System for attaching an article holding assembly to a mounting member in a vehicle

Abstract

An article holding assembly for a vehicle that is attachable to a mounting member may include a housing and a first latching member including a locking member. The article holding assembly may also include a second latching member that is moveable with respect to the housing between first and second positions and a handle pivotably attached to the housing and including a striking member and a slotted member.

1 . An article holding assembly for a vehicle that is attachable to a mounting member comprising:
 a housing;   a first latching member including a locking member;   a second latching member that is moveable with respect to the housing between first and second positions, wherein the second latching member is engageable with the mounting member when the second latching member is in the first position to thereby attach the housing to the mounting member, and the second latching member is disengageable from the mounting member when the second latching member is moved toward the second position; and   a handle pivotably attached to the housing and including a striking member and a slotted member, the slotted member is engaged with the second latching member and configured to assist in moving the second latching member between the first and second positions, the handle is moveable between a locked position, in which the second latching member is in the second position and the striking member is engaged with the first latching member and locked by the locking member, and an unlocked position, in which the second latching member is in the first position and the striking member is disengaged from the first latching member, wherein a distance between an end of the handle and a portion of the second latching member that is engageable with the mounting member, when the second latching member is in the second position, is less than the distance between the end of the handle and the portion of the second latching member when the second latching member is in the first position.   
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the housing has a pivot member, and the handle is snapped onto the pivot member. 
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the second latching member is generally pivotable about a first axis, and the handle is generally pivotable about a second axis that is spaced away from the first axis. 
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 3  wherein the first and second axes are generally parallel. 
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a spring associated with the handle and configured to assist in moving the handle. 
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 5  wherein mechanical energy stored by the spring is greater when the handle is in the locked position than when the handle is in the unlocked position.