WO2009069995A1

WO2009069995A1 - Latching assembly with self-engaging mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2009069995A1
Application number: PCT/MY2008/000003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fook Chuan Lee; Fook Kam Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-29
Filing date: 2008-01-17
Publication date: 2009-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2010-05-29
Also published as: CN101657591B; CN101657591A

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a latching assembly (2) preferably capable of application to a gate or door whereby it may be held closed (engaged) and also locked, when desired employing a pair of plate members (4) (6) with an engaging element (12) moveably provided to one of the plate members; said latching assembly (2) is further adapted to have a self-engaging mechanism when the plate members (4) (6) are mated and is suitable for heavy duty application.

Description

LATCHING ASSEMBLY WITH SELF-ENGAGING MECHANISM

1. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a latching assembly more particularly capable of application to a gate or door whereby it may be held closed (engaged) and also locked, when desired employing a pair of plate members with an engaging element moveably provided to one of the plate members; said latching assembly is further adapted to have a self-engaging mechanism when the plate members (4) (6) are mated and is suitable for heavy duty application such as in heavy weight gates or in the industrial field.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known various forms of latches have previously been proposed for gates and doors. The typical latch requires a prior positive act by an individual such using a key to rotate or lift the tongue of the engaging element into its disengaged position or turning a handle or lever or the like to enable disengagement of the engaging element before the gate or door can be slid or swung open. This may to a certain extent cause delay in emergencies especially when every second counts. Further in such emergency situations one is in a panicky state and in haste may not remember where the keys are kept or which is the right key or fumble when inserting the keys into the key hole (if a key is required to rotate the tongue of the engaging element into its disengaged position) or forget to turn the handle or lever or the like to firstly disengage the engaging element before sliding or swinging open the gate or door.

To overcome the above shortcomings, a latching assembly is provided wherein the latching and unlatching of the door or gate requires no other prior step as described above but merely mating a main plate member mounted to one vertical edge of a door or gate member to an auxiliary plate member mounted to a vertical side edge of another door or gate member or a support face so that the tongue of the engaging element provided on the main plate member is capable of being securely lodged to an aperture provided on the auxiliary plate member to effect latching of a door or a gate or merely giving the protruding tongue a nudge to disengage the said tongue provided on the main plate member from the said aperture of the auxiliary plate member to unlatch the door or gate.

The present invention is directed to new and useful alternatives to known arrangements. 3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is the primary aim of the present invention to provide a latching assembly that can be conveniently and easily engaged or disengaged without use of any key, handle, lever or the like to lift the engaging element from its engaged or latched state.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a latching assembly wherein disengagement is merely by gently nudging the tongue of the engaging means using fingers and separating one plate member provided with the engaging element from the other provided with an aperture for receiving the tongue of the engaging element.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a latching assembly which is self -engaging.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a latching assembly which is not easily disengaged without a nudge at the tongue.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a latching assembly where instances of the door or gate or window member rebounding upon being forcefully slammed is prevented. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a latching assembly for doors or gates which is capable of being further provided by a padlock for enhanced security.

Other further objects of the invention will become apparent with an understanding of the following detailed description of the invention or upon employment of the invention in practice.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by,

A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism comprising;

at least a main plate member (4) mounted to one edge of a door or gate member provided with a moveably mounted engaging element (12) having a protruding tongue (16) with a cut-away portion (17) to allow engagement to an auxiliary plate member aperture (20); and

at least an auxiliary plate member (6) mounted to one edge of another door or gate member or to a support face, said auxiliary plate member (6) is further provided with an auxiliary plate member aperture (20) to allow the said tongue (16) of the engaging element (12) to engage when the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are mated.

In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided,

A latching assembly (2) for doors and gates provided with a self-engaging mechanism comprising;

at least a main plate member (4) mounted to one edge of a door or gate member provided with a moveably mounted engaging element (12) having a protruded tongue (16) with a cut-away portion (17) to allow engagement to an auxiliary plate member aperture (20);

at least an auxiliary plate member (6) mounted to one edge of another door or gate member or to a support face, said auxiliary plate member (6) is further provided with an auxiliary plate member aperture (20) to allow the said tongue (16) of the engaging element (12) to engage when the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are mated; said main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) further provided with lock apertures (18) for provision of known lock means (24) which are configured to be in sync (coincide) when the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are mated. In this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprising" is used in a non-exhaustive sense and further features may be present in the arrangement described.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspect of the present invention and their advantages will be discerned after studying the Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1-A and 1-B are views illustrating the construction of a latching assembly with self -engaging mechanism in accordance to the present invention.

FIG. 2- A is a side view of an L-shaped main plate member of the preferred embodiment of the present invention from the inner side.

FIG. 2-B is a perspective view of the said L-shaped main plate member from the outer side.

FIG. 3-A is a perspective view from the outer side of the auxiliary plate member of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3-B is a perspective view from the inner side of the auxiliary plate member.

FIGS. 4-A and 4-B are perspective views from the top and bottom of the said main plate member and auxiliary plate member in a mated arrangement.

FIG. 4-C is a cross-sectional view of the mated main plate and auxiliary plate member.

FIGS. 5-A and 5-B are left and right side views of the mated main and auxiliary plate member.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the mated main plate member and the auxiliary plate member being provided with a lock means.

4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale.

Referring to FIG.l-A and 1-B there are shown views illustrating the construction of a latching assembly (2) with self-engaging mechanism for doors or gates in accordance to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated the latching assembly (2) preferably comprises an L-shaped main plate member (4) and a Z-shaped auxiliary plate member (6). The main plate member (4) further comprises a main portion (4A) and a flange (4B) preferably arranged perpendicularly to each other. A plurality of fastening holes (8) are provided on the flange (4B) to enable the said flange (4B) to be mounted to one edge of the door or gate member (not shown) by means of known fastening means such as screws or rivets. The auxiliary plate member (6) comprises a central portion (6A) flanked by two flanges of preferably uneven dimension in opposing directions, a first flange (6B) which is of a larger dimension than a second flange (6C), which is smaller and preferably of a substantially similar dimension as the flange (4B) of the L-shaped main plate member (4). The first and second flange (6B) (6C) are preferably arranged in a perpendicular arrangement to the central portion (6A). As in the L-shaped main plate member (4) a plurality of fastening holes (8) are provided at the second flange (6C) to enable the said flange (6C) to be mounted to one edge of another door or gate member [in the swing or slide-open type of double panel doors or gates] or to a support face such as a frame, jamb, stile or pillar or wall [in the swing or slide-open type of single panel doors or gates].

Referring now to FIG. 2-A and 2-B there is shown a side view of the said L- shaped main plate member (4) from the inner side (10A) and a perspective view of the said L-shaped main plate member (4) from the outer side (10B). The L- shaped main plate member (4) is pivotably provided with an engaging element (12) on the inner side (10A) by means of a pivot pin (14) to moveably fasten the engaging element (12) to the L-shaped main plate member (4) at their respective fastening hole. The engaging element (12) is configured to have an integrally protruding rounded tongue (16) which is provided with a cut-away portion (17) preferably an indented notch of square configuration at one of its side so that the said tongue (16) forms a shoulder (17A) that serves as a catch to engage with an auxiliary plate member aperture (20) thereby forming a latch when both the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are brought into a mating arrangement (Refer to FIGS. 4-A and 4-B). The L-shaped main plate member (4) including the engaging element (12) may be optionally provided with a lock aperture (18) preferably at the lower part of the main portion (4A) of the L-shaped main plate member (4) and engaging element (12) to allow access by penetration of a metal loop (23) of the said lock means (24) preferably a padlock for enhanced security when both the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are brought into a mating arrangement. Preferably the lock aperture (18) is elongated to allow easy penetration access by the metal loop (23) of the lock means (24). However it is to be understood that the latching assembly (2) is capable of being effectively engaged without the utilization of a lock means (24). The lock means (24) merely serves to prevent unwarranted or unwanted persons or criminals or trespassers from opening the doors or gates and gaining or unauthorized access. Referring to FIG. 3-A and 3-B, FIG. 3-A illustrates a perspective view from the outer side of the Z-shaped auxiliary plate member (6) of the preferred embodiment of the present invention while FIG. 3-B is a perspective view from the inner side of the said Z-shaped auxiliary plate member (6). The first flange portion (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) is preferably provided with an auxiliary plate member aperture (20) preferably a slot to receive the protruding tongue (16) of the engaging element (12) when both the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are brought into a mating arrangement (Refer to FIG. 4-A and 4-B). The central portion (6A) of the Z-shaped auxiliary plate member (6) may be optionally provided with a lock aperture (18) preferably at its lower part to allow penetration by the metal loop (23) of the lock means (24) such as a padlock for enhanced security when both the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are brought into a mating arrangement. Preferably the lock aperture (18) is elongated to allow easy penetration access by the metal loop (23) of the lock means (24). The second flange portion (6C) of the auxiliary plate member (6) is mounted to one edge of another door or gate member [in the swing or slide-open type of double panel doors or gates] or to a support face such as a frame, jamb, stile or pillar or wall [in the swing or slide-open type of single panel doors or gates].

Referring now to FIGS. 4-A, 4-B, 4-C, 5-A and 5-B, FIGS. 4-A and 4-B are respective perspective views from the top and bottom of the said main plate member (4) and auxiliary plate member (6) in a mated arrangement while FIG. 4-C is a cross-sectional view of the mated main plate and auxiliary plate member and FIGS. 5-A and 5-B are the left and right side views of the mated main and auxiliary plate members respectively. In its original position the engaging element (12) is in alignment with the first flange (4A) of the main plate member (4) as shown in FIG. 1- A. Due to the rounded configuration of the tip of the tongue (16), the engaging element (12) is pivotably tilted towards the flange (4B) which is perpendicularly arranged to the main portion (4A) of the main plate member (4) upon first contact with the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20) and after clearing the said engaging side (22), the first contacting side (16A) adjacent to the tongue (16) will come into contact with the first flange (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) which acts as a stopper. The first contacting side (16A) meeting the first flange (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) aided by a second contacting side (16B) [which is the side of the engaging element (12) opposing the first contacting side (16A)] meeting the flange (4B) of the main plate member (4) serves to align the tilted engaging element (12) back into its original aligned position as illustrated in FIG. 1- A and in the process causes the engaging element (12) to click into engagement as the said tongue (16) lowers. The lowering of the said tongue (16) causes the said notch (17) to abut the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20). The shoulder (17A) serves as a catch to prevent easy dislodgement from the auxiliary plate member aperture (20). The engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate aperture (20) where the said notch (17) abuts would also serve as an obstacle to prevent easy disengagement. This is advantageous from known latches requiring a handle to be turned to lift an engaging bar prior to engagement or inserting a metal bar to an opening on the ground or floor or frame of the door to secure one side of the door or gate and then manually using a handle to slide an engaging bar in between apertures of a main and auxiliary latching plate members for engagement (as in typical gates). Once engaged, the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20) serves as an obstacle to prevent displacement of the tongue (16) whilst the flange (4B) of the main plate member (4) and the first flange (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) sandwiching the engaging element (12) in between them limits movement and hence prevents instances of the tongue (16) tilting away from the said engaging side (22) [which tilting effect would enable the tongue (16) to be displaced from the engaging side (22) which in turn facilitates disengagement] thereby consistently maintaining the notch (17) in a state of engagement with the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20). This is advantageous as the door or gate member would not rebound even when the door or gate is forcefully slammed. Once the tongue (16) is engaged, the configuration of the latching assembly (2) as described above will consistently maintain the tongue (16) engaged to the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20). This novel feature has permitted the present invention to be employed in heavy-duty application such in heavy weight gates or in the industrial field. In the event the tongue (16) of the engaging element (12) is in an inclined or tilted position such that the side opposing the tongue (16) is inclined towards the perpendicularly arranged flange (4B) of the main plate member (4) prior to engaging, the tip of the tongue (16) will not contact with the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20) when the main and auxiliary plate member (4) (6) are brought into mating arrangement [in contrast to that described above when the engaging element (12) is in its originally aligned position] but instead will penetrate the auxiliary plate member aperture (20) without any hindrance. After penetrating the auxiliary plate member aperture (20), the first contacting side (16A) adjacent to the tongue (16) will meet the first flange (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) which acts as a stopper. In a similar manner as above the meeting of the first contacting side (16A) with the first flange (6B) aided by the second contacting side (16B) meeting the flange (4B) of the main plate member (4) serves to align the tilted engaging element (12) back into its original aligned position and in the process causes the engaging element (12) to click into engagement as the said tongue (16) lowers. The lowering of the said tongue (16) causes the said notch (17) to abut the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20). As described above the notch (17) is consistently maintained in a state of engagement with the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20) as the said engaging element (12) is being sandwiched between first flange (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) and the flange (4B) of the main plate member (4) allowing minimal or no movement. Equally as simple and convenient, disengagement of the engaging element (12) is done by merely nudging the tongue (16) at its tip preferably by finger application thereby lifting the tongue (16) which accordingly causes the said notch (17) to be dislodged from the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member (6) without the hassle found in conventional models involving turning handles to lift the engaging bar or using a handle to slide the engaging bar out from the apertures of the main and auxiliary latching plate members to effect disengagement. Once the tongue (16) of the engaging element (12) is displaced from the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate aperture (20), the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) can be easily separated from its mating arrangement without much effort. In fact the quick nudging action is continuously followed by the act of pushing the door or gate member open is an easy, convenient, quick and hassle-free way of opening doors or gates. This easy dislodgement without utilization of a handle or a key will eliminate the hassle of having to manually turn the handle to lift the tongue out from the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate aperture (20) to effect disengagement.

For added security the latch assembly (2) may be provided with a lock means

(24). FIG. 6 is a side view of the mated main plate member and the auxiliary plate member (4) (6) being provided with a lock means (24) such as a padlock. The lock means (24) is provided when the main plate member and the auxiliary plate member (4) (6) are mated at their lock apertures (18) which are preferably located in such part of the plate members (4) (6) allowing access for penetration by the loop portion (23) of a lock means (24) for enhanced security.

Although the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) have been described in some detail in the above as being L-shaped and Z-shaped respectively, it will be appreciated that this configuration, shape, size, arrangement or design is not necessarily the only configuration shape and size, arrangement or design that can be used as other configurations, shapes, sizes, arrangements or designs can be practiced to cater for either the swing-open or slide-open type of doors or gates, as, what is advantageous in accordance with the present invention is the fact that the tongue (16) of the latching assembly (2) will be lifted by merely nudging the tongue (16) at its tip which accordingly causes the notch (17) to be dislodged from the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member (6) without having to manually turn any key, handle or the like to lift the tongue to effect disengagement.

While the present invention has been described in some detail as being applicable to doors and gates, it will be appreciated that the said latching assembly is applicable to windows, grills and the like, as, what is advantageous in accordance with the present invention is the fact that the tongue (16) of the latching assembly (2) will be lifted by merely nudging the tongue (16) at its tip which accordingly causes the notch (17) to be dislodged from the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member (6) without having to manually turn a key, handle or the like to lift the tongue to effect disengagement.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages has been disclosed in the above Detailed Description, the invention is not limited thereto but only by the spirit and scope of the appended claim.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self -engaging mechanism comprising;

at least an auxiliary plate member (6) mounted to one edge of another door or gate member or support face provided with an auxiliary plate member aperture (20) to allow the said tongue (16) of the engaging element (12) to engage when the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are mated.

2. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 wherein the said main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are further provided with lock apertures (18) for provision of known lock means (24) which are configured to be in sync (coincide) when the main and auxiliary plate members (4) (6) are mated;

3. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the main plate member (4) is L-shaped in configuration.

4. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the auxiliary plate member (6) is Z-shaped in configuration.

5. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the engaging element (12) is provided on the inner surface (10A) of the main portion (4A) of the main plate member (4).

6. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 5 wherein the engaging element (12) is pivotably mounted to the main portion (4A) of the main plate member (4).

7. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 6 wherein the engaging element (12) is integrally provided with a protruding rounded tongue (16) that is further provided with a cut-away portion (17) at one part so that a shoulder (17A) that is formed serves as a catch to engage with an auxiliary plate member aperture (20).

8. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self -engaging mechanism as in Claim 7 wherein the cut-away portion (17) is a notch of square configuration.

9. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self -engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 or 2 which is applicable to windows, grills or the like.

10. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 or 2 or 9 which is applicable to single panel or double panel swing-open or slide open doors, gates, windows, grills or the like.

11. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self -engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the support face is a frame, jamb, stile or pillar or wall.

12. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 wherein the engaging element (12) is inclined towards the flange (4B), perpendicularly disposed to the main portion (4A) of the main plate (4), upon contact of the tip of the tongue (16) of the engaging element (12) with the auxiliary plate member aperture (20).

13. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 and 11 wherein the inclined engaging element (12) is brought into non- inclined state by the first contacting side (16A), located adjacent to the tongue (16) of the engaging element (12), meeting the first flange (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) thereby causing the engaging element (12) to click into engagement as its integral tongue (16) lowers to enable the cut-away portion (17) to abut the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20).

14. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 wherein the cut-away portion (17) is consistently maintained in a state of engagement with the engaging side (22) of the auxiliary plate member aperture (20) by having the said engaging element (12) being sandwiched between first flange (6B) of the auxiliary plate member (6) and the flange (4B) of the main plate member (4) thus limiting tilting movement.

15. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 1 wherein disengaging of the latch means is by finger application.

16. A latching assembly (2) provided with a self-engaging mechanism as in Claim 2 wherein the lock aperture (18) is elongated.