Touch Latch

Abstract

A touch latch assembly for releasably holding a member such as a cabinet door or a lighting fixture lens structure latched in an axis opening in a frame on the cabinet or fixture wherein all the parts of the assembly normally are concealed and in operation of which the door or lens structure is latched closed in response to a first movement thereof into the opening and in which the latch is released in response to a second movement of the door or lens structure in the same direction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In some installations it is desirable that all parts of the fastener assembly normally be concealed from view. At the same time it is necessary that the member to be secured in place be held positively while being readily releasable. An example of such an installation is the lens structure of a recessed lighting fixture. Another example of such an installation is a cabinet such as a medicine chest or the like. In order to fulfill both these requirements it is necessary that the fastener assembly be released by moving the lens structure or door or the like in the same direction as that in which it is moved to engage the fastener.

Among the many types of latches or fasteners known in the prior art there exist a number of latches of the type wherein a latch is moved into engagement with a receptacle in response to a relative movement therebetween in one direction and in which the latch is disengaged in response to relative movement between the parts in the same direction. Examples of this type are those employing cam tracks which guide the latch element for rotary movement as it is engaged and disengaged with the receptacle. A particular latch of this general type in which all parts are normally concealed is described in Kaufman U.S. Pat. No. 2,844,401 issued July 22, 1958. In operation of the latch shown in the Kaufman patent, as the fixture cover or the cabinet door moves from open to closed position a stiff cam arm on the door engages a spring arm extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cam arm. Upon continued movement of the cam arm the spring arm moves laterally until it arrives at a recess in the cam arm. In that relative position of the parts the spring arm begins to restore itself and a first projection on an edge of the spring arm and intermediate the ends thereof engages the trailing edge of the cam arm slot. Upon release of the door of cover an auxiliary spring or gravity moves the door slightly toward its open position so that the first projection moves out of engagement with the cam arm and a second projection on the other edge of and at the end of the spring arm engages the other edge of the cam slot. In this position of the parts the door or cover is held closed since the edge of the cam arm slot hangs on the edge of the spring arm adjacent the end thereof to support the cover in cantilever fashion. To release the latch the cover is pushed slightly inwardly to move the second projection out of engagement with the cam arm to free the spring arm and release the cover.

The latch shown in the Kaufman patent embodies a number of defects. First, the action thereof in latching is relatively complicated. Secondly, and more important, owing to the fact that the parts are held latched in cantilever fashion the load which can be supported by the assembly is relatively low. Moreover, the latch is not rugged and will have a relatively short life.

I have invented a touch latch which is an improvement over latches of the prior art such as those described above. My latch is relatively simple in construction. It is certain in operation. It has a high load capacity as compared with latches of the prior art. It is rugged and has a long life in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of my invention is to provide a touch latch which is an improvement over latches of the prior art intended to operate in the same manner.

Another object of my invention is to provide a touch latch having a high load capacity.

A further object of my invention is to provide a touch latch which is relatively simple in construction.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a touch latch which is rugged and which has a long life.

Other and further objects of my invention will appear in the following description.

In general my invention contemplates the provision of a touch latch assembly in which a latch element carried by a spring arm on a cover or a door is moved in the direction of its length up a ramp against the action of a spring or gravity until it drops into a recess at the end of the ramp with the spring arm loaded to latch the cover or door closed. To release the latch it is pushed in the direction of its length and is guided out of the recess to permit the spring arm to move the latch element to a position behind the ramp to free the door or cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the instant specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of my improved touch latch.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a cabinet or the like to which my touch latch is applied and illustrating the relative position of the parts with the latch open.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the cabinet and latch illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the relative position of the parts with the latch closed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of my touch latch.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a lighting fixture or the like provided with the form of my touch latch illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a still further form of my touch latch.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of a lighting fixture or the like provided with yet another form of my touch latch and illustrating the operation of the latch in moving from released to latched condition.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fixture shown in FIG. 7 and illustrating the operation of the latch in moving from latched to released condition.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a still further form of my touch latch.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation of the form of my touch latch illustrated in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings my touch latch includes a receptacle indicated generally by the reference character 10 and an ejector spring and catch support, indicated generally by the reference character 12, each of which may be made from a single piece of sheet metal stamped out and formed in the manner described below. The receptacle 10 includes a base 14 adapted to be secured to one of the two members to be connected such for example as a cabinet frame 16 by any suitable means such as screws 18. I form the base 14 with a portion 20 extending generally perpendicularly to the base. A pair of spaced arms 22 and 24 carried by portion 20 define an opening 26 therebetween. I form the receptacle 10 with a pair of ramps 28 and 30 inclined downwardly toward base 14 from the respective arms 22 and 24. It will be seen that the inner portions of the ramps 28 and 30 adjacent the top thereof partially close opening 26. Flanges 32 and 34 extend from the inward edges of the ramps 28 and 30 toward the base 14. I provide each of the flanges 32 and 34 with a recess 36 for receiving the catch of my fastener to be described hereinbelow. The inner edge of the opening 26 carries a guide 38 which directs the catch to be described into and out of recesses 36 in operation of the latch.

The ejector spring and catch 12 of my assembly includes a base 40 adapted to be secured to any suitable member such as a door 42 associated with cabinet 16 by any suitable means such as screws 44. Base 40 carries a resilient arm 46 the upper end of which is formed with ears 48 for receiving a pin 50 the ends of which extend outwardly beyond the ears 48 to form the catch of my fastener. Base 40 also carries a spring arm 52 adapted to engage the edge of the cabinet 16 as the door 42 is closed.

In operation of the form of my latch illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 as the door 42 is moved toward the cabinet 16 against the action of spring 52 which engages the edge of the cabinet, the ends of the catch pin 50 ride along the ramps 28 and 30 to urge the resilient arm 46 away from base 14. When the catch pin 50 arrives at the top of the ramps the natural resilience of the arm 46 moves the pin 50 inwardly and the guide 38 stops the arm at a position at which it still has a bias toward base 14. When the door is released spring 52 causes the pin 50 to drop into recesses 38 and the door is latched closed. To open the door it is again pushed inwardly and pin 50 rides behind the stop 38. As the pin 50 moves out of recess 36 the arm 46 springs inwardly until the pin is behind the inner edges of flanges 32 and 34. When the door is released it is free and spring 52 moves the parts of the latch into fully disengaged position.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 a slightly modified form of my latch indicated generally by the reference character 54 includes a receptacle indicated generally by the reference character 56 and a catch indicated generally by the reference character 58. Receptacle 56 differs from receptacle 10 only in that the stop 38 is provided with an offset 60 extending in the plane of portion 20 and in a direction generally perpendicular to the base 14 to limit movement of the fastener elements toward each other in an installation wherein no natural limit exists. Catch 58 differs from the catch and ejector spring 12 in that no ejector spring is provided and in that the pin 50 is held in a loop 62 of the metal of which arm 46 is formed rather than being received by ears 48.

FIG. 5 illustrates the application of a latch such as the latch 54 in retaining the lens assembly of a recessed lighting fixture in place in the fixture housing. The lens assembly includes a lens 64 supported by a frame 66 to which I secure the catch 58 by any suitable means such as by rivets 68 or the like. Similarly I secure the receptacle 56 to the housing frame 70 on to which the lens assembly is to be attached. The operation of this form of my fastener in holding the lens 64 in place is analogous to that described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3 except that no ejection spring is provided.

Referring now to FIG. 6 a further form of my touch latch assembly includes a receptacle 72 and a catch 74. Receptacle 72 includes a base 76 which may be provided with a mounting flange 78 to permit it to be attached to the member with which it is to be associated. It will be appreciated that in certain installations flange 78 is not required and the base 76 may be directly attached to the member. Base 76 carries a portion 80 provided with respective arms 82 and 84 having slots 86 and 88 in their inner edges intermediate the lengths thereof. I form arms 82 and 84 with respective ramps 90 and 92 inclined downwardly from the ends of arms 82 and 84 toward base 76. A stop 94 extends outwardly from portion 80 over the space between arms 82 and 84.

The catch 74 includes a base 96 formed with a resilient arm 98 the upper end of which carries a catch hook 100 having the general shape of an inverted V. As the catch member 74 moves toward the receptacle 72 the outer leg 102 of the inverted V-shaped hook 100 rides up the ramps 90 and 92 and the arm 98 is sprung outwardly. Upon continued movement of the catch 74 upwardly along arms 82 and 84 the end of the catch ultimately engages stop 94 to limit movement of the two parts toward each other. When the lens frame or the like with which the catch 74 is associated is released, the hook 100 slides back down legs 82 and 84 until the outer ends of the hook leg 102 ride into recesses 86 and 88.

To unlatch the parts the member carrying the catch 74 is pushed upwardly or inwardly and the loaded arm 98 springs inwardly so that the outer ends of the other leg 104 of the hook 100 pass through the slots 86 and 88 while the arm 98 moves through the space between arms 82 and 84 until it is in its relaxed condition. The lens frame or door is free and the hook 100 is permitted to move out of the receptacle 72 through the space between the lower ends of ramps 90 and 92 and the base 76.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8 in a still further modification of my touch latch a receptacle assembly indicated generally by the reference character 106 includes a base 108 having a flange 110 attached thereto by any suitable means as by welding or the like. Any suitable means such as rivets 112 secure the flange 110 to a lighting receptacle 114. Rivets or the like 116 attach a member 118 of resilient material to an offset 120 on the base 108. The member 118 is provided with respective ramp-forming legs 122 one of which is illustrated in the drawings and both of which are inclined inwardly from the offset 120 to a position closely adjacent to the base 108. I provide each of the legs 122 adjacent the upper end thereof with a laterally extending slot 124 for receiving the ends of the catch hook to be described.

The catch indicated generally by the reference character 126 of this form of my invention comprises an arm 128 secured to the frame 130 of the fixture lens 132 by any suitable means such as by screws 134. The hook 136 of catch 126 is provided with respective legs 138 and 140 similar to the legs 102 and 104 of the catch 74.

In operation of the form of my latch illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 with the latch assembly open as indicated by the broken line position A in FIG. 7 frame 130 is moved toward the fixture 114 to bring the ends of 138 into engagement with the ramp legs 122. The frame then is moved inwardly or upwardly to the broken line position B at which the frame 130 abuts a portion of the fixture 114. When the frame 130 is released it begins to move outwardly under the influence of gravity and the bias in arm 128 snaps the hook leg 138 into the slots 124. The lens and frame 130 are now positively latched in position.

To release the latch, frame 130 is moved slightly inwardly so that the bias in the arm 128 causes leg 140 to move through the slots 124 with the arm 98 moving into the space between legs 122. I have illustrated this position of the parts as the broken line position C in FIG. 8. When now the frame 130 is released it drops down and the ends of the hook 136 ride into the space between the base 108 and the arms 122. The inherent resilience of arms 122 releasably holds the frame 130 in a partially open position to prevent the frame from dropping suddenly to the fully opened position. The frame may be moved to the fully opened position by drawing it outwardly through an intermediate position indicated as the broken line position D in FIG. 8 whereat the ends of the hook 136 spring legs 122 slightly outwardly to the broken line positions thereof illustrated in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings I have illustrated yet another form of my latch indicated by the reference character 142 in which the fixture frame or the like normally is spring-biased to closed position on the receptacle or the like. The frame is pulled to open position whereat it is releasably latched and is again pulled to release the latch to permit the spring to return it to closed position in a manner to be described. The latch 142 includes a support plate 144 provided with a bent out tab 146 and with a snap fastener 148 by means of which the plate 144 may be mounted in the fixture (not shown). The support plate 144 is provided with a pair of outwardly extending ears 150 and 152 which extend through vertical slots 154 and 156 in the receptacle base 158 slidably to support the receptacle on the plate 144. I form the lower end of the base 158 with a hook 160 adapted to receive a bail 162 attached to a lighting fixture lens frame (not shown) for example. A spring 164 extends between an ear 166 on plate 144 and an ear 168 on base 158 normally to urge the receptacle to a position at which the lower ends of slots 154 and 156 engage ears 150 and 152 thus to hold the lens frame in its closed position.

Base 158 has an offset 170 carrying spaced ramp legs 172 and 174 having laterally extending slots 176 and 178 adjacent the upper ends thereof to receive the ends of the catch hook to be described.

A lug 180 at the bottom of plate 177 extends outwardly through a vertically extending opening 182 in base 158 and is bent around the lower end of the resilient catch arm 184 to hold the arm in assembled position on plate 144. I form the upper end of arm 184 with a hook 186 having legs 188 and 190.

In operation of the latch 142 spring 164 normally biases the parts to the positions shown in full lines to hold the lens frame or the like closed on the receptacle. When it is desired to move the frame to open position bail 162 is pulled to move base 158 downwardly along the support plate 144 against the action of spring 164. In the course of this movement ramp arms 172 and 174 engage hook leg 188 to move the hook outwardly away from base 158 against the inherent resilience of arm 184. Ultimately the ends of the leg 188 drop into the slots 176 and 178 so that the frame is releasably held in an open position. To close the frame bail 162 is again pulled to move base 158 downwardly to permit the spring arm 184 to move the leg 190 inwardly through the slots 176 and 178 to unlatch the fastener. When the frame is released spring 164 restores it to closed position.

The operation of my touch latch will be apparent from the description hereinabove. In each of the forms of the latch shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 the member to be closed is pushed until the catch engages the receptacle in a latching position. In this position of the parts the latch so engages the receptacle as to support a relatively great load since the load results in tension forces in the direction of the axis of the arm of the latch rather than in a cantilever force at the end of an arm as in the structures of the prior art described above. At the same time, all of the operating parts of the fastener are concealed from view in the closed position of the frame or door with which the latch is associated. THE OPERATING PARTS OF THE FASTENER ARE CONCEALED FROM VIEW IN THE CLOSED POSITION OF THE FRAME OR DOOR WITH THE LATCH IS ASSOCIATED. To release the latch the element to be closed merely is again pushed and the inherent resilience of the catch arm moves the catch to a released position.

The operation of the form of my latch illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is analogous to that described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 8. However, in this form of my invention the member with which the latch is associated is biased closed and is pulled once to an open position in which it is latched and is pulled a second time to move it from the latched position to an unlatched position to permit it spring to restore it to close position.

It will be seen that I have accomplished the objects of my invention. I have provided a touch latch which overcomes the defects of touch latches of the prior art. All parts of the latch are normally concealed from view. The latch may be released by relative movement of the members in the same direction as that which caused their engagement. My latch is capable of taking a relatively heavy load. It is rugged in construction and has a consequently long life.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of my claims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details within the scope of my claims without departing from the spirit of my invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Claims

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A latch assembly for releasably securing first and second members mounted for relative movement in a certain general direction between proximate and remote positions including in combination, a resilient arm adapted to be secured to one of said members with its length generally parallel to said direction and with the end thereof occupying a normal position, a catch carried by said arm adjacent said end, a receptacle comprising a ramp having an upper end and a lower end, means forming a recess behind the upper end of said ramp, said recess having an upwardly opening mouth, said receptacle adapted to be secured to the other member with the length of said ramp extending in said direction and with the lower end of said ramp in a position to be engaged by said catch as said members are first moved relatively in said general direction generally to cause said catch to ride up said ramp against the inherent resilience of said arm and to engage in said recess, said catch moving out of said recess and behind said ramp in response to a second relative movement in said direction to permit said arm to return to said normal position, and a guide carried by said receptacle, said guide extending downwardly toward and being located generally centrally of said mouth positively to direct said catch into said recess in response to said first relative movement and for positively directing said catch out of said recess in response to said second relative movement.

2. A releasable latch assembly for holding in assembled relationship first and second members adapted to be moved relative to each other in a general direction of movement including in combination, a resilient arm carried by one of said members with its length extending generally parallel to said direction, a catch carried by said arm adjacent the end thereof, said catch having ends extending laterally oppositely outwardly from said arm, a receptacle comprising laterally spaced ramps having upper and lower ends and means forming recesses adjacent to the upper ends of said ramps, said receptacle adapted to be mounted on the other member with said ramps extending generally in said direction with the lower ends thereof adapted to be engaged by said catch ends in response to relative movement of said members in said direction between an open position and a closed position, said catch ends riding up the respective ramps against the resilience of said arm and into the respective recesses with said arm disposed between said ramps under the action of said arm in response to a first relative movement of said members in a certain direction between said positions, said catch ends riding out of said recesses in response to a second relative movement of said members in said direction and said arm moving through the space between said ramps to position said catch behind said ramps to release said latch, said recesses being located behind said ramps between the upper and lower ends thereof, said receptacle comprising a guide located above the upper ends of said ramps and adjacent to and generally centrally located with respect to the mouths of said recesses for guiding said catch ends into said recesses in response to said first relative movement and for guiding said catch ends out of said recesses in response to said second relative movement.

3. A releasable latch assembly for holding in assembled relationship first and second members adapted to be moved relative to each other in a general direction of movement including in combination, a resilient arm carried by one of said members with its length extending generally parallel to said direction, a catch carried by said arm adjacent the end thereof, said catch having ends extending laterally oppositely outwardly from said arm, a receptacle comprising laterally spaced ramps having upper and lower ends and means forming recesses adjacent to the upper ends of said ramps, said receptacle adapted to be mounted on the other member with said ramps extending generally in said direction with the lower ends thereof adapted to be engaged by said catch ends in response to relative movement of said members in said direction between an open position and a closed position, said catch ends riding up the respective ramps against the resilience of said arm and into the respective recesses with said arm disposed between said ramps under the action of said arm in response to a first relative movement of said members in a certain direction between said positions, said catch ends riding out of said recesses in response to a second relative movement of said members in said direction and said arm moving through the space between said ramps to position said catch behind said ramps to release said latch, said catch being a hook on said arm, said recess comprising slots in said receptacle adjacent the upper ends of said ramps, said laterally extending ends of said hook adapted to engage in said recesses.

4. A releasable latch assembly for holding in assembled relationship first and second members adapted to be moved relative to each other in a general direction of movement including in combination, a resilient arm carried by one of said members with its length extending generally parallel to said direction, a catch carried by said arm adjacent the end thereof, said catch having ends extending laterally oppositely outwardly from said arm, a receptacle comprising laterally spaced ramps having upper and lower ends and means forming recesses adjacent to the upper ends of said ramps, said receptacle adapted to be mounted on the other member with said ramps extending generally in said direction with the lower ends thereof adapted to be engaged by said catch ends in response to relative movement of said members in said direction between an open position and a closed position, said catch ends riding up the respective ramps against the resilience of said arm and into the respective recesses with said arm disposed between said ramps under the action of said arm in response to a first relative movement of said members in a certain direction between said positions, said catch ends riding out of said recesses in response to a second relative movement of said members in a certain direction between said positions, said catch ends riding out of said recesses in response to a second relative movement of said members in said direction and said arm moving through the space between said ramps to position said catch behind said ramps to release said latch, said receptacle comprising a base, means spacing the upper ends of said ramps from said base, said ramps being formed from resilient material, the lower ends of said ramps extending to positions closely adjacent to said base releasably to retain said catch ends between the lower ends of the ramp and said base following said second relative movement.

5. An assembly as in claim 2 in which said receptacle comprises a stop for limiting the movement of said catch toward said receptacle.

6. An assembly as in claim 2 including means mounting said catch and said receptacle for limited sliding movement and a spring for biasing said catch and said receptacle to relatively remote positions.