Latching mechanism with trigger actuator

US7370891B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• David Schmitt · Waterford, US
• Jon LEIKVOLD · Minneapolis, US
• Brett Johnson · New Norfolk, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 22, 2006
• Grant date: May 13, 2008
• Expiry date: Nov 22, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T292/0949
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A latching mechanism for a carrying case includes a latch body pivotally attached to a top cover of the case, a trigger pivotally attached to the latch body, and an actuator that pivots about the same axis as the trigger. The trigger is pivotable between a latching position for keeping the latch body closed, and a release position to allow the case to be opened. The actuator is pivotable toward and away from a nominal actuator position in which a panel of the actuator assumes a predetermined alignment with the latch body. A torsion spring biases the trigger toward the latching position, and through trigger/actuator contact biases the actuator into the nominal position. The trigger can move toward the release position while the actuator is held in the nominal position, to maintain the selected alignment for a more natural, intuitive latching mechanism closure.