1008, respectively, can engage strikers (not shown) of the vehicle opening to which the door assembly 1000 is attached. The user closes the door assembly 1000, thereby concealing the vehicle opening, and engages the free ends of the pawls 1006 and 1008, respectively, with the strikers (not shown) of the vehicle opening.

[0112] Fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment of a locking latch assembly 1100 incorporating aspects of the present invention is shown in Figures 32-38. The locking latch assembly 1100 can be used with the door 1002 of Figure 25A. The latch assembly 1100 is structurally and functionally similar to the non-locking latch assembly 1004 of Figures 25A-31F, except that the latch assembly 1100 is configured to lock the door 1002 in the closed position.

[0113] The locking latch assembly 1100 generally includes all of the components of the latch assembly 1004, and further includes an electronic lock 1102 for selectively locking and unlocking the latch assembly 1100, and a deadbolt 1104 that is moved by the lock 1102 between locked and unlocked positions against the bias of a spring tab 1106.

[0114] The electronic lock 1102 includes a motor housing 1110 that houses an electric motor having an output shaft 1111. A gear 1112 having a predetermined number of teeth is non-rotatably connected to the motor's output shaft 1111 in a keyed manner so that the gear 1112 rotates with the output shaft 1111. The motor housing 1110 is secured to a hole 1018 in the housing 1010 by a spring tab 1019 formed inside the housing 1010. Although not shown, the electronic lock 1102 includes electrical wires for connection to a vehicle power source (e.g., the vehicle battery). The rotor 1014 has a central opening 1025 through which the wires can pass. The electronic lock 1102 or a receiving unit connected thereto is configured to receive commands wirelessly (e.g., via short-range radio transmission, Bluetooth, RFID, etc.) from a key fob (for example) having a transmitter, although the lock 1102 can also receive commands via a wired connection within the vehicle. The lock 1102 can also be electrically controlled using a simple switch. The lock 1102 is not visible from the exterior of the door assembly.

[0115] Lock 1102 may be more broadly referred to as an "actuator," as it may be a manually activated button or lock cylinder.

[0116] The motor of the lock 1102 has a large gear ratio (e.g., 100:1) so that the system cannot be backdriven. In particular, the large gear ratio prevents the deadbolt 1104 from being manually pushed back into the housing 1010 to unlock the latch assembly 1100 by hand or in an unauthorized manner.

[0117] The deadbolt 1104 shown in Figures 37A-37F is an elongated body having at least a partially square or rectangular cross-section. Specifically, the deadbolt 1104 includes an axially extending first end 1113 having triangular teeth 1116 on the side facing the gear 1112. As can be seen in Figure 34A, the teeth 1116 are configured to mesh with the gear 1112 of the lock 1102. An axially extending second end 1118 is parallel to and spaced apart from the first end 1113. A shoulder 1115 extends transversely between the ends 1113 and 1118. Two parallel prongs 1117 extend transversely from the shoulder 1115 at the intersection of the shoulder 1115 and the first end 1113.

[0118] The second end 1118 of the deadbolt 1104 is configured to retain the latch assembly 1100 in the locked configuration when the deadbolt 1104 is moved to the extended, locked position shown in Figures 34A and 34B. Specifically, in the locked state of the deadbolt 1104, the second end 1118 is positioned at least partially through both the aperture 1016 in the housing 1010 and the aperture 1015 in the paddle 1012. Thus, the second end 1118 of the deadbolt 1104, the aperture 1016 in the housing 1010, and the aperture 1015 in the paddle 1012 are all axially aligned.

[0119] It has been found that engaging the deadbolt 1104 with the paddle 1102 at the forward-most edge 1123 of the housing 1010 (i.e., the edge of the housing 1010 opposite the axis of rotation defined at least in part by the pin 960) (FIG. 30F) increases the ultimate locking load compared to traditional locks that act closer to the paddle's pivot point. In other words, the locking strength of the latch assembly 1100 is greater than the locking strength of traditional paddle locks that have a deadbolt that engages the paddle near the paddle's pivot point.

[0120] The spring tab 1106 shown in FIG. 38 is constructed of a thin, flexible, and resilient material, such as metal or plastic. The spring tab 1106 has a first end 1120 that is fixedly attached to a slot 1011 formed in the housing 1010, and a second end 1121 opposite the first end 1120. The second end 1121 is folded over to form a gap between the folds. As can be seen in FIG. 33E, in the assembled configuration, the second end 1121 of the spring tab 1106 is attached to a prong 1117 of the deadbolt 1104. The spring tab 1106 is configured to bias the movable deadbolt 1104 relative to the stationary housing 1010. Specifically, the spring tab 1106 is biased to center the deadbolt 1104 between the locked and unlocked positions shown in FIGS. 34B and 35B, respectively. The spring tab 1106 need not be a separate component but can be co-molded and integral with the housing 1010 or deadbolt 1104. The spring can also take other forms such as a spiral spring or a torsion spring.

[0121] 33A-33E show the sequential process of assembling the lock 1102, deadbolt 1104, spring tab 1106 and bumper 983 into the latch assembly 1100. FIG.

[0122] In operation, starting from the closed and locked position of the latch assembly 1100 shown in Figures 34A and 34B, the second end 1118 of the deadbolt 1104 is positioned through the hole 1016 in the housing 1010 and at least partially through the hole 1015 in the paddle 1012, thereby preventing the user from rotating the paddle 1012 relative to the housing 1010.

[0123] The user then sends a signal to the lock 1102, which causes the motor in the lock 1102 to rotate the gear 1112 clockwise (as viewed in FIG. 34A ) and translate the deadbolt 1104 out of the hole 1015 in the paddle 1012 against the bias of the spring tab 1106, as shown in FIG. 35A . Once the deadbolt 1104 is clear of the hole 1015 in the paddle 1012, the latch assembly 1100 remains in the unlocked position. The user can then rotate the paddle 1012 to open the door 1002, as described with respect to the third embodiment.

[0124] To lock the door 1002, the user sends a signal to the lock 1102, which causes the motor in the lock 1102 to rotate the gear 1112 counterclockwise (FIG. 34A), translating the deadbolt 1104 into the hole 1015 in the paddle 1012 against the bias of the spring tab 1106, as shown in FIG. 34B. Once the deadbolt 1104 is positioned within the hole 1015 in the paddle 1012, the latch assembly 1100 is maintained in the locked position.

[0125] It should be appreciated that the lock 1102 and deadbolt 1104 are separated from the pawls 1006 and 1008 and rotor 1014 so that the pawls 1006 and 1008 can translate even when the paddle 1012 is locked by the deadbolt 1104. Thus, the door 1002 can be moved to the closed position even when the latch assembly 1100 is locked. This feature prevents damage to the latch assembly 1100 if the door 1002 is closed when the latch assembly 1100 is locked. It should also be appreciated that the deadbolt 1104 has a limited number of teeth (e.g., one) such that the tooth 1116 does not mesh with the gear 1112 once the deadbolt 1104 reaches the locked or unlocked position. Instead, the gear 1112 can continue to rotate without damaging the gear 1112 or the deadbolt 1104. However, once gear 1112 stops rotating, spring tab 1106 pulls deadbolt 1104 toward the center of gear 1112, causing teeth 1116 to engage with teeth on gear 1112. Thus, when the drive direction of gear 1112 is reversed, deadbolt 1104 and gear 1112 engage to allow deadbolt 1104 to move in the opposite direction.

[0126] The bias of the spring tab 1106 also serves as protection against gear wear or motor stalling. The teeth 1116 of the deadbolt 1104 can disengage from the motor gear 1112, preventing overload at the end of the stroke of the deadbolt 1104. The spring tab 1106 ensures that the teeth 1116 and gear 1112 re-engage for reverse actuation when necessary.

[0127] Fifth embodiment Figures 45A-46D show a fifth exemplary embodiment of a locking latch assembly 1800 for use in a door assembly, such as the door assembly of Figures 25A-25D (or the like). The locking latch assembly 1800 is substantially similar to the latch assembly 1100 of Figure 32, and only the major differences therebetween will be described below. The same reference numerals will be used for common components of these latch assemblies.

[0128] Paddle 1808 of latch assembly 1800 includes an opening 1809 through which a lock barrel (not shown) is positioned to lock or unlock latch assembly 1800. Further details regarding the lock barrel are described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0129] Figures 47-52 show a typical sequence for assembling the torsion spring 1806, rotor 1804, and base housing 1802 of the latch assembly 1800 of Figure 45A. Beginning with Figures 47 and 48, the spring 1806 is attached to the rotor 1804 by positioning the coil portion of the spring 1806 in an annular recess 1810 formed in one side of the rotor 1804. One free end 1811 of the spring 1806 is positioned in a first spring mounting recess 1812 that extends tangentially from the annular recess 1810. Looking to Figure 49, the other free end 1813 of the spring 1806 is wrapped around the rotor 1804, thereby clamping the coil portion of the spring 1806, and is inserted into a second spring mounting recess 1814 formed in the side of the rotor 1804. The rotor 1804 and spring 1806 thus form an assembly.

[0130] 50 and 51, the rotor 1804 and spring 1806 assembly is attached to the underside of the base housing 1802 by positioning the barbs 1816 of the housing 1802 into respective slots 1818 formed in the rotor 1804, similar to the barb-to-slot connection of FIG. 11C. Referring to FIG. 52, the rotor 1804 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow until one of the barbs 1816 of the housing 1802 fits over a protruding surface 1820 formed on the rotor 1804. The rotor 1804 and spring 1806 assembly is then rotatably connected to the housing 1802. The free end 1813 of the spring 1806 is positioned against a stop 1822 formed on the exterior surface of the housing 1802. The spring 1806 biases the rotor 1804 to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in FIG. 52.

[0131] 53-54B, the base housing 1802 of the locking latch assembly 1800 includes rotation limiters 1840 extending from an axial side thereof. Each rotation limiter 1840 is a surface configured to engage a respective surface 1842 formed on the paddle 1808 to limit rotation of the paddle 1808 beyond the open position shown in FIG. 54B. The paddle surfaces 1842 are heel-shaped, obstructing a view of the interior of the hollow paddle 1808. It should be appreciated that other components of the locking latch assembly 1800 may also cooperate with the rotation limiters 1840 to prevent rotation of the paddle 1808 beyond the open position shown in FIG. 54B.

[0132] Sixth embodiment Figure 55 is a bottom view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a locking latch assembly 1900 for use with the door assembly of Figures 25A-25D, and Figures 56A and 56B show a pawl 1908 attached to the latch assembly 1900. The latch assembly 1900 is substantially identical to the latch assembly 1800 of Figure 45A, and only the major differences therebetween are described below.

[0133] Rotor 1902 of latch assembly 1900 includes four crescent-shaped recesses 1904a-1904d (individually or collectively referred to as recesses 1904) formed on the periphery of rotor 1900. Recesses 1904a-1904d are evenly spaced approximately 90 degrees apart around the periphery of rotor 1902. Each recess 1904 is configured to be removably coupled to one of posts 120 and 127 of pawls 112 and 114, respectively, as described in connection with FIG. 5B.

[0134] Recesses 1904a and 1904b are found in rotor 1804 of latch assembly 1800, but unlike rotor 1804, rotor 1902 can be seen to include two additional recesses 1904c and 1904d. Recesses 1904c and 1904d are provided as an alternative to using recesses 1904a and 1904b. In particular, if it is desired to utilize locking latch assembly 1900 in a "side-pull" arrangement (FIG. 1A), two pawls are connected to recesses 1904a and 1904b. Alternatively, if it is desired to utilize locking latch assembly 1900 in a "vertical lift" arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 56A and 56B), two pawls 1908 are connected to recesses 1904c and 1904d. 56A and 56B, the pawls are attached in these figures to recesses 1904c and 1904d (only), and the pawls rotate rotor 1902.

[0135] It should be appreciated that the number of recesses 1904 and the spacing therebetween can be varied. For example, rotor 1902 can include only two recesses 1904, and the orientation of the pawls can be changed to switch between a vertical lift and a side-pull arrangement.

[0136] It should be appreciated that any of the latch assemblies shown in this application may be employed in either a side-pull or vertical-lift configuration.

[0137] Another array of actuators Figures 39-44 show alternative arrangements of actuators for moving a deadbolt or deadbolt-like member.

[0138] FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of another arrangement for locking the paddle 1012 of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32 , this arrangement including a motor-driven clock spring 1200. The clock spring 1200 is wound and unwound by the motor's shaft 1202. When the clock spring 1200 is unwound, the end 1204 is positioned through the opening 1016 in the housing 1010 and at least partially through the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012, thereby locking the paddle 1012 in a fixed position. Rotating the motor's 1012's shaft 1202 in the opposite direction retracts the end 1204 of the paddle 1012 from the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012, thereby releasing and unlocking the paddle 1012. The locked position of the paddle 1012 is shown.

[0139] FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram of another arrangement for locking the paddle 1012 of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32 , the arrangement including a motor-driven eccentric member 1302. The eccentric member 1302 is rotated by the shaft 1202 of a motor 1304 to which the member is non-rotatably mounted. When locking the paddle 1012 in a fixed position, the eccentric member 1302 is rotated so that the eccentric portion 1306 having a larger diameter is positioned through the opening 1016 in the housing 1010 and at least partially through the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012, thereby preventing the paddle 1012 from moving relative to the housing 1010. When unlocking the paddle 1012, the eccentric member 1302 is rotated so that the eccentric portion 1306 having a larger diameter is positioned away from the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012, thereby allowing the paddle 1012 to move relative to the housing 1010.

[0140] Figure 41 shows an alternative motor driven eccentric for the arrangement of Figure 40 with a motor driven crescent cam 1402. The crescent cam 1402 is driven by a gear 1404. The crescent cam 1402 replaces the eccentric 1302 shown in Figure 40, and the gear 1404 can be connected to the motor 1304 of Figure 40.

[0141] FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram of yet another arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32, the arrangement comprising a motor-driven rack and pinion. A gear 1502, powered by the output shaft of a motor (not shown), engages with teeth 1505 on an upper rack 1504 and teeth on a lower rack 1506. The lower rack 1506 is optional. When locking the paddle 1012 in a fixed position, the gear 1502 is rotated such that the upper rack 1504 moves through the opening 1016 in the housing 1010 and at least partially through the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012, preventing the paddle 1012 from moving relative to the housing 1010. When unlocking the paddle 1012, the gear 1502 is rotated in the opposite direction such that the upper rack 1504 moves out of the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012, thereby allowing the paddle 1012 to move relative to the housing 1010.

[0142] Figure 43 is a schematic diagram of yet another arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of Figure 32, this arrangement including a motor-driven and spring-loaded rack and pinion. A gear 1602, powered by the output shaft of a motor (not shown), engages with teeth 1605 on the underside of a rack 1604. The rack 1604 is biased to a center position by two springs 1608a and 1608b, which bias the rack 1604 in opposite directions. One end of each spring 1608a and 1608b is attached to the rack 1604, and the opposite end of each spring 1608a and 1608b is attached to a stationary fixed point. To lock the paddle 1012 in a fixed position, the gear 1602 is rotated such that the rack 1604 moves through the opening 1016 in the housing 1010 and at least partially through the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012 against the bias of the spring 1608a, thereby preventing the paddle 1012 from moving relative to the housing 1010. To unlock the paddle 1012, the gear 1602 is rotated in the opposite direction such that the rack 1604 moves out of the opening 1015 in the paddle 1012 against the bias of the spring 1608b, thereby allowing the paddle 1012 to move relative to the housing 1010. The lengths 1609 of the rack 1604 on either side of the teeth 1605 are toothless to prevent damage to the rack 1604.

[0143] FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of yet another arrangement for locking the paddle of the locking latch assembly of FIG. 32. The arrangement shown in FIG. 44 is substantially the same as the arrangement shown in FIG. 43, except that the arrangement shown in FIG. 44 is biased by flexible integral springs 1702a and 1702b. In particular, integral springs 1702a and 1702b extend from the top surface of rack 1701. The interaction between integral springs 1702a and 1702b and stationary posts 1704a and 1704b, respectively, centers rack 1701. In particular, when gear 1705 rotates rack 1701 toward the locked position, integral spring 1702b flexes against stationary post 1704b, and when gear 1705 is rotated in the opposite direction, integral spring 1702b returns to its initial configuration. Conversely, when gear 1705 rotates rack 1701 toward the unlocked position, integral spring 1702a deflects against stationary post 1704a, and when gear 1705 is rotated in the opposite direction, integral spring 1702a returns to its initial configuration.

[0144] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, modifications, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the latches described herein may be used in any compartment and are not limited to vehicle glove boxes. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present disclosure also includes the following aspects. [Aspect 1] 1. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing configured to be connected to a glove box of a vehicle; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position; a rotor rotatably connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing; at least one pawl coupled to the rotor and having an end configured to engage an opening in the vehicle into which the vehicle glove compartment is mounted; a lock barrel attached to the housing for locking and unlocking the vehicle glove box latch, wherein when the lock barrel is in a locked state, the at least one pawl cannot be removed from the opening of the vehicle, and when the lock barrel is in an unlocked state, the at least one pawl can be removed from the opening of the vehicle using the paddle to open the vehicle glove box; and Equipped with the lock barrel, the rotor, and the rotor mounting portion of the housing are concentrically aligned along one axis; Vehicle glove box latch. [Aspect 2] 2. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 1, wherein the lock barrel, the rotor, and the rotor mounting portion at least partially overlap along the axis. Aspect 3 2. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 1, wherein the rotor includes an opening for receiving a post of the lock barrel, the post being configured to move within the opening when the lock barrel is shifted between the locked state and the unlocked state. Aspect 4 A latch for a vehicle glove box as described in aspect 3, wherein the rotor is prevented from rotating in a direction corresponding to the deployed position of the paddle when the lock barrel is maintained in the locked state and the post of the lock barrel abuts the end surface of the opening. Aspect 5 4. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 3, wherein the rotor includes a post positioned at least partially within a recess formed in the lock barrel, the post of the lock barrel extending from the recess. Aspect 6 2. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 1, wherein the paddle is configured to rotate relative to the lock barrel. Aspect 7 7. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 6, wherein the paddle includes an opening that aligns with the lock barrel. Aspect 8 2. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 1, wherein the rotor mounting portion of the housing includes at least one prong that engages with a slot formed in the rotor. Aspect 9 9. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 8, wherein the length or arc length of the at least one prong is less than the length or arc length of the slot to allow rotation of the rotor around the prong. Aspect 10 A latch for a vehicle glove box as described in embodiment 1, wherein the paddle mounting portion of the housing includes a curved rib and a curved slot that are movably mounted to one of the curved ribs and curved slots of the paddle. Aspect 11 1. A method of assembling a vehicle glove box latch assembly for a vehicle glove box, the method comprising: mounting a first leg of a spring within a spring mounting portion of a housing of the vehicle glove box latch assembly; attaching a rotor to a rotor attachment portion of the housing; rotating the rotor relative to the housing; Positioning a second leg of the spring within a spring mounting recess formed in the rotor; A method comprising: Aspect 12 12. The method of embodiment 11, further comprising positioning the spring coil within an annular recess formed in the rotor. Aspect 13 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching at least one pawl to the rotor, the pawl configured to interact with a striker to maintain the vehicle glove box latch assembly in a closed state. Aspect 14 Aspect 12. The method of aspect 11, wherein the step of attaching the rotor to the rotor receiving portion of the housing includes attaching at least one prong of the housing to a slot formed in the rotor so that the rotor is rotatable on the housing. Aspect 15 12. The method of embodiment 11, further comprising attaching a user-operated paddle to the housing. Aspect 16 1. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing having a front surface facing away from the vehicle glove box, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and at least one side surface interconnecting the front surface and the rear surface; a retention feature on the housing extending laterally beyond the at least one side of the housing for attachment to an opening formed in the vehicle glove compartment; a fastener for attaching the rear surface of the housing to the vehicle glove compartment; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing such that the paddle is positioned in front of the front surface of the housing, the paddle configured to move from a home position to a deployed position to open the vehicle glove compartment; and A latch for a vehicle glove box. Aspect 17 17. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 16, wherein the fastener is configured to engage a hole in the vehicle glove box and a hole in the rear surface of the housing. Aspect 18 17. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 16, wherein the vehicle glove box latch is configured to be positioned at least partially within a recessed area of ​​the vehicle glove box. Aspect 19 A latch for a vehicle glove box as described in aspect 18, wherein the fastener is configured to engage with a hole in the vehicle glove box and a hole in the rear surface of the housing, the hole in the vehicle glove box is located in a rearward-facing wall of the recessed area, and the opening for the retention feature is located in a side of the recessed area. Aspect 20 17. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 16, wherein the retention feature is a clip. Aspect 21 A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position; a rotor rotatably connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing; at least one claw coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends, one of the opposing ends of the claw including an engagement portion configured to engage with an opening in the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted, and the other of the opposing ends of the claw including a post mounted in the opening in the rotor to secure the claw to the rotor; A latch for a vehicle glove box. Aspect 22 22. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 21, wherein the opening in the rotor is formed in a C-shaped clip having a discontinuous periphery. Aspect 23 22. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 21, wherein the post is pivotally mounted within the opening in the rotor. Aspect 24 22. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 21, wherein the post and the opening in the rotor are configured to allow the post to be inserted into the opening from two different directions that are mutually perpendicular. Aspect 25 A latch for a vehicle glove box as described in aspect 21, wherein the post includes a shaft extending from the pawl, a spherical portion at the free end of the shaft, and an annular groove formed between the shaft and the spherical portion. Aspect 26 26. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 25, further comprising a rib formed in the opening of the rotor configured to be inserted into the annular groove of the post. Aspect 27 A glove box for a vehicle, a door having an opening and a hole, the door configured to pivot relative to a vehicle dashboard between an open position and a closed position; a latch assembly housing having a front surface facing away from the door, a rear surface opposite the front surface, at least one side surface interconnecting the front and rear surfaces, and a retention feature on the housing extending laterally beyond the at least one side surface of the housing for attachment to the opening formed in the door; a fastener configured to pass through the hole in the door and attach to the rear surface of the latch assembly housing to attach the door to the latch assembly housing; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the latch assembly housing such that the paddle is positioned in front of the front surface of the latch assembly housing, the paddle configured to move from a home position to a deployed position to open the vehicle glove compartment; and A glove box for a vehicle. Aspect 28 28. A vehicle glove box as described in aspect 27, wherein the fastener is configured to engage with a hole in the rear surface of the housing. Aspect 29 28. The vehicle glove box of claim 27, wherein the vehicle glove box latch is configured to be positioned at least partially within a recessed area of ​​the door. Aspect 30 A glove box for a vehicle as described in embodiment 29, wherein the hole of the glove box for the vehicle is located on a rearward-facing wall of the recessed area, and the opening for the retention feature is located on a side of the recessed area. Aspect 31 28. The vehicle glove box of claim 27, wherein the retention feature is a clip. Aspect 32 A glove box for a vehicle comprising: a door; and the latch for a vehicle glove box according to embodiment 1 configured to be attached to the door. Aspect 33 1. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position; a deadbolt movable relative to the paddle between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position of the deadbolt, the deadbolt is positioned to prevent the paddle from moving from the home position toward the deployed position, and in the unlocked position of the deadbolt, the deadbolt is positioned to allow the paddle to move from the home position toward the deployed position; an actuator configured to engage the deadbolt and move the deadbolt between the locked and unlocked positions; A latch for a vehicle glove box. Aspect 34 Furthermore, a rotor coupled to the paddle such that rotation of the paddle rotates the rotor; at least one claw coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends, one of the opposing ends of the claw including an engagement portion configured to engage with an opening in the vehicle to which the glove compartment is mounted, and the other of the opposing ends of the claw attached to the rotor; 34. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 33, comprising: Aspect 35 35. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 34, wherein the rotor is separated from the deadbolt such that the rotor is rotatable when the deadbolt is in the locked position. Aspect 36 34. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 33, wherein the actuator is a lock including an electric motor having an output shaft and a gear non-rotatably coupled to the output shaft. Aspect 37 37. The latch for a vehicle glove box as described in aspect 36, further comprising at least one tooth formed on the deadbolt that meshes with the gear of the lock such that rotation of the gear translates the deadbolt between the locked and unlocked positions. Aspect 38 38. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 37, further comprising a spring for biasing the at least one tooth of the deadbolt into contact with the gear of the lock. Aspect 39 A latch for a vehicle glove box as described in aspect 33, wherein the paddle is rotatably coupled to the housing about a rotation axis defined adjacent one side of the housing, and in the locked position, the deadbolt is configured to engage the paddle at a location adjacent the opposite side of the housing. Aspect 40 1. A method of assembling a latch assembly, said method comprising: Positioning a spring coil on the rotor; Mounting a first leg of the spring into a first spring mounting recess formed in the rotor; moving a second leg of the spring relative to the rotor to position the second leg within a second spring mounting recess formed in the rotor; mounting the rotor in a rotor-receiving portion of a housing of the latch assembly; rotating the rotor relative to the housing to connect the rotor to the housing; A method comprising: Aspect 41 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising attaching at least one pawl to the rotor, the pawl configured to interact with a striker to maintain the latch assembly in a closed state. Aspect 42 A method as described in aspect 40, wherein the step of attaching the rotor to the rotor receiving portion of the housing includes attaching at least one prong of the housing into a slot formed in the rotor so that the rotor is rotatable on the housing. Aspect 43 41. The method of embodiment 40, further comprising attaching a user-operated paddle to the housing. Aspect 44 1. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position; a rotor pivotally connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing, the rotor including a pair of pawl receiving portions; two claws each having opposite ends, one of the opposite ends of each claw including an engagement portion configured to directly or indirectly engage with an opening in the vehicle to which the glove compartment is mounted, and the other of the opposite ends of each claw coupled to one of the claw receiving portions; Equipped with In one orientation of the pawl, the vehicle glove box latch is configured to operate in a vertical-lift configuration, and in another orientation of the pawl, the vehicle glove box latch is configured to operate in a side-pull configuration. Vehicle glove box latch.

Claims

1. 1. A method of assembling a vehicle glove box latch assembly for a vehicle glove box, the method comprising: mounting a first leg of a spring within a spring mounting portion of a housing of the vehicle glove box latch assembly; attaching a rotor to a rotor attachment portion of the housing; rotating the rotor relative to the housing; Positioning a second leg of the spring within a spring mounting recess formed in the rotor; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning the spring coils within an annular recess formed in the rotor.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching at least one pawl to the rotor, the pawl configured to interact with a striker to maintain the vehicle glove box latch assembly closed.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of mounting the rotor in the rotor-receiving portion of the housing includes mounting at least one prong of the housing in a slot formed in the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable on the housing.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising attaching a user-operated paddle to the housing.

6. 1. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing having a front surface facing away from the vehicle glove box, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and at least one side surface interconnecting the front surface and the rear surface; a retention feature on the housing extending laterally beyond the at least one side of the housing for attachment to an opening formed in the vehicle glove compartment; a fastener for attaching the rear surface of the housing to the vehicle glove compartment; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing such that the paddle is positioned in front of the front surface of the housing, the paddle configured to move from a home position to a deployed position to open the vehicle glove compartment; and A latch for a vehicle glove box.

7. 7. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 6, wherein the fastener is configured to engage a hole in the vehicle glove box and a hole in the rear surface of the housing.

8. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 6 , wherein the vehicle glove box latch is configured to be positioned at least partially within a recessed area of ​​the vehicle glove box.

9. 9. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 8, wherein the fastener is configured to engage a hole in the vehicle glove box and a hole in the rear surface of the housing, the hole in the vehicle glove box being located in a rearward-facing wall of the recessed area, and the opening for the retention feature being located in a side of the recessed area.

10. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 6 , wherein the retention feature is a clip.

11. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position; a rotor rotatably connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing; at least one claw coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends, one of the opposing ends of the claw including an engagement portion configured to engage with an opening in the vehicle in which the glove compartment is mounted, and the other of the opposing ends of the claw including a post mounted in the opening in the rotor to secure the claw to the rotor; A latch for a vehicle glove box.

12. 12. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 11, wherein the opening in the rotor is formed in a C-clip having a discontinuous periphery.

13. 12. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 11, wherein the post is pivotally mounted within the opening in the rotor.

14. 12. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 11, wherein the post and the opening in the rotor are configured to allow the post to be inserted into the opening from two different, mutually perpendicular directions.

15. 12. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 11, wherein the post includes a shaft extending from the pawl, a spherical portion at the free end of the shaft, and an annular groove formed between the shaft and the spherical portion.

16. 16. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 15, further comprising a rib formed in the opening of the rotor configured to be inserted into the annular groove of the post.

17. A glove box for a vehicle, a door having an opening and a hole, the door configured to pivot relative to a vehicle dashboard between an open position and a closed position; a latch assembly housing having a front surface facing away from the door, a rear surface opposite the front surface, at least one side surface interconnecting the front and rear surfaces, and a retention feature on the housing extending laterally beyond the at least one side surface of the housing for attachment to the opening formed in the door; a fastener configured to pass through the hole in the door and attach to the rear surface of the latch assembly housing to attach the door to the latch assembly housing; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the latch assembly housing such that the paddle is positioned in front of the front surface of the latch assembly housing, the paddle configured to move from a home position to a deployed position to open the vehicle glove compartment; and A glove box for a vehicle.

18. 18. The vehicle glove box of claim 17, wherein the fasteners are configured to engage holes in the rear surface of the housing.

19. 18. The vehicle glove box of claim 17, wherein the vehicle glove box latch is configured to be positioned at least partially within a recessed area of ​​the door.

20. 20. The vehicle glove box of claim 19, wherein the hole in the vehicle glove box is located in a rearward-facing wall of the recessed area and the opening for the retention feature is located in a side of the recessed area.

21. 18. The vehicle glove box of claim 17, wherein the retention feature is a clip.

22. 1. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position; a deadbolt movable relative to the paddle between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position of the deadbolt, the deadbolt is positioned to prevent the paddle from moving from the home position toward the deployed position, and in the unlocked position of the deadbolt, the deadbolt is positioned to allow the paddle to move from the home position toward the deployed position; an actuator configured to engage the deadbolt and move the deadbolt between the locked and unlocked positions; A latch for a vehicle glove box.

23. Furthermore, a rotor coupled to the paddle such that rotation of the paddle rotates the rotor; at least one claw coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends, one of the opposing ends of the claw including an engagement portion configured to engage with an opening in the vehicle to which the glove compartment is mounted, and the other of the opposing ends of the claw attached to the rotor; 23. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 22, comprising:

24. 24. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 23, wherein the rotor is separated from the deadbolt such that the rotor is rotatable when the deadbolt is in the locked position.

25. 23. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 22, wherein the actuator is a lock including an electric motor having an output shaft and a gear non-rotatably coupled to the output shaft.

26. 26. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 25, further comprising at least one tooth formed on said deadbolt that meshes with said gear of said lock such that rotation of said gear translates said deadbolt between said locked and unlocked positions.

27. 27. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 26, further comprising a spring for biasing the at least one tooth of the deadbolt into contact with the gear of the lock.

28. 23. The vehicle glove box latch of claim 22, wherein the paddle is rotatably coupled to the housing about an axis of rotation defined adjacent one side of the housing, and wherein the deadbolt is configured to engage the paddle at a location adjacent an opposite side of the housing in the locked position.

29. 1. A method of assembling a latch assembly, said method comprising: Positioning a spring coil on the rotor; Mounting a first leg of the spring into a first spring mounting recess formed in the rotor; moving a second leg of the spring relative to the rotor to position the second leg within a second spring mounting recess formed in the rotor; mounting the rotor in a rotor-receiving portion of a housing of the latch assembly; rotating the rotor relative to the housing to connect the rotor to the housing; A method comprising:

30. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising attaching at least one pawl to the rotor, the pawl configured to interact with a striker to maintain the latch assembly in a closed state.

31. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of mounting the rotor in the rotor-receiving portion of the housing includes mounting at least one prong of the housing in a slot formed in the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable on the housing.

32. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising attaching a user-operated paddle to the housing.

33. 1. A vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, the vehicle glove box latch comprising: a housing configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box; a user-operated paddle pivotally connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured to move between a home position and a deployed position; a rotor pivotally connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing, the rotor including a set of pawl receiving portions; two claws each having opposite ends, one of the opposite ends of each claw including an engagement portion configured to engage directly or indirectly with an opening in the vehicle to which the glove compartment is mounted, and the other of the opposite ends of each claw coupled to one of the claw receiving portions; Equipped with In one orientation of the pawl, the vehicle glove box latch is configured to operate in a vertical-lift configuration, and in another orientation of the pawl, the vehicle glove box latch is configured to operate in a side-pull configuration. Vehicle glove box latch.

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