Importance

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Abstract

A latch assembly adapted for use in a vehicle having a movable member, a fixed member, and a striker fixed to one of the movable and fixed members. The latch assembly is adapted to be connectable to the other of the movable and fixed members and to selectively couple the movable member to the striker. More particularly, the latch assembly of the present invention includes a housing, a latch and a release cam coupled to the housing, spring means, and a release mechanism. The housing includes a striker opening adapted to accommodate the striker. The latch is operable in a latched position when the latch assembly is in a latched mode wherein the latch is adapted to couple the striker to the housing and in an unlatched position when the latch assembly is in an unlatched mode wherein the striker is freely movable relative to the housing. The release cam is operable in an engaged position wherein the release cam urges the latch toward its latched position and in a released position wherein the latch is operable in its unlatched position. The spring means urges the release cam toward its engaged position and the latch toward its unlatched position. Finally, the release mechanism is operable for selectively moving the release cam from its engaged position to its released position.

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First Claim