The invention is a modular latch having an optional gravity-sensitive feature. When a latch having the gravity-sensitive feature is in a first orientation, such as horizontal, the latch may be unlatched. When the latch is in a second orientation, such as vertical, the latch is prevented from being unlatched.

2. Description of the related art.

Although other inventors have proposed various means for selectively permitting and preventing opening of a latch, the present inventor is unaware of any other modular latches that provide the option of using gravity for this purpose.

Some presently existing latches incorporate a catch fitting within a T-shaped slot in the handle. When the latch is in the closed position, the catch fits within the narrow portion of the T-shaped slot, thereby preventing the handle from being actuated to open the latch. To open the latch, the catch must first be moved to the wide portion to the T-shaped slot. The catch must be moved manually, and does not rely on gravity for automatic movement, unlike the present invention.

While not limited to such use, the present invention is directed towards lids attached to a center console of an automobile. Such consoles sometimes pivot between a horizontal position providing access to the console, and a vertical position wherein the console is contained within the seat back. An example of such a latch is pictured in Southco, Inc. Catalog No. 48 NA, 1998, p. G-10. This latch does not permit the use of gravity to selectively permit or prevent opening of the latch.

Other latches intended for use on automobile consoles use a push-button actuator to control a pair of hooks that engage a keeper in a scissors-like manner. Pushing the button pushes the hooks apart, and releasing the button allows the hooks to come together.

None of the above-referenced publications, taken singly or in combination, is seen to describe the present invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a modular latch having an optional gravity-sensitive feature.

The latch includes a housing, a pawl being dimensioned and configured to engage a keeper, a

locking frame, a button for actuating the latch, and may optionally include a gravity-sensitive pendulum.

The housing is preferably rectangular. The bottom of the housing defines a pair of intersecting slots, with the first slot being dimensioned and configured to permit rotation of the pawl within it, and the second being dimensioned and configured to permit passage of the keeper. A larger opening is defined at the front end of the housing, within both the front wall and bottom. A pair of flanges extend forward and downward from opposing sides of this opening. The interior of the housing includes a pair of inward extending flanges being dimensioned and configured to receive the pawl, with the second slot also being defined within these flanges.

The pawl is pivotally secured between the housing's internal flanges. The pawl includes a pair of substantially parallel arms. A locking flange also projects from the pawl. The locking flange defines a flat top surface and a ramped lower surface that may define a convex curve. The pawl rotates between an unlatched position wherein the arms point downward, and a latched position wherein the arms point forward. The pawl is located within the housing such that a keeper entering the second slot will pass between the arms, pushing the pawl from its unlatched position to its latched position. A typical keeper will be an upside-down U-shaped wire. The pawl is spring-biased towards its unlatched position.

The locking frame is preferably either U-shaped or rectangular. The center of the U- shape is preferably located near the back of the latch, where it can engage the pawl's locking flange. The locking frame is spring-biased forward, so that, in its rest position, the center of the U-shape sits on top of the pawl's locking flange, holding the pawl in its latched position. The front portion of the locking frame may be a solid piece sufficiently long to abut the button, described below. Alternatively, the locking frame may include opposing pivot points for securing a pendulum between the ends of the U-shape.

The button is pivotally secured between the opposing flanges projecting outward from the front of the housing. The button may be detachable by means well known in the art of latch manufacture, so that a button having a desired size, shape, and appearance may be used with the latch. The button is spring-biased away from the latch.

The pendulum is L-shaped when viewed from either side, having a weighted arm and a pusher arm. The joint between the two arms is pivotally secured between the opposing ends of

the U-shaped locking frame. The pusher arm has significantly less mass than the weighted arm, and may define an opening in its center to further reduce its mass. The pusher arm is sufficiently long so that, when pointed towards the button, the pusher arm will abut the button.

If the gravity-sensitive feature is not desired, the latch may be assembled with a rectangular locking frame, without the pendulum. In its latched/at rest position, the button is biased away from the housing, the locking frame is biased forward, and the pawl is secured so that the arms are horizontal by the abutting of the locking frame and pawl's locking flange. The keeper passes into the housing, and is held within the second slot between the pawl's curved arms. The latch's user will likely be required to insert his hand within a handle on a lid to push the button. Pushing the button pushes the locking frame rearward, disengaging the locking frame from the pawl and allowing the pawl to rotate so that the arms point downward. The keeper is now free to exit the housing's second slot as the user raises the lid. Releasing the button allows the button and locking frame to move forward. The pawl will remain in its unlatched position, with the curved arms pointing downward.

When the lid is lowered, the keeper will enter the second slot, striking the curved surface of the pawl's upper curved member. The keeper will push the pawl towards its latched position.

The ramp defined by the locking flange will strike the locking frame, pushing the locking frame rearward to allow passage of the locking flange. Once the locking flange completely passes the locking frame, the locking frame will move forward under spring pressure, securing the pawl in its latched position.

The operation of the latch having the gravity-sensitive feature is similar to that described above, but here the gravity-sensitive pendulum forms the connection between the button and locking frame. When the latch is in a first orientation, usually horizontal, the weighted arm hangs downward, positioning the pusher arm so that it abuts the button. Pushing the button will therefore push the pendulum rearward. Because the pendulum is pivotally secured to the locking frame, the pendulum in turn pushes the locking frame rearward. When the latch is in a second orientation, usually vertical, gravity acts on the weighted arm, thereby rotating the pendulum so that the pusher arm does not abut the button. Pushing the button will therefore not unlatch the latch.

Such a latch is particularly useful for automobile consoles, which may rotate from a horizontal position allowing use of the console, to a vertical position wherein the console forms

part of the seat. It is desirable to automatically permit access to the console's interior storage area when the console is horizontal, while also automatically preventing accidental opening of the storage area's lid when the console is vertical. It is also desirable to selectively include or omit the gravity-sensitive feature, and to be able to choose a desired button, to allow multiple latches located in close proximity to each other to have the same appearance and operate in a similar manner.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modular latch having interchangeable components.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a latch having an optional gravity- sensitive feature for automatically permitting or preventing actuation of the latch based on orientation of the latch.

A third object of the invention is to provide a latch having an interchangeable button so that a button having a desired shape, size, and appearance may be selected.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent through the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a gravity-sensitive modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a gravity-sensitive modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a modular latch without the gravity-sensitive feature according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a modular latch without the gravity-sensitive feature according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a housing for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a housing for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a pendulum for a gravity-sensitive modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a pendulum for a gravity-sensitive modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a pawl for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spring for a pawl for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a U-shaped locking frame for a gravity-sensitive modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a rectangular locking frame for a modular latch without the gravity-sensitive feature according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a button for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a spring for a locking frame for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a spring for a button for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a housing for a modular latch according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a keeper for a modular latch according to the present invention.

Like reference numbers denote like elements throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention is a modular latch with an optional gravity-sensitive feature. Referring to FIG. 1-4, the latch 10 includes a housing 12, a pawl 14 pivotally secured within the housing 10, a locking frame 16, a button 18 for actuating the latch, and may optionally include a gravity- sensitive pendulum 20.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6 and 16, the housing 12 is illustrated. The housing 12 is preferably rectangular. The bottom 22 of the housing defines a first slot 24, dimensioned and configured to receive the pawl 14. A second slot 26 intersects and is substantially perpendicular to the first slot 24. The second slot 26 is dimensioned and configured to receive a keeper 28.

Referring briefly to FIG. 17, a preferred and suggested keeper 28 comprises an upside-down U-

shaped wire, secured at both ends to a wall of the compartment accessed by the latch. Referring back to FIGS. 5-6 and 16, the front 30 and bottom 22 of the housing defines a larger opening 32, with a pair of flanges 34 extending downward and forward from opposing sides of the opening 32. A second pair of flanges 36 extends inward on opposing sides of the first slot 24, with the second slot 26 extending into and being further defined by the flanges 36. The housing 12 preferably includes a plurality of mounting holes 38 for attachment to a lid of a storage compartment, possibly the storage compartment within the center console of an automobile.

The pawl 14 is best illustrated in FIG. 9. The pawl 14 includes a pair of substantially parallel elongated arms including an upper curved member 42 and lower member 44, defining a substantially straight channel 54 therebetween. The upper curved arm 42 is longer than the lower arm 44. Channel 54 is dimensioned and configured to receive a keeper 28. The convex curved surface 46 at the end of the upper curved arm 42 faces downward, thereby forming a ramp. A locking flange 48 also projects from the pawl 14, preferably opposite the arms 42,44.

The locking flange defines a flat top surface 50 and a ramped bottom surface 52, with a preferred and suggested shape of the ramped surface 52 being convex. The pawl 14 is pivotally secured to the flanges 36 so that it rotates within the first slot 24. At least a portion of the channel 54 always intersects the slot 26. The pawl 14 rotates between a latched position wherein the arms 42,44 face forward, obstructing passage into and out of the slot 26, and an unlatched position wherein the arms 42,44 point downward, so that the keeper 28 is permitted to pass into and out of the slot 26 and channel 54. The pawl 14 is biased towards its unlatched position by the spring 56, illustrated in FIG. 10.

The locking frame 16 is best illustrated in FIGS. 11-12. The locking frame 16 is preferably either U-shaped or rectangular, with the central opening defined by the locking frame 16 surrounding the flanges 36 and pawl 14. The locking frame 16 is slidably fitted within the housing 12, so that it is slidably movable between a forward position and a rearward position. If the locking flange 16 is U-shaped, the center 58 of the U-shape is at the rear of the housing 12.

Similarly, the rear portion 62 of the rectangular locking frame 16 is at the rear of the housing 12.

The U-shape's center 58 or rectangle's rear portion 62 is dimensioned and configured to engage the locking flange's top surface 50 when the locking frame 16 is in its forward position. The sides 74 of the U-shaped locking frame extend to within the front opening 32 defined in the housing 12. The U-shaped locking frame 16 will typically be used with a latch 10 having the

gravity-sensitive feature, while the rectangular locking frame 16 will typically be used with a latch 10 without the gravity-sensitive feature. The front portion 60 of the rectangular locking frame 16 is dimensioned and configured to abut the button 18, described below. The locking frame 16 is biased forward by a spring 78, illustrated in FIG. 14.

The button 18 is illustrated in FIG. 13. The button 18 is pivotally secured between the flanges 34, and is biased away from the housing 12 by the spring 64 (FIG. 15) The button 18 is preferably detachable and interchangeable by means well known in the art of latch manufacturing. A button 18 of any desired size, shape, and appearance may therefore be used to actuate the latch 10. The button 18 is operatively connected to the locking frame 16 by abutting either the locking frame's front portion 60 if the rectangular locking frame 16 is used, or by abutting the pendulum 20, as described in detail below.

The pendulum 20 is best illustrated in FIGS. 7-8. The pendulum 20 includes a weighted arm 68 and a pusher arm 70. The shape of the pendulum 20 when viewed from one side 66 can vary to permit or prevent actuation of the latch 10 when the latch 10 is in a desired orientation.

A preferred and suggested configuration for the pendulum 20 is preferably L-shaped when viewed from one side 66. The joint 72 between the weighted arm 68 and pusher arm 70 is pivotally connected between the U-shaped locking frame's sides 74, so that the pendulums weighted arm 68 and pusher arm 70 both protrude from the housing's front opening 32. The pusher arm 70 is dimensioned and configured so that, when it is pointed towards the button 18, the pusher arm 70 abuts the button 18. The weighted arm 68 has significantly more mass than the pusher arm 70, and the pusher arm 70 may define a central opening 76 for this purpose. The force of gravity acting on the pendulum 20 will therefore have the greatest effect on the weighted arm 68, with a relatively insignificant effect on the pusher arm 70, thereby positioning the pusher arm 70 in the desired location.

The operation of the latch 10 is best described by first describing a latch 10 without the gravity-sensitive option, and then describing the gravity-sensitive addition to the basic latch 10.

FIGURES 3-4 illustrate a latch without the gravity-sensitive feature. Such a latch 10 will typically be secured to a lid, possibly for the internal storage compartment of an automobile's console. The button 18 will typically be positioned so that depressing the button 18 requires inserting one's hand into a handle. When the various components of the latch 10 are in their latched position, the button 18 is biased away from the housing 12, the locking frame 16 is

biased forward, and the pawl's arms 42,44 are pointed towards the front of the latch 10. The keeper 28 is typically secured within the slot 26 and between the pawl's arms 42,44. When the button 18 is pushed inward, the button 18 pushes the locking frame 16 rearward, so that the locking frame 16 disengages the pawl's locking flange 48. The pawl 14, under spring pressure, rotates so that the arms 42,44 are pointed downward, permitting the keeper to exit the channel 54 and slot 26 as the lid 40 is raised. Releasing the button 18 allows the locking frame 16 to move forward. The pawl 14 remains positioned with the arms 42,44 pointed downward, permitting the keeper to enter the slot 26 and channel 54 when the lid is closed.

When the lid 40 is lowered, the keeper 28 enters the slot 26. Because the upper arm 42 is longer than the lower arm 44, the keeper 28 passes the lower arm 44, enters the channel 54, and strikes the curved surface 46 of the upper arm 42. As the keeper 28 continues to move into the slot 26, the pawl is rotated so that the locking flange's ramp 52 strikes the locking frame 16, pushing the locking frame 16 rearward until the locking flange 48 can pass the locking frame 16.

Once the locking flange 48 passes the locking frame 16, the locking frame 16 moves forward under spring pressure to engage the locking flange's top surface 50, thereby securing the latch 10 in the latched position.

The operation of a latch 10 having the gravity-sensitive feature is similar to that described above, but here the pendulum 20 forms the operative connection between the button 18 and locking frame 16. Although this description assumes an L-shaped pendulum 20, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that the shape of the pendulum 20 may be varied to permit or prevent actuation of the latch 10 when the latch 10 is in a desired orientation. When the latch 10 is in a first orientation, which will be horizontal in the illustrated preferred embodiment, gravity acting on the weighted arm 68 will cause the pusher arm 70 to abut the button 18. Pushing the button 18 will push the pendulum 20 rearward. Because the pendulum 20 is pivotally mounted to the locking frame 16, the pendulum will in turn push the locking frame 16 rearward, thereby actuating the latch. When the latch 10 is in a second orientation, which will be vertical in the illustrated preferred embodiment, gravity acting on the weighted arm 68 moves the pusher arm 70 out of engagement with the button 18. Pushing the button 18 will not cause the pendulum 20 or locking frame 16 to move rearward. Actuation of the latch 10 is thereby automatically permitted or prevented based on the orientation of the latch 10.

Although not limited to such use, a latch 10 is particularly suited to the center console of an automobile or small truck. Such center consoles typically have interior storage compartments accessed by a lid, and typically pivot between a horizontal position wherein the console may be used, and a vertical position wherein the console forms part of the seat. It is desirable to automatically permit access to the console's storage compartment when the console is horizontal, and to prevent accidental actuation of the latch when the console is vertical.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein, but encompasses all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.