US 12,331,557 B2
Push-push latching mechanism including an impact load lock out feature for a vehicle access panel
Scott P. Grace, Beverly Hills, MI (US); Ronald G. Lahti, Rochester Hills, MI (US); and Rohit Praveenkumar Patil, Farmington, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Mar. 6, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/178,864.
Prior Publication US 2024/0301725 A1, Sep. 12, 2024
Int. Cl. E05B 77/12 (2014.01); E05B 83/30 (2014.01); E05C 19/02 (2006.01); B60R 7/06 (2006.01)
CPC E05B 77/12 (2013.01) [E05B 83/30 (2013.01); E05C 19/022 (2013.01); B60R 7/06 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A storage compartment for a vehicle comprising:
a first surface fixedly mounted relative to the vehicle;
a second surface moveably mounted relative to the first surface; and
a latching mechanism including a first latch element mounted to one of the first surface and the second surface and a second latch element mounted to another of the first surface and the second surface,
wherein the second latch element comprises an outer structure and an inner structure,
wherein, at least within a plane, an entire periphery of the inner structure is spaced from the outer structure,
wherein a first passage and a second passage are formed between the outer structure and the inner structure,
wherein the inner structure comprises an impact load lockout feature including a latch element rest arranged between the first passage and the second passage,
wherein the outer structure defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end,
wherein the storage compartment is opened by moving the first latch element towards the second end or moving the second end towards the first latch element, and is closed by moving the first latch element towards the first end or moving the first end towards the first latch element,
wherein the latch element rest includes an opening and a latch element trap, and
wherein the opening is open towards the first end and allows passage of the first latch element towards the second end into the latch element trap when the second surface is exposed to an impact load exceeding a design force.