Triple-action latch for a shipping case

Abstract

A triple-action latch assembly for a shipping case having first and second housing members includes a U-shaped flexible slide movably received on a T-shaped rail associated with the first housing member. The T-shaped rail includes a notch configured to receive a tab associated with the second housing member. When the slide is moved from an open state to a locked state, the tab is trapped within the notch. The slide includes a first detent engageable with an end portion of the rail to secure the slide against movement. The slide further includes a second detent defined by a latch bar having a latch beam engageable with a first cavity in the rail to further secure the slide against movement relative to the T-shaped rail. When the first detent is lifted out of engagement with the rail and the second detent is simultaneously depressed to lift the latch beam out of engagement with the first cavity, the latch assembly can be slid to the open state. In this position, the latch beam engages a second cavity located within the rail and the first detent engages a third cavity also located in the T-shaped rail. The second and third cavities include sloped and inclined surfaces, respectively, that act to automatically cam the latch beam and first detent out of the second and third cavities, respectively, to permit the slide to be merely moved from the open state to the locked state.