U.S. patent application number 11/762497 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for carrying case with locking latch mechanism.
Invention is credited to Benjamin Coley, Jean-Pierre Grenier, Gary Hawkins.
Application Number | 20080308568 11/762497 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40131357 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080308568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grenier; Jean-Pierre ; et
al. |
December 18, 2008 |
CARRYING CASE WITH LOCKING LATCH MECHANISM
Abstract
A carrying case includes a top case shell hinged to a bottom
case shell which may be maintained in a closed position by a double
throw, triple action latch mechanism comprising a latch body
pivotally mounted to the bottom case shell, a latch locking element
pivotally mounted to the latch body and a latch release coupled to
the latch body. With the case in the closed position, the latch
locking element engages a seat formed in the top case shell and
clamps the two shells together. After moving the latch release to a
release position, the latch body may be pivoted relative to the
bottom case shell to permit disengagement of the latch locking
mechanism from the top shell allowing the case to be opened.
Inventors: |
Grenier; Jean-Pierre;
(Blainville, CA) ; Coley; Benjamin; (La Plaine,
CA) ; Hawkins; Gary; (Dollard-des-Ormeaux,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GRAY ROBINSON, P.A.
P.O. Box 2328
FT. LAUDERDALE
FL
33303-9998
US
|
Family ID: |
40131357 |
Appl. No.: |
11/762497 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 13/10 20130101;
A45C 2005/037 20130101; A45C 13/1084 20130101; E05B 65/52 20130101;
E05C 19/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/810 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16 |
Claims
1. A case, comprising: a first case shell and a second case shell
pivotally connected to one another and movable between an open
position and a closed position; a latch mechanism connected between
said first and second case shells, said latch mechanism comprising:
(i) a latch body pivotally mounted to one of said first and second
case shells, said latch body being movable between a first position
and a second position; (ii) a latch locking element pivotally
mounted to said latch body, said latch locking element being
movable between a locked position in contact with the other of said
first and second case shells when said latch body is in said first
position and an unlocked position when said latch body is in said
second position; (iii) a latch release acting on said latch body,
said latch release being effective to retain said latch body in
said first position except upon movement of said latch release from
a locked position to a release position.
2. The case of claim 1 in which said latch body includes a top
wall, a bottom wall and opposed inner side walls collectively
forming a cavity, said latch release being mounted within said
cavity.
3. The case of claim 2 in which said latch release includes a top
wall, a front wall, a back wall and a bottom wall, a projection
extending outwardly from said bottom wall, said projection being
coupled to a spring retained in a holder which rests atop said
bottom wall of said latch body.
4. The case of claim 3 in which one of said first and second case
shells has a front wall formed with a ledge, said top wall of said
latch release being formed with a recess and an outwardly extending
locking member, said locking member engaging said ledge with said
latch release in said locked position.
5. The case of claim 4 in which said spring exerts a force in a
direction to urge said latch release into said locked position with
said locking member in engagement with said ledge, said latch
release being movable in a direction against the force applied by
said spring so that said locking member disengages said ledge thus
allowing said latch body to pivot to said second position.
6. The case of claim 2 in which said latch body further includes
opposed outer side walls each spaced from one of said inner side
walls, a first bearing surface being formed between one of said
inner and outer side wall pairs and a second bearing surface being
formed between the other of said inner and outer side wall
pairs.
7. The case of claim 6 in which said latch locking element includes
a first pivot arm spaced from a second pivot arm, and a hook member
extending between said first and second pivot arms.
8. The case of claim 7 in which said first and second pivot arms
are pivotally connected to said latch body so that said first and
second pivot arms each rest against one of said first and second
bearing surfaces of said latch body.
9. The case of claim 7 in which said one of said first and second
case shells has a front wall formed with a seat, said hook element
being engageable with said seat when said latch locking element is
in said locked position.
10. The case of claim 8 in which said first and second pivot arms
of said latch locking member, and said latch release, are coupled
to said latch body.
11. A case, comprising: a top case shell having a front wall formed
with a seat, a bottom case shell having a front wall formed with a
ledge, said top and bottom case shells being pivotally connected to
one another and movable between an open position and a closed
position; a latch mechanism comprising: (i) a latch body pivotally
mounted to said bottom case shell, said latch body being movable
between a first position located along said front wall of said
bottom case shell and a second position; (ii) a latch locking
element formed with a hook member, said latch locking element being
pivotally mounted to said latch body and movable between a locked
position wherein said hook member engages said seat of said top
case shell and an unlocked position wherein said hook member
disengages said seat, said latch locking element being retained in
said locked position except upon movement of said latch body to
said second position; (iii) a latch release coupled to said latch
body and being movable between a locked position and a release
position, said latch release having a locking member which engages
said ledge of said bottom case shell when in said locked position
thus preventing said latch body from moving to said second
position, said locking member disengaging said ledge upon movement
of said latch release to said release position.
12. The case of claim 11 in which said latch body includes a top
wall, a bottom wall and opposed inner side walls collectively
forming a cavity, said latch release being mounted within said
cavity.
13. The case of claim 12 in which said latch release includes a top
wall, a front wall, a back wall and a bottom wall, a projection
extending outwardly from said bottom wall, said projection being
coupled to a spring retained in a holder which rests atop said
bottom wall of said latch body.
14. The case of claim 13 in which said top wall of said latch
release is formed with a recess and said outwardly extending
locking member.
15. The case of claim 14 in which said spring exerts a force in a
direction to urge said latch release into said locked position with
said locking member in engagement with said ledge, said latch
release being movable in a direction against the force applied by
said spring so that said locking member disengages said ledge thus
allowing said latch body to pivot relative to said bottom case
shell to said second position.
16. The case of claim 12 in which said latch body further includes
opposed outer side walls each spaced from one of said inner side
walls, a first bearing surface being formed between one of said
inner and outer side wall pairs and a second bearing surface being
formed between the other of said inner and outer side wall
pairs.
17. The case of claim 16 in which said latch locking element
includes a first pivot arm spaced from a second pivot arm, said
hook member extending between said first and second pivot arms.
18. The case of claim 17 in which said first and second pivot arms
are pivotally connected to said latch body so that said first and
second pivot arms each rest against one of said first and second
bearing surfaces of said latch body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to carrying cases, and, more
particularly, to carrying cases with a double throw, triple action
latch mechanism having a locking feature which substantially
prevents inadvertent opening of the latch mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Carrying cases typically include a top case shell and a
bottom case shell pivotally connected by a hinge. The two shells
are maintained in a closed position by one or more latch mechanisms
located along the front and/or the sides of the case. A variety of
latch mechanisms have been employed in the past, such as single
throw and double throw latches, some of which may be locked with
combination locks or key locks.
[0003] Carrying cases intended for the transport of valuable items,
and items which are relatively fragile, are preferably rugged in
construction and not subject to inadvertent opening. While
combination locks or key locks may reduce the incidence of
inadvertent opening of a case, such features are more suitable for
cases intended for use by one individual, e.g. brief cases and the
like. If a carrying case may be used by several people, it is
difficult to convey the combination of a lock to a group, whose
members may change, and keys are easily lost. Further, security
requirements at airports do not permit locking of cases or luggage,
and such cases may be inadvertently opened by baggage handlers.
There is therefore a need for a carrying case having a rugged
construction with a locking feature which substantially prevents
inadvertent opening of the case without the use of combination
locks, key locks or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention is directed to a carrying case with a latch
mechanism having a locking feature which prevents inadvertent
opening of the case.
[0005] In the presently preferred embodiment, the carrying case of
this invention includes a top case shell and a bottom case shell
pivotally connected by a hinge. A double throw, triple action latch
mechanism maintains the case shells in the closed position. The
latch mechanism comprises a latch body pivotally mounted to the
bottom case shell, a latch locking element pivotally mounted to the
latch body and a latch release coupled to the latch body. With the
case in the closed position, the latch locking element engages a
seat formed in the top case shell and clamps the two shells
together. In response to pivotal motion of the latch body, the
latch locking element may be disengaged from the top shell allowing
the case to be opened.
[0006] The purpose of the latch release is to prevent inadvertent
pivotal motion of the latch body, which, in turn, would allow the
latch locking element to disengage the top case shell. As described
in detail below, the latch release is movable between a locked
position and a release position. In the locked position, the latch
release engages the front wall of the bottom case shell and
prevents pivotal motion of the latch body. In turn, the latch
locking element is maintained in position against the seat of the
top case shell thus retaining the case in the closed position. Upon
movement of the latch release to the release position, the latch
body is free to pivot thus allowing the latch locking element to
disengage from the top case shell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The structure, operation and advantages of the presently
preferred embodiment of this invention will become further apparent
upon consideration of the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is perspective view of the carrying case with the
latch mechanism of this invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded, disassembled perspective view of the
components forming the latch mechanism herein;
[0010] FIG. 3 is view similar to FIG. 2, except viewing the latch
mechanism from the front;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an assembled, rear perspective view of the latch
mechanism;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, except viewing the
assembled latch mechanism from the front;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the latch mechanism
mounted to the carrying case with the case closed and the latch
release in the locked position;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 except with the latch
release moved to the release position;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 except with the latch
release pivoted relative to the bottom shell of the case; and;
[0016] FIG. 9 is view similar to FIG. 8 except with the latch
locking member disengaged from the seat formed in the top case
shell.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 6, a carrying case 10 is
depicted having a top case shell 12 pivotally connected to a bottom
case shell 14. Two latch mechanisms 16 and 18 are located along the
front wall 20 of shell 12 and front wall 22 of shell 14 on either
side of a handle 24. As best shown in FIG. 6, the front wall 20 of
top case shell 12 is formed with a seat 26 and a downwardly facing
slot 28 which receives the upper edge 30 of the front wall 22 of
bottom case shell 14 when the case 10 is closed. The front wall 22
of the bottom case shell 14 is formed with a ledge 32, for purposes
to become apparent below. Except as noted above, the detailed
construction of the case 10 forms no part of this invention and is
not described herein. Additionally, for purposes of the present
discussion, the terms "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower,"
"downwardly," "upwardly" and the like refer to the vertical
orientation of the case as it is depicted in the Figs.
[0018] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the latch mechanism 16 of this
invention is shown in detail. It should be understood that the two
latch mechanisms 16, 18 are identical to one another, and therefore
only the latch mechanism 16 is discussed herein. The latch
mechanism 16 comprises a latch body 34, a latch locking element 36
and a latch release 38. The latch body 34 includes a top wall 39, a
front wall 40, and, a cavity 42 defined by spaced inner side walls
44 and 46, a bottom wall 48 and a portion of the top wall 39. An
outer side wall 50 is spaced from the inner side wall 44 and an
outer side wall 52 is spaced from the other, inner side wall 46
forming a bearing surface 54 between the side walls 44 and 50 and a
bearing surface 56 between the side walls 46 and 52. As best seen
in FIG. 3, the front wall 40 of latch body 34 is formed with a
window 58 to provide access to the latch release 38, as described
below. Aligning bores 60 and 62 are formed in the inner side walls
44 and 46, respectively. Additionally, a bore 64 is formed in each
of the inner and outer walls 44, 50 which aligns with a bore 66
formed in the inner and outer walls 46 and 52.
[0019] The latch locking element 36 comprises a front wall 68,
spaced pivot arms 70 and 72 and a hook element 74. The pivot arm 70
is formed by an outer side plate 76 and an inner side plate 78.
Similarly, the pivot arm 72 is formed by an outer side plate 80 and
an inner side plate 82. A cross brace 84 spans the inner side
plates 78 and 82. The front wall 68 has an opening 86, and the two
pivot arms 70, 72 are formed with a through bore 88, 90,
respectively.
[0020] The latch release 38 is sized and shaped to fit within the
cavity 42 formed in the latch body 34. It includes a front wall 92,
a back wall 94, a top wall 96 and a bottom wall 98 which are
interconnected and collectively form a hollow interior within which
a sleeve 102 is mounted. A button 100 extends from the bottom wall
98 through an opening 101 in the front wall 92. The top wall 96 has
a recess 104 and an upwardly extending locking member 106 with a
tapered top surface. As best seen in FIGS. 6-9, a
cylindrical-shaped projection 110 is mounted to the underside of
the bottom wall 98. The projection 110 is located within an opening
112 defined by the lower ends of the front wall 92 and back wall 94
which extend beyond the bottom wall 98. A coil spring 114 encircles
the projection 110 and seats within a spring holder 115.
[0021] The latch mechanism 16 is assembled by first inserting the
latch release 38 within the cavity 42 of the latch body 34. The
lower ends of the front and back walls 92, 94 of the latch release
38, and the holder 115, rest atop the bottom wall 48 of the latch
body 34. The latch locking element 36 is then placed on the latch
body 34 so that the pivot arm 70 rests atop the bearing surface 56
of the latch body 34, and the pivot arm 72 engages the bearing
surface 54. With the latch locking element 36 and the latch release
38 in this position, a latch assembly pin 116 may be inserted
through the bore 88 of pivot arm 70, through the bore 62 in the
inner side wall 46 of the latch body 34, into the sleeve 102 of the
latch release 38, through the bore 60 in the inner side wall 44 of
latch body 34 and then into the bore 90 of pivot arm 72. This
secures both the latch locking element 36 and the latch release 38
to the latch body 34, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. The assembled
latch mechanism 16 is pivotally connected to the bottom case shell
14 of the case 10 by a case mounting pin 118 which extends through
the aligning bores 64 and 66 formed in the latch body 34.
Operation of Latch Mechanism
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the operation of the latch
mechanism 16 of this invention is illustrated. In FIG. 6, the latch
mechanism is shown in a locked position with the hook element 74 of
the latch locking element 36 in engagement with the seat 26 in the
front wall 20 of the top case shell 12 and the locking member 106
of the latch release 38 contacting the ledge 32 in the front wall
22 of the bottom case shell 14. The hook element 74 cannot
disengage the seat 26 unless the latch body 34 is pivoted in a
clockwise direction relative to the front wall 22 of the bottom
case shell 14, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. If one pulls on the tab
120 formed by the downwardly extending end of the front wall 40 of
latch body 34, with the latch mechanism 16 in the position shown in
FIG. 6, the locking member 106 of the latch release 38 bears
against the ledge 32 of the bottom case shell 14, thus preventing
such clockwise pivotal motion.
[0023] The latch release 38 is maintained in the locked position by
operation of the spring 114. As seen in FIG. 6, the spring 114
urges the latch release 38 in an upward direction so that the
locking member 106 bears against the ledge 32. At the same time,
the case mounting pin 118 is received within the recess 104 in the
top wall 96 of the latch release 38, and the latch assembly pin 116
is located at the bottom of the sleeve 102 carried by the latch
release 38.
[0024] In order to allow pivotal movement of the latch body 34,
and, in turn, permit disengagement of the hook element 74 of the
latch locking element 36 from the seat 26 in the top case shell 12,
the latch release 38 must be moved to a release position shown in
FIG. 7. One may insert his or her finger through the window 58 in
the front wall 40 of the latch body 34 and into contact with the
button 100 extending through the opening 101 in the front wall 92
of the latch release 38. The latch release 38 is then pushed
downwardly, against the force exerted by the spring 114, to a
release position wherein the locking member 106 formed in the top
wall 96 of the latch release 38 disengages the ledge 32 in the
front wall 22 of the bottom case shell 14. The user is provided
with an indication of the release position because the latch
assembly pin 116 will contact the upper end of the sleeve 102 in
the latch release 38 when the latch release 38 is pushed downwardly
to the release position.
[0025] With the latch release 38 in the release position, the latch
body 34 may be pivoted in a clockwise direction about the case
mounting pin 118 by grasping the tab 120 at the bottom of the latch
body 34 and pulling outwardly relative to the bottom case shell 14,
as illustrated in FIG. 8. Such motion is the first "throw" of the
latch mechanism 16. With the latch body 34 in the position depicted
in FIG. 8, the hook element 74 of the latch locking element 36 can
begin to disengage from the seat 26. When the hook element 74
assumes the position shown in FIG. 8, the latch body 34 may then be
pivoted in the opposite, counterclockwise direction, e.g. the
second "throw" of the latch mechanism 16, so that the hook element
74 may completely disengage the seat 26 as shown in FIG. 9. The top
and bottom case shells 12, 14 may then be opened.
[0026] Closure of the latch mechanism 16 is accomplished by
reversing the steps noted above. The latch body 34 is initially
pivoted in the clockwise direction to allow the hook member 74 of
the latch locking element 36 to assume the position relative to the
seat 26 shown in FIG. 8. The latch body 34 may then be pivoted in
the counterclockwise direction so that it rests along the front
wall 22 of the bottom case shell 14 as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7.
The spring 114 urges the locking member 106 of latch release 38 to
the locked position, and the case 10 is now locked in such a way
that inadvertent contact with the latch body 34 cannot cause the
latch mechanism 16 to open without first moving the latch release
38 to the release position.
[0027] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *