WO2020005079A1

WO2020005079A1 - A latching mechanism for the lid of a vehicle enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2020005079A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2019/050078
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tony CARTWRIGHT; Marshall SUCKLING
Original assignee: Utemaster Nz Limited
Priority date: 2018-06-29
Filing date: 2019-06-28
Publication date: 2020-01-02
Also published as: AU2019204673A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a latching mechanism for the lid of a vehicle enclosure and has particular application to assisting in the prevention of inadvertent locking of the latching mechanism with the lock pin of the enclosure while a user attempts to open the lid. An intermediary member that engages with the release mechanism operating the latching mechanism is provided. This intermediary member has two surfaces, the first contacting the lock pin when the lid is closed and the second contacting the lock pin when the lid has been popped open. When the second surface contacts the lock pin, this prevents the engagement of the latching mechanism and allows the user to open the lid without having to also operate the release mechanism.

Description

A LATCHING MECHANISM FOR THE LID OF A VEHICLE ENCLOSURE

Statement of Corresponding Applications

This application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application No. 743981, the entire contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Field of Invention

The invention relates to a latching mechanism for the lid of a vehicle enclosure. The invention has particular application to assisting in the prevention of inadvertent locking of the latching mechanism while a user attempts to open the lid.

Background to the Invention

Many vehicles, such as utility vehicles, are provided with an open enclosure for cargo or the like. Such enclosures are typically defined by a deck, a front wall, left and right side walls, and a tailgate which may lowered to improve access to the enclosure. Owners of such vehicles often prefer to cover the enclosure with a cover or lid, to protect it and/or any cargo, such as tools, lumber or the like, from the sun and/or inclement weather.

Some enclosure covers are no more than tarpaulins or sheets of canvas, provided with elastic loops about their perimeter which engage with hooks provided about the exterior of the walls of the enclosure.

Some lids for enclosures are of fixed construction, made of sheets of aluminium or the like or alternatively of robust plastics material such as fibreglass or HDPE, often reinforced with extrusions of metal provided to the interior of the lid or the underside. Typically, these lids are provided with a frame which are mounted to the perimeter of the enclosure. The lid is mounted to the frame such that they are hinged at one end and can be raised and lowered in order to allow access to the enclosure. These types of lids are well engineered and particularly robust. Because of their weight, it is common to for such lids to be provided with gas struts to provide some assistance for the user when opening them. The gas struts also support the lid to maintain it in an open condition once it has been sufficiently raised.

However, the user opening the lid has to apply their own strength to move the lid through an initial range of movement before the gas strut is able to provide sufficient leverage to assist in the opening of the lid.

These lids often include a locking/latching mechanism which provides security for the contents of the enclosure. An example of such a latching mechanism is described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0175375.

These locking/latching mechanisms are usually operable with a twist knob or button. Operation of the twist knob from its default, "closed" position, causes a spring-loaded latch to disengage with a lock pin provided to the vehicle. This "pops" the lid such that there is a gap between it and the tailgate of the vehicle. A user can then insert their fingers or hand into the gap and raise the lid. Once there is sufficient clearance between the latch of the lid and the lock pin of the vehicle, the twist knob, which is spring- loaded to urge it back into its default position, can be released.

A drawback with these types of lids, as noted above, is that they are relatively heavy. When the key/button is operated, the "popping" of the lid is relatively minimal. Depending on the biasing force of the spring that applies load to the latch, it is possible that when the knob is released, the weight of the lid applies sufficient force to overcome the bias of the spring such that the latch reengages with the lock pin.

Thus, when a conventional lid is being opened, they typically require the use of two hands, one to operate the knob and hold it in an activated state to keep the latch from reengaging with the lock, and the other to raise the lid to a point where the latch is clear of the lock pin and/or the gas strut starts taking the weight of the lid. At this time the user can then release the knob. The operation of such lids is problematic when the person opening it has only one hand available; for example, they may be carrying a tool or parcel which they want to place into the enclosure of the vehicle. To open the enclosure by raising the lid requires them to put down whatever is being carried to make both hands available.

One way around this problem may be to increase the biasing force of the spring applying load to the latch such that the weight of the lid is insufficient to bias the spring such that the latch is reengaged with the lock pin. However, this is not usually desirable for it may then mean that considerable force and weight is required to overcome the biasing force of the spring-loaded latch when closing the lid. Given that most utility vehicles are relatively elevated from the ground, there may a limit to how much force a person is able to efficiently apply to the lid when it is being closed.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a latching mechanism for the lid of a vehicle enclosure which is easy to operate, both in the opening and closing of the lid.

Alternatively, it is an object to provide a latching mechanism for the lid of a vehicle enclosure which facilitates the opening of the lid with one hand.

At the very least, it is an object of the invention provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a latching mechanism for a lid of a vehicle enclosure, the latching mechanism including: a latch assembly, the latch assembly including: a latch configured to engage with a lock pin, and a release mechanism for the latch; a user operable means to operate the release mechanism; a rod system, wherein the rod system engages with the user operable means and the release mechanism; characterised in that the latching mechanism includes an intermediary member configured to engage with the release mechanism, wherein the intermediary member is also configured to engage with the lock pin, and wherein the rod system is connected to the release mechanism via the intermediary member.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for a vehicle enclosure, wherein the lid includes a latching mechanism substantially as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for a latching mechanism for a lid of a vehicle enclosure, the latching mechanism including: a latch assembly, the latch assembly including: a latch configured to engage with a lock pin, and a release mechanism for the latch; a user operable means to operate the release mechanism; a rod system, wherein the rod system engages with the user operable means and the release mechanism; and a lock pin configured to be mounted to the vehicle enclosure; characterised in that the latching system includes an intermediary member configured to engage with the release mechanism, wherein the intermediary member is also configured to engage with the lock pin, and wherein the rod system is connected to the release mechanism via the intermediary member.

The invention is intended for use with a vehicle having an enclosure. This should be understood to be a vehicle, such as a utility truck (which in some countries may be known as a pickup truck). A utility truck has a passenger cab ahead of a cargo deck which is enclosed by side walls and a pivotable tailgate. The combination of deck, walls and tailgate form the enclosure. The cargo deck or enclosure is often covered by a substantially flat lid (also known as a tonneau cover).

However, it should be understood that the invention may also be suitable for utility vehicles provided with a canopy. Such canopies may have hinged doors and have the same issue as lids or tonneau covers, in that two hands may be required to open them. The present invention may be used to remedy this issue on canopy doors.

The invention has particular application to use with a lid for covering an enclosure of a utility truck.

The lid should be understood to be formed from one or more sheets of metal or plastics material. In some embodiments, the lid may include reinforcing elements, such as extrusions of aluminium or the like.

The lid has a generally square or rectangular shape in plan view, generally corresponding with the dimensions of the enclosure with which it is to be used. One edge or side of lid serves as a hinging side while the opposing edge or side is raised as it is opened. Typically, this opposing edge or side abuts or is proximate the tailgate of the enclosure.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the lid may be hinged to a frame, which in turn is mounted to the enclosure of the vehicle with which it is to be used. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the lid may be directly hinged to the enclosure of the vehicle.

In exemplary embodiments, the lid is arranged relative to the vehicle such that the hinged end is proximate the passenger cab of the vehicle, and the free end is proximate the tailgate of the vehicle.

The invention is described in the context of the lid being closed (a first condition), "popped" (second condition), or open.

When the lid is closed, this should be understood to mean a first condition where the intermediary member does not affect the release mechanism, which is engaged with the latch such that it inhibits the rotation of the latch. The lock pin is retained within the latch and body of the latch assembly. The intermediary member is in a position where a first surface contacts or otherwise engages with the lock pin.

The term "popped" should be understood to mean a second condition of the lid, when the intermediary member has moved from its first condition position, where a first surface contacts or otherwise engages with the lock pin, to a position where a second surface engages or otherwise engages with the lock pin, and at the same time, the release mechanism is disengaged from the latch. The latch is able to rotate and no longer restrains the lock pin such that the lid may be raised into an open position.

When the lid is in an open position, this should be understood to mean a condition where the latch is disengaged from the lock pin. The intermediary member is no longer in contact with the lock pin.

Reference shall now be made to the invention being or including a latching mechanism.

The latching mechanism should be understood to be any mechanism suitable for use in selectively locking and securing the lid of the vehicle enclosure. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate latching mechanisms that may be used with the present invention, so long as they include the required latch assembly, latch, release mechanism, rod system, and user operable means.

The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the latching mechanism includes two latch assemblies, one latch assembly being provided for each side of the lid. However, this is not meant to be limiting and in some embodiments, the latching mechanism may only consist of one latch assembly. Alternatively, three or more latch assemblies may be provided.

The latch assembly includes a latch that in use is configured to be able to engage and disengage with a lock pin. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the latch is generally a C-shaped structure, such that it has an open mouth. In use, the mouth receives at least a portion of the lock pin. A lock pin should be understood to be a structure provided to an interior surface of the enclosure of the vehicle.

Generally, the lock pin is configured with a component that is generally horizontal in use, which the latch engages with when the lid is locked. To assist in the location and mounting of the lock pin, it may take a number of configurations, including a generally U-shaped profile. In exemplary embodiments, where the latch is a C-shaped structure, the open mouth of the latch engages with the horizontal element of the U-shaped profile of the lock pin. However, this is not meant to be limiting, and the lock pin could be configured as a L-shaped structure, the open mouth of the latch engaging with the horizontal element of this structure.

In exemplary embodiments of the present, the lock pin may be mounted to a bracket or similar for mounting to the interior surface of the enclosure of the vehicle.

The latching assembly includes a release mechanism for the latch. A surface of the release mechanism is complementary to a surface of the latch. In exemplary embodiments, the release mechanism includes a wedge or protrusion which engages with a notch, recess or similar surface of the latch.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the latch assembly includes a body to which the latch and release mechanism is pivotally mounted. The body is configured with mounting surfaces for the respective latch and release mechanism. Disengagement of the release mechanism from the latch allows it (the latch) to pivot or rotate about its mounting point with the body.

In exemplary embodiments, the latch and / or release mechanism is spring-loaded.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the body may include other structures, such a flange, protrusion, plate or the like for mounting purposes.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the body is configured to be mounted to a housing.

This provides a means for mounting the overall latch assembly to the lid with which it is to be used, preferably proximate the corners of the lid adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle with which it is to be used.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the housing is configured to be mounted to the underside of the lid with which it is to be used. This may be achieved through the use of conventional fastening mechanisms, such as complementary nuts and bolts, screws, or rivets or the like.

It will be appreciated that in exemplary embodiments, the springs of the latch and / or release mechanism may act or otherwise bias against the structures of the body and / or housing.

The latching mechanism includes a user operable means. This should be understood to be the means by which a person using the invention operates the release mechanism. The user operable means is spring- loaded.

Generally, in use, the user operable means extends from the top or upper surface of the lid through to its interior (in the case of a twin shell lid) or underside. In some embodiments, the user operable means may extend from a rear edge of the lid, proximate the tailgate of the vehicle.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the user operable means is a twist knob or button operated mechanism. Reference shall now be made throughout the remainder of the specification to the user operable means being a twist knob. However, this is not meant to be limiting and in some embodiments, the user operable means may be a pull-type mechanism.

In some embodiments, the user operable means includes a locking mechanism that is operated by a key; this may need to be operated before the twist knob may be used.

The twisting, rotation or general articulation of the twist knob operates a rod system which is connected to the portion of the twist knob is proud of the underside or interior of the lid.

The rod system connects the twist knob to the release mechanism of the latch assembly. When the twist knob is turned to operate the rod system, this causes the release mechanism to disengage from the latch, thus releasing it. When the twist knob is released, it returns to its original position due to the bias applied by the spring of the twist knob.

The rod system should be understood to be a linkage or similar structure that connects the twist knob to the release mechanism (via the intermediary member, as discussed below). Persons skilled in the art will readily envisage a suitable linkage system of rods, wires, or cables that would be suitable for use in the present invention.

The latching mechanism includes an intermediary member.

The intermediary member is connected, or otherwise linked, to the release mechanism. When the release mechanism is operated, via the rod system and the user operable means, the intermediary member is also operated.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the release mechanism is configured with a pin or the like, to which the intermediary member is connected or otherwise linked.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the rod system is connected or otherwise engaged to the intermediary member.

The intermediary member may take a variety of configurations so long as these are configured with a first surface that engages with the lock pin when the lid is closed and a second surface that engages with the lock pin has been "popped" open via operation of the twist knob. When the second surface of the intermediary member engages with the lock pin, this prevents the release mechanism from reengaging with the latch. This then stops the latch, and therefore the lid, from returning to a closed position once the twist knob is released as the person opening the lid switches their grip to a position to raise the lid.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with an enclosure covered by a lid that incorporates one embodiment of the latching mechanism of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the latching mechanism of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the components of the latching mechanism;

Figure 4a is a side view of certain components of the latching mechanism of Figure 3 when closed;

Figure 4b is a side view of certain components of the latching mechanism of Figure 3 when open;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the components of an alternative embodiment of the latching mechanism;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the components of Figure 3 when assembled;

Figure 7 is a side view of the latching mechanism of Figure 3 engaged with a lock pin;

Figure 8 is a top view of the latching mechanism of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a side view of the latching mechanism of Figure 7, when the user operable means has been activated;

Figure 10 is a top view of the latching mechanism of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side view of the latching mechanism of Figure 10, when the latch has been disengaged from the lock pin; and

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the latching mechanism of Figure 11.

Throughout the drawings, like features are assigned a like numeral.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention To provide context for the invention, Figure 1 shows the rear portion of a utility vehicle (generally indicated by UV), and it will be seen that this includes an enclosure (E) defined by the rear of the passenger cab (PC) (or a wall abutting or immediately adjacent the passenger cab), side walls (SW), and a tailgate (TG). The interior of enclosure (not visible) is covered by a lid (L). The lid is hinged to a frame (not visible) which is mounted to the top of the interior walls of the enclosure.

Proximate the edge of the lid (L) that abuts the tailgate (TG), and shown in dashed lines, is the latching mechanism (generally indicated by arrow 100) of the present invention.

The latching mechanism is shown in a closer view in Figure 2; for sake of clarity, the lid and vehicle are not shown. As will be seen, the latching mechanism (100) includes a latch assembly (200), one for each side of the lid (not shown). The latch assembly is specifically configured to be mounted to the left and right sides of the enclosure (not shown).

Each latch assembly (200) includes a latch and a release mechanism (not visible) pivotally mounted to a body (202). The body itself is disposed within a housing (204). Shown here as substantially rectangular structures, it should be appreciated that the housing may be provided in a range of different configurations depending on the lid (not shown) with which it is to be mounted. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, apertures (206) are provided for fasteners (not shown), such as screws or rivets, to pass in order to secure the housing to the lid that would cover the enclosure (not shown) when in use.

Arranged centrally to the lid (not shown) is a user operable means (208), in the form of a twist knob. In use the twist knob passes through the lid. Activation of the twist knob that is external of the lid causes displacement of the rod system (210) which is positioned on the underside of the lid and runs from the button to the release mechanism (not visible). This in turn disengages the release mechanism from the latch (not visible) which, is now able to be rotated, whereas it was unable to do so previously because of the release mechanism. The latch rotates in response to raising of the lid (not shown), which is no longer restrained by the lock pin (212). In this view, it will be seen that the user operable means includes an optional power module (214) which is communicative with the vehicle's central locking system (not shown). The central locking system needs to be deactivated to unlock the vehicle and render the twist knob (208) operative.

The lock pin (212) is a horizontally disposed U-shaped structure arising from a bracket (216). This bracket would be mounted or otherwise secured to an interior surface of the vehicle enclosure (not shown). Typically, the interior surface will be proximate the upper edge of the walls (not shown) defining the enclosure. Although not depicted here, it will be appreciated that the lock pin may come in a variety of forms; it may be as simple as a rod extending horizontally from the frame (not shown) or the interior wall of the enclosure.

The components of the latch assembly (200), absent the housing, is shown in an exploded view in Figure 3, together with the rod system (210).

Dealing first with the rod system (210), it will be seen that this is formed from two separate metal rods (300, 302), the ends of which are provided with plastics elbows or sleeves (304, 306, 308). These help to hold the rods in place while still permitting movement of the moving parts of the latching assembly (200). Although not illustrated here, it should be noted that the rods may be formed with integral elbows if desired. However, as these are not resiliently deformable, it will be appreciated that for ease of assembly, they may need to engage with plastic sleeves or the like. It will be further appreciated that with modifications readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, cables or the like may be used instead. However, rods are preferred since they are less vulnerable to tampering.

A first rod (300) is connected at one end to the twist knob (not shown in this view) and at the other end to a cam (310). A second rod (302) is connected to the cam at one end and engages with the intermediary member (312). This cam arrangement allows the movement of the rod to be translated around the corner of the enclosure (not shown). However, it is envisaged that in some embodiments, not illustrated here, only one rod may be provided and this would engage directly with the intermediary member. The intermediary member (312) is configured generally as an elongate arm of a suitably robust metal such as an extrusion of aluminium or steel. Alternatively, it may cut or stamped from a sheet of metal. The second rod (302) engages, via the plastic elbow (306) with an aperture (314) at one end (316) of the arm to define an axis of rotation.

The intermediary member (312), which will now be referred to as an arm, is able to be moved through an arc about this axis of rotation during the operation of the overall latching mechanism. The movement of the arm is caused through the articulation of the twist knob (not shown) from its default, closed position, to an open position. This articulation of the twist knob is translated into movement of the rod (300) and thus the arm.

Set back slightly from the other end (318) of the arm (312), a downwardly depending tab (320) is provided. In a first use configuration, i.e. when the lid (not shown) is closed and the latch (322) unable to rotate due to its engagement with the release mechanism (324), the bottom edge (320a) of the tab contacts the top of the lock pin (not shown) of the vehicle (not shown) with which the invention is to be used. It will be understood that this bottom edge is the first surface of the intermediary member (312).

The placement of the tab (320) relative to the arm (312) means a recess (326) is defined in the corner between the tip (318) of the arm and the tab. In the initial stages of opening the lid (not shown), i.e. when it has been popped by virtue of operation of the twist knob (not shown), this recess engages with the lock pin (not shown). The recess is the second surface of the arm. It will be appreciated that in this state, the latch (322) is no longer engaged with the release mechanism (324) and is free to rotate. It will be seen that the first and second surfaces of the arm are vertically offset from each other.

It will be seen that the arm (312) has a kink (328) in its midportion; such that there is a lateral displacement of the plane of the arm along its length. In this case, it is to ensure there is sufficient clearance between the release mechanism (324) of the latch assembly (200). It is preferable to keep the far end (318) of the arm (312), which bears the downwardly depending tab

(320), as close as possible to the body (202) of the latch assembly (200). This is to ensure, in use, there is adequate contact or surface area between the arm and the lock pin (not shown). If too far laterally displaced from the body, there is a risk that the tab may slip off the lock pin, particularly if its engagement with the release mechanism (324) has some play in it.

However, it will be appreciated that not all latch assemblies may have this architecture and thus in some embodiments the arm may be in a substantially flat, continuous plane, without the need for lateral displacement as exemplified by the kink (328) of the arm (312).

The arm (312) is connected to the pin (324a) of the release mechanism (324) via a bolt (330) with a partially threaded shaft (332) passing through aperture (334). In the illustrated embodiment, only the portion of the bolt that engages with the release mechanism is threaded; the arm, which contacts the unthreaded portion of the shaft, is able to pivot about this relative to the bolt.

However, even a fully threaded bolt (not shown) may be used, so long as the aperture (334) is unthreaded or has surfaces that could inadvertently engage the threads of the bolt and inhibit free rotational movement of the arm (312).

It will be understood that the manner in which the arm (312) engages with the second arm (302) of the rod system (not shown) and the release mechanism (324) is such that when it moves, in response to the twist knob (not shown), the release mechanism disengages with the latch (322).

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the connection point (314) of the second rod (302) and the connection point (334) of the release mechanism (324) to the arm (312) are substantially in vertical alignment to each other. This is preferred for more efficient translation of the movement of the overall rod system (not shown).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the intermediary member (312) may be configured to receive a compression spring (not shown). This spring (not shown) is connected at one end to the aperture (336) provided. The other end of the spring is connected to the housing (not shown). The use of the spring may assist in the return of the intermediary member (312) to a closed condition as the lid is being closed. However, it is not strictly required.

The latching assembly (200) includes a body (202) to retain the latch (322) and release mechanism (324). All these components are formed of a suitably robust metal, such as stainless or powder coated steel or aluminium.

Both the latch (322) and release mechanism (324) are biased by springs (not visible) and mounted to allow pivotal movement relative to the body (202). The axis of rotation of the latch is defined by the first aperture (338) in the body while that of the release mechanism is defined by a second aperture (not visible).

As can be seen, a portion (202a) of the body (202) is configured as an inverted U-shape; this defines a recess into which the lock pin (not shown) is received. The recess is closed by the latch (322), which has a generally C-shaped profile; however, when the release mechanism (324) for the latch becomes disengaged, the latch which, as noted above, is biased by a spring (not visible) is able to rotate relative to the body. As it rotates, such that its C-shaped profile is in alignment with the U-shaped recess of the body, this opens the recess releasing the latching mechanism from the lock pin.

This co-operation between the latch (322) and release mechanism (324) is more easily appreciated in Figures 4a and 4b. The latch, release mechanism, and body (202) are shown as they would appear when the lid (not shown) is closed in Figure 4a. Parts of the latch and release mechanism that are obscured by the body are shown in dashed lines. In this view, the inverted U-shaped portion (202a) of the body, and the C-shaped potion of the latch defines an enclosed recess (400). In use, the lock pin (not shown) would be restrained by the combination of these two parts. The latch would be unable to pivot about its axis of rotation (338) due to its engagement with the release mechanism. This view also shows the axis of rotation of the release mechanism as generally defined by the aperture (402). Figure 4b, showing the latch (322) and release mechanism (324) as they would appear when the lid (not shown) is open, clearly shows the co-operating surfaces of these respective parts. The release mechanism has been disengaged, through operation of the user operable means (not shown), and has pivoted in direction A. This means that the recess (404) no longer engages with the protrusion (406) of the latch, which being spring-loaded, has been allowed to pivot in the direction indicated by direction B. This frees the lock pin (not shown) from the enclosed recess (400) previously defined by the inverted U- shaped portion (202a) of the body (202) and the C-shaped potion of the latch, which has now orientated itself downwards.

An alternative embodiment of the latching assembly (200') is shown in Figure 5. The components are all as discussed in Figure 3, with the exception of the rods (300', 302'), cam (310') and the intermediary member (312').

Dealing first with the latter (312'), it will be seen that it is more profiled and streamlined. This helps minimise the material required for fabrication of this component. Furthermore, it is not configured to receive a spring (not shown). Otherwise, it operates in the same manner as that already described.

Turning now to the rods (300', 302'), these are simpler than those of Figure 3, as they are absent the plastic fittings. Flowever, the cam (310') is formed from a resiliently deformable plastics material, so that it can expand to allow the ends of the rods to be inserted into the provided apertures.

Figures 6 to 12 show the operation of the intermediary member (312) as part of the latch assembly (200), beginning with figures 6, 7 and 8, showing the latch assembly of Figure 3 as it would appear when the lid (not shown) is in a closed condition but in perspective, side and top views respectively. For sake of clarity, the perspective view (Figure 6) excludes the housing and lock pin.

In Figures 7 and 8, it should be appreciated that the housing (204) of the latching assembly is indicated by dashed lines. In Figure 8, the latch assembly (200) is also shown in dashed lines. It will be seen from Figure 7 that the arm (312) contacts or otherwise engages with the lock pin (212) by virtue of the bottom edge (320a) of the tab (320). This rests on top of the lock pin. Also, visible in this view is the optional compression spring (700) that biases the arm.

It will also be seen the lock pin is held within the recess that is defined by the inverted U-shaped portion (202a) of the body (202) of the latch assembly (200) and the C-shaped latch (322). The release mechanism (324) is held in engagement with the latch; the latch is unable to pivot into an open condition.

In Figure 8, both the U-shaped lock pin (212) and the cam (310) can clearly be seen. It should be appreciated that the cam is mounted to the housing via a pivot point (800). The cam moves about this pivot point in response to being activated by a person operating the twist knob (not shown) of the latching mechanism, thus moving the rods (300, 302).

Turning now to Figures 9 and 10, side and top views of the latching mechanism of Figures 7 and 8, it will be seen that the twist knob (not shown) has been activated, pulling the first rod in direction A. The cam (310) has pivoted about its axis of rotation, thus drawing the second rod (302) with it.

This has the effect of pulling the arm (312) rearwards as well such that the bottom edge (320a) of the tab (320) slides along the lock pin (212) until it loses contact. The arm drops slightly, such that the lock pin falls into the recess (326) defined by the side edge (320b) of the tab and the point (318) of the arm. At the same time, the release mechanism (324) disengages from the latch (322). Although the lock pin is still retained within the recess (202a) of the body (202), the disengagement of the release mechanism allows the latch to pivot.

This action has "popped" the lid (not shown). Should the twist knob (not shown) be released, the intermediary member (312) prevents the release mechanism (324) from reengaging with the latch (322); it cannot return to a closed condition even though it is biased to do so by its spring (not shown). However, the lid (not shown) is still able to be opened. The release mechanism, prevented from returning to its default position of being engaged with the latch (322) by virtue of the second surface (326) of the arm (312) engaging with the lock pin (212), cannot inhibit the rotation of the latch. The latch is able to freely pivot. Thus, a person, who has only one hand available for opening the lid, can release the twist knob (not shown) and then switch their grip to an appropriate position where they can open the lid.

The latch assembly (200) is shown in the initial stages of being opened in Figures 11 and 12. As can be seen, the tab (320) of the arm (312) is no longer in contact with the lock pin (212). The arm has been raised to the fullest extent of its travel, defined by the slot (204a) in the housing (204).

Meanwhile, the latch (322) has pivoted such that the recess (202a) defined by the body (202) is no longer fully enclosed, and cannot restrain the lock pin (212). The lid (not shown) can be easily raised by one hand, which is more than sufficient to overcome the bias applied by the spring (not shown) of the latch which rotates in response to the lifting action. The spring (700) applies tension to the arm (312) so as the lid is lowered, the arm drops into a position where it again contacts the lock pin when the lid is closed.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims

What We Claim is:

1. A latching mechanism for a lid of a vehicle enclosure, the latching mechanism including: a latch assembly, the latch assembly including: a latch configured to engage with a lock pin, and a release mechanism for the latch; a user operable means to operate the release mechanism; a rod system, wherein the rod system engages with the user operable means and the release mechanism; characterised in that the latching mechanism includes an intermediary member configured to engage with the release mechanism, wherein the intermediary member is also configured to engage with the lock pin, and wherein the rod system is connected to the release mechanism via the intermediary member.

2. The latching mechanism of claim 1, wherein the latch assembly includes a body to which the latch and release mechanism are pivotally mounted.

3. The latching mechanism of claim 2, wherein the body is configured to be mounted to a housing.

4. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the latch is configured with a surface complementary to a surface of the release mechanism.

5. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the latch and release mechanism are spring loaded.

6. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the latch is a C-shaped structure with an open mouth to receive the lock pin.

7. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the user operable means is a twist knob.

8. The latching mechanism of claim 7, wherein the twist knob is spring-loaded.

9. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rod system is a linkage that connects the twist knob to the release mechanism.

10. The latching mechanism of claim 9, wherein the linkage includes a plurality of rods.

11. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the intermediary member is operatively connected to the rod system.

12. The latching mechanism of claim 11, wherein the intermediary member is an elongate arm, wherein one end of the arm is connected to the rod system.

13. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the intermediary member includes a first surface for engagement with the lock pin when the lid is in a first condition, and a second surface for engagement with the lock pin when the lid is in a second condition.

14. The latching mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first surface of the intermediary member is vertically offset from the second surface of the intermediary member.

15. A kit for a latching mechanism for a lid of a vehicle enclosure, the latching mechanism including: a latch assembly, the latch assembly including: a latch configured to engage with a lock pin, and a release mechanism for the latch; a user operable means to operate the release mechanism; a rod system, wherein the rod system engages with the user operable means and the release mechanism; and a lock pin configured to be mounted to the vehicle enclosure; characterised in that the latching system includes an intermediary member configured to engage with the release mechanism, wherein the intermediary member is also configured to engage with the lock pin, and wherein the rod system is connected to the release mechanism via the intermediary member.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the lock pin has a U-shaped profile.

17. The kit of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the lock pin is mounted to a bracket.

18. A lid for a vehicle enclosure, wherein the lid includes a latching mechanism as claimed in claim 1.

19. A method of mounting a lid to a vehicle enclosure, wherein the lid is as claimed in claim 18.