Hood and decklid latch assemblies

Abstract

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.