Claims:1. A latch assembly (100) for a container (1) of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a housing member (2), comprising:
a first member (3) pivotally mounted within the housing member (2), and configured to be operable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2); and
a second member (4) pivotally mounted within the housing member (2) adjacent to the first member (3) such that, a first end (4a) of the second member (4) contacts a second end (3b) of the first member (3), when the first member (3) is at the first position (P1); and
a striker (5) configured within a cut-out (4c) of the second member (4), comprises a first end (5a) and a second end (5b), wherein the first end (5a) is configured to be slidable within the cut-out (4c), and the second end (5b) is connected to a hatch (1a) of the container (1);
wherein the hatch (1a) is in a closed position (CP) when the first member is located at the first position (P1) and in an open position (OP) when the first member (3) is at the second position (P2).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (3) is actuated between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) by at least one push button (8)

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (3) is operated to the first position (P1) from the second position (P2) by a hatch (1a).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (3) is loaded by a first spring (6) to operate the first member (3).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (4) is loaded by a second spring (7) to operate the second member (4).

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end (3a) of the first member (3) rests on the housing member (2) at the first position (P1), to lock the first member (3) at the first position (P1).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end (4a) of the second member (4) rests on a stopper (9) at a second position (P4), to lock the second member (4) at the second position (P4).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (4) restricts the striker (5) within the cut-out (4c), when the hatch (1a) is in closed position (CP).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the striker (5) when located outside the cut-out (4c) and upon actuation of the hatch (1a) actuates the movement of the second member (4).

10. A glove box compartment comprising a latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a storage container of the vehicle. Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a latch mechanism for the storage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, the interior of the vehicle is provided with a dash board assembly that houses several components such as an instrument panel, gauges, control switches, an audio system, a container/glove box and the like. The glove box is usually located on the passenger side of the vehicle, and is used to store items, which a driver/passenger can access. The glove box comprises of a door or hatch for operating the glove box between an open and close positions. A latch assembly is provided to lock and secure the door or hatch of the glove box.

Conventionally, the latch assemblies provided to the glovebox may be either of a push-type or a pull-type mechanism. The pull type mechanisms operate, when the user operates the latch assembly by a pull force to access the contents of the glove box. Though, the pull-type mechanism includes fewer parts and are economical compared to the push-type mechanisms, they require greater actuation effort and are ergonomically less aesthetic than the push-type mechanism.

To overcome the drawbacks in the pull-type mechanism, the push-type mechanisms are employed in the latch assemblies. The push-type mechanism operates, when a user operates the latch assembly by a push force to access the contents of the glove box. The push-type mechanism offers advantages of good ergonomics and lesser actuation force. However, the push-type mechanisms tend to be costly and involves use of multiple components making the assembly complex and cumbersome to install to the glove box. Further, parts in the push-type mechanisms tend to wear out upon prolonged usage, and may cause unintentional latching or opening of the glove box [this behaviour is plastic behaviour of the parts] during vehicle movement.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of an assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a latch assembly for a container of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a housing member including, a first member pivotally mounted within the housing member, and configured to be operable between a first position and a second position. A second member is pivotally mounted within the housing member and adjacent to the first member such that, a first end of the second member contacts a second end of the first member, when the first member is at the first position. A striker is configured within a cut-out of the second member, comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be slidable within the cut-out, and the second end is connected to a hatch of the container. The hatch is configured to be in a closed position when the first member is located at the first position and in an open position when the first member is at the second position.

In an embodiment, the first member is actuated between the first position and the second position by at least one push button.

In an embodiment, the first member is operated to the first position from the second position by a hatch.

In an embodiment, the first member is loaded by a first spring, to operate the first member.

In an embodiment, the second member is loaded by a second spring, to operate the second member.

In an embodiment, the first end of the first member rests on the housing member at the first position, to lock the first member at the first position.

In an embodiment, the first end of the second member rests on a stopper member at a second position, to lock the second member at the second position.

In an embodiment, the striker when located within the cut-out restricts movement of the second member.

In an embodiment, the striker when located outside the cut-out and upon actuation of the hatch actuates the movement of the second member.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates perspective view of a latch assembly connected to a container of a vehicle, in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates schematic view of the latch assembly of Figure 1 in closed position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate schematic views of the latch assembly of Figure 1, operated by a push button in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates schematic view of the latch assembly of Figure 1 in open position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrates schematic views of the latch assembly of Figure 5, operated by a striker in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 illustrates schematic view of the latch assembly of Figure 5 in closed position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure a latch assembly for a container of a vehicle, which may vary based on configuration of the container. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a latch assembly for a container of a vehicle is disclosed. The latch assembly is configured with rotary or pivoting members to achieve positive latching [i.e. latching of the container irrespective of any vibrations of the container during vehicle movement] and thereby avoid unintentional de-latching of the glove box. The assembly comprises a housing member including, a first member pivotally mounted within the housing member. The first member is configured to be operable between a first position and a second position by at least one push button. A second member is pivotally mounted within the housing member and adjacent to the first member such that, a first end of the second member contacts a second end of the first member, when the first member is at the first position. A striker having a first end and a second end is configured within a cut-out of the second member. The first end of the striker is configured to be slidable within the cut-out, and the second end of the striker is connected to a hatch of the container. The hatch is configured to be in a closed position when the first member is located at the first position and the hatch is in an open position when the first member is at the second position.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the Figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates a latch assembly (100) connected to a container (1) of a vehicle. The latch assembly (100) broadly comprises a housing member (2) including a first member (3) and a second member (4), and a striker (5) connected to a hatch (1a) of the container (1). The hatch (1a) is operable between an open positon (OP) and a closed position (CP) by the operation of the latch assembly (100).

Referring to Figure 2, the first member (3) comprises of a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), is pivotally mounted within the housing member (2). The first member (3) is operable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) [shown in figures 2 and 3] by at least one push button (8). The first member (3) is positioned within the housing member (2) such that, the first end (3a) is in contact with an inner surface (10) of the housing member (2), when the first member (3) is in the first position (P1). A first spring (6) is configured at the pivotal point of the first member (3) and one of the ends of the first spring (6) connects to the first end (3a). The other end of the first spring (6) connects or rests in the housing member (2). The first spring (6) allows the first member (3) to pivot/toggle between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). In an embodiment, one of the ends of the first spring (6) may be connected to the second end (3b), to allow the first member (3) to pivot or toggle between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).

The second member (4) comprising a first end (4a) and a second end (4b) is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first member (3) within the housing member (2). The second member (4) is operable between a third position (P3) and a fourth position (P4) [shown in Figures 2 and 5]. The second member (4) is positioned within the housing member (2), such that the first end (4a) of the second member (4) contacts the second end (3b) of the first member (3), when the first member (3) is at the first position (P1). A second spring (7) is provided at the pivotal point of the second member (4) and one of the ends of the second spring (7) connects to the first end (4a). The other end of the second spring (7) connects or rests in the housing member (2). The second spring (7) allows the second member (4) to pivot or toggle between the third position (P3) and the fourth position (P4). Further, a cut-out (4c) is provisioned to the second member (4) to configure a striker (5). The striker (5) includes a first end (5a) and a second end (5b), wherein the first end (5a) is slidable within the cut-out (4c) and the second end (5b) is connected to the hatch (1a).

In an embodiment, the inner surface (10) of the housing member (2) may be a flange, a stopper member or any other member, which serves the purpose of restricting the movement of the first member (3) beyond the first position (P1).

In an embodiment, a stopper member (9) is provided within the housing member (2) to restrict movement of the second member (4) beyond the fourth position (P4). In an embodiment, the stopper member (9) may be a flange, a pin or any other member which serves the purpose of restricting movement of the second member (4) beyond the fourth position (P4).

In an embodiment, the second end (3b) of the first member (3) and the first end (4a) of the second member (4) are configured with contact surfaces having minimum friction thereby, enabling smooth sliding of the contact surfaces, during operation of the latch assembly (100).

In an embodiment, the first member (3) and the second member (4) are configured with materials such as, but not limiting to, plastics, metals or any other material which serves the requirement.

In an embodiment, the first spring (6) and the second spring (7) are coil springs. In an embodiment, the first spring (6) and the second spring (7) are selected from group comprising coil springs, torsion springs and the like which serves the requirement.

In an embodiment, the second member (4) restricts the striker (5) located within the cut-out (4c), when the hatch (1a) is in the closed position (CP).

In an embodiment, the striker (5) when located outside the cut-out (4c) and upon actuation of the hatch (1a) actuates the movement of the second member (4).

Figures 3-5 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrates operation of the latch assembly (100). The user actuates the at least one push button (8), for unlatching the hatch (1a) of the container (1). Actuation of the at least one push button (8), operates the first member (3) in counter clock-wise direction. The movement of the first member (3), in-turn operates the second member (4) in a clock-wise direction [as shown in figure 3]. The first member (3) operates the second member (4), until the first member (3) reaches the second position (P2). At the second position (P2), the second end (3b) of the first member (3) disengages from the first end (4a) of the second member (4) [as shown in figure 4].

At the disengaged position, the restoration forces from the first spring (6) and the second spring (7) acts on the first member (3) and the second member (4) respectively. The restoration force of the first spring (6) restores the first member (3) to its first position (P1) and the restoration force of the second spring (7) restores the second member (4) to its fourth position (P4). At this condition, the first end (5a) of the striker (5) slides out from the cut-out (4c) [shown in Figure 5]. Thus, the hatch (1a) connected to the second end (5b) of the striker (5) is operated to open position (OP).

Figures 6-9 is one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates operation views of the latch assembly (100) for latching or closing condition (CP) of the hatch (1a). The user actuates the hatch (1a) for latching, thereby operating the striker (5) [shown in figure 6]. Thus, the first end (5a) of the striker (5), strikes and slides within the cut-out (4c) to pivotally actuate the second member (4) from its fourth position (P4). During actuation of the second member (4) from the fourth position (P4) to the third position (P3), the first end (4a) contacts and actuates the second end (3b) of the first member (3) thereby displacing the first member (3) from the first position (P1). The actuation of the second member (4) continues until the first member (3) is actuated to its second position (P2). At this position, the second end (4a) disengages from the second end (3b) [as shown in figure 7].

At the disengaged position, the restoration forces from the second spring (7) and the first spring (6) acts on the second member (4) and the first member (3) respectively. The restoration force of the first spring (6) restores the first member (3) to its first position (P1). At the first position (P1), the first end (3a) contacts the inner surface (10) to maintain its position. Subsequently, the restoration forces of the second spring (7) operates to restore the second member (4) to its fourth position (P4). However, at the first position (P1), the second end (3b) of the first member (3) contacts and restricts further movement of the first end (4a) of the second member (4), thereby, restricting the second member (4) at its third position (P3) [shown in Figure 8]. At this position, the first end (5a) of the striker (5) gets locked within the cut-out (4c). Thus, the hatch (1a) connected to the second end (5b) of the striker (5) is latched or in the closed position (CP).

Advantages
In an embodiment, plastic behaviour of components by use of rotating or pivoting components are avoided, thereby prevent unintentional de-latching of the container.

In an embodiment, the latch assembly is compact in assembly and economical.

In an embodiment, the latch assembly provides smooth opening of the door or hatch.

In an embodiment, the user exhausts minimal energy in operation of the latch assembly.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
REFERRAL NUMERALS DESCRIPTION
100 Latch assembly
1 Container
1a Hatch of the container
2 Housing member
3 First member
3a First end of the first member
3b Second end of the first member
4 Second member
4a First end of the second member
4b Second end of the second member
4c Cut-out on the second member
5 Striker
5a First end of the striker
5b Second end of the striker
P1 First position of first member
P2 Second position of first member
P3 Third position of second member
P4 Fourth position of the second member
6 First spring
7 Second spring
8 At least one push button
9 Stopper member
10 Inner surface of the housing member
OP Open position of the hatch
CP Closed position of the hatch