Multi-point latching system

A multi-point latching system adapted for mounting on a panel and securing the panel to a frame, the system comprising:

• a) a central latch comprising:
• a housing having a back;
• a handle assembly pivotably mounted in the housing for rotation about a first pivot axis, the first pivot being axis parallel to the panel for opening and closing the central latch;
• the handle assembly extending through the housing and including a handle and a pivot arm, the pivot arm extending from the back of the housing;
• an actuator pivotably mounted for rotation normal to the panel;
• and
• link means connecting the handle assembly and the actuator such that the actuator is rotated by rotating the handle assembly;
• the link means being pivotably mounted to the pivot arm of the handle assembly for rotation about a second pivot axis;
• b) at least one remote latching means for securing the panel to the frame;
• and
• c) connection means extending between the actuator and the at least one remote latching means such that the at least one remote latching means is operated when the actuator is rotated.

A multi-point latching system adapted for mounting on a panel and securing the panel to a frame, the system comprising:

• a) a central latch comprising:
• a housing having a back;
• the housing further including keeper means for engaging the locking member when the locking member is in the first position, the locking member being disengaged from the keeper means in the second position;
• a handle assembly pivotably mounted in the housing for rotation about an axis parallel to the panel for opening and closing the central latch;
• the handle assembly extending through the housing and including a handle and a pivot arm, the pivot arm extending from the back of the housing;
• the handle assembly further including:
• (1) a locking member adapted for disengaging movement by an operator from a first position to a second position;
• (2) first biasing means for returning the locking member from the second position to the first position when the operator releases the locking member;
• an actuator pivotably mounted for rotation normal to the panel;
• link means connecting the handle assembly and the actuator such that the actuator is rotated by rotating the handle assembly;
• and
• second biasing means for rotating the handle assembly out of the housing when an operator disengages the locking member
• b) at least one remote latching means for securing the panel to the frame;
• and
• c) connection means extending between the actuator and the at least one remote latching means such that the at least one remote latching means is operated when the actuator is rotated.

An enclosure including a panel, frame and multi-point latching system, the multi-point latching system comprising:

• a) a central latch comprising:
• a housing having a back;
• a handle assembly pivotably mounted in the housing for rotation about an axis parallel to the panel for opening and closing the central latch;
• the handle assembly extending through the housing and including a handle and a pivot arm, the pivot arm extending from the back of the housing;
• an actuator pivotably mounted for rotation normal to the panel;
• and
• link means connecting the handle assembly and the actuator such that the actuator is rotated by rotating the handle assembly;
• b) at least one remote latching means for securing the panel to the frame;
• and
• c) connection means extending between the actuator and the at least one remote latching means such that the at least one remote latching means is operated when the actuator is rotated, the connection means comprising at least a first and a second connection means and corresponding first and second remote latching means, and the link means connecting the handle assembly and the actuator includes the first connection means;
• the link means further comprises a link member, the link member being pivotably attached to the handle assembly and pivotably attached to the first connection means.

A multi-point latching system adapted for mounting on a panel and securing the panel to a frame, the system comprising:

• a) a central latch comprising:
• a housing having a back;
• a handle assembly extending through the housing and being pivotably mounted in the housing for rotation about a first pivot axis parallel to the panel for opening and closing the central latch, the handle assembly including a pivot arm extending from the back of the housing and a handle;
• an actuator pivotably mounted for rotation normal to the panel;
• and
• link means connecting the handle assembly and the actuator such that the actuator is rotated by rotating the handle assembly, the link means including a link member, the link member being pivotably mounted to the pivot arm for rotation about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis remaining parallel to the plane of the panel as the central latch is operated,;
• b) at least first and second remote latching means for securing the panel to the frame, the at least one remote latching means comprising at least one roller means;
• and
• c) a first connection means extending between the actuator and the first remote latching means, the link member being pivotably attached to the first connection means for rotation about an axis which remains parallel to the plane of the panel as the central latch is operated;
• and
• a second connection means extending between the actuator and the second remote latching means, such that the remote latching means are operated when the actuator is rotated.