Latch assembly including latch module with retractable latch bolt for storage compartment in automotive vehicle

A latch assembly adapted to selectively secure a lid to a storage bin of an automobile storage compartment, the latch assembly having a latched position and an unlatched position, the latch assembly including a first latch module comprising:

• a hollow latch casing forming a cavity and having an inner retaining surface within the cavity, a front opening and a rear opening coaxial with the front opening along a longitudinal casing axis of the hollow latch casing;
• an elongated latch bolt extending through the cavity in the hollow latch casing;
• and
• a spring member disposed within the cavity in the hollow latch casing, the spring member having a bolt spring end engaging the elongated latch bolt and a casing spring end engaging the hollow latch casing;
• the elongated latch bolt having a free distal end and a proximal end disposed along a longitudinal bolt axis of the elongated latch bolt, and an outer retaining surface configured to cooperate with the inner retaining surface of the hollow latch casing and disposed between the free distal end and the proximal end of the elongated latch bolt;
• the elongated latch bolt moveable both axially and pivotally relative to the latch casing;
• the elongated latch bolt moveable between an extended position, in which the longitudinal bolt axis of the latch bolt is coaxial with the longitudinal casing axis of the latch casing, and a retracted position, in which the longitudinal bolt axis of the latch bolt is oblique with respect to the longitudinal casing axis of the latch casing, wherein the latch bolt is retained in the retracted position via the spring member biasing the respective retaining surfaces one against the other;
• and, wherein the first latch module further comprises a damping buffer mounted to the proximal end of the elongated latch bolt for limiting axial movement of the elongated latch bolt relative to the latch casing in the direction from the rear opening to the front opening of the latch casing, wherein the damping buffer is in the form of an O-ring made of an elastomeric material.