2. Brief Description of the Prior Art A variety of latching assemblies which are employed with keeper members are known and used. For example, there are a number of swell latch assemblies known in the art which are operable for securing two panels or a panel against a corresponding frame. Generally, latches of this type are mounted proximate the edges of the first panel and on engagement are adapted to compress the first panel against the corresponding second panel or frame and into a latched position. In such devices, a handle is provided pivotally connected by a pin to a shaft which is inserted through an aperture in the panel member. In instances where flush mounting of the latch is desired, the handle is also connected to a housing which is then installed within the aperture in the panel member. A rubber bushing is also provided mounted on the shaft and secured by a nut. The nut is receivable onto a threaded section of the shaft for securing the bushing in the mounted position. In operation, the rubber bushing when unlatched can be passed through a configured hole formed in the corresponding panel or frame. On latching, pivotal movement of the handle from an opened to a closed position corresponds with axial movement of the shaft. This axial movement of the shaft works to compress and deform or"swell"the rubber bushing so as to engage an inner surface of the corresponding panel member or frame and into the

latched position. This type of latch had been used originally for sealing of thermos bottles. A riveted on washer instead of a nut secured the bushing.

However, one problem which has been observed is that manufacture of such prior art latches involves a relatively long and costly procedure. In particular, five separate components are required for assembly of such devices. Furthermore, the procedure of installing the pivot pin in order for connecting the handle to the shaft and housing further increases the time required for manufacture.

Another problem has been encountered in mounting of such latches in their respective panel members. For instance, with mounting of swell latches, the shaft, after it has been connected with the handle, is fed through the mounting aperture in the panel member by an installer who holds the handle in one hand and with the other hand places the bushing and the nut onto the shaft. However, a problem is that the shaft during such installation procedure can, and oftentimes does, rotate freely in relation to the handle which inhibits the installation process. In particular, rotation of the shaft operates to fluctuate its position relative to the panel aperture, for example, similar to the process of inserting thread through the head of a sewing needle when the thread or sewing needle are moved. There are latches which have been provided to overcome these problems. Examples of known swell latches can be found in US Patents 5,590,921,5,368,347 and D352,885, each entitled"Swell Latch Assembly," the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. These latches address some of the problems discussed above.

For example, with swell latches and other latches requiring alignment with a keeper, generally, one latching part, such as a shaft, is mounted on one panel, and a second latching part, such as a keeper, on another panel. However, in some latch assembly installations, the panels may shift causing the latching part, such as a shaft,

to misalign with the keeper. This is especially the case where panel members to be secured by a swell latch, for example, move out of their original alignment, due to factors, for example, such as prolonged heat or moisture exposure, temperature changes, or tension from a force load. These factors can alter the alignment of the panels and impede the latching of the swell latch when the bushing and shaft are not aligned with the receiving aperture of a corresponding frame or panel member.

Because of difficulties associated with latch assemblies presently employed, there now exists a need for a simple and economical latch assembly which can provide improved latching capabilities.

Additionally, other fastening assemblies, where a first latching part must align with another latching part are widely known and are prone to the same problems, when panels warp or misalign, or when the load displaces the panel and latching parts. This can occur where the latching part is a threaded member to be fitted and connected with a threaded bore of a second latching part, where the part is a compression member, or another latching part requiring alignment for connection with a keeper or receiving member.

A need exists to provide a latch assembly which can overcome the problems of the prior art and provide a solution for aligning latching components, even where the panels or members to which the latching components are associated with, are warped, or changed by exposure to temperature variations, prolonged use and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a novel latch assembly including a keeper mechanism. The latch assembly includes a first latching part adapted for being mounted on a first member, such as, for example, a closure panel and a second

latching part or keeper for receiving the first latching part provided on a second panel. The second panel can comprise a corresponding frame member, wherein the first member is releasably retained against the corresponding second member and in a latched position. The latch assembly provides a keeper member for engaging a latching member and disposed on the inner surface of the second member for releasably retaining the first panel member against the second panel member and in the latched position. The keeper member of the present invention includes a multi- positional element for accommodating the latching member, such as the shaft and bushing of the latch, at different locations with respect to the second panel or frame.

The latching member, such as in an embodiment where the latching member comprises a swell latch, according to the present invention, includes an actuating means for latching and releasing the latch. Actuating means can comprise a handle, which is adapted for pivotal rotation.

For example, where a swell latching mechanism is employed, a shaft means is also included which comprises a member which is associated with the actuating means. The actuating means is adapted to facilitate axial movement of the shaft means as the handle is pivotally rotated between open and closed positions. A bushing is also included which is associated with the shaft means. The bushing is adapted for axial movement corresponding with movement of the shaft means. The bushing releasably retains the second member in engagement with the first member when the handle is in the closed position. Retaining means is also provided to secure the bushing to the shaft means.

In accordance with the present invention, an object is to provide a latch assembly in which the parts are few and which provides a simple installation process.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a latch assembly which is inexpensive to construct and sufficiently simple in design and operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a keeper mechanism which permits positioning of the latching component at different locations for latching.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keeper member which can be installed at a single location on a panel and permit latching of a latching component, such as, for example, the shaft and bushing of a swell latch, at different locations.

It is a further object of the present invention to accomplish the above objects wherein the keeper member includes a floating member.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel latch assembly which has guiding elements to facilitate locating of a latching component or fastening member within a keeper aperture.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide keeper assembly which can be sealingly installed on a panel to prevent passage of debris and gases from passing through the keeper.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when taken into consideration with the following description and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation view of a latch assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly shown in a latched position, securing a first member to a second member, and the latch assembly being represented, for example, by a swell latching mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the latch assembly of Fig. 1, shown with the first element partially cut away.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a shaft of the latch assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation view of the handle of the latch assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a top sectional view of the handle shown in Fig. 4, taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation view of the first element of the latch assembly shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the first element of the latch assembly shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a parallel perspective view of the first element of the latch assembly shown in Figs. 6 and 7, as viewed from the top and from one side thereof.

Fig. 9 is a left side elevation view of the first element of the latch assembly shown in Figs. 6-8.

Fig. 10 is a parallel perspective view of the second element of the latch assembly shown in Fig. 1, as viewed from the top and from one side thereof.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the second element shown in Fig. 10 taken along the line 11-11 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the upper wall of the first element taken along the line 12--12 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 13 is top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a second element for use in the latch assembly shown in Figs. 1-9.

Fig. 14 is a side elevation view of the alternate second element embodiment shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a first element for use with the alternate embodiment of the second element shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the first element shown in Fig. 15 taken along the line 16-16 of Fig. 15.

Figs. 16a and 16b are enlarged views of areas of the upper surface of the first element shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 17 is a parallel perspective view of the latch assembly of Fig. 1 shown with the first element in a partial cutaway view.

DETAILED DESCREIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in Fig. 1 a latch assembly 10 according to the present invention. The latch assembly 10 as illustrated in Figs. 1-17, is shown and described in relation with a swell latch fastening component. The latch assembly 10 is shown, in Fig. 1, in a latched position and mounted in an aperture 101 formed through a section of a first member 100. The first member 100, as shown, is in engagement with a surface 12 of a keeper member 13, the keeper member 13 being shown mounted to a section of a second panel member 200. The first panel member 100 can, for example, comprise a door, panel or the like which is adapted to engage the second panel member 200 in a closed position in order for enclosing various equipment which may be installed in the enclosure compartment or space (not shown). The second member 200 can comprise a corresponding panel or a frame structure, depending on the application with which the latch assembly 10 is utilized.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 through 11, the latch assembly 10 comprises a shaft 14 which carries a latching means, such as the bushing 15 shown compressed in its latched position secured to the shaft 14 with retaining means. The retaining means is shown comprising an acorn nut 18, and can be provided with a threaded bore for installation on the threaded end of the shaft 14 (Fig. 3). It will be understood, however that a variety of retaining means can be employed consistent with the invention as described herein to hold the latching member, such as the bushing 15, on the shaft 14. Actuating means for latching and releasing the bushing 15 from engagement with the keeper 13 is provided. Preferably, the actuating means comprises a handle 16, as shown in Fig. 1.

As illustrated best in Fig. 2, the handle 16 is pivotally connected to the shaft 14. The shaft 14 can comprise a separate member having a first end which connects to the handle 16 and a second end on which the latching means is provided.

Alternately, the shaft 14 can comprise a member integral with the handle 16, such as, for example, a thermoplastic member, or member comprised of other suitable materials.

Referring now to Figs. 2 through 5, the shaft 14 is shown comprising a substantially T-shaped member having a generally elongated first portion 21 substantially perpendicular to a generally elongated second portion 22. The first portion 21 extends through a slot 23 formed in the front of the handle 16. The second portion 22, as shown, preferably is received within the handle 16 with its two end portions 24,25, each being adjacent an inner surface 26,27 of the handle 16 on installation, however such is not required. The handle 16 is preferably manufactured of plastic, however other materials can also be utilized for this same purpose.

Preferably, the shaft 14 is shown having a ramped collar portion 30 which facilitates

retention of the shaft 14 within the handle 16. The ramped collar portion 30 facilitates retention of the shaft 14 when it is installed through the handle 16 (Fig. 2).

The ramped collar portion 30 acts as a barb with respect to the shaft guiding surfaces 31,32 of the handle 16 (Figs. 4 and 5). The handle 16 is provided to pivot relative to the shaft 14 to release and secure the latching means against the keeper 13. When the handle 16 is lifted from its Fig. 1 or latched position, shown by the direction of arrow "a,"the shaft 14 is permitted to protrude farther beyond the handle slot 23 and thus farther through the panel aperture 101. This relaxes the bushing 15 from its compressed state, and the shaft 14, with the latching means, can then be withdrawn from the keeper 13. While the shaft 14 and handle 16 are described and shown in a connecting relationship, it will be understood that different handle and shaft configurations, including a one-piece integrated shaft and handle, can be used. In addition, the shaft 14 and handle 16 can be attached by pins rivets or other connecting means, in addition to the snap-in fitting described and shown herein.

The keeper 13 is shown comprising a first element 40 and a movable second element 41. The second element 41 is shown received in a slot 43 of the first element 40. Mounting means is provided for mounting the keeper 13 to a second member, such as the second panel member 200. The mounting means is shown comprising bores 44,45 disposed in the first element 40 of the keeper 13. Fastening members such as screws, rivets, bolts, and the like, (not shown) can be used to secure the first element 40 to a mounting surface, such as for example, the second panel member 200.

Referring to Fig. 6, the front of the first element 40 is shown looking into the slot 43. The slot 43 is defined by a lower wall portion or floor 47 and an upper wall portion or ceiling 48 which oppose each other. The floor wall portion 47 is

configured to defines a lower aperture 50. Preferably, the floor 47 includes a recessed well or cup portion 51 which is shown in Figs 6-9. The ceiling or upper wall 48 is configured to define an upper aperture 52 which is preferably aligned with the lower aperture 50 defined by the floor wall portion 47.

The second element 41 is shown in Fig. 10, comprising a base 55 having a circular configuration with a receiving aperture 54 disposed therein. Holding means for holding the second element 41 within the assembly 10 is also provided. As shown in Fig. 1, the second element 41 is received within the slot 43 of the first element. The holding means for facilitating holding of the second element 41 within the slot 43 of the first element 40 is shown comprising a plurality of upstanding projections 56,57,58 and 59 disposed on the base 55 of the second element 41. The second element 41 is movably provided to translate throughout a range of positions within the slot 43. The second element receiving aperture 54 is provided to receive the shaft 14 and latching means carried thereon. The shaft 14 and latching means is inserted to extend through the receiving aperture 54 as part of the latching sequence.

Preferably, the receiving aperture 54 has a smaller diameter relative to the upper aperture 52 and lower aperture 50 of the first element 40. The second element 41 is provided to move within the slot 43 of the first element 40 so that the receiving aperture 54 of the second element 41 aligns within the opening formed by the upper aperture 52 and lower aperture 50 of the first element 40.

Positioning means is provided to facilitate the positioning of the second element 41 within the first element 40. The positioning means preferably is shown comprising locating members 61,62 provided on the ceiling or upper wall portion 48 of the first member 40. As shown in Fig. 12, the locating members 61,62 preferably extend from one side of the slot 43 to the other and are have a rectangular

configuration. The locating members 61,62, however, preferably are provided on opposite diametric sides of the upper aperture 52, or alternately, can terminate at one side of the upper aperture 52 and resume on the other side of the aperture 52, or can do both, as shown in Fig. 12.

Retaining means is also provided to facilitate retention of the second element 41 within the first element 40. The retaining means is shown comprising tapered flanges 65, which are best illustrated in Figs. 6 and 9. The tapered flanges 65 are disposed on the lower wall or floor 47 of the first element 40 and positioned between the area corresponding to the inner boundary of the locating members 61,62 (which are shown disposed on the opposing ceiling wall 48). Preferably, the tapered flanges 65 are lower at the end nearest the outer periphery of the first member 40 and taper to a higher dimension at the flange end furthest from the first member outer periphery.

The tapered flanges 65 provide a resistive force upon the second element 41 as it is inserted into the slot 43 of the first element 40. The resistive force is overcome when the second element 41 is fully inserted to clear the flanges 65. The second element 41 is then retained by the flanges 65, the periphery of the second element 41 engaging the higher end of the flange 65 to maintain the second element 41 within the first element 40.

Referring now to Fig. 17, the flanges 56,58 and 59 are shown, with the opposing projections 56 and 58 being positioned between a locating member 61,62, respectively, and the outer wall portion 70 of the first element 40. The projections 56,57,58, and 59 are provided to move between the area defined by a locating member 61,62 and the outer wall 70. As shown in Fig. 1, a projection 56 can move between the outer wall 70 and the first locating member 61, and a diametrically oppositely disposed projection 58 can be moved between the outer wall 70 and the

second locating member 62. The first and second locating members 61 and 62 provide boundaries which the projections 56,57,58, and 59 can engage to facilitate positioning of the second element 41 relative to the first element 40 so that the receiving aperture 54 of the second element 41 is aligned with the aperture 52 of the first element 40. The second element 41 is permitted to freely move throughout a range of locations where the second element aperture 54 remains accessible to the shaft 14 through the aperture 52 of the first element 40.

Guide means is provided on the second element 41 to facilitate guiding of the shaft 14 into the receiving aperture 54 of the second element 41. The guide means is shown in Fig. 10 comprising a tapered wall portion 60 of the second element 41 for facilitating the positioning of the second element 41 within the slot 43 of the first element 40 by permitting the shaft 14 and latching means carried thereon to cause the second element 41 to move, relative to the first element 40, into alignment with the shaft 14 and latching means. When the shaft 14 and latching means is received in the second element-receiving aperture 54, the latch 10 can be secured with the actuating means. The actuating means or handle 16 is then moved from its released or unlatched position (as shown by the broken-line representation of the handle 16a in Fig. 1) to its latched position (Fig. 1). This handle movement causes the bushing 15 to compress against the base 55 of the second element 41, as shown in Fig. 1. The compression of the bushing 15 brings the second element 41 into a forced engagement with the first element 40, particularly with the locating members 61,62.

The upwardly extending projections 56,57,58 and 59 facilitate retention of the second member against being inadvertently pulled through the aperture 52 of the first element 40 by the compression forces applied to the bushing 15. The guide means can further comprise a raised wall portion 69, as shown in Fig. 1, to further facilitate

guiding of the shaft 14 for latching of the assembly 10. The raised wall portion 69, while shown as part of the first member 100, can be alternately, while not shown, provided as a separate member, such as, for example, a member which can be secured on the shaft 14. The raised wall portion 69 has a conical configuration which can preferably mate with the tapered wall portion 60 of the second element 41 to facilitate directing of the shaft 14 into the receiving aperture 54.

Preferably, gripping means is provided to facilitate the maintenance of the second element 41 in a latched position with the first element 40 to fix the position of the second element 41 when the assembly 10 is latched. The gripping means is provided to impede the movement of the second element 41 relative to the first element when the bushing 15 is compressed and the assembly 10 is latched. This facilitates retention of a latched panel, such as the first member 100 in a fixed position relative to the frame or panel, such as the second member 200 to which the first member 100 is attached. As shown in Fig. 13, in a preferred alternate embodiment, the second element 141 is provided with upstanding projections 156, 157,158,159 each having a gripping element thereon for gripping with a matingly provided element provided on the first element 140 (Figs. 15 and 16). The alternate second element 141, otherwise, contains the same features as the second element 41 described and shown herein. The gripping means is shown comprising ridged edge elements 175 provided on the top of each upstanding projection 156,157,158,159.

As shown in a preferred alternate first element embodiment 140, gripping means is provided comprising a plurality of ridged surfaces 142,143,144,145 which comprise a series of ridges matingly configured to interfit with the ridged edge elements 175 provided on the projections 156,157,158,159. The gripping means is provided to remain relaxed and permit free movement of the second element 141

relative to the first element 140 when the latch assembly 10 is not compressed or closed. However, when the latch assembly 10 is closed and the compression of the bushing 15 takes place, the compression force causes the ridged edges 175 of the projections to be brought into engagement with the mating ridges of the surfaces 142, 143,144 and 145 of the first element 140 to fix the second element 141 in a position relative to the first element 140. Since the mating ridge series 142,143,144 and 145 are preferably provided over a broad surface area, the second element 141 can be fixed in a variety of positions relative to the first element 140. The alternate first element 140, other than the ridged surfaces 142,143,144,145 comprises the same features as the first element 40 described and shown herein.

It will be understood that additional modifications within the scope of the invention can be made. For example, while the lower portion of the floor 47 of the first element 40 is shown having a cup like configuration, it will be understood that, alternately, the cup portion can be omitted and the floor terminated to form a circular edge defining the aperture 50, leaving a passage through the keeper member 13. In addition, while the locating members 61,62 and retaining flanges 65 are shown provided on the upper wall 48 and lower wall 47, respectively, it will be understood that these members can be provided on either opposite wall, provided that they oppose each other. The second element 41, while shown with its projections 56,57, 58 and 59 facing upward, can be reversed to face downward if the locating members 61,62 are provided on the lower wall 47 of the first element 40.

Furthermore, while the panel 100 is shown as a smaller section, it will be understood that the first member 100 can comprise a panel, or can comprise a flange or panel which can itself be mounted to another panel, for securing the other panel to a second member, such as, for example, the second member 200.

In an alternate embodiment, not shown, it will be understood that the second element 41 can be provided to be installed within the first element 40 other than by sliding through the slot 43. For example, the first element 40 can comprise two or more sections which can be connected after the second element 41 is placed therein to retain the second element 41. Another alternate configuration can include providing a fold-over or hinged piece which can be snapped over the second element 41 to enclose the second element 41 within the first element 40.

The keeper member 13 of the present invention can be employed with alternate fastening members consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed herein. For example, the bushing 15 can be provided on a shaft wherein compression is accomplished by an actuating member which can comprise a screw or compression member which withdraws the shaft 14 from the aperture to compress the bushing 15. Furthermore, the moving second element 41 can be provided with a threaded receiving aperture for receiving and end of a threaded shaft, such as that commonly found on bolts, screws and other fastening members. The moving threaded second member can therefore provide a range of locations for fastening a matingly threaded screw member. It will be understood that the second element 41, while shown with a receiving aperture, can comprise a fastener part which will permit positioning of the faster part over a range of locations within the keeper for connection with a corresponding fastening member carried on a first member, which is to be secured to the second member to which the keeper is mounted.

These and other advantages of the present invention can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawing Figures, the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and the appended Claims. While the above description

constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is subject to modification, variation and change, without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the present invention. In this regard, while the various features of the present invention have been shown and described in relation to a door which operates with a frame, it will be understood that many of these features are suitable in connection with latching of other members. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.