Vehicle overcenter latch assembly

Abstract

An overcenter latch assembly for securing a moveable member including a bracket secured to a first member and a saddle secured to a second member in opposed relation to the bracket. The saddle includes longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending recesses formed thereon. Each recess is formed with a transversely extending raceway ending in opposed inboard and outboard pivot sockets. A release cover is pivotally connected to the bracket. The release cover has a member pivotally secured thereon. The pivoting member has opposed extensions adapted to be received in the inboard pivot socket of the recess for pivotal movement of the release cover about an inboard axis in a latching direction from an initial unlatched position. The raceways are oriented in the direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the release cover with the release cover in an unlatched to latched position such that initially rotating the release cover in a latching direction pivots the release cover about the inboard axis through a predetermined first angle so as to cause downward force on the saddle via the extensions such that continued rotation causes the extensions to travel to an outboard position on the raceways and to seat in associated outboard sockets. Continued rotation of the release handle about an outboard axis to the latch position causes the release cover to travel to a predetermined locked position. The locked position has an overcentered length resulting in reduced effort to latch the assembly.