This disclosure is in the field of cargo containers for use on the roof of automobiles, on trucks, trailers, vans, or other vehicles. More specifically, this disclosure is in the field of latch systems and assemblies for cargo containers.
In some embodiments the cargo container has at least two latch handles, with one latch handle on each side of the cargo container. The cargo container comprises a lid that may be in closed or open configurations. In the closed configuration, the latch handles may be in a locked or unlocked state. In the unlocked state the latches may be latched or unlatched. The cargo container may be reconfigured from closed to open configurations when either of the latches is in the unlocked and unlatched state, even if the other latch is in the locked state or the unlocked, latched state. This allows a user to open the cargo container without walking around to both sides of a vehicle to unlock both latches. The cargo container does not require a dual hinge system to function in the described manner.
Referring now to
The cargo container 100 depicted in the figures is provided with an embodiment of the inventive latch mechanism. In this embodiment, two latch actuators 102a and 102b are disposed on the outer surface of the bottom shell 100a, though in other embodiments the actuators may be positioned on the top shell 100b. In operation a user may pull on the actuator 102a to pivot it from the latched position shown in
When the user moves the actuator to the unlatched position or state, the latch mechanism disengages, and the user may raise the top shell 100b upwardly to open the cargo container 100 as shown in
In some cargo containers that may be opened from either side a user may have to lock the actuators on both sides of a cargo container to render it safe for use on a motor vehicle. In the inventive latch mechanism, it is possible to safely leave the latch mechanism unlocked during use of the cargo container 100 on a moving vehicle. Then when a user desires to open the cargo box only one actuator must be operated to open the lid. The other actuator may remain locked or unlocked without effect on the actuator used to open the container. This functionality results in easier operational use by a person accessing the cargo container since they may leave the actuators unlocked during movement of the vehicle.
Referring generally to
In the depicted embodiment, latch strike plate 102c or 102d is engaged by the left or right latch bolts or pawls 102g and 102h, respectively. The latch bolts 102g and 102h are movably attached to the cargo container 100 by a bracket or housing that allows the latch bolt to move sufficiently to engage and disengage from the strike plate. In the depicted embodiment the latch bolts pivot on a pivot pin 102q to move partially into an aperture provided in the strike plate. In this embodiment the latch bolts 102g and 102h are actuated by a first and second actuator bar 102k and 102l, respectively, that, in turn, move in response to the user's movement of one of the latch actuators 102a or 102b. In some embodiments the first and second actuator bars may be provided with a biasing mechanism 102p such as a spring to apply a biasing force to the bars to return them to the latched position.
In the depicted embodiment, movement of the actuator 102a from the latched position in
As will be described in more detail below, the movement of actuator bar 102k causes latch bolt 102g to pivot around pin 102q thus disengaging from strike plate 102c and achieving an unlatched configuration for the latch mechanism 102. As depicted in
In some embodiments a second biasing mechanism may be provided to apply a force to the latch actuator bars 102k and 102l to urge them to return to the latched position when a user releases the actuator handles 102a or 102b. The mechanism 102 may include a stop feature on one or both actuator bars to stop them when they return the nominal latched position shown in
In the depicted embodiment, each latch actuator bar 102k and 102l is divided into left and right members that are connected by a connecting cable 102r. The function of the latch bars 102k and 102l is the same whether they each are a single member or two separate members connected by a cable.
In varying embodiments, the two actuator bars 102k and 102l move or slide back and forth in the direction of arrow 106a. In this embodiment each actuator 102a and 102b is attached by cables 102e and 102f, respectively, to actuator bars 102k and 102l respectively. When each actuator is moved by a user, the corresponding actuator bar also moves, thus unlatching all the latches in the mechanism. Actuator bar 102k moves in direction 106a while actuator bar 102l moves in direction 106d. This allows a person to open the cargo container from either side by unlocking and operating only one of the two latch actuators. In other embodiments only a single latch bar may be provided and moved selectively by either latch actuator by a different mechanism than shown in the depicted embodiment.
Each actuator bar 102k and 102l interacts with each latch bolt 102g and 102h via an elbow 108. Each latch bolt 102a and 102h each interacts with two elbows 108 that interact with one of the actuator bars 102k or 102l. In the depicted embodiment, the left elbow 108 that interacts with left latch bolt 102g also interacts with actuator bar 102l while the right elbow 108 interacts with actuator bar 102k. Thus, moving the left actuator 102a pulls cable 102e that translates actuator bar 102k, that pivots right elbow 1020, that pushes left latch bolt 102g, disengaging it from left strike plate 102c. Simultaneously, actuator bar 102k interacts with the right elbow 108 adjacent to right latch bolt 102h and pivots it to disengage it from right strike plate 102d.
In the depicted embodiment, and other embodiments, the cargo container 100 has an inventive selective unlocking operation. This allows a user to unlock only one of the latch actuators in order to open the cargo container, but doesn't require that both latch actuators be locked for safe use of the cargo container to transport cargo on a moving vehicle. In other cargo containers known in the art that open from both sides, the latches on both sides of the vehicle must be locked for safe operation on the roads. This reduces the functionality of the cargo box because a user may not desire to lock it in temporary transport of some cargo. The configuration of the hinges at the front of the cargo container with latch locations at the back allow for safe operation without locked latches because air pressure forces reduce the pressure on the latches. This latch configuration allows permanent hinges at the same time as double-sided access. Most double-sided access cargo containers have hinges that disconnect to allow that side to open which reduces their safety in an unlocked configuration.
In varying embodiments, the extrusion assembly 200 may comprise one or more segments attached to one or more sections of the perimeter of the lower shell 100a. In some embodiments the extrusion 200 may extend around the entire perimeter, or substantially the entire perimeter, of the lower shell 100a. The perimeter extrusion assembly 200 may be a continuous assembly or be separated into discrete segments. In some embodiments the cross-section or other attributes of the perimeter extrusion assembly 200 may vary along the length of the assembly 200, or they may be uniform or continuous. In embodiments with separate segments of extrusion assembly 200, the segments may be attached with inserts into the channels in the extrusion 200a or by other similar means.
In the depicted embodiment, a seal 200b is provided to reduce water intrusion into the cargo container in the closed configuration. In this embodiment a portion of the seal 200b is provided with flanges 200d that engage the edges of one or more channels in extrusion 200a to secure the seal 200b in place on the appropriate surfaces of the extrusion 200a. The depicted extrusion 200a is also provided with a channel for receiving a top edge or another feature of the bottom shell 100a to secure the perimeter extrusion 200a to the lower shell 100a. In the depicted embodiment the top shell 100b contacts the seal 200b at one or more points, such as the edge of top shell 100b or at points along the inside surface of the top shell 100b where it may contact flanges extending outwardly from the seal 200b to reduce water intrusion over the extrusion 200a and into the interior of the cargo container 100.
The following item lists A, B, and C are illustrative, but not limiting, of embodiments of the inventive device. Features of the following item lists may constitute features of the other item lists. The reference numbers provided in the item descriptions are for ease of reference to the figures and shall not be construed as limiting their subject matter.
A1. A cargo container for a vehicle, the cargo container (100) comprising a bottom shell (100a), a top shell (100b) movably attached to the bottom shell (100a), a first actuator (102a) and a second actuator (102b) attached to the bottom shell (100a), and a latch mechanism (102) for securing the top shell (100b) in a closed configuration with respect to the bottom shell (100a); and
A2. The cargo container of A1 wherein the first elbow (102n) comprises a pivot arm (108b) and a follower (108d); and wherein the follower (108d) of the first elbow (102n) engages a follower aperture 110a of the first latch bar (102k).
A3. The cargo container according to any of the preceding A items, wherein the second elbow (1020) comprises a pivot arm (108b) and a follower (108d); and wherein the follower (108d) of the second elbow (1020) engages a follower aperture (110b) of the second latch bar (102l).
A4. The cargo container according to any of the preceding A items, wherein the first and second latch bars (102k and 102l) translate in a plane that is perpendicular to a pivotal axis (108a) of the first elbow (102n) and a pivotal axis (108a) of the second elbow (1020).
A5. The cargo container according to any of the preceding A items, further comprising a biasing mechanism (102p) configured to engage the latch bolt (102g) with the strike plate (102c).
The cargo container according to any of the preceding A items, wherein the biasing mechanism (102p) comprises a torsion spring configured to pivot the latch bolt (102g) toward the strike plate (102c).
The cargo container according to any of the preceding A items, wherein the first latch bar (102k) further comprises a non-following aperture (110c) for receiving the follower (108d) of the second elbow (1020); and the second latch bar (102l) further comprises a non-following aperture (110d) for receiving the follower (108d) of the first elbow (102n).
B1. A cargo container for a vehicle, the cargo container (100) comprising: a bottom shell (100a), a top shell (100b) movably attached to the bottom shell (100a), a first actuator (102a) and a second actuator (102b) attached to the bottom shell (100a), and a latch mechanism (102) for securing the top shell (100b) in a closed configuration with respect to the bottom shell (100a); wherein the latch mechanism (102) comprises a first and a second latch bar (102k and 102l), a first and a second elbow (102n and 1020), and a latch bolt (102g) attached to the bottom shell (100a), and a strike plate (102c) attached to the top shell (100b); wherein first actuator (102a) is configured to translate the first latch bar (102k), and the second actuator (102b) is configured to translate the second latch bar (102l); wherein the first latch bar (102k), upon translation, is configured to pivot the first elbow (102n), and the second latch bar (102l), upon translation, is configured to pivot the second elbow (1020); wherein the first elbow, upon pivoting, is configured to disengage the latch bolt from the strike plate; and wherein the second elbow (1020), upon pivoting, is configured to disengage the latch bolt (102g) from the strike plate (102c).
B2. The cargo container of B1 wherein the first latch bar (102k) comprises a follower aperture (110a) and a non-follower aperture (110c), and the second latch bar (102l) comprises a follower aperture (110b) and a non-follower aperture (110d); and wherein the first elbow (102n) comprises a follower (108d) received by the follower aperture (110a) of the first latch bar (102k) and the non-follower aperture (110d) of the second latch bar (102l); and wherein translation of the follower aperture (110a) of the first latch bar (102k) is configured to translate the follower (108d) of the first elbow (102n); and wherein translation of the non-follower aperture (110d) of the second latch bar (102l) does not translate the follower (108d) of the first elbow (102n).
B3. The cargo container of any of the preceding B items, wherein the second elbow (1020) comprises a follower (108d) received by the follower aperture (110b) of the second latch bar (102l) and the non-follower aperture (110c) of the first latch bar (102k); and wherein the translation of the follower aperture (110b) of the second latch bar (102l) is configured to translate the follower (108d) of the second elbow (1020); and wherein translation of the non-follower aperture (110c) of the first latch bar (102k) does not translate the follower (108d) of the second elbow (1020).
B4. The cargo container of any of the preceding B items, wherein translation of the follower (108d) of the first or second elbow (102n or 1020) pivots that elbow.
B5. The cargo container of any of the preceding B items, wherein the first elbow (102n) and the second elbow (1020) each comprise an arm (108b) configured to contact the latch bolt (102g).
B6. The cargo container of any of the preceding B items, wherein pivotal movement of either the first elbow (102n) or the second elbow (1020) moves the arm (108b) thereof against the latch bolt (102g) to disengage it from the strike plate.
B7. The cargo container of any of the preceding B items, wherein the latch mechanism (102) further comprises a biasing mechanism (102p) to move the latch bolt (102g) to engagement with the strike plate (102c).
C1. A cargo container for a vehicle, the cargo container (100) comprising a bottom shell (100a), a top shell (100b) movably attached to the bottom shell (100a), a first actuator (102a) and a second actuator (102b) attached to the bottom shell (100a), and a latch mechanism (102) attached to the bottom shell (100a) for securing the top shell (100b) in a closed configuration with respect to the bottom shell (100a); wherein the first actuator (102a) and the second actuator (102b) are each configured to disengage the latch mechanism (102) independently whether the other actuator is in a locked configuration or latched configuration.
C2. The cargo container of any of the preceding C items, wherein the latch mechanism (102) comprises a first latch bar (102k) and a second latch bar (102l) slidably mounted on the bottom shell (100a) and operably connected to the first and second actuators (102a and 102b), respectively; wherein actuation of the first or second actuator (102a or 102b) is configured to translate the first or second latch bar (102k or 102l), respectively and independently of the other latch bar; and wherein translation of either of the first or second latch bar (102k or 102l) disengages the latch mechanism (102).
C3. The cargo container of any of the preceding C items, wherein the first latch bar (102k) comprises a follower aperture (110a) and a non-follower aperture (110c), and the second latch bar (102l) comprises a follower aperture (110b) and a non-follower aperture (110d); and the latch mechanism (102) further comprises a first and a second elbow (102n and 1020), both pivotally mounted on the bottom shell (100a); wherein the first elbow (102n) comprises a follower (108d) that is received by the follower aperture (110a) of the first latch bar (102k); and wherein the second elbow (1020) comprises a follower (108d) that is received by the follower aperture (110b) of the second latch bar (102l).
C4. The cargo container of any of the preceding C items, wherein translation of either the first or the second latch bar (102k or 102l) translates the follower aperture (110a or 110b) thereof and moves the follower (108d) of the first or the second elbow (102n or 1020) and pivots the first or second elbow (102n or 1020) to disengage the latch mechanism (102).
C5. The cargo container of any of the preceding C items, wherein the latch mechanism (102) further comprises a latch bolt (102g) pivotally attached to the bottom shell (100a) and configured to engage a strike plate (102c) attached to the top shell (100b); and wherein the first and second elbows (102n and 1020) each further comprise an arm (108b) configured to disengage the latch bolt (102g) from the strike plate (102c).
C6. The cargo container of any of the preceding C items, wherein the latch mechanism (102) further comprises a biasing mechanism (102p) configured to pivot the latch bolt (102g) into engagement with the strike plate (102c).
D1. A cargo container for a vehicle, the cargo container (100) comprising a bottom shell (100a), a top shell (100b) movably attached to the bottom shell (100a), a perimeter extrusion (200) attached to the bottom shell (100a), and at least one hinge (100c) attached to the perimeter extrusion (200) for supporting top shell (100b) in an open configuration.
D2. The cargo container of any of the preceding D items, wherein the perimeter extrusion (200) further comprises a channel (200c) for receiving a seal (200b).
D3. The cargo container of any of the preceding D items, wherein the perimeter extrusion (200) further comprises channels (200c) for receiving an edge of the bottom shell (100a).
D4. The cargo container of any of the preceding D items, further comprising a support arm (100d or 100e) attached to the perimeter extrusion (200) and configured to support the top shell (100b) in an open configuration.
“Substantially”, “approximately”, or “about” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.
“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
Changes may be made in the above methods, devices and structures without departing from the scope hereof. Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative and exemplary of the invention, rather than restrictive or limiting of the scope thereof. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one of skill in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriately detailed structure. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/353,741 filed on Jun. 20, 2022.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63353741 | Jun 2022 | US |