MXPA00002781A - Apparatus and method for mounting latching devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A latch (10) is mounted in an aperture (35) in a door (D), panel or the like by first and second retaining members. The first retaining member (80) limits rotational movement of the latch and the second retaining member (82) limits axial movement of the latch.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING ENC DEVICES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to interlocking devices and more particularly to interlocking devices for securing a first member such as a door, panel or the like in a closed position with respect to a second member. such as a corresponding door, panel or frame. 2. - Brief Description of the Prior Art Various types of interlocking devices are known for use in securing a first member such as a door, panel or the like in a closed position with respect to a corresponding second member such as a door, panel or frame. . Some types are adapted to be displayed within an opening that is provided through the first member, such as described in US Patents. Nos. 4,978,152, 4,878,367, 4,763,935, 4,556,244 and 4,583,775, each assigned to Southco, Inc., the assignee of the present application. In each of these prior patents, the bolt assembly is achieved through interaction of a flange or similar member in the bolt against an outer surface of the first member adjacent to the respective opening. For example, in the patent of the U.S.A. No. 4,978,152, a snap or abrupt drive latch, is illustrated in Figure 3 having an outer mounting flange 24 in engagement with an exterior surface of a door 15, when in the assembled position. These types of devices have a disadvantage that they can not be used when flush mounting is desired. Another type of bolt incorporates a flange or similar member, which couples an interior surface of a door. However, this type of device has as disadvantages that gates of various thicknesses can not easily be used and also requires that a specially configured cavity be provided in the door to be provided, which is time consuming to allow installation. The present invention has been developed in view of the above and overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a bolt of the type that is mounted within an opening of a first member such as a door, panel or the like, wherein mounting can be achieved without requiring a flange or similar bolt member to engage a bolt. portion of the respective second member such as a panel door or the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bolt of the type mounted within an opening in a first member, which is capable of being mounted flush or level with the outer surface of the first member. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bolt capable of flush mounting to panels of varying thicknesses. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bolt that can be flush or panel mounted, quickly. The above objects are achieved by a bolt comprising a housing and retaining means for securing the housing, when the housing is received within an opening that is provided within a door, panel or the like. The latch retention means include means for retaining the latch in both axial and rotational positions. These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent when taken into consideration with the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a view in elevation, in section looking on the line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the bolt looking on the line 3-3 of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a top plan view, in section looking on the line 4-4 of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a top plan view of the bolt of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a view, partially in section showing the bolt mounted on the door of the cabinet and in a fully locked position. Figure 7 is a view similar to that of the Figure 6, but showing the bolt in a partially released position. Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figures 6 and 7 but showing the bolt in a fully released position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for mounting bolts, which have wide application and can be used in a wide variety of bolts.

In Figures 1 to 5 there is illustrated a bolt form to which the apparatus and the method for mounting bolts in accordance with the present invention can be applied. The particular lock shown in Figures 1 to 3 corresponds to a bolt shown, described and claimed in the US patent. No. 4,583,775 previously referred to as "Laten Assembly having Pull-up Action" (bolt structure having release action) which is incorporated herein by reference. In Figures 1 and 2, the closure element such as a door, panel or the like has mounted a bolt mechanism having a housing 30, an arrow 50 with a threaded end 54 and a latching pawl 70 which is mounted on the threaded end of the arrow 50 such as a nut 71, for adjustment in the axial direction of the arrow. The locking pawl 70 is rotationally movable by the arrow 50 and is also movable by the arrow 50 axially in the longitudinal direction of the arrow. In order to lock the closure element D to the frame F, the locking pawl 70 is first rotated to a position such that it is in line with the frame member F. The latch structure is then moved longitudinally such that it engages the edge of the latch. frame F. The arrow 50 moves rotationally and also longitudinally by means of a rotatable actuator 10. In the present embodiment, the rotatable actuator 10 comprises a drag pin shown having a square-shaped driver 11, for receiving a correspondingly shaped recess. a driving tool. The impeller 11, and the corresponding recess can of course have other shapes; for example hexagonal or octagonal. In addition, the positions of the impeller 11 and the recess can be switched or the impeller 11 can be provided in other forms such as a lid or handle. The pin 10 is generally cylindrical and has a cylindrical bore 18 which receives the outer end of the arrow 50. The pin 10 is rotatable within the housing 30 and prevented from moving the axial direction of the arrow 50 by a retaining ring 14. which is received between the slots 13 located in register positions in the pin 10 and the housing 30. The inner end of the pin 10 is provided with a pair of notches 16 that receive ears 21 projecting axially outward from a cam type 20. In this manner, when the pin 10 is rotated, as with a convenient tool, the sleeve-type cam 20 is also rotated. Pin 10 and cam 20 also be provided as one piece.

The sleeve-type cam 20 is provided with at least one, and in the present embodiment, a pair of cam slots 25 spaced 180 ° circumferentially. Each of the slots 25 runs in a direction that has both circumferential and axial components. Coaxially positioned between the arrow 50 and the sleeve-type cam 20 is a fixed motion control sleeve 40 having a pair of axial grooves 41 and a pair of lateral or circumferential grooves 42. In the present embodiment, a groove of each wall is spaced 180 ° from the other. The inward end of each axial groove connects to one end of one of the circumferential grooves. The movement control sleeve 40 is prevented from moving rotationally relative to the housing 30 by a pair of lugs 44 projecting axially inwardly in slots at the inward end 32 of the housing 30. The sleeve for fixed motion control 40 also can be provided integral with the housing 30 which is formed directly within or extends from an interior surface of the housing 30. The pair of slots 41 and 42 in the movement control sleeve 40 function respectively as axial movement control slots and as slots for lateral movement control.

The housing 30 in the present embodiment is a generally elongated component defined by an upper end, a lower end, and an opening extending longitudinally through the housing 30 and an outer surface. The lower end 32 of the housing 30 is closed except for a central opening through which the arrow 50 passes. In the present embodiment, the inboard ends of the movement control sleeve 40 and the sleeve cam 20 border butt against each other. the inboard end 32 of the housing 30. The pin 10 is positioned within the opening through the housing 30, adjacent the upper end 33 of the housing 30. In the present embodiment, the pin 10 is confined within the housing 30 in such a manner that no portion of the pin 10 extends outside the housing 30 beyond the upper end 33. The outer surface of the housing 30 includes a first portion 35 adjacent the upper end 33 and which is substantially circular in cross section. The outer surface of the housing 30 as best illustrated in the bottom plan view of Figure 3 also includes a second portion 37 that is not circular in cross section. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of a second portion 37 of the housing 30 can best be described as a square having a radius in each of the four corners. However, it can be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the second portion 37 of the housing 30 can be of any desired configuration. Further, in the present embodiment as illustrated in Figure 1, the second portion 37 of the housing 30 is further provided with a section having a series of threads provided within the outer surface and located in each of the four radiated portions ( only two of which are visible), the purpose of which will be described below. Further, in the present embodiment, the pin 10 and the first portion 35 of the housing 30 are provided with corresponding notches 23 which operate as an indicator of the position of the ratchet 70 as best seen in Figure 5. As best illustrated in FIG. Figure 2, the arrow 50 is an elongated arrow, the outer or head end of which is received within the bore of the bore 18 in pin 10. The arrow 50 projects inwardly through the bore and the end inwardly 32 of the housing 30 and beyond, with the arrow held such that the central axis of the arrow coincides with the central axis of the movement control sleeve 40 and the cam 20. The inner end 54 of the arrow 50 is threaded, and an interlocking pawl 70 is mounted with the ratchet position on the arrow which is held in place by a pair of nuts 71 and is axially adjustable. The relative positions of the movement control sleeve 40 and the cam 20 can be reversed. That is, the movement control sleeve 40 can easily be outside the cam 20 instead of inside as illustrated. Mounted on arrow 50 is the transverse pin projecting laterally in both directions from the arrow and functions as both a cam follower and a motion control pin. The outer end of the arrow 50 is provided with a central bore 61 in which a helical compression spring 62 is placed. The outer end of the compression spring 62 bears against the pin 10. In this way, the compression spring 62 drifts the arrow 50 inwards towards the release position. This bypass force maintains the ends of the transverse pins 60, in intimate contact with the inner wall 22 of the cam groove 25 as best illustrated in Figure 6. The bypass spring 62 is convenient but not essential since even without the spring, the ends of the transverse pins 60 will follow the cam grooves 25. However, the cam groove 25 has a width that is somewhat larger than the diameter of the transverse pin 60 and accordingly, the bypass spring is useful for keeping the transverse pin through the wall inwardly of the grooves. The transverse pin 60 thus controls, in response to rotation of the pin 10, the arrow 50 and the pawl 70 will move only axially or only angularly. This is determined by whether the opposite ends of the pin 60 are within the slots for axial motion control 41 or in the slots for lateral movement control 42. In another embodiment, the pin 10, the cam 20 and the arrow 50 can be provided as one piece. The housing 30 is mounted on the closure member D by retaining means, which in the present embodiment, are constituted from a first retaining member comprising a retaining washer 80 and a second retaining member comprising a separate retaining nut. 82. As best illustrated in the top plan views of Figures 4 and 5, the retaining washer 80 is provided with a circumference of generally circular shape and includes an opening 83 which preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the second portion 37 of the housing 30, which in the present embodiment is not circular. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the retaining washer 80 can also be included with at least one through-hole. In the present embodiment, the retaining washer 80 is provided with 6 mounting holes substantially circular in shape and equally spaced around the circumference. The retaining nut 82 in the present embodiment as best seen in Figure 3, is also generally circular in circumference and of the same diameter as the retaining washer 80. The retaining nut 82 in the present embodiment is provided with an opening circular through which defines an inner wall having a series of threads there formed (not shown). In addition, the retaining nut 82 can also be provided with at least one mounting hole that extends through and in the present embodiment, there are twelve equally spaced circular holes extending around its circumference. In the present embodiment, the housing 30 can be mounted by inserting the bolt into the opening in one of two ways. For example, the bolt may be inserted in an outward direction, with the upper end 33 of the housing 30 inserted first into the opening in the closure member B. Alternatively, the bolt may be inserted in an inward direction with its opposite end 32 first inserted into the opening in the closure D, which is more easily achieved when the ratchet 70 is not mounted on the arrow 50, such that the arrow 50 can first be inserted through the opening in the closure member D However, this is not required. The next stage is secured to the housing 30 by the retaining washer 80 and by the retaining nut 82. The retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82 each is received on the second portion 37 of the housing 30, which is achieved in the present embodiment from the lower end 32 of the housing 30. In this embodiment, there is a choice as to whether the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82 are placed on the housing 30. For example, when the upper end 33 of the housing 30 is first inserted into the opening of the closing member D, the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82 can already be in position in the housing 30 before insertion of the bolt into the opening, or alternatively the washer retention 80 and retaining nut 82 can be inserted into the housing 30, after the lock is in position within the opening in the closure member D. However, when the bolt is inserted in an inward direction with the lower end 32 of the housing 30 inserted first into the opening in the closing member D, the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82 can only be mounted in the housing 30, after the bolt has been placed inside the opening of the closing member D. The housing 30 is held within the opening of the locking member. closing D in a position shown in Figure 1, by the combination of the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82. The shape of the opening through the retaining washer 80 and the cross-sectional shape of the second one. portion 37 of the housing 30, allow the retaining washer 80 to move axially over the longitudinal direction of the housing 30 but not rotationally. The retaining nut 82 can move axially over the longitudinal direction of the housing 30 before rotation due to the engagement of the threads on the inner wall of the retaining nut 82, with the threads formed on the outer surface of the second portion 37 of the housing 30. The retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82 can be moved separately or together in a longitudinal direction of the housing 30. In the present embodiment, when the upper end of the housing 30 is in a position flush or with respect to the The outer surface of the closing member D, each of the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82, is in a position on the longitudinal direction of the housing 30 for coupling the outer surface of the closing member D. From this particular position of the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82, rotational movements of the bolt are prevented by the retaining washer 80 and the axial or longitudinal movement of the bolt, such as in one direction of either the inner surface or the outer surface of the closing member D, is prevented by the retaining nut 82. Furthermore, as an additional reinforcement, a member such as the six screws 90, can be inserted through the mounting holes of the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82, when they are aligned and then inserted into the closure member D as illustrated in the Figure 3. As will be understood, any number of screws or other types of fastening members can be used for this purpose. For example, the retaining washer 80 may include at least a portion such as a tab, which is adapted to be received already on either the inner surface of the closing member D or the inner diameter of the opening of the closing member D, such as by spikes that extend from the tongue. In the present embodiment, the bolt components are preferably made of metal and metal alloy materials, however, other suitable materials may also be used when desired. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the closing member D is made of wood, however the closing member D can also be constituted by other materials such as metal and of various thicknesses. The operation of the bolt when it is in a mounted position, will now be described. As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, when the pin 10 is rotated as by a tool, the sleeve-type cam 20 will rotationally move due to projection of the cam ears 21 into the notches 16 in the pin 10. When the cam 20 is rotated, the transverse pin 60 moves, but the movement is axial or lateral, depending on whether the ends of the pin 60 are in the axial or lateral grooves of the movement control sleeve 40. In Figure 6 , the lock is illustrated in the fully locked position where the detent pawl 70 is in alignment with and engagement with the cabinet frame F. When in the locked position, the peg 10 is in its position fully in the direction of the pawls. clock hands, as seen from the left of Figure 6 and two opposite ends of the transverse pin 60 project through the axial slots 41 in the movement control sleeve 40 and within the former. outermost closed portions of the cam slots 25. To release the closure member D from the cabinet frame F, the pin 10 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 6. When this is done, the pin 10 and the cam 20 rotate as a unit. The cross pin 60 can not move rotationally because its opposite ends are within the diametrically opposed axial slots 41 of the sleeve to control fixed movement 40. As a result, when the cam 20 is rotated in the opposite direction of the hands of In this case, the force of the bypass spring 62 causes the opposite ends of the pin 60 to follow the inward walls 22 of the opposite cam grooves 25 and as a result, the pin 60 and thus the arrow 60 and the detent ratchet 70. they move in the direction inward released until the ends of the pin 60 reach the lateral slots 42. After the pin 10 and the cam 20 are rotated as a unit 120 ° by from the position shown in Figure 6, the pin transverse 60 has been moved axially inwardly to the position shown in Figure 7, and is now aligned with opposing side slots 42. Greater rotation of pin 1 0 and cam 20 now causes rotational movement of cross pin 60, shaft 50 and pawl 70 under the opposite ends of pin 20 move in opposite side slots 42. Thus, the pawl 70 is moved out of alignment with the member of frame F and after 60 ° of rotation, the door D is fully released, as illustrated in Figure 8. Pin 10 is now 180 ° from the fully locked position shown in Figure 6. The interlocking action simply it is the inverse of the liberation action just described. When locked, as the pin 10 is turned clockwise, the opposite ends of the transverse pin 60 move laterally in the lateral grooves 42 and the arrow 50 rotates about its axis. Then, the transverse pin 60 moves axially outwardly. These sequential movements are caused by the walls 22 of the cam grooves 25 which move the ends of the transverse pin 60 through the slots for lateral movement control 42 in the lateral or circumferential direction, until the ends of the transverse pin confine to stop against the edge of the grooves for axial movement control 41. Subsequently, the walls 22 of the cam grooves 25 move the ends of the transverse pin 60 axially outwardly through the axial grooves 41. In this way, the cam 20 and the slots for motion control 41 cause the angular and axial movements to be carried out in sequence in response to turning the pin 10 in the locking direction in a continuous movement. The new bolt has been described mounted on the moving door. This is the preferred location. However, a bolt incorporating the basic concept of the present invention can be mounted in the fixed cabinet instead of in the door. In such a case, the arrow and detent ratchet will move angularly to engage a detent mounted inside the door and then axially inward to pull the door to the tightly closed position. This is the inverse of the axial movement used to close the door firmly when the bolt is mounted on the door. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from its broad inventive concept. For example, the positions of the retaining washer 80 and retaining nut 82 can be reversed in the housing 30, such that the retaining nut 82 is placed closer to the lower end 32 of the housing 30. In addition, the configuration of the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82, while each is circular in circumference in the present embodiment, can be provided in other ways equally; for example, the retaining nut 82 and / or the retaining washer 80 may be square in shape. Further, while the retaining washer 80 and the retaining nut 82 are illustrated as abutting against each other when assembled, it will be understood that the retaining washer 80 and retaining nut 82 may also be spaced apart from each other when in contact with each other. the mounted position. Additionally, the first portion 35 of the housing 30, which is illustrated substantially circular in cross section and of a diameter greater than that of the second portion 37, may be provided in other shapes in cross section and diameters, for example the diameter of the first portion 35 may be the same as that of the second portion 37 of the housing 30. It is therefore understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described but is intended to cover all modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (33)

1. REIVIND CATIONS 1.- A bolt, characterized in that it comprises: a housing generally elongated in an axial direction; and first and second retention members in the housing and with the first and second retention members having mounting and assembling positions, wherein the first and second retention members are movable in the mounting position and substantially fixed in the assembled position; the first retaining member received in the housing for axial movement with respect to the housing in the mounting position; means between the first retention member and the housing, to prevent substantially rotational movement of the first retention member with respect to the housing in the mounting position; the second retention member is received in the housing for rotational movement with respect to the housing in the mounting position; means between the second retention member and the housing, for limiting the axial movement of the second retention member with respect to the housing in the mounting position; and means for connecting the first and second retention members to substantially prevent relative movement of any member in the assembled position.
2. 2. The bolt according to claim 1, characterized in that the first retaining member comprises a retaining washer having an aperture with a non-circular passing shape, received on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the housing having a section transverse in a non-circular way.
3. 3. The bolt according to claim 2, characterized in that the second retaining member comprises a retaining nut having a substantially circular through opening, which defines an annular wall with a series of threads and received in at least a portion of an outer surface of the housing with a series of corresponding threads therefrom.
4. 4. The bolt according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means comprise the first retaining member and the second retaining member, each one further comprising at least one through-hole that receives the clamping member in the mounted position.
5. 5. - The bolt according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing defines an upper end, a lower end and an opening, wherein the bolt further comprises: an elongated arrow received within at least a portion of the opening within the accommodation for either rotational or axial movements; and means between the housing and the arrow to impart either rotational or axial movement to the arrow.
6. 6. The bolt according to claim 5, characterized in that it also comprises an actuator member received inside the opening in the housing.
7. 7. The bolt according to claim 6, characterized in that the means for imparting any of rotational or axial movement to the arrow comprises a cam having at least one cam groove coupled to the drive member and contained within the base of the cam. support for rotational movement and at least one transverse pin associated with the arrow extending within at least one cam groove.
8. 8. The bolt according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for imparting any rotational or axial movement to the arrow further comprises at least one axial surface defining a fixed axial groove with respect to the support base, wherein a pin Cross section of the transverse pin minimally engages the axial surface to limit the rotational movement of the arrow.
9. 9. The bolt according to claim 8, characterized in that the means for imparting any rotational or axial movement with the arrow further comprises at least one lateral surface defining a fixed axial groove with respect to the supporting base and intersecting the groove axial minimum.
10. 10. The bolt according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises bypass means for the arrow in one direction to maintain the transverse pin at least in engagement with a wall of the cam groove at least.
11. 11. The bolt according to claim 10, characterized in that the cam comprises two cam grooves and the transverse pin at least extends within each of the two cam grooves, and wherein the means for imparting any movement axial or rotational to the arrow comprise two diametrically opposed axial surfaces that define two diametrically opposed axial grooves and two diametrically opposed lateral surfaces that define two diametrically opposed lateral grooves.
12. 12. The bolt according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises a ratchet mounted on the arrow.
13. 13. In combination a latch and retainer structure, characterized in that it comprises: a first retainer member having a through opening defining at least one retaining surface and enclosing a first portion of the latch, wherein the first portion of the latch in The cross section comprises a bolt retaining surface substantially in configuration to the retaining surface of at least the opening of the first retaining member, whereby the first retaining member is adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the first bolt portion and substantially fixed against rotation with respect to the first portion of the bolt; and a second retaining member having a through threaded opening and enclosing a second portion of the bolt having a threaded outer surface, whereby the second retaining member is rotatable with respect to the second bolt portion, to adjust a position of the bolt. second retaining member in a longitudinal direction of the second bolt portion, wherein the first and second retaining members each include at least one through-mounting hole and the retainer structure further includes at least one retaining member extending to through at least one mounting hole of the first and second retainer members.
14. 14. In combination a bolt and retainer structure, characterized in that it comprises: a first retainer member having a through opening defining at least one retaining surface and enclosing a first portion of the bolt, wherein the first bolt portion in The cross section comprises a bolt retaining surface substantially corresponding in configuration to the retaining surface of at least the opening of the first retaining member, whereby the first retaining member is adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the first bolt portion and substantially fixed against rotation with respect to the first portion of the bolt; and a second retaining member having a threaded through hole and encircling a second portion of the bolt with a threaded outer surface, whereby the second retaining member is rotatable with respect to the second bolt portion to adjust a position of the second member of retention in a longitudinal direction of the second portion of the lock, wherein the opening of the retaining first is substantially non-circular in configuration and the first portion of the housing in cross section is configured substantially corresponding to the non-circular opening of the first retaining member , the first retaining member further comprises at least one mounting opening and the retainer structure further comprises a fastening member adapted to extend through the mounting opening to be secured to a panel for substantially securing an axial position of the first retaining member.
15. 15. In combination a bolt and retainer structure, characterized in that it comprises: a first retainer member having a through opening, defining at least one retaining surface and enclosing a first portion of the bolt, wherein the first portion of the bolt in cross-section it comprises a bolt retaining surface substantially corresponding in configuration to the retaining surface of at least the opening of the first retaining member, whereby the first retaining member is adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the first bolt portion. and substantially fixed against rotation with respect to the first portion of the bolt; and a second retaining member having a through threaded opening and enclosing a second portion of the bolt having a threaded outer surface, whereby the second retaining member is rotatable with respect to the second portion of the bolt to adjust a position of the second. retaining member in a longitudinal direction of the second portion of the bolt, wherein the first retaining member engages the second retaining member, the second retaining member further comprises at least one mounting opening and the retainer structure further comprises a member fastener adapted to extend through the mounting opening for fastening to a panel, to substantially secure an axial position of the second retaining member.
16. 16. A method for mounting a bolt on a panel, the panel has an exterior surface, an interior surface and a through opening, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a bolt comprising a first retainer member having a latch. through opening that defines at least one retaining surface, a second retainer member having a threaded through hole and a housing having an upper end, a lower end and an outer surface, with the outer surface having a first portion defining a substantially threaded section and a second portion defining a bolt retaining surface having a substantially corresponding cross section in configuration with the retaining surface of at least the first retaining member; and installing the bolt in the panel comprises: inserting at least one exterior surface of the housing in the opening of the panel; inserting the first retainer member in the bolt, such that the opening of the first retainer member substantially circumvents the housing; inserting the second retaining member into the bolt in such a manner that the threaded opening of the second retaining member substantially encircles and engages the threaded section of the housing; adjusting a position of the first retainer member and the second retainer member relative to the upper end of the housing, by rotating the second retainer member and sliding the first retainer member in a substantially axial direction, such that at least one retention surface of the first member retainer is adjacent to the retainer surface of the housing; providing the first retainer member and second retainer member, each having at least one through opening; providing a generally elongate clamping member; inserting the generally elongate clamping member through the opening at least of the first retainer member and second retainer member; and fastening the generally elongate fastening member to the panel.
17. 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: supplying the second portion of the housing having a cross section substantially corresponding in configuration with the opening of the first retainer member; providing a plurality of openings through each of the first retainer member and the second retainer member and a plurality of generally elongate fastener members; inserting the plurality of generally elongate fastener members through the plurality of openings of the first retainer member and the second retainer; and fastening the generally elongate fastener members to the panel.
18. 18. In combination, a first panel having an outer surface, an inner surface and a through opening extending in an axial direction between the outer surface and the inner surface and a level bolt mounted on the first panel, the latch characterized in that it comprises: a housing defining an upper terminating end and a lower terminating end on a longitudinal axis and an outer surface between the upper and lower termination ends, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the adjacent housing the upper terminating end is received in the opening in the first panel and the upper terminating end is placed substantially flush with the outer surface of the first panel; retaining means for securing the housing when the housing is received within the opening of the first panel, wherein the retaining means comprises mounting and assembling portions, with the holding means movable in the mounting position and substantially fixed in the position mounted, the retaining means further include means for retaining both an axial position and a rotational position of the bolt in the assembled position, and with the rotational position retaining means in the mounting position, movable on the longitudinal axis and substantially fixed against rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis; fastening means for releasably securing the first panel and the second panel; and drive means for operating the clamping means.
19. 19. A combination according to claim 18, characterized in that the retaining means further comprises means for substantially preventing movement of any of the rotational position retaining means or the axial position retaining means in the assembled position.
20. 20. A combination according to claim 19, characterized in that the rotational position retaining means comprise a retaining washer having an opening of non-circular passing shape, which is received on at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing having a non-circular cross-section.
21. 21. A combination according to claim 20, characterized in that the axial position retention means comprise a retaining nut having a substantially circular through opening defining an annular wall with a series of threads received in at least a portion of an outer surface of the housing with a series of corresponding threads formed therein.
22. 22. - A combination according to claim 21, characterized in that the means for substantially preventing movement of the retaining washer or retaining nut in the assembled position, comprising at least one fastening member.
23. 23. A combination according to claim 21, characterized in that the housing further includes an opening within the upper end in which the actuating means are received in such a way that the actuating means are confined within the housing.
24. 24. A bolt adapted to mount on a member having an exterior surface, an interior surface and an opening extending in an axial direction through the exterior surface and the interior surface, characterized in that it comprises: a generally elongate housing, adapted to mount in the opening of the member and which defines an upper end and a lower end; retaining means associated with the housing and having mounting positions and assembled to hold the bolt, the latching means comprising a first latch member and a second latch member; the first retaining member in the mounting position is adjustable with respect to the upper end of the housing and in the assembled position is substantially fixed with respect to the upper end of the housing; the second retention member in the mounting position is rotatably incremental with respect to the housing from an original position to a set position and with the adjusted position being less than 90 ° from the original position to locate the first retention member in the mounted position.
25. 25. A bolt according to claim 24, characterized in that the second retaining member includes a threaded through hole substantially enclosing a threaded portion of the housing.
26. 26. A bolt according to claim 25, characterized in that the first retaining member includes a through opening substantially enclosing a portion of the housing defining a cross section generally corresponding in configuration to the opening.
27. 27. A bolt according to claim 26, characterized in that the opening of the first retaining member is substantially non-circular in configuration and the portion of the housing in cross section is configured substantially corresponding to the non-circular opening of the first retaining member .
28. 28. A bolt according to claim 27, characterized in that the first retaining member engages the second retaining member and the first retaining member is placed closer to the upper end of the housing than the second retaining member.
29. 29. In combination, a bolt and retainer structure, characterized in that it comprises: a first retaining member having a through opening defining at least one retaining surface and encircling a first portion of the bolt, wherein the first bolt portion in The cross section comprises a bolt retaining surface substantially corresponding in configuration to the retaining surface of at least the opening of the first retaining member, whereby the first retaining member is adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the first bolt portion and substantially fixed against rotation with respect to the first portion of the bolt; and a second retaining member having a threaded through hole and encircling a second portion of the bolt having a threaded outer surface, whereby the second retaining member is rotatable with respect to the bolt to adjust a position of the second retainer member in a longitudinal direction of the second portion of the bolt.
30. 30. A combination according to claim 29, characterized in that the first portion of the bolt comprises at least one section of the second bolt portion.
31. 31.- A method for mounting a bolt on a panel, the panel has an exterior surface, an interior surface and a through opening, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a bolt comprising a first retainer member having a latch. a through opening defining at least one retaining surface, a second retaining member having a threaded through opening, an upper terminating end, a lower terminating end and an outer surface, with the outer surface having a first portion defining a substantially threaded section and a second portion defining a bolt retaining surface having a cross section substantially corresponding in configuration to at least one retaining surface of the first retaining member; and installing the bolt in the panel comprises: inserting at least the outer surface of the bolt into the opening of the panel; inserting the first retaining member into the bolt, such that the opening of the first retaining member substantially surrounds the outer surface; inserting the second retainer member into the bolt, such that the threaded opening of the second retainer member substantially encloses and engages the threaded section of the outer surface; adjusting a position of the first retainer member and the second retainer member relative to the upper end of the bolt termination by rotating the second retainer member and sliding the first retainer member in a substantially axial direction; and clamping the retaining member and the second retaining member in the position fitted in the bolt.
32. 32.- Method of compliance with the claim 31, characterized in that the first retaining member and the second retaining member are held in the position fitted in the bolt by fastening means.
33. 33. - Method of compliance with the claim 32, characterized in that the step of installing the bolt in the panel further comprises the step of mounting the bolt level in the panel by adjusting a bolt position such that the upper end of the bolt is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the bolt. Panel