Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

John F Reelhorn

Jeffrey L Konchan

Thomas A Dzurko

Ronald P Rimbey

David Kowalczyk

Bryan D Phail-Fausey

Dennis F Saxton

The present invention generally includes a latch assembly including a completely symmetrical metal frame and a polymeric isolation plate mounted between the frame and levers. The polymeric isolation plate is not symmetrical but serves as a templet to assure that only the proper holes are being used on the metal frame for either right-hand or left-hand drive latch assemblies. The polymeric isolation plate also includes integral cylindrical bushings. Detent and fork-bolt levers are trapped onto the respective bushings by metal rivets so that the levers actually rotate on the low friction bushings and not on the metal rivets. The isolator plate includes an integral flange which is interposed between the striker of the vehicle and the throat of the frame to avoid rubbing metal-to-metal contact, to protect the throat, frame and striker and for quieter operation. A rivet for holding a secondary lever has an enlarged flattened head which minimizes bypass of the fork-bolt and detent lever while also supporting the secondary lever. The enlarged flattened head eliminates the need for a cover plate to minimize bypass of the detent and fork-bolt lever. The latch can be used for a hood latch assembly, or a decklid latch assembly wherein the secondary lever is not required, and is designed to be built on a common set of asm equipment for right- and left-drive and hood/decklid versions.

Hood and decklid latch assemblies

A vehicle door latch has a fork bolt lever that is latched by a detent lever. The detent lever is operated by an intermittent lever that is operated by a transfer lever that is actuated by inside and outside door handles via operating levers. The door latch includes with a locking lever that disconnects the door handles from the intermittent lever when it is in the locked position. The door latch also includes an interlock between the intermittent lever and the locking lever that is automatically engaged in response to the position of the detent so that the door latch cannot be locked when the fork bolt lever is in an unlatched position. Consequently the door latch can only be locked when the door is closed and the fork bolt lever is in a latched position. This prevents the driver from locking his or her keys in the vehicle.

Vehicle door latch

A one-piece striker for a door latch comprises a base having an integrally attached U-shaped loop of rectangular cross section that is bent upright from the base. The base has a triangular end with one mounting hole at its apex and a peninsula end that has another mounting hole at its free end. The striker is used with a door latch that has a slot for guiding one leg of the loop into an interior mechanism that includes a rotatable fork bolt lever that engages an inside surface of the leg in the latched position.

Growing community of inventors

Pickerington, OH, United States of America

John F Reelhorn