Side pull slam latch

Abstract

A latch (10) includes a body, a bolt (28), a pull (40), and links (46). The body includes a first bore (32) and a second bore (38) extending through the body and orthogonally to each other. The bolt is configured to slide in the first bore, and includes a lost motion slot (56), a distal end (26), and an angled face (24). The pull is configured to slide in the second bore. A first link (46) connects the bolt to the pull. When an inward force pushes on the angled face of the bolt, the bolt is configured to retract into the body and the first end of the first link is configured to slide through the lost motion slot. When an outward force pulls the pull, the bolt and a first end of the first link are configured to retract and the pull and a second end of the first link are configured to extend.

Description

7748811SIDE PULL SLAM LATCHCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 733,012, filed on December 12, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to lockable handle assemblies, and more specifically to lockable handle assemblies for opening and fixedly closing doors.BACKGROUND

[0003] Linearly sliding slam latches generally have a sliding bolt with an angled face on a distal end that is biased into an extended closed condition which is attached to a first substrate. A catch attached to a second substrate can retract the bolt against the bias as it moves past the bolt. The bias moves the bolt back to its extended protruding position to capture the catch. To open the slam latch, the bolt is retracted linearly along its axis by a pull moving co-axially or parallel to the bolt sliding axis.SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a latch is provided. The latch includes a body comprising a first bore extending through the body in a first direction and a second bore intersecting the first bore and extending through the body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a bolt configured to slide in the first bore, the bolt comprising a lost motion slot, and a distal end and an angled face extending from a first side of the body; a pull configured to slide in the second bore; and a plurality of links comprising a first link connecting the bolt to the pull, the first link comprising a first end configured to slide along the lost motion slot, wherein, when an inward force pushes on the angled face of the bolt, the bolt is configured to retract into the body and the first end of the first link is configured to slide from a proximal end of the lost motion slot to a distal end of the lost motion slot, and wherein, when an outward force pulls the pull, the bolt and a first end of the first link are configured to retract into the body and the pull and a second end of the first link are configured to extend outwardly.7748812

[0005] Examples may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof. For instance, some examples of the latch further comprise a plunger configured to slide in the second bore opposite the pull and a blocking member located opposite the bolt.

[0006] In some instances, the plurality of links further comprises a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, wherein the second link connects the pull to the blocking member, the third link connects the blocking member to the plunger, and the fourth link connects the plunger to the bolt, wherein the fourth link comprises a first end configured to slide in the lost motion slot, and wherein the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link are each configured to slide only in a respective plane defined parallel to a base of the latch.

[0007] In some variations, the body further comprises a base and a housing, wherein the first bore and the second bore extend through the housing, wherein the bolt comprises a bolt pin, the pull comprises a pull pin, and the bolt pin and the pull pin are affixed to the first link, wherein the bolt pin and the pull pin are configured to slide in the first bore and second bore respectively, and wherein the base and housing inhibit movement of the bolt pin and the pull pin in a direction orthogonal to the plane.

[0008] In some examples, the latch further comprises a biasing means, located between the bolt and a blocking member, configured to urge the bolt to extend beyond the body in a closed condition of the biasing means.

[0009] In some instances, the biasing means is configured to urge a distal end of bolt to extend beyond the body in the closed condition.

[0010] In some variations, the pull and a plunger are both located in the second bore, and wherein the pull and a plunger are configured to move in opposite directions with respect to each other in the second bore when the outward force pulls the pull.

[0011] In some examples, a connection for a door latch is affixed to the pull via a threaded fastener, and wherein the pull comprises a vertical access bore with a smaller diameter than the threaded fastener.

[0012] In some instances, the first link is affixed to the bolt, and wherein the first link is configured to keep the bolt a fixed distance from the pull when the outward force pulls the pull.

[0013] In some variations, the lost motion slot is configured to allow the first link to slide in the first bore without engaging the bolt.

[0014] In a second aspect, a system for a latch is provided. The system comprises: a door for a first space; a connection for operating a catch configured to retain or release the door;7748813 and the latch configured to operate the catch via a connection, the latch comprising: a body comprising a first bore extending through the body in a first direction and a second bore intersecting the first bore and extending through the body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a bolt configured to slide in the first bore, the bolt comprising a lost motion slot, and a distal end and an angled face extending from a first side of the body; a pull configured to slide in the second bore; and a plurality of links comprising a first link connecting the bolt to the pull, the first link comprising a first end configured to slide along the lost motion slot, wherein, when an inward force pushes on the angled face of the bolt, the bolt is configured to retract into the body and the first end of the first link is configured to slide from a proximal end of the lost motion slot to a distal end of the lost motion slot, and wherein, when an outward force pulls the pull, the bolt and a first end of the first link are configured to retract into the body and the pull and a second end of the first link are configured to extend outwardly.

[0015] Examples may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof. For instance, in some examples, the latch further comprises a plunger configured to slide in the second bore opposite the pull and a blocking member located opposite the bolt.

[0016] In some variations, the plurality of links further comprises a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, wherein the second link connects the pull to the blocking member, the third link connects the blocking member to the plunger, and the fourth link connects the plunger to the bolt, wherein the fourth link comprises a first end configured to slide in the lost motion slot, and wherein the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link are each configured to slide only in a respective plane defined parallel to a base of the latch.

[0017] In some instances, the body further comprises a base and a housing, wherein the first bore and the second bore extend through the housing, wherein the bolt comprises a bolt pin, the pull comprises a pull pin, and the bolt pin and the pull pin are affixed to the first link, wherein the bolt pin and the pull pin are configured to slide in the first bore and second bore respectively, and wherein the base and housing inhibit movement of the bolt pin and the pull pin in a direction orthogonal to the plane.

[0018] In some examples, the latch further comprises a biasing means, located between the bolt and a blocking member, configured to urge the bolt to extend beyond the body in a closed condition of the biasing means.

[0019] In some variations, the biasing means is configured to urge a distal end of bolt to extend beyond the body in the closed condition.7748814

[0020] In some instances, the pull and a plunger are both located in the second bore, and wherein the pull and a plunger are configured to move in opposite directions with respect to each other in the second bore when the outward force pulls the pull.

[0021] In some examples, the connection is a cable affixed to the pull via a threaded fastener, wherein the pull comprises a vertical access bore w ith a smaller diameter than the threaded fastener.

[0022] In some variations, the first link is affixed to the bolt, and wherein the first link is configured to keep the bolt a fixed distance from the pull when the outward force pulls the pull.

[0023] In some instances, the lost motion slot is configured to allow the first link to slide in the first bore without engaging the bolt.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The subject technology will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures, but is not limited to the examples. All features described and / or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations. The features and advantages of various examples will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slam latch attached to a pick-up truck tonneau cover according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of the slam latch according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a back view of the slam latch according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a bottom view' of the slam latch according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the slam latch according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 6 is an exploded view' of the slam latch according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the slam latch with the bottom plate removed in the normal(e.g., rest or closed) condition according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;7748815

[0032] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the slam latch w ith the bottom plate removed with the latch or bolt compressed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a bottom view with the bottom plate removed with the pull extended(e.g., open condition) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a top view of the latch in the normal condition according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0035] FIG. 11 is a top view of the slam latch with the pull extended (e.g., open condition) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now' be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In some instances, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. In other drawings, numerals related to lead lines are unique to that drawing and the parts list on the drawing. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0037] The inventors of the present disclosure realized that a need exists for a slam latch that can be opened by a pull that moves orthogonally to the bolt sliding axis. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions to this recognized need, and provide a latch that is durable but easy to manufacture and is able to be installed in standard hole patterns on substrates. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a slam latch that can be opened by a pull that moves orthogonally to the direction of axis of the sliding movement of the bolt, e.g., by tugging a cable attached to the pull.

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a bidirectional slam latch that can fit within the same footprint as traditional slam latches. For example, embodiments of the slam latch of the present disclosure can provide a vertical bolt in one bore that can be configured to be utilized along with a pull and a plunger in a second bore, where the pull and plunger can be interchangeable. For instance, the pull can be configured so as to be pulled by7748816 a cable one side while the plunger moves in the opposite direction on the other side of the second bore. Then, the cable can be affixed to the plunger so that the cable activates the latch from the opposite side of the slam latch, effectively swapping the pull and plunger (or creating a second pull) simply by attaching a cable to the other moving component (e.g., the plunger) in the second bore. Not only do the swapped pull and plunger now sit within the same footprint as the pull and plunger did before swapping the cable to the other side, but embodiments of the entire slam latch can be fitted within the same footprint as traditional horizontal pull slam latches.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a slam latch includes a body having a first bore extending there through and a second bore extending there through orthogonal to the first bore and intersecting the first bore at or near the center of the body. A bolt is adapted to slide in the first bore, the bolt having a distal end with an angled face extending from the first side of the body. The bolt has a lost motion slot. A blocking member also adapted to slide in the first bore is located opposite the bolt. A biasing means between the bolt and the blocking member urges the bolt distal end to extend beyond the body in the rest or closed condition. A pull is located and adapted to slide in the second bore. A plunger is also located and adapted to slide in the second bore opposite the pull. A first link connects the bolt to the pull, a second link connects the pull to the blocking member, a third link connects the blocking member to the plunger, and a fourth link connects the plunger to the bolt. The first link has a first end shdingly located in the lost motion slot.

[0040] The slam latch can be attached to a first substrate to act as a latch. When a catch attached to a second substrate passes the angled face of the bolt, the bolt slides inwardly in the first bore against the bias to allow passage of the catch and the first end of the first link remains stationary in the lost motion slot.

[0041] When the pull is manually slid in the second bore to extend out of the body, the plunger also extends out of the body at the opposite end of the second bore, and the bolt and blocking member are retracted into the first bore.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a slam latch 10 (e.g.. a latch, handle) attached to a tonneau cover 20 of a pick-up truck 18 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The tonneau cover 20 can be hinged 22 laterally and slid and / or folded partially to expose the latches 10 on either side near the back end of the cover 20. The latch 10 can selectively engage and disengage a first body (e g., a tonneau cover 20) from a second body (e.g., a catch). The latch 10 is coupled to the tonneau cover 20 (e.g., by screws, weld, bolts, or other fastening means),7748817 and has a retractable slam bolt 28 configured to engage with a striker 13 (e.g., point of latch engagement), of the second body. In this manner, actuation (retraction and extension) of the slam bolt 28 selectively couples and uncouples the first and second bodies. For example, in some embodiments, when the cover 20 is folded back over to completely cover the bed of the pick-up truck 18, the side lips of the bed of the truck 18 exert a force on the angled face 24 of the distal end 26 of the retractable bolt 28 of the latch 10. After the bolt 28 has passed by the side lips on the bed of the truck 18, a biasing means (e.g., spring 30) urges the bolt 28 outwardly to capture the lips and secure the back end of the tonneau cover 20 to the truck 18.

[0043] A perspective view of the latch 10 is show n in FIG. 2. The latch 10 has a body including a housing 12 and a base 14, and has a connection (e.g., cable 68) to a catch configured to release or retain a door (e.g., tonneau cover 20) when pulled or released (e.g., operated). Both the housing 12 and bottom plate 14 have mounting holes 16 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) for mounting the latch 10 to a first substrate, such as a substrate of (e.g., a wall) of tonneau cover 20. The housing 12 and the base 14 can be affixed to each other directly via a mechanical connection (e.g.. friction fit. weld) or an adhesive connection. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the housing 12 and base 14 can be affixed to each other via a compressing force exerted by a mounting means (e.g., screw, bolt, anchor) inserted through holes 16 to mount the latch 10 to the substrate.

[0044] The latch 10 includes a retractable bolt 28 with a distal end 26 and an angled face 24 configured to engage the striker (e.g., point of latch engagement) of the second body. The latch 10 has a first bore 32 extending through the housing 12 formed by top and side wal Is in the housing 12 and bordered by the bottom plate 14. The bolt 28 is configured to slide in and out of one end of the first bore 32. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the bolt 28 is biased outwardly (e.g.. by a biasing means located in the first bore 32 between a back side of the bolt 28 and a blocking member slidingly or fixedly located in the first bore 32 opposite the bolt 28). The bolt 28, in a closed condition of the biasing means, is biased to extend at least the distal end 26 and angled face 24 through the first bore 32 and beyond a first side of housing 12 and / or the base 14. The bolt 28 includes a lost motion slot 56. allowing for an object within (e.g., pin 44) to slide within the first bore 32 without engaging bolt 28.

[0045] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-5, the bolt 28 is shown oriented and biased orthogonally to an orientation of the cable 68. The latch 10 is configured to convert force in an x-axis direction (e.g., an outward force relative to housing 12 experienced by cable 68) into an inward force relative to the housing 12 along a y-axis direction to act on bolt 28,7748818 without necessarily converting an inward force relative to housing 12 along a y-axis direction experienced by bolt 28 to an outward force in the x-axis direction to act on cable 68. An example x-axis direction and y-axis direction are shown in FIG. 10.

[0046] An exploded view of latch 10 is shown in FIG. 6. The latch 10 includes pins 44 elongated in the z-axis direction. Each pin 44 (e.g., post) is coupled to a respective component, such as one of bolt 28, pull 40, plunger 42, and / or a blocking member 36 (e.g., backing member, holding component). For instance, a first pin 44 is received in bolt 28, a second pin 44 is received in pull 40, a third pin 44 is received in plunger 42, and a fourth pin 44 is received in blocking member 36. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pins 44 can be affixed to one of bolt 28. pull 40, plunger 42, and / or blocking member 36. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pins 44 can abut one of bolt 28, pull 40, plunger 42, and / or blocking member 36. For example, each pin 44 can be inserted in the z-axis direction into a respective subcomponent (either pull 40, plunger 42, bolt 28, or holding components) until pin 44 is stopped by abutting the respective component or housing 12. The movement of each pin 44 in the z-direction can then be inhibited by base 14 and / or housing 12 once the base 14 is affixed to the main housing 12. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the blocking member 36 and / or plunger 42 can be excluded from the latch 10 and / or be integrated into housing 12, such that a pin 44 slides in the first bore 32 and / or the second bore 38 but is not connected to another component in addition to links 46. In this embodiment, the blocking member 36 represents a portion of first bore 32 and housing 12, located opposite bolt 28, that a pin 44 slides through.

[0047] In FIG. 6, each pin 44 is to be coupled to a pivot point of two links 46 (e g., armatures). For example, when the pins 44 are coupled to the links 46 at the pivot points (shown in FIG. 6 to be located at the distal end and proximal ends of the links 46) a pivot point of one link 46 is stacked above and / or below a pivot point of another link 46. The links 46 can be non-elastic, such that a pin 44 inserted into a first pivot point of link 46 and a pin 44 inserted into a second pivot point of the same link 46 are kept a fixed distance from each other by link 46. For example, a first link 46 pivotally connects the bolt 28 to the pull 40 via a pin 44. A second link 48 pivotally connects the pull 40 to the blocking member 36 via a pin 44. A third link 50 pivotally connects the blocking member 36 to the plunger 42 via pin 44. And a fourth link 52 pivotally connects the plunger 42 to the bolt 28 via pin 44. As a result, the relative movement of the pins 44 can occur entirely within the x-y plane (e.g., a two- dimensional, horizontal plane) as the pins 44 slide in the x or y direction and the links 46 pivot about the pins 44, while keeping the pins 44 a fixed distance from each other.7748819Additionally, and / or alternatively, movement of links 46 can occur entirely within the x-y plane, where each link 46 translates within a respective x-y plane (e.g., a plane parallel to base 14 but at a height or z-dimension of the respective link 46).

[0048] The latch 10 also has a second bore 38 extending orthogonally to the first bore 32 in the body. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the second bore can intersect the first bore 32 near and / or in the center of housing 12 and / or first bore 32. The second bore 38 can be formed by top and side walls in the housing 12 and the base 14. Slidingly located on opposite ends of the second bore 38 is a pull 40 (e.g., pull slide) and a plunger 42. When activated, the pull 40 and plunger move in opposite directions with respect to each other in the second bore 38 (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

[0049] For example, the pull 40 and plunger 42 are arranged within an x-channel bore (e.g., second bore 38) of the housing 12, translatable within the x-channel bore in the x-axis direction. The pull 40 and plunger 42 each have a first side respectively disposed toward the exterior of the main housing 12 and a second side disposed toward the interior of the main housing 12. The first side is configured with a hole facing the x-axis direction to house an end cable 68, which can be inserted in the x-axis direction. In FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the first side of pull 40 also includes a set screw 62 arranged to crimp the cable 68 such that the end of cable 68 and the pull slide 40 are translationally fixed together. As can be appreciated, the cable 68 (e.g., wire) can be attached to either the pull 40 or plunger 42 so the latch 10 can be set up as either “right” or “left” handed depending on the need (e.g., the latch 10 can be set up bidirectionally). The set screw 62 can be accessed and tightened by a user via access hole 64 (as show n in FIGS. 3 and 6). The second side has a pin port, into which a pin 44 can be inserted in the z-axis direction, for fixedly holding the pin 44 in the x-axis and y-axis directions. The pull 40, in an assembled state of latch 10 within the main housing 12. is configured such that that the cable 68 and the respective pin 44 are coupled and translatable in the x-axis direction. In an embodiment, the set screw access hole 64 is smaller than set screw' 62, preventing the set screw 62 from escaping the pull slide 40 (e.g., backing-out) through the access hole 64. The additional plunger 42 is akin to pull 40, but arranged on the opposite side of main housing 12 in the x-axis direction (e.g., in the second bore 38). Additionally, and / or alternatively, the latch 10 can include a stationary holding component in place of plunger 42 that is configured to accommodate the motion of a pin 44 caused by the links 46 (e.g., the four link mechanism).77488110

[0050] The bolt 28 is translatable in the y-axis direction and arranged within the second bore 32. The bolt 28 further includes a proximal end with a lost motion slot 56. into which a pin 44 can be inserted in the z-axis direction, for fixedly holding the pin 44 in the x-axis direction and allowing translation (e.g., sliding) in the y-axis direction. For example, while a pin 44 slides through the lost motion slot in the y-axis direction, a link 46 can slide along (e.g., above or below) the lost motion slot when connected to pin 44. In an assembled state of bolt 28 arranged within the main housing 12, the angled face 24 and the respective pin 44 are coupled and translatable in the y-axis direction. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the latch 10 can include an additional slam bolt akin to bolt 28, but arranged on the opposite side of main housing 12 in the y-axis direction.

[0051] Spring 30 (e.g.. biasing means) is arranged within main housing 12. between the bolt 28 and the additional slam bolt or blocking member 36. Bolt 28, spring 30, and additional slam bolt / blocking member 36 are arranged together in the y-axis direction, such that spring 30 can be compressed and imparts force upon the bolt 28 in the y-axis direction, while the blocking member 36 can assist in retaining the spring 30 and assist in compressing spring 30 (e.g., abutted against a face of blocking member 36). Additionally, and / or alternatively, spring 30 can have its motion (e.g., length of stroke) limited (e.g., inhibited, restricted) by the combined length of the links 46 in the y-direction. The spring 30 exerts a biasing force (e.g., restoring force) on the bolt 28 outwardly toward the striker or point of engagement with the second body or substrate. Spring 30 can be arranged abutting a back side (e.g., inwardly facing side) of bolt 28 and additional slam bolt / blocking member 36, and held in place by the assembly of main housing 12 and base 14. Additionally, and / or alternatively, spring 30 can be affixed in any other suitable manner to another component of latch 10 (e.g., bolt 28, blocking member 36, base 14) such as spot welding or adhesion. In an embodiment, spring 30 is laid over armatures 46 in the z-axis direction, such that the respective stroke operations of links 46 and spring 30 do not interfere with one another. Additionally, and / or alternatively, spring 30 (e.g., the biasing means) can be replaced and / or augmented by other biasing means, such as a torsion spring, leaf spring, counter weight system, and / or solenoid-based biasing.

[0052] The pins 44, links 46, spring 30, and fasteners 62 are encased between a housing 12 and base 14 (as shown in FIGs. 2-5). When attached, the housing 12 and base 14 are disposed to abut one another in the z-axis direction, which encloses the components of the latch 10. Additionally, and / or alternatively, an inward face of the base 14 lies substantially77488111 along a flat plane (e.g.. in the x-y direction) aiding in the translation motion of the components within the first bore 32 and second bore 38.

[0053] As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the latch 10 includes a four link mechanism utilizing four links 46 connected at respective pivots by four posts or pins 44. Each armature 46 extends substantially diagonally along the x-axis and y-axis directions and comprises a proximal and a distal end. where each end is connected to another armature 46 at a pivot point via a pin 44.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, at the urging of spring 30 in a closed (e.g., normal, rest) condition, the pins 44 in the y-direction (e.g., first bore 32) are resting at the proximal end of lost motion slot 56, such that the distal end 26 and angled face 24 extend outward from housing 12, and against the blocking member 36. The pull 40 and plunger 42 are substantially aligned with housing 12, and the cable 68 affixed to pull 40 via fastener 62 acts to operate a catch to retain a door. The links 46 are pivotally connecting the pins 44 at a fixed distance from each other.

[0055] In FIG. 8, a force is imparted against bolt 28 (e.g.. by a collision with the striker or point of engagement in the y-axis direction) such that the bolt 28 retracts inward, bringing the distal end 26 substantially parallel to the first side of housing 12. During the retraction of bolt 28, the pin 44 moves through the lost motion slot 56 until it rests at the distal end of lost motion slot 56 without engaging the bolt 28 or exerting a force on links 46 or spring 30 during movement. Accordingly, in FIG. 8, the pins 44 and links 46 remain stationary and no force is exerted on spring 30 or cable 68. As a result, the bolt 28 can be retracted without engaging a catch via cable 68 (e.g., without opening the door of the catch).

[0056] In FIG. 9, force has been applied to the pull 40 (e.g., by cable 68) to slidingly extend the pull 40 and associated pin 44 outwardly in the x-direction from the center of the housing 12 along the second bore 38. For example, in FIG. 9 the cable 68 has changed its state of engagement with a catch holding the door (e.g., to release or retain tonneau cover 20). Since the bolt 28 and blocking member 36 are connected to the other via two links 46 and three pins 44, this movement causes the bolt 28 and blocking member 36 to retract into the housing 12 further compressing the spring 30. Since the plunger 42 is also attached to the bolt 28 and blocking member 36 by two links 46 and three pins 44, the plunger 42 is also forced outwardly in the x-direction.

[0057] The relative orthogonal motion of the bolt 28 retraction and cable 68 extension from FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 is shown in the top down views of FIG. 10 and 11. For example, in77488112FIG. 10, the distal end 26 and angled face 24 of the bolt 28 are still biased outwardly from a first side of the housing 12 in the y-direction, and the cable 68 has not yet been extended from housing 12 in the x-direction. In FIG. 11, the distal end 26 has been retracted into housing 12 in the y-direction, and the cable 68 and pull 40 (being connected via set screw 62) and plunger 42 are forced outwardly from the housing in the x-direction. The pull 40 and plunger 42 extend outwardly in opposite directions relative to each other, both along the second bore 38 in the y-direction. When retracted (e.g., when returning to the closed state of FIG. 10), the pulls 40 and 42 move towards each other, but still in opposite directions along the x-direction (e.g., pull 40 retracts toward the right of FIG. 11, and plunger 42 retracts toward the left of FIG. 11)

[0058] Embodiments of the present disclosure have numerous possible applications in. for example, automotive and cabinetry, such as a tonneau cover 20 on a pick-up truck 18, and come in a wide range of sizes. The components can also be made of various materials. For example, the housing 12 can be cast zinc, aluminum or reinforced plastic, the bolt 28, blocking member 36, the pull 40 and the plunger 42 can all be made of mylar or other plastic, the base or bottom plate 14 can be stamped steel and the pins 44 and links 46-52 made of stainless steel.

[0059] The use of the term “at least one'’ followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the application.

Claims

77488113CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A latch, comprising: a body comprising a first bore extending through the body in a first direction and a second bore intersecting the first bore and extending through the body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a bolt configured to slide in the first bore, the bolt comprising a lost motion slot, and a distal end and an angled face extending from a first side of the body; a pull configured to slide in the second bore; and a plurality of links comprising a first link connecting the bolt to the pull, the first link comprising a first end configured to slide along the lost motion slot, wherein, when an inward force pushes on the angled face of the bolt, the bolt is configured to retract into the body and the first end of the first link is configured to slide from a proximal end of the lost motion slot to a distal end of the lost motion slot, and wherein, when an outward force pulls the pull, the bolt and a first end of the first link are configured to retract into the body and the pull and a second end of the first link are configured to extend outwardly.

2. The latch of claim 1, further comprising a plunger configured to slide in the second bore opposite the pull and a blocking member located opposite the bolt.

3. The latch of claim 2, wherein the plurality of links further comprises a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, wherein the second link connects the pull to the blocking member, the third link connects the blocking member to the plunger, and the fourth link connects the plunger to the bolt, wherein the fourth link comprises a first end configured to slide in the lost motion slot, and wherein the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link are each configured to slide only in a respective plane defined parallel to a base of the latch.

4. The latch of claim 3, wherein the body further comprises a base and a housing, wherein the first bore and the second bore extend through the housing, wherein the bolt comprises a bolt pin, the pull comprises a pull pin, and the bolt pin and the pull pin are affixed to the first link, wherein the bolt pin and the pull pin are configured to slide in the first77488114 bore and second bore respectively, and wherein the base and housing inhibit movement of the bolt pin and the pull pin in a direction orthogonal to the plane.

5. The latch of claim 1, further comprising a biasing means, located between the bolt and a blocking member, configured to urge the bolt to extend beyond the body in a closed condition of the biasing means.

6. The latch of claim 5, wherein the biasing means is configured to urge a distal end of bolt to extend beyond the body in the closed condition.

7. The latch of claim 1, wherein the pull and a plunger are both located in the second bore, and wherein the pull and a plunger are configured to move in opposite directions with respect to each other in the second bore when the outward force pulls the pull.

8. The latch of claim 1, wherein a connection for a door latch is affixed to the pull via a threaded fastener, and wherein the pull comprises a vertical access bore with a smaller diameter than the threaded fastener.

9. The latch of claim 1, wherein the first link is affixed to the bolt, and wherein the first link is configured to keep the bolt a fixed distance from the pull when the outward force pulls the pull.

10. The latch of claim 1, wherein the lost motion slot is configured to allow the first link to slide in the first bore without engaging the bolt.

11. A system for a latch, the system comprising: a door for a first space; a connection for operating a catch configured to retain or release the door; and the latch configured to operate the catch via a connection, the latch comprising: a body comprising a first bore extending through the body in a first direction and a second bore intersecting the first bore and extending through the body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a bolt configured to slide in the first bore, the bolt comprising a lost motion slot, and a distal end and an angled face extending from a first side of the body; a pull configured to slide in the second bore; and77488115 a plurality of links comprising a first link connecting the bolt to the pull, the first link comprising a first end configured to slide along the lost motion slot. wherein, when an inward force pushes on the angled face of the bolt, the bolt is configured to retract into the body and the first end of the first link is configured to slide from a proximal end of the lost motion slot to a distal end of the lost motion slot, and wherein, when an outward force pulls the pull, the bolt and a first end of the first link are configured to retract into the body and the pull and a second end of the first link are configured to extend outwardly.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the latch further comprises a plunger configured to slide in the second bore opposite the pull and a blocking member located opposite the bolt.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of links further comprises a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, wherein the second link connects the pull to the blocking member, the third link connects the blocking member to the plunger, and the fourth link connects the plunger to the bolt, wherein the fourth link comprises a first end configured to slide in the lost motion slot, and wherein the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link are each configured to slide only in a respective plane defined parallel to a base of the latch.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the body further comprises a base and a housing, wherein the first bore and the second bore extend through the housing, wherein the bolt comprises a bolt pin, the pull comprises a pull pin, and the bolt pin and the pull pin are affixed to the first link, wherein the bolt pin and the pull pin are configured to slide in the first bore and second bore respectively, and wherein the base and housing inhibit movement of the bolt pin and the pull pin in a direction orthogonal to the plane.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the latch further comprises a biasing means, located between the bolt and a blocking member, configured to urge the bolt to extend beyond the body in a closed condition of the biasing means.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the biasing means is configured to urge a distal end of bolt to extend beyond the body in the closed condition.7748811617. The system of claim 11, wherein the pull and a plunger are both located in the second bore, and wherein the pull and a plunger are configured to move in opposite directions with respect to each other in the second bore when the outward force pulls the pull.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein the connection is a cable affixed to the pull via a threaded fastener, wherein the pull comprises a vertical access bore with a smaller diameter than the threaded fastener.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the first link is affixed to the bolt, and wherein the first link is configured to keep the bolt a fixed distance from the pull when the outward force pulls the pull.

20. The system of claim 11, the lost motion slot is configured to allow' the first link to slide in the first bore without engaging the bolt.

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