Patent Application
20130161962
The present disclosure relates to a latch assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a latch assembly that is biased towards an opened position or a closed position.
Spring latches are known to have a movable component pivotally connected to a base component. In one known embodiment, the movable component is mechanically retained in a closed position, while a torsion spring biases the movable component towards an opened position. When an initial force is applied to the movable component to overcome the retention force, the torsion spring moves the movable component to the opened position. In another known embodiment, a tension spring is used to create rotational force vectors to open or close a movable component as it is moved to one side or the other of a radial centerline. This may be referred to as an over-center spring latch.
In one embodiment, a latch includes a base component having at least one substantially planar surface, and a movable component pivotally connected to the base component adjacent to the substantially planar surface. The movable component is configured to pivot between the closed position and the opened position. At least three base magnets are disposed on the substantially planar surface of the base component, such that the centerlines of the base magnets define a first arcuate path. The base magnets include a first base magnet having a first polarity and defining the closed position. The base magnets also include a second base magnet having a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and a third base magnet having the first polarity and defining the opened position. At least one magnet is disposed on the movable component such that a centerline of the magnet moves along a second arcuate path as the movable component pivots between the closed position and the opened position. The magnet has the second polarity opposite the first polarity.
In another embodiment, a flip cover latch assembly includes a base component having at least a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet disposed thereon. The flip cover latch assembly further includes a flip cover pivotally connected to the base component and configured to pivot between an opened position and a closed position. The flip cover has a fourth magnet disposed thereon. The first magnet defines the closed position, and has a polarity that attracts the fourth magnet. The second magnet defines an intermediate position between the closed position and the opened position, and has a polarity that repels the fourth magnet. The third magnet defines the opened position, and has a polarity that attracts the fourth magnet.
In yet another embodiment, a magnetic latch assembly includes a base component, and a movable component pivotally connected to the base component and movable between an opened position and a closed position. The magnetic latch assembly further includes first means for biasing the movable component towards the opened position, and second means for biasing the movable component towards the closed position.
In still another embodiment, a flip cover latch assembly includes a base component having at least three magnets disposed thereon. The at least three magnets include first, second, and third base component magnets. A flip cover is pivotally connected to the base component and configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. The flip cover includes a flip cover magnet disposed thereon. The first and second base component magnets act on the flip cover magnet to bias the flip cover to the open position. The second and third base component magnets act on the flip cover magnet to bias the flip cover to the closed position.
In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.
In the illustrated embodiment the moving component 120 includes spaced-apart first and second sidewalls 140a,b disposed about the base component 110 and adjacent to first and second substantially planar surfaces 150a,b of the base component 110. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the base component has surfaces that surround the first and second sidewalls of the moving component.
The pin 130 extends through the first sidewall 140a, the base component 110, and the second sidewall 140b. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a pair of smaller pins may be employed instead of the illustrated pin, wherein each pin extends though one sidewall of the movable component, and further extends into a portion of the base component. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), posts may extend from the base component or the movable component and be received in apertures of the adjacent component. It should be noted, however, that the assembly is not limited to one or more pivot pins. Rivets, shoulder screws or other mechanical fasteners which permit rotational movement between the base and the moving component may also be employed.
In the illustrated embodiment, the movable component 120 includes an opening 210 in the top between the first and second sidewalls 140a,b. The base component 110 includes a top surface 220 that is visible through the opening 210 of the top of the movable component 120 when the latch assembly 100 is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the top surface 220 of the base component 110 is illuminated. The top surface 220 of the base component 110 may also include information bearing indicia that is visible through the opening of the movable component 120 in the closed position. The information bearing indicia may identify the latch assembly itself, a component disposed below the movable component 120, or a function of the latch assembly or component.
A plurality of base magnets are disposed on the first substantially planar surface 150a. The plurality of base magnets includes a first base magnet 310 having a first polarity, a second base magnet 320 having a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and a third base magnet 330 having the first polarity. The plurality of base magnets are arranged on the first substantially planar surface 150a such that the centerlines of the first base magnet 310, second base magnet 320, and third base magnet 330 define a first arcuate path 340. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of base magnets is cylindrical or disk-shaped. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the base magnets may have any geometric shape.
In one embodiment, the first polarity is North polarity (N) or a positive polarity (+), and the second polarity is a South polarity (S) or a negative polarity (−). Alternatively, the first polarity may be a South polarity (S) or a negative polarity (−), and the second polarity is a North polarity (N) or a positive polarity (+).
In one known embodiment, the plurality of base magnets are neodymium magnets. Neodymium magnets are known to have a strong magnetic attraction. In other known embodiments, other rare earth magnets may be used, such as samarium-cobalt. However, it should be understood that any type of magnets may be employed.
The magnet 410 has the second polarity opposite the first polarity. In one known embodiment, the magnet 410 is a neodymium magnet. In other known embodiments, other rare earth magnets may be used, such as samarium-cobalt. However, it should be understood that any type of magnet may be employed.
When the movable component 120 pivots between the closed position and the opened position, a centerline of the magnet 410 moves along a second arcuate path 610. In one embodiment, the second arcuate path follows the first arcuate path, such that the centerline of the magnet 410 moves over the centerlines of each of the plurality of base magnets 310, 320, 330. In an alternative embodiment, the second arcuate path is offset from the first arcuate path.
The first base magnet 310 defines a closed position of the movable component 120 when the magnet 410 in the movable component 120 is aligned with the first base magnet 310 on the base component 110. In one embodiment, the magnet 410 is aligned with the first base magnet 310 in the closed position, such that the magnet 410 has the same centerline as the first base magnet 310. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet 410 is aligned with the first base magnet 310 in the closed position such that the centerline of the magnet 410 is at a location on the second arcuate path 610 that is closest to the centerline of the first base magnet 310.
The third base magnet 330 defines a closed position of the movable component 120 when the magnet 410 in the movable component 120 is aligned with the third base magnet 330 on the base component 110. In one embodiment, the magnet 410 is aligned with the third base magnet 330 in the opened position, such that the magnet 410 has the same centerline as the third base magnet 330. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet 410 is aligned with the third base magnet 310 in the opened position such that the centerline of the magnet 410 is at a location on the second arcuate path 610 that is closest to the centerline of the third base magnet 330.
The second base magnet 320 defines an intermediate position of the movable component 120 between the closed position and the opened position when the magnet 410 in the movable component 120 is aligned with the second base magnet 320 on the base component 110. In one embodiment, the magnet 410 is aligned with the second base magnet 320 in the intermediate position, such that the magnet 410 has the same centerline as the second base magnet 320. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet 410 is aligned with the second base magnet 310 in the intermediate position such that the centerline of the magnet 410 is at a location on the second arcuate path 610 that is closest to the centerline of the second base magnet 320.
Because the magnet 410 has the second polarity, it is attracted to the first base magnet 310 and to the third base magnet 330, and is repelled from the second base magnet 320. Accordingly, the magnet 410 and the plurality of base magnets 310, 320, 330 bias the movable component 120 towards the closed position and the opened position, and away from the intermediate position. Specifically, the first base magnet 310 and the second base magnet 320 act to bias the magnet 410 and the movable component 120 towards the closed position. Additionally, the second base magnet 330 and the third base magnet 330 act to bias the magnet 410 and the movable component 120 towards the opened position.
In operation, when the movable component 120 is in the closed position, it will remain in the closed position until a user applies an initial opening force to overcome the attractive force between the magnet 410 and the first base magnet 310. When such an initial opening force is applied, the magnet 410 of the movable component 120 is further acted on by the repelling force of the second base magnet 320 and the attractive force of third base magnet 330 to bias the moving component 120 to the opened position. This action may be described as a spring or snap action.
Likewise, when the movable component 120 is in the opened position, it will remain in the opened position until a user applies an initial closing force to overcome the attractive force between the magnet 410 and the third base magnet 330. When such an initial closing force is applied, the magnet 410 of the movable component 120 is further acted on by the repelling force of the second base magnet 320 and the attractive force of first base magnet 310 to bias the moving component 120 to the closed position. This action may also be described as a spring or snap action.
In the illustrated embodiment, the third base magnet 330 is larger than the first base magnet 310. Additionally, the second base magnet 320 is larger than both the first base magnet 310 and third base magnet 330. Here, the second base magnet 320 has a diameter twice as large as the diameter of the first base magnet 310. The magnet 410 is the same size as the third base magnet 330. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each of the base magnets is the same size. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, the size and position of the base magnets may be varied to achieve a desirable torque on the movable component.
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In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the magnet may be disposed on an external surface of the movable component. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), portions of a sidewall of the movable component may be constructed of a magnetic material.
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In yet another alternative embodiment, three magnets are disposed on the movable component, and a single magnet is disposed on the surface of the base component. In still another alternative embodiment, three base magnets are disposed on a first surface of the base component, and three additional base magnets are disposed on a second surface of the base component, opposite the first surface. In such an embodiment, a first magnet is disposed on a first sidewall of the movable component, and a second magnet is disposed on a second sidewall of the movable component, opposite the first sidewall
The movable component 1200 includes an arcuate magnetic rail 1210 disposed on a first sidewall 140a. The arcuate magnetic rail 1210 is used in place of the magnet 410 described above. The magnetic rail 1210 is constructed of a metal having magnetic properties, such as 400 series stainless steel, carbon steel, or other magnetic metal.
The latch assembly 1300 includes the movable component 1200 pivotally connected to a base component 1310. The base component includes a magnet 1320 that surrounds a portion of the magnetic rail 1210. The magnet 1320 may have any polarity—magnets of either polarity will attract the magnetic rail 1210. This attraction causes drag when the movable component 1300 is pivoted between a closed position and an opened position. Such drag may be desirable to provide the user with a tactile resistance to a force or motion.
To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Additionally, to the extent that the terms “on” or “onto” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “in,” “into,” or “near.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.
While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
