LATCH APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A latch assembly (910) having at least one control element (912) having a first path of motion in which a ratchet (916) is moved to an unlatched position and a second path of motion in which the ratchet (916) is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element (912) dependent upon whether an engagement element (942) is engaged with the control element (912) or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element (912) moves the ratchet (916) by contact with a pawl (926) which itself can be engaged with the ratchet (916). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element (912) can be partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion while still being engagable with its engagement element (942). If already partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion, the engagement element (942) is preferably movable into contact with the control element (912) and can move the control element (912) to its first path of motion.