초록 ▼

A rotary latch for selectively locking a closure, such as a tonneau cover, is provided with a joystick or toggle release lever. The joystick release lever enables the rotary latch to be installed in any position with respect to a remote handle because the joystick can be pulled in any direction, 360

A rotary latch for selectively locking a closure, such as a tonneau cover, is provided with a joystick or toggle release lever. The joystick release lever enables the rotary latch to be installed in any position with respect to a remote handle because the joystick can be pulled in any direction, 360 degrees, to release the rotary latch. The joystick includes a trapped base supporting a spherical portion that is nested in a circular opening in the housing of the latch. The joystick is spring loaded, and is movable about its central axis in any direction, causing the base to pivot against the inside of the housing. The base of the joystick is positioned over a spring-loaded catch locking the rotary latch. As the base of the joystick rotates against the inside of the housing, it depresses the spring-loaded catch, releasing the rotary latch.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A rotary latch mechanism, fixable on a first structure for releasably latching same to a second structure comprising:a housing having a first housing wall;a first biasing member;a latch member pivotally mounted on said housing between a latching position and an unlatching posi

What is claimed is: 1. A rotary latch mechanism, fixable on a first structure for releasably latching same to a second structure comprising:a housing having a first housing wall;a first biasing member;a latch member pivotally mounted on said housing between a latching position and an unlatching position, and being resiliently biased towards said unlatching position by said first biasing member;a latch release member pivotally mounted on said housing between a holding position and a releasing position, said latch release member in said holding position engaging said latch member and holding said latch member in said latching position, said latch release member being resiliently biased by a second biasing member toward said holding position, said latch release member in said releasing position being disengaged from said latch member and releasing same from said latching position; anda movable member having a base portion and an elongated arm portion extending therefrom and having a length axis, said base portion engaging said housing and further engaging said latch release member, said movable member having (1) a non-actuated at-rest position corresponding to said holding position of said latch release member, and (2) a first actuated position angularly displaced from said at-rest position and (3) a second actuated position displaced from said at-rest position and said first actuated position, said movable member in either of said actuated positions holding said latch release member in said releasing position,said first housing wall having a hole therethrough, said movable member having an intermediate portion protruding snugly but tiltably through said hole, said arm portion comprising an elongate arm extending from said intermediate portion, said base portion and intermediate portion and arm being substantially coaxial, said base portion comprising a flange extending radially beyond said intermediate portion, said flange having an edge portion bearing on said latch release member and an inner face of said housing.