# US 7,611,174 B2 · Latching system and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,611,174 B2 - Document ID: US7611174B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/939,270 - Filed: 2007-11-13 - Published: 2008-03-13 - Granted: 2009-11-03 - Earliest claimed: 2003-08-08 - Assignees: FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd. - Inventors: George H. K. Lau; E. Wayne Thurber; Todd O. Bolenback - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7611174B2 ## CPC - E05B 15/022: {movable, resilient or yieldable (adjustable into different discrete positions E05B15/024; yieldable striker for emergency opening E05B65/1026)} - E05B 63/244: {the striker being movable for latching, the bolt for unlatching, or vice versa} - E05C 3/14: with operating handle or equivalent member rigid with the latch {(E05C3/122 takes precedence)} - F24B 13/004: {Doors specially adapted for stoves or ranges (doors for open fires F24B1/192)} - Y10S 292/71: Refrigerator latches - Y10T 292/0932: Lever - Y10T 292/0934: Rigid - Y10T 292/57: Operators with knobs or handles - Y10T 292/68: Keepers - Y10T 292/696: With movable dog, catch or striker - E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS - E05C: BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS (latching means for sideboard or tailgate structures for vehicles B62D, {B62D33/02}; fastening devices for constructional or engineering elements E04, F16B; locks, fastening devices structurally or operatively combined or having significant cooperation with locks E05B; means for operating or controlling wing fasteners in conjunction with mechanisms for moving the wing E05F) - F24B: DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES FOR SOLID FUELS (for solid fuels in combination with gaseous fuels, liquid fuels or other kinds of energy supply F24C1/02); IMPLEMENTS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH STOVES OR RANGES - Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A latching system and method are provided for facilitating an easier and/or smoother latching of a locking mechanism, such as a latching and catching mechanism for use with the closing of doors. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary latching system comprises a catch device and a latch handle configured for maintaining closure of a door. To reduce or prevent any undesirable “kick-back” of the latch handle during closure of the door, the catch device can comprise a catch spring mechanism configured to facilitate engagement with the latch handle. To provide for a substantially even balance against the catch device and/or to provide for a substantially even pressure against a door gasket, the latch handle can comprise a latch spring mechanism configured to allow engagement of the latch handle to the catch device as well as facilitate engagement of the door during closure. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A latching system comprising: a latch handle assembly comprising a latching member, wherein said latching member comprises a seat a latch spring and a rotatable latch handle at the opposite end of said latching member; and a catch device operable to removably couple with said latch handle assembly comprising: (1) a catch mount comprising a pair of openings separated by a slot, each of said pair of openings operable for insertion of an attachment component; (2) a substantially vertically-oriented catch spring located within said slot; (3) a spring holder slidable within said pair of openings comprising a protruding engagement component; (4) a spring loaded catch comprising a recessed engagement component, said catch spring seated within said recessed engagement component, and said protruding engagement component extending into said catch spring to contain said catch spring within said catch mount; and (5) said spring loaded catch comprising a catching member having an upwardly-extending u-shaped curved portion, wherein said catching member is operable to urge said catch spring to a compressed position when said catching member is positioned within said seat of said latching member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A latching system according to claim 1, wherein said catch spring has a spring force from approximately 20 lbs to approximately 30 lbs. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A latching system according to claim 1, wherein said seat of said latching member is substantially hook-shaped. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A latching system according to claim 1, wherein said seat of said latching member having an inner shape substantially similar to an outer shape of said catch. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A latching system according to claim 1, wherein said seat of said latching member is substantially “U”-shaped. ### Claim 6 A method for latching a door comprising: applying a downward force to a latch handle assembly, wherein said latch handle assembly comprises: (1) a rotatable latch handle; (2) a latch bar coupled to said latch handle assembly configured to pivot; (3) a latching member comprising a seat; (4) a latch spring located beneath said latching member; and (5) a spring support located beneath said latch spring; forcing said latching member to engage a catch device comprising a catch that slides into said seat and a catch spring, a catch mount comprising a pair of openings separated by a slot, and a spring holder coupled to said catch spring that slides within said slot and openings to guide said catch spring and said catch within said slot, continuing to force said catch into said seat, wherein said applying a downward force to said latch handle causes said latch spring to expand between said latching member and said spring support. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A method of unlatching a door that has been latched according to the method of claim 6, comprising the steps of: applying an upward force to said latch handle assembly, thereby compressing said latch spring and freeing said seat from said catch. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) A method for latching a door of claim 6, wherein said latch spring is coiled. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) A method for latching a door of claim 6, wherein said catch spring has a force from approximately 20 lbs to approximately 30 lbs. ### Claim 10 (depends on 6) A method for latching a door of claim 6, wherein said seat comprises a hook-shaped member. ### Claim 11 (depends on 6) A method for latching a door of claim 6, said seat having an inner shape substantially similar to an outer shape of said catch.