Glovebox latch

Abstract

A latch assembly for multiple-position mounting on panels and bins with centrally positioned keeper hooks is suitable for automobile gloveboxes. The latch assembly may be configured for both lower and upper bin operation, without additional parts, and has an elongate structure that permits off-set latch handle (paddle) positioning facilitating both left-handed and right-handed operation. A slide lock plate engages a claw-type pawl with the blade shaped free end thereof. The pawl is spring biased to the open position, while the slide lock plate is spring biases to the locked, pawl engaging postion. A rotating activation mechanism links the operator handle to the slide plate. When the handle is moved, it contacts the activation mechanism causing it to rotate, thereby causing the sliding lock plate to retract from its pawl engaging position. The sliding lock plate has formed therein a track of gear teeth forming a “rack” member. The latch assembly is of snap-together construction, which if needed allows for the reconfiguration of existing activation mechanism parts to suit a selected upper or lower bin and left-handed or right-handed installation. The activation mechanism can be implemented by a pin-type cam follower, which follower is activated by a pocket cam, this cam being rotated with handle operation. A pinion gear mounted on the sliding lock plate is connected to a friction clutch to dampen the movement of the slide lock plate. The pinion gear engages the sliding lock plate rack teeth. The slide lock plate carries a series of teeth at its handle (paddle) end. A rotating paddle/blade cam can be substituted for the pocket cam. This paddle/blade cam engages the slide lock plate handle end teeth with one or more teeth carried thereon, with this cam being spring biased to the return position. A pinion gear having a projecting lever arm can be substituted for the paddle/blade cam. With the lever arm pinion gear, the slide plate also includes a first track of teeth on its edge on which the lever projecting pinion gear rides. A dog leg-shaped projection is added to the handle end of the slide plate which accommodates a second track of teeth facing opposite the first track. The slide plate is flipped-over between left and right hand operation which causes the pinion gear to engage either the first or second tracks of teeth.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.