Latch device with variable latching resistance and method

A latch device for releasably securing a container, the latch device comprising:

• a housing, the housing comprising an upper shell and a housing-based, coil-receiving cavity, the shell being receivable by a container and defining a latch-receiving cavity;
• a latch, the latch comprising an upper latch end, a pivot portion, and a coil-engaging portion, the upper latch end comprising upper and lower surfaces, the pivot portion having a pivot axis of rotation, the coil-engaging portion comprising coil-aligning means;
• a first compression coil received by the coil-receiving cavity and placed into engagement with the coil-engaging portion so as to bias the upper latch end exterior to the shell for latching securement, the coil-aligning means for enhancing axial alignment of the first compression coil during coil compression;
• and
• means for pivotally connecting the pivot portion to the housing thereby enabling pivotal movement of the latch relative to the housing, the upper surface for engaging a cargo container directed into securing engagement and the lower surface for engaging the cargo container directed into releasing engagement, the coil for varying latching forces, and the shell for receiving the upper latch end during latching securement and release.

A latching method for use with cargo containers, the latching method comprising the steps of:

• outfitting a latch device with a first coil and a latch, the first coil comprising a coil-receiving cavity and biasing the latch to a secure latch position;
• outfitting a latch support structure with the latch device, the latch support structure having a support surface;
• directing a securable structure toward the support surface, the securable structure being directed orthogonally relative to the support surface;
• engaging the latch with the securable structure for structural securement, the first coil being compressed by way of latch engagement;
• linearly resisting the compressive latching action by way of the first coil, the linear resistance exhibiting a first slope;
• disengaging the latch from the securable structure thereby securing the securable structure by way of restoring the first coil to said secure latch position;
• directing the securable structure away from the support surface, the securable structure being directed orthogonally relative to the support surface;
• engaging the latch assembly with the securable structure for structural release, the first coil being compressed by way of latch engagement;
• linearly resisting the compressive latching action by way of the first coil, the linear resistance exhibiting the first slope;
• and
• disengaging the latch from the securable structure thereby releasing the securable structure and restoring the first coil to said secure latch position.