Field of the Invention:
The present invention generally relates to a latch mechanism and specifically to a latch mechanism for the glove compartment of an automobile, truck or the like.

Background of the Invention:
It is customary to provide in the instrument panel structure of the front passenger compartment of an automobile, a compartment, usually called a glove box. As shown in figure 1, the glove box (11) may be used to hold various items such as gloves, maps and the like. The door (12) of the glove box is movable between a first closed position wherein access to the interior of the glove box is denied, and a second opened position wherein access the interior of the glove box is allowed.

As further shown in figure 1, the glove box door (12) includes a latch mechanism (10) which engages with an engaging portion (13) provided in the box (11) and maintains the door of the glove box in the closed position, and which may be used to release the door of the glove box such that the door may be moved to the opened position. A lock (not shown) may be incorporated into the latch mechanism to prevent the unauthorized opening of the glove box door.

Heretofore, latches have taken different configurations. By way of example, European Patent Publication number EP 1,736,625 A1 a glove compartment closing device comprising an actuation handle linked to the cover of the glove compartment according to a shaft parallel to the opening, a fixed latch located inside the glove compartment and fixed to the body of the dashboard and a locking hook located inside the glove compartment, the hook capable of exhibiting swinging movement between a locking position on the latch and a releasing position by means of actuating the handle, said hook being formed by a bent extension of the handle directed towards the latch and which can be coupled thereto in the locking position, whereas in the releasing position, said hook is located under the latch. A spring continuously driving said handle to the locking position is arranged between the handle and the cover of the glove compartment.

By way of another example, US Patent number 7,052,053 teaches a latch for releasably securing a first closure member to a keeper on a second closure member in a latched position, the latch comprising a housing adapted for being received in an aperture formed in the first closure member; a handle pivotally attached to said housing and moveable between an open position and a closed position; a handle biasing means, said handle being biased to the closed position by said handle biasing means; a pawl support means connected to said housing; a pawl on said pawl support means, said pawl being pivotable about said pawl support means between a latched position and an unlatched position; and a pawl biasing means on said pawl support means, said pawl being biased toward said latched position by said pawl biasing means; whereby pivotal movement of said handle to said open position retracts said pawl to said unlatched position and disengages said pawl from the keeper.

By way of yet another example, US Patent number 5,263,346 teaches a locking device for a lid on a box having a striker mounted thereon, said locking device comprising: a frame adapted to be fixed to the lid, said frame being provided with a cylindrical retaining part; a cylinder lock mounted in said cylindrical retaining part and having an eccentric shaft; an opening-shutting knob having a depressing claw part and being pivotally supported on said frame; a locking member for locking the striker to said frame; an operating lever having first and second end portions and being movable between locking and unlocking positions, said first end portion being connected to said eccentric shaft of said cylinder lock and said second end portion being engageable with said depressed claw part of said opening-shutting knob when said operating lever is in said unlocking position; wherein said operating lever is formed of a synthetic resin material and has an elastic engaging piece integrally formed on said first end portion, said elastic engaging piece having a projecting part formed thereon; wherein said frame has a stopper formed adjacent said cylindrical retaining part, said stopper wall being provided with a changeover slide surface and having said elastic engaging piece secured on an inner side of said stopper wall between said cylinder lock and said stopper wall; and wherein said projecting part of said elastic engaging piece is movable along said changeover slide surface of said stopper wall.

By way of still another example, US Patent number 4,223,940 teaches a lid for a glove compartment, or the like, comprising: a first and a second plastic material lid half; said lid halves having spaced apart edges; hinge means on one said edge for enabling said lid to be hingedly attached to another object; at another said edge, both said lid halves being provided with respective bearing seats for receiving a closing device; that said closing device being at said bearing seats; said closing device comprising: a locking bar located between said lid halves and supported on said second lid half bearing seat; said locking bar including an engaging element for extending out of said second lid half toward the other object to which said lid is hingedly attached; biasing means for biasing said locking bar engaging element to engage the other object; pushbutton means supported on said first lid half bearing seat and operable to engage said locking bar and for urging said locking bar contrary to the bias of said locking bar biasing means; pushbutton means biasing means for biasing said pushbutton means away from engaging said locking bar.

By way of a further example, figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of one such prior art latch. The latch (10) shown in figure 2 comprises a plate (20) mountable to the door of the compartment, a handle (21) pivotally mounted to the plate (20) for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position and a means (22) for biasing the handle to the closed position. In order to enable the latching action, the handle is inbuilt with a hook (23) which projects rearwards and exhibits pivotal movement completely dependent upon the pivotal movement of the handle. The latch also comprises a lock cylinder (24) adapted to be received by an aligned opening (25 and 26) provided in the plate and the handle. The lock cylinder is adopted to receive therein a mated key (not shown). The mated key is rotatable between a first locked position which maintains handle in the latched position, and a second unlocked position which allows the handle to pivot to the unlatched position.

Because of the manner in which the prior art latch shown in figure 2 is constructed, as shown in figure 3, we have to uplift the handle (21) in the direction of the arrow (27), thereby the forcing the hook (23) to exhibit a corresponding pivotal action in the direction of the arrow (28) and thereafter push the door (12) towards the glove box (11) in the direction of arrow (29) for latching. While doing so, the head of hook get obstructed by a body portion of the glove box and hence the chances of being damaged are very high. Further, extra human effort is needed to be spent, as every time it is needed to latch the box.

As a result, it is highly desirable to manufacture an improved glove box latch mechanism.

Object of the Invention:
An object of the invention is to provide an improved latch mechanism for a door of a compartment which does not have one or more of the aforesaid drawbacks.

More particularly, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved latch mechanism for a door of a glove box which does not have one or more of the aforesaid drawbacks.

Statement of the Invention:
Accordingly, the present invention teaches a latch mechanism for a door of a compartment, comprising: a plate mountable to the door of the compartment; a handle pivotally mounted to the plate for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; a hook pivotally mounted to the plate and exhibiting pivotal movement between a latched position and an unlatched position and vice-versa, such that the hook pivots independent of the handle when the handle is in the closed position; and a means for biasing the hook to the latched position and the handle to the closed position.

Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanied drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the glove box and the glove box door including the latch mechanism;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the latch mechanism of the prior art;
Figure 3 illustrates the glove box and the glove box door including the latch mechanism

Figure 2 illustrates a front isometric view of the latch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a back view of the latch mechanism in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 2;
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the latch mechanism in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 2;
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the latch mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 6 illustrates an alternative shape of the hook in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates another alternative shape of the hook in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates yet another alternative shape of the hook in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates still another alternative shape of the hook in accordance with a further more embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a further alternative shape of the hook in accordance with one more embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 11 illustrates a lien diagram comparison between the construction of the latch mechanism of the prior art, the latch mechanism in accordance with the present invention and an alternative design of the latch mechanism which has been developed (but not being claimed).

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawing are illustrated for the simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawing may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present inventions.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailed below. It should be understood, however that is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modification, equivalents, and alterative falling within the sprit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention reside in the construction of the latch mechanism, accordingly the drawing are showing only those specific details of the latch mechanism that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention 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” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other word one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by comprises…” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. The following paragraph explains present invention.

As shown in figure 1, the glove box (11) of the present invention is also provided with a door (12) movable between a first closed position wherein access to the interior of the glove box is denied, and a second opened position wherein access the interior of the glove box is allowed. As further shown in figure 1, the glove box door (12) also includes a latch mechanism (30) which engages with an engaging portion (13) provided in the box (11) and maintains the door of the glove box in the closed position, and the latch may be used to release the door of the glove box such that the door may be moved to the opened position. A lock may be incorporated into the latch mechanism to prevent the unauthorized opening of the glove box door.

Exploded view of a latch constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 4. The latch (30) shown in figure 4 comprises a plate (31) mountable to the door (12) of the compartment (11); a handle (32) pivotally mounted to the plate (31) for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position; a hook (33) pivotally mounted to the plate (31) and exhibiting pivotal movement between a latched position and an unlatched position and vice-versa, such that the hook (33) pivots independent of the handle (32) when the handle (32) is in the closed position; and a means (34) for biasing the hook (33) to the latched position and the handle (32) to the closed position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the plate (31) and the handle (32) are provided with an aligned opening (35 and 36) for receiving a lock cylinder (37) therein.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lock cylinder (37) is adapted to receive a mated key therein, the mated key being rotatable between a first locked position which maintains the handle (32) in the closed position, and a second unlocked position which allows the handle (32) to pivot to the unlatched position.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the means for biasing biases the hook to the latched position and thereby the handle to the closed position.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the means for biasing (34) includes a torsion spring.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the hook (33) is pivotable from the latched to the unlatched position in response to the pivoting of the handle from the closed to the open position.

In a further more embodiment of the present invention, the plate (31) and the handle (32) together are configured to restrict the pivotal movement of the hook (33).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the plate (31) is provided with an opening (38), a lower surface (39) of which restricts upward pivotal movement of the hook (33) and the handle (32) is provided with an upper surface (40) extending towards the plate (31) for restricting downward pivotal movement of the hook (33).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plate (31) and the handle (32) either alone or together are configured to restrict the hook from exhibiting any lateral movement.

As shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, the latch (30) comprises a plate (31) mountable to the door of the compartment, a handle (32) pivotally mounted to the plate (31) for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position, a hook (33) pivotally mounted to the plate (31) and exhibiting pivotal movement between a latched position and an unlatched position and vice-versa, such that the hook (33) pivots independent of the handle (31) when the handle (31) is in the closed position and a means (22) for biasing the hook to the latched position and the handle to the closed position. The latch (30) also comprises a lock cylinder (37) adapted to be received by an aligned opening (35 and 36) provided in the plate and the handle. The lock cylinder is adopted to receive therein a mated key (not shown). The mated key is rotatable between a first locked position which maintains handle in the latched position, and a second unlocked position which allows the handle to pivot to the unlatched position.

Each of the plate (31) and the handle (32) comprises a front surface (41 and 43) and a rear surface (42 and 44). The rear surface (42) of the plate (31) is provided with mounting means (45) for mounting on to the door of the compartment.

The front surface (41) of the plate (31) is provided with a pair of legs (46) which project towards a rear surface (44) of the handle (32). Similarly, the rear surface (44) of the handle (32) is provided with a pair of legs (47) which project towards front surface (41) of the plate (31). The hook (33), which is a separate element, is juxtaposed between the plate (31) and the handle (32) and more particularly between the legs (46) provided in the plate (31) and the legs (47) provided in the handle (32). Additionally, the means for biasing (22) is also juxtaposed between the plate (31) and the handle (32) and more particularly between the legs (46) provided in the plate (31) and the legs (47) provided in the handle (32).

The legs (46) provided in the plate (31) are aligned with respect to the legs (47) provided in the handle (32) and are pivotally connected to each other using a pin (48). The means for biasing (34), which is a torsion spring, is provided with a free end (49) which rests on a support surface (51) provided in the plate (31) and an engaging end (50) which engages with the hook (33). The rear surface (44) of the handle (32) is provided with a lateral movement restricting projection (52) which restricts the hook from exhibiting any lateral movement.

The hook is provided with a head portion (53) that engages with the engaging portion (13) provided in the box (11) and a central hub portion (54) having a through hole (55) for allowing the hook to be pivotally engaged.

Without deviating substantially from the embodiment described above, in an alternative construction as shown in figure 7, the pin can be formed as an integral part of the hook. In this construction, the hook (33) is provided with a head portion (53) that engages with the engaging portion (13) provided in the box (11) and a central hub portion (54) having a pair of cylindrical outwardly projecting rods (56) for allowing the hook to be pivotally engaged.

Without deviating substantially from the embodiments described above, as illustrated in each of figures 8 to 12, the head portion (53) that engages with the engaging portion (13) provided in the box (11) can be of different shapes. It may be noted that although in each of figures 8 to 12, the hook is shown to be having a through hole at the central hub portion, the same can also include a pair of cylindrical outwardly projecting rods (56).

Coming to the working of the invention, it can be observed that since the hook is not formed as an integral part of the handle, it can exhibit movement independent of handle when the handle is in the closed position. More particularly, when the handle is in the closed position, the hook can exhibit pivotal movement between a latched position and an unlatched position and vice-versa. On the other hand, whenever the handle is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, the hook exhibits a corresponding pivotal movement from a latched position to an unlatched position. Based on the above principal, when the door (12) is moved in the direction shown by the arrow (29), the hook comes in abutment with the engaging portion (13). If door is moved further, the hook which can exhibit pivotal movement independent of handle when the handle is in the closed position exhibits pivotal movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. After the door flushes with the glove compartment, the hook automatically exhibits pivotal movement between the unlatched position and the latched position. This is caused by the action exhibited by the torsion spring.

When compared to the prior art latch shown in figure 2, far lesser force is needed to close a door incorporating the latch mechanism of the present invention. Furthermore, lesser human effort is needed to be spent to close the door. We have measured the force needed to close the glove box incorporating the conventional latch mechanism shown in figure 2 and the same comes to around 1.2 Kg. On the other hand, the force needed to close the glove box incorporating the latch mechanism of the present invention is coming to about 0.300 Kg. Thus, there is a substantial improvement.

While the particular preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the teachings of the invention. It is therefore contemplates that the present invention cover any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed above and claimed herein.

WE CLAIM:

1. A latch mechanism for a door of a compartment, comprising:
a plate (31) mountable to the door (12) of the compartment (11);
a handle (32) pivotally mounted to the plate (31) for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position;
a hook (33) pivotally mounted to the plate (31) and exhibiting pivotal movement between a latched position and an unlatched position and vice-versa, such that the hook (33) pivots independent of the handle (32) when the handle (32) is in the closed position; and
a means (34) for biasing the hook (33) to the latched position and the handle (32) to the closed position.

2. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate (31) and the handle (32) are provided with an aligned opening (35 and 36) for receiving a lock cylinder (37) therein.

3. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lock cylinder (37) is adapted to receive a mated key therein, the mated key being rotatable between a first locked position which maintains the handle (32) in the closed position, and a second unlocked position which allows the handle (32) to pivot to the unlatched position.

4. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for biasing (34) biases the hook (33) to the latched position and thereby the handle (32) to the closed position.

5. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for biasing (34) includes a torsion spring.

6. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook (33) is pivotable from the latched to the unlatched position in response to the pivoting of the handle (32) from the closed to the open position.

7. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate (31) and the handle (32) together are configured to restrict the pivotal movement of the hook (33).

8. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plate (31) is provided with an opening (38), a lower surface (39) of which restricts downward pivotal movement of the hook (33) and the handle (32) is provided with an upper surface (40) extending towards the plate (31) for restricting upward pivotal movement of the hook (33).

9. The latch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate (31) and the handle (32) either alone or together are configured to restrict the hook (33) from exhibiting any lateral movement.

10. The latch mechanism for a door of a compartment substantially as herein defined with respect to the foregoing detailed description and the accompanying drawings.