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A T-handle actuator has one or more retractable ball bearings for selectively engaging a socket to operate a latch mechanism. The ball bearings are allowed to retract using a pushbutton for removal of the actuator from the socket. A latch mechanism is operated by rotationally moving a drive plug. Th

A T-handle actuator has one or more retractable ball bearings for selectively engaging a socket to operate a latch mechanism. The ball bearings are allowed to retract using a pushbutton for removal of the actuator from the socket. A latch mechanism is operated by rotationally moving a drive plug. The drive plug can be a socket that can be engaged by the T-handle actuator.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A latching system comprising: a latch mechanism for selectively securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, said latch mechanism comprising:a socket that is moved rotationally to operate said latch mechanism, said socket having a main cavity having a wall having at l

1. A latching system comprising: a latch mechanism for selectively securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, said latch mechanism comprising:a socket that is moved rotationally to operate said latch mechanism, said socket having a main cavity having a wall having at least three lateral cavities therein;a shaft operably connected to said socket such that said shaft moves responsive to a movement of said socket; anda pawl operably connected to said shaft such that said pawl moves between a latched position and an unlatched position responsive to a movement of said socket, wherein said latch mechanism is adapted for mounting to the first member and wherein said pawl engages the second member so as to secure the first member in the closed position relative to the second member when the first member is in the closed position relative to the second member, said latch mechanism is mounted to the first member, and said pawl is in said latched position; anda latch actuator comprising:a sleeve having a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve;a pair of lateral arms provided at a first end portion of said sleeve, said lateral arms extending in opposite directions from said first end portion of said sleeve so as to form a T-shaped configuration with said sleeve to thereby define a T-handle, wherein said sleeve has a hole at said first end portion thereof that communicates with said bore, said hole being located intermediate said lateral arms;a plunger supported for rectilinear motion in said bore, said plunger being rectilinearly movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said plunger having a button portion that projects from said hole when said plunger is in said extended position so as to define a pushbutton that is movable between an extended position corresponding to said extended position of said plunger and a retracted position corresponding to said retracted position of said plunger,wherein a user can move said plunger to said retracted position by pushing said pushbutton inward relative to said bore, said plunger having at least one portion of a first diameter and at least one portion of a second diameter, said first diameter being larger than said second diameter;a spring biasing said plunger toward said extended position; andat least three ball bearings received at least in part within said bore, said sleeve having a second end portion distal from said lateral arms that is dimensioned for insertion into said main cavity of said socket, said sleeve having at least three lateral openings in said second end portion of said sleeve, said sleeve having an exterior surface, said lateral openings extending between said bore and said exterior surface, each of said ball bearings being in registry with a respective one of said lateral openings, each of said ball bearings being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each of said ball bearings projecting in part from said exterior surface when each of said ball bearings is in its extended position, each of said ball bearings being in its extended position when said plunger and consequently said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said portion of said plunger having said first diameter being in registry with said ball bearings to thereby maintain each of said ball bearings in its extended position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said portion of said plunger having said second diameter being in registry with said ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and consequently said pushbutton are in their retracted positions,wherein when said second end portion of said sleeve is inserted into said socket with each of said ball bearings in registry with a respective one of said lateral cavities in said socket and said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, each of said ball bearings will be in its extended position and projecting in part into a respective one of said lateral cavities of said socket such that a user can turn said sleeve by turning said T-handle to thereby turn said socket and thus operate said latch mechanism, andwherein when said second end portion of said sleeve is inserted into said socket with each of said ball bearings in registry with said respective one of said lateral cavities of said socket and said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, a user can push in said pushbutton to its retracted position to allow movement of each of said ball bearings to its retracted position and thereby allow said latch actuator to be removed from said socket. 2. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein said spring is a coil spring and said plunger extends through said coil spring, wherein said plunger has an annular step and said sleeve has an annular step, said annular step of said plunger is positioned intermediate said button portion and said annular step of said sleeve, and said coil spring extends between said annular step of said plunger and said annular step of said sleeve to thereby bias said plunger and said pushbutton to their extended positions. 3. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein said second diameter is selected such that each of said ball bearings extends in part into its respective one of said lateral openings of said sleeve even when each of said ball bearings is in its retracted position such that each of said ball bearings will remain in substantial alignment with its respective one of said lateral openings of said sleeve to allow each of said ball bearings to return to its extended position when said plunger returns to its extended position. 4. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein said lateral arms are in the form of U-shaped bars having a bend portion extending between two lateral bar portions, and each of said lateral bar portions has a distal end portion distal from said bend portion, and wherein said distal end portions of said lateral bar portions are attached to said first end portion of said sleeve. 5. The latching system according to claim 1, wherein the main cavity of the socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein the at least three lateral cavities are distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over the inner lateral wall surface of the socket, wherein said at least three ball bearings and their corresponding ones of said at least three lateral openings are provided in said second end portion of said sleeve in a pattern of locations matching the pattern of locations of respective ones of the at least three lateral cavities of the socket wherein said at least three ball bearings are provided in said bore of said sleeve in a number matching the number of the at least three lateral cavities of the socket, wherein each of said at least three ball bearings is in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of said at least three lateral openings of said sleeve, and wherein those lateral openings of said at least three lateral openings having one of said at least three ball bearings in substantial alignment therewith are provided in a number and pattern of locations matching the number and pattern of locations of the at least three lateral cavities of the socket. 6. The latching system according to claim 5, wherein the at least three lateral cavities of the socket includes a first plurality of lateral cavities and a second plurality of lateral cavities provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral cavities along a longitudinal axis of the main cavity of the socket, wherein said at least three lateral openings provided in said second end portion of said sleeve at least includes a first plurality of lateral openings at least corresponding in number and pattern to said first plurality of lateral cavities and a second plurality of lateral openings at least corresponding in number and pattern to said second plurality of lateral cavities, wherein said second plurality of lateral openings is provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral openings along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve, wherein said at least three ball bearings includes a first plurality of ball bearings and a second plurality of ball bearings, each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding one of said first plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve, each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding one of said second plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve,wherein said plunger has a first portion of said first diameter, a second portion of said first diameter, a first portion of said second diameter and a second portion of said second diameter, wherein said first portion of said second diameter is intermediate said first portion of said first diameter and said second portion of said first diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger, wherein said second portion of said first diameter is intermediate said first portion of said second diameter and said second portion of said second diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger,wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings and said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said first portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said first plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said second portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said second plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said first portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said first plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions, andwherein said second portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said second plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions. 7. The latching system according to claim 1, further comprising a pin passing through a wall of said sleeve and engaging a groove in said plunger in order to limit outward movement of said plunger relative to said sleeve and to prevent said plunger from moving past its extended position in a direction that is the same as a direction of movement defined by movement of said plunger from its retracted position to its extended position. 8. A latching system comprising: a latch mechanism for selectively securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, said latch mechanism comprising:a socket that is moved rotationally to operate said latch mechanism, said socket having a main cavity having a wall having at least three lateral cavities therein;a shaft operably connected to said socket such that said shaft moves responsive to a movement of said socket; anda pawl operably connected to said shaft such that said pawl moves between a latched position and an unlatched position responsive to a movement of said socket, wherein said latch mechanism is adapted for mounting to the first member and wherein said pawl engages the second member so as to secure the first member in the closed position relative to the second member when the first member is in the closed position relative to the second member, said latch mechanism is mounted to the first member, and said pawl is in said latched position; anda latch actuator comprising:a T-shaped handle portion for grasping by a user;a distal end portion distal from said handle portion and being adapted for insertion into said socket, said distal end portion having an exterior surface;a pushbutton supported by said handle portion for movement between an extended position and a retracted position; andat least three ball bearings movably supported by said distal end portion, each of said ball bearings being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each of said ball bearings projecting from said exterior surface of said distal end when each of said ball bearings is in said extended position, each of said ball bearings not projecting from said exterior surface of said distal end when each of said ball bearings is in said retracted position, each of said ball bearings being maintained in its extended position when said pushbutton is in its extended position, each of said ball bearings being free to move to its retracted position when said pushbutton is in its retracted position,wherein each of said ball bearings is capable of engaging a corresponding one of said lateral cavities of said socket in order to turn said socket with said handle portion when each of said ball bearings is in its extended position. 9. The latching system according to claim 8, wherein the main cavity of the socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein the at least three lateral cavities of the socket are of a predetermined number distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over the inner lateral wall surface of the socket, and wherein each of said at least three ball bearings can be placed in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the at least three lateral cavities of the socket simultaneously with all others of said at least three ball bearings. 10. A latch mechanism for use with a first closure member having an opening for the installation of the latch mechanism, the latch mechanism being capable of selectively securing the first closure member in a closed position relative to a second closure member, the latch mechanism comprising: a drive plug having a cylindrical outer surface extending between a bottom surface and a top flange, said drive plug being adapted for engagement by an actuator so as to allow a user to turn said drive plug to operate the latch mechanism;a shaft extending from said bottom surface of said drive plug and having a longitudinal axis, said shaft being attached to said drive plug such that said drive plug and said shaft rotate together as a unit about said longitudinal axis of said shaft, said shaft having at least a portion with a non-circular cross section;a guide washer having a center hole and an off-center hole, said guide washer also having a pair of axial projections extending at least in part parallel to said longitudinal axis of said shaft, said center hole of said guide washer being large enough so that said shaft can rotate relative to said guide washer without any interference from portions of said guide washer defining said center hole;a fastener capable of engaging said off-center hole of said guide washer and the first closure member to prevent rotation of the guide washer relative to the first closure member in the fully assembled latch mechanism installed to the first closure member;a pawl capable of engaging the second closure member to secure the first closure member in the closed position once the latch mechanism is fully assembled and installed to the first closure member, said pawl having a hole, a latching portion and a motion control tab, said shaft extending through said hole of said pawl, said hole of said pawl being non-circular and having a size and shape that allows said pawl to be positioned adjustably along said shaft, said pawl being coupled to said shaft such that said pawl rotates in response to rotation of said shaft; anda nut engaging said shaft to secure said pawl to said shaft, said pawl being rotated between a latched position and an unlatched position in response to rotation of said drive plug, said motion control tab cooperating with said axial projections of said guide washer to define limits of rotational motion of said pawl. 11. The latch mechanism according to claim 10, further comprising a spacer bushing having a barrel portion sized to fit in the opening in the first closure member and an annular flange that fits between said guide washer and said pawl, said spacer bushing having a bore extending through said spacer bushing, said shaft extending through said bore of said spacer bushing. 12. The latch mechanism according to claim 11, further comprising a spacer washer positioned under said top flange of said drive plug and fitting around said outer surface of said drive plug, said spacer washer fitting between said top flange of said drive plug and an exterior surface of the first closure member to allow said drive plug to rotate relative to the first closure member without damaging the exterior surface of the first closure member once the latch mechanism is fully assembled and installed to the first closure member. 13. The latch mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said motion control tab engages a first one of said pair of axial projections of said guide washer to stop rotation of said pawl at said latched position, and said motion control tab engages a second one of said pair of axial projections of said guide washer to stop rotation of said pawl at said unlatched position. 14. A latching system comprising the latch mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said drive plug is a socket, said socket having a main cavity having a wall having at least one lateral cavity therein, the latching system further comprising: a latch actuator adapted for rotationally moving said socket to operate the latch mechanism, said latch actuator comprising:a sleeve having a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve;a pair of lateral arms provided at a first end portion of said sleeve, said lateral arms extending in opposite directions from said first end portion of said sleeve so as to form a T-shaped configuration with said sleeve to thereby define a T-handle, wherein said sleeve has a hole at said first end portion thereof that communicates with said bore, said hole being located intermediate said lateral arms;a plunger supported for rectilinear motion in said bore, said plunger being rectilinearly movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said plunger having a button portion that projects from said hole when said plunger is in said extended position so as to define a pushbutton that is movable between an extended position corresponding to said extended position of said plunger and a retracted position corresponding to said retracted position of said plunger,wherein a user can move said plunger to said retracted position by pushing said pushbutton inward relative to said bore, said plunger having at least one portion of a first diameter and at least one portion of a second diameter, said first diameter being larger than said second diameter;a spring biasing said plunger toward said extended position; andat least one ball bearing received at least in part within said bore, said sleeve having a second end portion distal from said lateral arms that is dimensioned for insertion into said main cavity of said socket, said sleeve having at least one lateral opening in said second end portion of said sleeve, said sleeve having an exterior surface, said lateral opening extending between said bore and said exterior surface, said ball bearing being in registry with said lateral opening, said ball bearing being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said ball bearing projecting in part from said exterior surface when said ball bearing is in its extended position, said ball bearing being in its extended position when said plunger and consequently said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said portion of said plunger having said first diameter being in registry with said ball bearing to thereby maintain said ball bearing in its extended position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said portion of said plunger having said second diameter being in registry with said ball bearing to thereby allow movement of said ball bearing to its retracted position when said plunger and consequently said pushbutton are in their retracted positions,wherein when said second end portion of said sleeve is inserted into said socket with said lateral opening in registry with said lateral cavity in said socket and said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said ball bearing will be in its extended position and projecting in part into said lateral cavity of said socket such that a user can turn said sleeve by turning said T-handle to thereby turn said socket and thus operate the latch mechanism, andwherein when said second end portion of said sleeve is inserted into said socket with said lateral opening in registry with said lateral cavity in said socket and said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, a user can push in said pushbutton to its retracted position to allow movement of said ball bearing to its retracted position and thereby allow the latch actuator to be removed from said socket. 15. The latching system according to claim 14, wherein said spring is a coil spring and said plunger extends through said coil spring, wherein said plunger has an annular step and said sleeve has an annular step, said annular step of said plunger is positioned intermediate said button portion and said annular step of said sleeve, and said coil spring extends between said annular step of said plunger and said annular step of said sleeve to thereby bias said plunger and said pushbutton to their extended positions. 16. The latching system according to claim 14, wherein said second diameter is selected such that said ball bearing extends in part into said lateral opening of said sleeve even when said ball bearing is in its retracted position such that said ball bearing will remain in substantial alignment with said lateral opening of said sleeve to allow said ball bearing to return to its extended position when said plunger returns to its extended position. 17. The latching system according to claim 14, wherein said lateral arms are in the form of U-shaped bars having a bend portion extending between two lateral bar portions, and each of said lateral bar portions has a distal end portion distal from said bend portion, and wherein said distal end portions of said lateral bar portions are attached to said first end portion of said sleeve. 18. The latching system according to claim 14, wherein said main cavity of said socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein said at least one lateral cavity of said socket is one of a plurality of lateral cavities of a predetermined number distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over said inner lateral wall surface of said socket, wherein said at least one lateral opening of said second end portion of said sleeve is one of a plurality of lateral openings provided in said second end portion of said sleeve at least in a number and pattern of locations matching said number and pattern of locations of said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket, wherein said at least one ball bearing is one of a plurality of ball bearings provided in said bore of said sleeve in a number matching said number of said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket, wherein each of said plurality of ball bearings is in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of said plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve, and wherein those lateral openings of said plurality of lateral openings having one of said plurality of ball bearings in substantial alignment therewith are provided in a number and pattern of locations matching said number and pattern of locations of said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket. 19. The latching system according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket includes a first plurality of lateral cavities and a second plurality of lateral cavities provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral cavities along a longitudinal axis of said main cavity of said socket, wherein said plurality of lateral openings provided in said second end portion of said sleeve at least includes a first plurality of lateral openings at least corresponding in number and pattern to said first plurality of lateral cavities and a second plurality of lateral openings at least corresponding in number and pattern to said second plurality of lateral cavities, wherein said second plurality of lateral openings is provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral openings along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve, wherein said plurality of ball bearings includes a first plurality of ball bearings and a second plurality of ball bearings, each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding one of said first plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve, each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding one of said second plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve,wherein said plunger has a first portion of said first diameter, a second portion of said first diameter, a first portion of said second diameter and a second portion of said second diameter, wherein said first portion of said second diameter is intermediate said first portion of said first diameter and said second portion of said first diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger, wherein said second portion of said first diameter is intermediate said first portion of said second diameter and said second portion of said second diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger,wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings and said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said first portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said first plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said second portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said second plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions,wherein said first portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said first plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions, and wherein said second portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said second plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions. 20. The latching system according to claim 14, further comprising a pin passing through a wall of said sleeve and engaging a groove in said plunger in order to limit outward movement of said plunger relative to said sleeve and to prevent said plunger from moving past its extended position in a direction that is the same as a direction of movement defined by movement of said plunger from said its retracted position to its extended position. 21. A latching system comprising the latch mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said drive plug is a socket having a main cavity having a wall having at least one lateral cavity therein, the latching system further comprising: a latch actuator for rotationally moving said socket to operate the latch mechanism, the latch actuator comprising:a T-shaped handle portion for grasping by a user;a distal end portion distal from said handle portion and being adapted for insertion into said socket, said distal end portion having an exterior surface;a pushbutton supported by said handle portion for movement between an extended position and a retracted position; andat least one ball bearing movably supported by said distal end portion, said ball bearing being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said ball bearing projecting from said exterior surface of said distal end when said ball bearing is in said extended position, said ball bearing not projecting from said exterior surface of said distal end when said ball bearing is in said retracted position, said ball bearing being maintained in its extended position when said push button is in its extended position, said ball bearing being free to move to its retracted position when said pushbutton is in its retracted position,wherein said ball bearing is capable of engaging said lateral cavity of said socket in order to turn said socket with said handle portion when said ball bearing is in its extended position. 22. The latching system according to claim 21, wherein said main cavity of said socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein said at least one lateral cavity of said socket is one of a plurality of lateral cavities of a predetermined number distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over said inner lateral wall surface of said socket, wherein said at least one ball bearing is one of a plurality of ball bearings provided in said distal end portion in a number matching said number of said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket, and wherein each of said plurality of ball bearings can be placed in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket. 23. The latch actuator according to claim 1, wherein the main cavity of the socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein the at least three lateral cavities are of a predetermined number distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over the inner lateral wall surface of the socket, at least some of said at least three lateral openings are provided in a number and pattern of locations matching a number and pattern of locations of at least some of the at least three lateral cavities of the socket, wherein each of said at least three ball bearings is in substantial alignment with a corresponding lateral opening selected from said at least three lateral openings of said sleeve, and wherein those lateral openings of said at least three lateral openings having one of said at least three ball bearings in substantial alignment therewith are provided in a pattern of locations matching in pattern of locations an equal number of lateral cavities selected from the at least three lateral cavities of the socket such that each of said at least three ball bearings can be engaged with its corresponding one of the at least three lateral cavities at the same time as all others of said at least three ball bearings are each engaged to a corresponding one of the at least three lateral cavities. 24. The latch actuator according to claim 23, wherein the at least three lateral cavities of the socket includes a first plurality of lateral cavities and a second plurality of lateral cavities provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral cavities along a longitudinal axis of the main cavity of the socket, wherein said at least three lateral openings provided in said second end portion of said sleeve at least includes a first plurality of lateral openings and a second plurality of lateral openings, wherein said second plurality of lateral openings is provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral openings along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve, wherein said at least three ball bearings includes a first plurality of ball bearings and a second plurality of ball bearings, each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding lateral opening selected from said first plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve, each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding lateral opening selected from said second plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve,wherein said plunger has a first portion of said first diameter, a second portion of said first diameter, a first portion of said second diameter and a second portion of said second diameter, wherein said first portion of said second diameter is intermediate said first portion of said first diameter and said second portion of said first diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger, wherein said second portion of said first diameter is intermediate said first portion of said second diameter and said second portion of said second diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger,wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings and said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said first portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said first plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said second portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said second plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said first portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said first plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions, andwherein said second portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said second plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions. 25. A latching system comprising: a latch mechanism for selectively securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, said latch mechanism comprising:a socket that is moved rotationally to operate said latch mechanism, said socket having a main cavity having a wall having at least one lateral cavity therein;a shaft operably connected to said socket such that said shaft moves responsive to a movement of said socket; anda pawl operably connected to said shaft such that said pawl moves between a latched position and an unlatched position responsive to a movement of said socket, wherein said latch mechanism is adapted for mounting to the first member and wherein said pawl engages the second member so as to secure the first member in the closed position relative to the second member when the first member is in the closed position relative to the second member, said latch mechanism is mounted to the first member, and said pawl is in said latched position; anda latch actuator for use with said latch mechanism, said latch actuator comprising:a sleeve having a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve;a pair of lateral arms provided at a first end portion of said sleeve, said lateral arms extending in opposite directions from said first end portion of said sleeve so as to form a T-shaped configuration with said sleeve to thereby define a T-handle, wherein said sleeve has a hole at said first end portion thereof that communicates with said bore, said hole being located intermediate said lateral arms;a plunger supported for rectilinear motion in said bore, said plunger being rectilinearly movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said plunger having a button portion that projects from said hole when said plunger is in said extended position so as to define a pushbutton that is movable between an extended position corresponding to said extended position of said plunger and a retracted position corresponding to said retracted position of said plunger,wherein a user can move said plunger to said retracted position by pushing said pushbutton inward relative to said bore, said plunger having at least one portion of a first diameter and at least one portion of a second diameter, said first diameter being larger than said second diameter;a spring biasing said plunger toward said extended position; andat least one ball bearing received at least in part within said bore, said sleeve having a cylindrical second end portion distal from said lateral arms that is dimensioned for insertion into said main cavity of said socket, said sleeve having at least one lateral opening in said second end portion of said sleeve, said sleeve having an exterior surface, said lateral opening extending between said bore and said exterior surface, said ball bearing being in registry with said lateral opening, said ball bearing being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said ball bearing projecting in part from said exterior surface when said ball bearing is in its extended position, said ball bearing being in its extended position when said plunger and consequently said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said portion of said plunger having said first diameter being in registry with said ball bearing to thereby maintain said ball bearing in its extended position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said portion of said plunger having said second diameter being in registry with said ball bearing to thereby allow movement of said ball bearing to its retracted position when said plunger and consequently said pushbutton are in their retracted positions,wherein when said second end portion of said sleeve is inserted into said socket with said lateral opening in registry with said lateral cavity in said socket and said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, said ball bearing will be in its extended position and projecting in part into said lateral cavity of said socket such that a user can turn said sleeve by turning said T-handle to thereby turn said socket and thus operate said latch mechanism, andwherein when said second end portion of said sleeve is inserted into said socket with said lateral opening in registry with said lateral cavity in said socket and said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, a user can push in said pushbutton to its retracted position to allow movement of said ball bearing to its retracted position and thereby allow said latch actuator to be removed from said socket. 26. The latching system according to claim 25, wherein said spring is a coil spring and said plunger extends through said coil spring, wherein said plunger has an annular step and said sleeve has an annular step, said annular step of said plunger is positioned intermediate said button portion and said annular step of said sleeve, and said coil spring extends between said annular step of said plunger and said annular step of said sleeve to thereby bias said plunger and said pushbutton to their extended positions. 27. The latching system according to claim 25, wherein said second diameter is selected such that said ball bearing extends in part into said lateral opening of said sleeve even when said ball bearing is in its retracted position such that said ball bearing will remain in substantial alignment with said lateral opening of said sleeve to allow said ball bearing to return to its extended position when said plunger returns to its extended position. 28. The latching system according to claim 25, wherein said lateral arms are in the form of U-shaped bars having a bend portion extending between two lateral bar portions, and each of said lateral bar portions has a distal end portion distal from said bend portion, and wherein said distal end portions of said lateral bar portions are attached to said first end portion of said sleeve. 29. The latching system according to claim 25, wherein said main cavity of said socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein said at least one lateral cavity of said socket is one of a plurality of lateral cavities of a predetermined number distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over said inner lateral wall surface of said socket, wherein said at least one lateral opening of said second end portion of said sleeve is one of a plurality of lateral openings provided in said second end portion of said sleeve, at least some of said plurality of lateral openings are provided in a number and pattern of locations matching in number and pattern of locations at least some of said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket, wherein said at least one ball bearing is one of a plurality of ball bearings provided in said bore of said sleeve, wherein each of said plurality of ball bearings is in substantial alignment with a corresponding lateral opening selected from said plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve, and wherein those lateral openings of said plurality of lateral openings having one of said plurality of ball bearings in substantial alignment therewith are provided in a pattern of locations matching a pattern of locations of an equal number of lateral cavities selected from said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket such that each of said plurality of ball bearings can be engaged with its corresponding one of said plurality of lateral cavities at the same time as all others of said plurality of ball bearings are each engaged to their corresponding one of said plurality of lateral cavities. 30. The latching system according to claim 29, wherein said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket includes a first plurality of lateral cavities and a second plurality of lateral cavities provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral cavities along a longitudinal axis of said main cavity of said socket, wherein said plurality of lateral openings provided in said second end portion of said sleeve at least includes a first plurality of lateral openings and a second plurality of lateral openings, wherein said second plurality of lateral openings is provided at spaced separation from said first plurality of lateral openings along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve, wherein said plurality of ball bearings includes a first plurality of ball bearings and a second plurality of ball bearings, each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding lateral opening selected from said first plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve, each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in substantial registry with a corresponding lateral opening selected from said second plurality of lateral openings of said sleeve,wherein said plunger has a first portion of said first diameter, a second portion of said first diameter, a first portion of said second diameter and a second portion of said second diameter, wherein said first portion of said second diameter is intermediate said first portion of said first diameter and said second portion of said first diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger, wherein said second portion of said first diameter is intermediate said first portion of said second diameter and said second portion of said second diameter along said longitudinal axis of said plunger,wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said first plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said second plurality of ball bearings projects in part from said exterior surface when each of said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position, wherein each of said first plurality of ball bearings and said second plurality of ball bearings is in its extended position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said first portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said first plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said second portion of said plunger having said first diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby maintain said second plurality of ball bearings in their extended positions when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their extended positions, wherein said first portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said first plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said first plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions, andwherein said second portion of said plunger having said second diameter is in registry with said second plurality of ball bearings to thereby allow movement of each of said second plurality of ball bearings to its retracted position when said plunger and said pushbutton are in their retracted positions. 31. The latching system according to claim 25, further comprising a pin passing through a wall of said sleeve and engaging a groove in said plunger in order to limit outward movement of said plunger relative to said sleeve and to prevent said plunger from moving past its extended position in a direction that is the same as a direction of movement defined by movement of said plunger from its retracted position to its extended position. 32. A latching system comprising: a latch mechanism for selectively securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, said latch mechanism comprising:a socket that is moved rotationally to operate said latch mechanism, said socket having a main cavity having a wall having at least one lateral cavity therein;a shaft operably connected to said socket such that said shaft moves responsive to a movement of said socket; anda pawl operably connected to said shaft such that said pawl moves between a latched position and an unlatched position responsive to a movement of said socket, wherein said latch mechanism is adapted for mounting to the first member and wherein said pawl engages the second member so as to secure the first member in the closed position relative to the second member when the first member is in the closed position relative to the second member, said latch mechanism is mounted to the first member, and said pawl is in said latched position; anda latch actuator for use with said latch mechanism, said latch actuator comprising:a T-shaped handle portion for grasping by a user;a distal end portion distal from said handle portion and being adapted for insertion into said socket, said distal end portion having a cylindrical exterior surface;a pushbutton supported by said handle portion for movement between an extended position and a retracted position; andat least one ball bearing movably supported by said distal end portion, said ball bearing being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, said ball bearing projecting from said exterior surface of said distal end portion when said ball bearing is in said extended position, said ball bearing not projecting from said exterior surface of said distal end portion when said ball bearing is in said retracted position, said ball bearing being maintained in its extended position when said pushbutton is in its extended position, said ball bearing being free to move to its retracted position when said pushbutton is in its retracted position,wherein said ball bearing is capable of engaging said lateral cavity of said socket in order to turn said socket with said handle portion when said distal end portion is inserted into said socket and said ball bearing is in its extended position, andwherein a user can push in said pushbutton to its retracted position to allow movement of said ball bearing to its retracted position and thereby allow said latch actuator to be removed from said socket. 33. The latching system according to claim 32, wherein said main cavity of said socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein said at least one lateral cavity of said socket is one of a plurality of lateral cavities of a predetermined number distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over said inner lateral wall surface of said socket, wherein said at least one ball bearing is one of a plurality of ball bearings provided in said distal end portion, and wherein each of said plurality of ball bearings can be placed in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of said plurality of lateral cavities of said socket simultaneously with all others of said plurality of ball bearings. 34. The latch actuator according to claim 1, wherein the main cavity of the socket has an inner lateral wall surface, wherein the at least three lateral cavities of the socket are of a predetermined number distributed in a predetermined pattern of locations over the inner lateral wall surface of the socket, and wherein each of said at least three ball bearings can be placed in substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the at least three lateral cavities of the socket simultaneously with all others of said at least three ball bearings.