US3905628A

US3905628A - Latch assembly

Info

Publication number: US3905628A
Application number: US447080A
Authority: US
Inventors: Raymond L Lancaster
Original assignee: Lanson Ind Inc
Current assignee: Lanson Ind Inc
Priority date: 1974-03-01
Filing date: 1974-03-01
Publication date: 1975-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 1992-09-16

Abstract

A latch assembly for connecting a first flange to a second flange by a rotatable actuating member which extends through an opening in the second flange and has an end portion movable selectively to a latched position through the first flange and to an unlatched position away from the first flange. A cam member is carried by the outer surface of the first flange adjacent the opening therethrough. A lateral projection on the actuating member engages the cam member upon rotation of the actuating member an angular distance in one direction and moves through the opening in the first flange into engagement with the second flange upon rotation of the actuating member an annular distance in the opposite direction.

Description

United States Patent Lancaster Sept. 16, 1975 LATCH ASSEMBLY Primary Examiner-Richard E. Moore {75] Inventor: Raymond L. Lancaster, Cullman, Attorney or Flrm'jennmgs Carter &

Ala. Thompson [73] Assignee: Lanson Industries, lnc., Cullman,

A111. 1 ABSTRACT [22] Filcd: Man 1 1974 A latch assembly for connecting a first flange to a sec 0nd flange by a rotatable actuating member which ex- 1 pp N05 447,080 tends through an opening in the second flange and has an end portion movable selectively to a latched posi- [szl U S Cl 292/257 292/241 tion through the first flange and to an unlatched posig Int Cl 2 i l 3/04 tion away from the first flange. A cam member is carg Field of ried by the outer surface of the first flange adjacent I i Q the o ening therethrough. A lateral projection on the actuating member engages the cam member upon ro- [QM References Cited tation of the actuating member an angular distance in T TAT S P TE one direction and moves through the opening in the ED S E A S first flange into engagement with the second flange g upon rotation of the actuating member an annular dis- 8 urp y 2373991 2/1959 Larimore et al. 292/58 X tdnce m the Opposite dlrectlon 3,238,834 3/1966 Applcbcrry 24/221 R X 4 Cl i 4 D wi Fi LATCH ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a latch assembly and more particularly to means for detachably connecting a pair of flange-like members to each other, such as outturned flanges carried by a receptacle and a lid therefor.

Heretofore in the art to which my invention relates, difficulties have been encountered in securing relatively large lid members formed of sheet material to a receptacle also formed of sheet material due to the fact that the receptacle and lid are both flexible, thus necessitating a firm connection between the connected members.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with my present invention, I provide a latch assembly which comprises a rotatable actuating member which extends through an opening in the flange carried by the receptacle and has an end portion which is movable selectively into a latched position through an opening in a flange-like member carried by the lid and to an unlatched position away from the lid. A cam member is carried by the outer surface of the lid flange adjacent the opening therethrough. A lateral projection on the actuating member engages the cam member upon rotation of the actuating member an angular distance in one direction and moves through the opening in the lid flange into engagement with the receptacle flange upon rotation of the actuating member an angular distance in the opposite direction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING A latch assembly embodying features of my invention is illustrated in the accompany drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing my improved latch assembly connecting a pair of flange-like members of a receptacle and its lid to each other;

FIG. 2 is a view taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG.. 1; and,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, sectional view through the end portion of the rotatable actuating member and taken generally in the direction of the line 4-4 of FIG. 2, the rotatable actuating member being removed from the remainder of the apparatus for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawing for a better understanding of my invention, I show a fragment of a sheet metal receptacle 10 and a fragment of a sheet metal lid 11 for the receptacle 10. The receptacle 10 is provided with an outturned flange-like member 12 and the lid 11 is provided with an outturned flange-like member 13, as shown. To reinforce the receptacle 10 and the lid 1 1, reinforcing, angle members 14 and 16 are secured to the receptacle I0 and lid 11, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the

outermost flanges

17 and 18 of the angle members 14 and 16, respectively, extend alongside and are secured to the adjacent flanges l2 and 13.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a common opening 19 is provided through the flanges l2 and 17 and a common opening 21 is provided through the

flanges

13 and 18 for receiving an end portion 22 of a rotatable actuating member 23. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the opening 21 is adapted to move into alignment with the opening 19 upon movement of the lid 11 toward the closed position relative to the receptacle 10. The end portion 22 of the rotatable actuating member 23 is joined to a laterally extending arm 24 having a handle member 26 adjacent the free end thereof, as shown in FIG. 1.

Secured to the outer surface of the flange 13 is a plate member 27 which carries a pair of oppositely dis posed cam members 28 having outwardly sloping cam surfaces 29. Preferably, the cam members 28 are formed by punching material out of the plate member 27 to provide an opening 31 between the cam members 28, as shown in FIG. 2. In like manner, a plate member 27 is secured to the outer surface of the flange 12 which carries a pair of oppositely disposed cam members 28 having outwardly sloping cam surfaces 29, as described hereinabove.

The end portion 22 of the actuating member 23 carries a laterial projection in the form of a transverse pin 32 adjacent its end, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The pin 32 projects from opposite sides of the end portion 22, as shown in FIG. 2, in a position to ride on the cam surfaces 29 carried by the cam members 28. In like manner, a lateral projection in the form of a transverse pin 32" extends through a suitable opening in the rotatable actuating member 23 in spaced relation to the transverse pin 32 and in position to engage the outwardly sloping cam surfaces 29 of the cam members 28 carried by the

flanges

12 and 17, as shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transverse pin 32 is of a length less than the length of the opening 31 provided in the plate member 27 whereby upon rotation of the actuating member 23 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, the pin 32 moves into alignment with the opening 31 and is free to move downwardly through the opening 31 and the opening 21 provided in the

flange members

13 and 18. The pin 32 then moves to a position adjacent the inner surface of the flange 17, as shown in FIG. 3. Since the opening 19 through the

flanges

17 and 12 is of a size to receive the actuating member 23 with a rotating fit and the pin 32 extends beyond the opening 19, the pin 32 cannot pass downwardly through the opening 19 whereby the actuating member 23 is always connected to the

flange members

12 and 17 carried by the receptacle 10.

The end portion 22 of the rotatable actuating member 23 is provided with a threaded opening 33 for receiving an externally threaded member 34 which is adapted for axial movement relative to the end portion 22. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, an elongated slot 36 is provided through the end portion 22 for receiving the transverse pin 32. The pin 32 is secured intermediate its ends to a spring abutment member 37 which is adapted to engage a compression spring 38 whereby the pin 32 is urged toward the movable member 34. Accordingly, the transverse pin 32 may be moved to selected longitudinal positions relative to the slot 36 by rotating the movable member 34. A tool engaging recess 39 is provided in the end of the movable member 34 for receiving a suitable tool whereby the member 34 may be rotated in opposite directions.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a recess 41 is provided in the outer surface 29 of each cam member 28 in position to receive the laterally projecting

32 or 32", as the case may be, upon rotation of the actuating mem ber 23 to the locked position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Accordingly, the recesses 41 retain the

pins

32 and 32" in the locked position until sufficicnt force is exerted to rotate the actuating member 23 so that the pins move out of the recesses 41.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a resilient. compressible strip 42 is positioned between the

flanges

17 and 18 inwardly of the rotatable actuating member 23. the compressible strip 42 is of a cross sectional thickness to fill the space between the

flanges

17 and 18 justprior to rotation of the actuating member 23 to move the

pins

32 and 32" in a counterclockwise direction. as viewed in FIG. 2. Accordingly, upon rotation of the actuating member 23 in a counterclockwise direction. as viewed in FIG. 2, the

pins

32 and 32" engage the cam members 28 and thus force the

flanges

17 and 18 toward each other to compress the strip 42. The strip 42 is thus in the compressed position while the

transverse pins

32 and 32 are in the locked position shown in FIGS. 1. 2 and 3.

From the foregoing description. the operation of my improved latch assembly will be readily understood. to secure the lid 11 to the receptacle 10, the lid 11 is moved toward the receptacle 10 with the

openings

19 and 21 in alignment with each other. The actuating member 23 is always attached to the flanges l2 and 17 carried by the receptacle 10 due to the fact that the pin 32 projects beyond the sides of the opening 19 and will not pass therethrough. With the

openings

19 and 21 in alignment with each other, the end portion 22 of the actuating member 23 is moved upwardly through the opening 21 and the openings 31 in the plate member 27 and is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction. as viewed in FIG. 2, whereby the

transverse pins

32 and 32" ride along the cam surfaces 29 of the cam members 28 to thus move the flange members carried by the receptacle 10 and lid 1 1 toward each other until the pins move into the recesses 41 provided in the cam members 28. As the

pins

32 and 32" move along the cam surfaces 29 the compressible strip 42 is compressed between the

flanges

17 and 18 as they move toward each other.

To release the latch assembly from the positions shown in FIGS. 1., 2 and 3. the rotatable actuating member 23 is rotated from the solid line position shown in PK}. 3 to the dotted line position. That is. the actuating member 23 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. As the transverse pin 32 moves into parallel alignment with the elongated opening 31 provided in the plate 27, the pin 32 is then free to drop downwardly through the openings 31 and 21 to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 3.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that l have devised an improved latch assembly which is adapted to positively secure a lidlikc member to a receptacle. By providing the transverse pins which ride along the cam surfaces of the cam members 28. the adjacent flanges of the receptacle and lid are moved inwardly in a controlled manner to a predetermined position relative to each other. By providing the recesses 41 in the cam surfaces 29. the actuating member 23 is secured in the locked position to prevent accidental release of the latch assembly. Also. by providing the opening 19 of a size to prevent the passage of the pin 32 therethrough and providing the openings 31 and 21 of a size to permit the free passage of the pin 32. when in the unlatched position. the end portion 22 moves downwardly away from the flanges carried by the lid 1 1 to a position adjacent the flange 17 carried by the receptacle 10. Accordingly. the actuating member 23 is always attached to the receptacle. thus preventing loss thereof. F urthermore. by providing the adjustable member 34 and the compression spring 38. the position of the transverse pin 32 may be varied by merely rotating the member 34 in the desired direction. Furthemiore. by providing the compressible strip 42 between the flanges l7 and 18. an effective seal is provided between the receptacle and its lid and at the same time an additional force is exerted against the cam members 28 whereby the

transverse pins

32 and 32" remain in the recesses 41 while the latch assembly is in the latched position.

While 1 have shown my invention in but one form. it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited. but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

What 1 claim is:

1. In a latch assembly for detachably attaching a first flange-like member to a second flange-like member.

a. there being an opening through said first flangelike member disposed to move into alignment with an opening through said second flange-like member.

b. a rotatable actuating member extending through said opening through said second flange-like member and having an end portion disposed to move selectively to a latched position through said first flange-like member and to an unlatched position away from said first flange-like member.

c. at least one cam member carried by the outer surface of said first flange-like member adjacent the opening thercthrough and having an outwardly sloping cam surface.

d. a second cam member having an outwardly sloping cam surface carried by the outer surface of said second flange-like member ajdacent the opening therethrough.

e. a first lateral projection carried by said end portion of said actuating member of a size and shape to engage said cam surface carried by said first flangelike member and move said first flange-like memher to latched position toward said second flangelike member upon rotation of said actuating member an angular distance in one direction and to move through said opening through said first flange-like member to unlatched position adjacent the inner surface of said second flange-like member upon rotation of said actuating member an angular distance in the opposite direction whereby said actuating member is attached to said second flange-like member at all times. and

f. a second lateral projection carried by said actuating member in position to engage said cam member carried by said second flange-like member upon rotation of said actuating member in said one direction.

2. A latch assembly as defined in claim 1 in which a pair of oppositely disposed cam members are carried by the outer surface of each said first and second flange-like member at opposite sides of the opening therethrough and each said laterial projection is a pinlike member extending through said actuating member and beyond opposite sides thereof.

3. A latch assembly as defined in claim 1 in which a longitudinally extending slot is provided through said end portion of said actuating member for receiving said the outer end of said end portion and engaging the lateral projection and adjustable means retains said latoutermost side of said lateral projection. and eral projection at selected longitudinal positions relab. resilient means urging said lateral projection into tive to said slot. engagement with said movable member whereby 4. A latch assembly as defined in claim 3 in which 5 said lateral projection is movable in response to said adjustable means comprises movement of said movable member.

a. a movable member in threaded engagement with

Claims

1. In a latch assembly for detachably attaching a first flangelike member to a second flange-like member, a. there being an opening through said first flange-like member disposed to move into alignment with an opening through said second flange-like member, b. a rotatable actuating member extending through said opening through said second flange-like member and having an end portion disposed to move selectively to a latched position through said first flange-like member and to an unlatched position away from said first flange-like member, c. at least one cam member carried by the outer surface of said first flange-like member adjacent the opening therethrough and having an outwardly sloping cam surface, d. a second cam member having an outwardly sloping cam surface carried by the outer surface of said second flange-like member ajdacent the opening therethrough, e. a first lateral projection carried by said end portion of said actuating member of a size and shape to engage said cam surface carried by said first flange-like member and move said first flange-like member to latched position toward said second flange-like member upon rotation of said actuating member an angular distance in one direction and to move through said opening through said first flange-like member to unlatched position adjacent the inner surface of said second flange-like member upon rotation of said actuating member an angular distance in the opposite direction whereby said actuating member is attached to said second flange-like member at all times, and f. a second lateral projection carried by said actuating member in position to engage said cam member carried by said second flange-like member upon rotation of said actuating member in said one direction.

3. A latch assembly as defined in claim 1 in which a longitudinally extending slot is provided through said end portion of said actuating member for receiving said lateral projection and adjustable means retains said lateral projection at selected longitudinal positions relative to said slot.

4. A latch assembly as defined in claim 3 in which said adjustable means comprises a. a movable member in threaded engagement with the outer end of said end portion and engaging the outermost side of said lateral projection, and b. resilient means urging said lateral projection into engagement with said movable member whereby said lateral projection is movable in response to movement of said movable member.