Patent attributes
A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position.
