Angle Limiting Rotating Latch

Abstract

A rotatable latch system is disclosed that provides controlled angular motion and mechanical retention in multiple planes. The system includes a base structure having a base neck, a base locking cap, and an angle limiting notch, and a latch defining a neck opening, a locking cap opening, and an angle limiting slot. The latch is rotatably coupled to the base structure such that the base neck and locking cap are received and retained within the latch openings, while the angle limiting slot and notch cooperate to define a limited range of rotation. The system resists both in-plane and out-of-plane disassembly forces and may include snap-fit joints, adjustable angular limits, or asymmetrical rotation ranges. The latch may include a strap slot or alternative coupling features, enabling integration with various mechanical, consumer, or industrial assemblies.

Claims

1. A rotatable latch system comprising: a base structure including a base neck, a base locking cap, and an angle-limiting tab; a latch including a latch body and a locking body, the locking body defining an opening comprising a neck opening dimensioned to receive the base neck and a locking cap opening dimensioned to receive the base locking cap; wherein the latch is rotatably coupled to the base structure; and wherein the latch further defines an angle-limiting slot configured to receive the angle-limiting tab configured to restrict rotation of the latch relative to the base structure within a predetermined angular range.

2. The rotatable latch system of claim 1, wherein the latch is rotatable about a central axis between a first extreme position at approximately relative to a reference line and a second extreme position at approximately + relative to the reference line.

3. The rotatable latch system of claim 2, wherein is between about 20 and about 60.

4. The rotatable latch system of claim 3, wherein is between about 35 and about 45.

5. The rotatable latch system of claim 1, wherein the angle-limiting slot defines an arc length that determines a total rotational range of the latch.

6. The rotatable latch system of claim 5, wherein increasing the arc length of the angle-limiting slot increases the angular range of rotation, and decreasing the arc length of the angle-limiting slot reduces the angular range of rotation.

7. The rotatable latch system of claim 1, wherein the angle-limiting slot defines an asymmetrical arc configured to permit greater rotation of the latch in one direction relative to the other.

8. The rotatable latch system of claim 1, further comprising a locking taper positioned between the neck opening and the locking cap opening, the locking taper configured to elastically deform the latch during assembly to allow the base neck to snap into the neck opening.

9. The rotatable latch system of claim 1, wherein the base structure further comprises a plurality of snap-fit features.

10. The rotatable latch system of claim 1, wherein the latch body defines a strap slot configured to receive a strap.

11. The rotatable latch system of claim 1, wherein the base neck, base locking cap, and angle-limiting tab are integrally formed as part of the base structure.

12. A rotatable latch system comprising: a base structure including a base neck and a base locking cap; a latch including a latch body, a locking body, and an angle-limiting tab, the locking body defining an opening comprising a neck opening dimensioned to receive the base neck and a locking cap opening dimensioned to receive the base locking cap; wherein the latch is rotatably coupled to the base structure; and wherein the base structure further defines an angle-limiting slot configured to receive the angle-limiting tab configured to restrict rotation of the latch relative to the base structure within a predetermined angular range.

13. The rotatable latch system of claim 12, wherein the latch is rotatable about a central axis between a first extreme position at approximately relative to a reference line and a second extreme position at approximately + relative to the reference line.

14. The rotatable latch system of claim 13, wherein is between about 20 and about 60.

15. The rotatable latch system of claim 13, wherein is between about 35 and about 45.

16. The rotatable latch system of claim 12, wherein the angle-limiting slot defines an arc length that determines a total rotational range of the latch.

17. The rotatable latch system of claim 12, further comprising a locking taper positioned between the neck opening and the locking cap opening, the locking taper configured to elastically deform the latch during assembly to allow the base neck to snap into the neck opening.

18. The rotatable latch system of claim 12, wherein the base structure further comprises a plurality of snap-fit features.

19. The rotatable latch system of claim 12, wherein the latch body defines a strap slot configured to receive a strap.

20. The rotatable latch system of claim 12, wherein the base neck and base locking cap are integrally formed as part of the base structure.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, where like or similar reference numbers refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0007] FIG. 1a illustrates an isometric assembly view of the rotatable latch system having a component and a latch assembly composed of a latch, a base structure, and a back plate.

[0008] FIG. 1b illustrates an isometric assembled view of the rotatable latch system with the component omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0009] FIG. 1c illustrates a first side assembled view of the rotatable latch system, the opposed side being substantially the same.

[0010] FIG. 1d illustrates a second side assembled view of the rotatable latch system, the opposed side being substantially the same.

[0011] FIG. 1e illustrates an assembled top plan view of the latch assembly.

[0012] FIG. 1f illustrates an assembled bottom plan view of the latch assembly.

[0013] FIG. 1g illustrates a side elevation view of the assembled latch assembly.

[0014] FIG. 1h illustrates a side elevation view of the assembled latch assembly.

[0015] FIG. 1i illustrates an isometric cross-sectional assembly view of the latch assembly taken along cutline A-A (FIG. 1c).

[0016] FIG. 1j illustrates an isometric cross-sectional assembly view of the latch assembly taken along cutline B-B (FIG. 1c).

[0017] FIG. 1k illustrates a top plan cross-sectional assembly view of the latch assembly taken along cutline B-B (FIG. 1c).

[0018] FIG. 1l illustrates a top plan cross-sectional assembly view of the latch assembly taken along cutline A-A (FIG. 1c).

[0019] FIG. 1m illustrates an isometric cross-sectional assembly view of the latch assembly taken along cutline C-C (FIG. 1e).

[0020] FIG. 1n illustrates a side elevation cross-sectional assembly view of the latch assembly taken along cutline C-C (FIG. 1e).

[0021] FIG. 2a illustrates a top plan cross-sectional assembly view of the rotatable latch system taken along cutline B-B (FIG. 1c).

[0022] FIG. 2b illustrates a top plan cross-sectional assembled view of the rotatable latch system taken along cutline B-B (FIG. 1c).

[0023] FIGS. 3a through 3c illustrates top plan cross-sectional assembled views of the rotatable latch system taken along cutline B-B (FIG. 1c) in first, second, and third axial positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within and/or including the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the following description, it is understood that terms such as first, second, top, bottom, side, front, back, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, while in some examples a first side is located adjacent or near a second side, the terms first side and second side do not imply any specific order in which the sides are ordered.

[0025] The terms about, approximately, substantially, or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as, or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed examples and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The terms e.g., and for example set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0026] The term and/or means any one or more of the items in the list joined by and/or. As an example, x and/or y means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, x and/or y means one or both of x and y. As another example, x, y, and/or z means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, x, y, and/or z means one or more of x, y, and z.

[0027] In one example, a rotatable latch system comprises: a base structure including a base neck, a base locking cap, and an angle-limiting tab; a latch including a latch body and a locking body, the locking body defining an opening comprising a neck opening dimensioned to receive the base neck and a locking cap opening dimensioned to receive the base locking cap; wherein the latch is rotatably coupled to the base structure; and wherein the latch further defines an angle-limiting slot configured to receive the angle-limiting tab configured to restrict rotation of the latch relative to the base structure within a predetermined angular range.

[0028] In another example, a rotatable latch system comprises: a rotatable latch system comprising: a base structure including a base neck and a base locking cap; a latch including a latch body, a locking body, and an angle-limiting tab, the locking body defining an opening comprising a neck opening dimensioned to receive the base neck and a locking cap opening dimensioned to receive the base locking cap; wherein the latch is rotatably coupled to the base structure; and wherein the base structure further defines an angle-limiting slot configured to receive the angle-limiting tab configured to restrict rotation of the latch relative to the base structure within a predetermined angular range.

[0029] In some examples, the latch is rotatable about a central axis between a first extreme position at approximately relative to a reference line and a second extreme position at approximately + relative to the reference line.

[0030] In some examples, is between about 20 and about 60.

[0031] In some examples, is between about 35 and about 45.

[0032] In some examples, the angle-limiting slot defines an arc length that determines a total rotational range of the latch.

[0033] In some examples, increasing the arc length of the angle-limiting slot increases the angular range of rotation, and decreasing the arc length of the angle-limiting slot reduces the angular range of rotation.

[0034] In some examples, the angle-limiting slot defines an asymmetrical arc configured to permit greater rotation of the latch in one direction relative to the other.

[0035] In some examples, the rotatable latch system comprises a locking taper positioned between the neck opening and the locking cap opening, the locking taper configured to elastically deform the latch during assembly to allow the base neck to snap into the neck opening.

[0036] In some examples, the base structure further comprises a plurality of snap-fit features.

[0037] In some examples, the latch body defines a strap slot configured to receive a strap.

[0038] In some examples, the base neck, base locking cap, and angle-limiting tab are integrally formed as part of the base structure.

[0039] The present disclosure relates generally to mechanical latching systems and, more particularly, to a rotatable latch system. In the disclosed examples, the rotatable latch system is configured to provide limited angular motion to a latch (relative to the component to which it is mounted) and capable of resisting both in-plane and out-of-plane forces once assembled.

[0040] FIG. 1a illustrates an isometric assembly view of the rotatable latch system 100 showing the latch assembly 102. FIG. 1b illustrates an isometric assembled view of the rotatable latch system 100 with the component 108 omitted for clarity. FIG. 1c shows a first side assembled view of the rotatable latch system 100, the opposed side being substantially the same, and FIG. 1d shows a second side assembled view that is also substantially the same as the opposite side. FIGS. 1e and 1f respectively illustrate top and bottom plan views of the assembled latch assembly 102, while FIGS. 1g and 1h illustrate side elevation views thereof.

[0041] FIG. 1i shows an isometric cross-sectional assembly view taken along cutline A-A of FIG. 1c, and FIG. 1j shows an isometric cross-sectional assembly view taken along cutline B-B of FIG. 1c. FIGS. 1k and 1l illustrate top plan cross-sectional views taken respectively along cutlines B-B and A-A of FIG. 1c. FIG. 1m presents an isometric cross-sectional assembly view taken along cutline C-C of FIG. 1e, and FIG. 1n shows a corresponding side elevation cross-sectional view.

[0042] The illustrated rotatable latch system 100 includes a component 108 and a latch assembly 102, which includes a latch 134, a base structure 104, and a back plate 110. The rotatable latch system 100 incorporates cooperative structural features that facilitate secure attachment and controlled angular rotation of the latch 134. In particular, the base locking cap 138, base neck 136, and angle-limiting tab 140 interact with corresponding structures on the latch 134 (e.g., a locking cap opening 146b, neck opening 146a, and angle-limiting slot 150) to provide a defined range of rotation and enhanced mechanical stability. Further, the disclosed rotatable latch system 100 is configured to resist disassembly forces in multiple planes while maintaining simple, reliable assembly and operation.

[0043] FIGS. 2a and 2b show top plan cross-sectional assembly views of the rotatable latch system 100 taken along cutline B-B of FIG. 1c, while FIGS. 3a through 3c show the same view in first, second, and third axial positions.

[0044] The latch assembly 102 is configured to secure with a component 108. In the illustrated example, the latch 134 is rotatably attached to the base structure 104 via the base locking cap 138 and base neck 136. In the illustrated example, the base locking cap 138 and base neck 136 are integrally formed with the base structure 104. It should be understood, however, that the rotatable latch 134 may be incorporated into other mounting or coupling arrangements beyond the illustrated back plate 110 and base structure 104 configuration. For instance, the same rotatable latch principles may be applied to alternative housings, panel mounts, or integrated subassemblies, provided that the cooperative engagement between the latch features is maintained (e.g., the latch 134, the base locking cap 138, and base neck 136). For example, the base locking cap 138 and base neck 136 can be formed in or on other structures and, therefore, the illustrated back plate 110 and base structure 104 are meant to serve as an example application of the presently disclosed rotatable latch configuration.

[0045] As shown, the illustrated latch assembly 102 includes a base structure 104 configured to attach to the back plate 110 via one or more snap-fit jointseach including a locking tab 106 and a corresponding locking surface 128. The locking surface 128 may include a lead-in chamfer or slope that facilitates engagement. During assembly, the locking tabs 106 are pushed against the locking surfaces 128, causing a plurality of flexible arms 112 of the back plate 110 to elastically deform, allowing the components to snap together.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1a through 1n, the rotatable latch system 100 includes a latch assembly 102 that comprises the latch 134, the base structure 104, and the back plate 110.

[0047] On one side (e.g., the exterior side), the mounted surface 130 includes the base neck 136 extending outwardly therefrom with the base locking cap 138 at the end thereof. On the opposed side (e.g., the interior side), the mounted surface 130 may include a centering post 132 and one or more locking tabs 106 that serve to secure the assembly. The form and configuration of the locking tabs 106 may be modified in various embodiments, and the specific structure of these tabs is not essential to the core features of this disclosure.

[0048] The base structure 104 incorporates several interrelated mechanical features configured to secure and limit the rotation of the latch 134 about the central axis 120. A base locking cap 138 is configured to retain the latch 134 to mitigate linear movement along the central axis 120 when assembled into the locked position and to resist out-of-plane forces. A base neck 136 provides complementary retention of the latch against in-plane forces. An angle-limiting tab 140 (e.g., a block, bump, or similar protrusion) prevents the latch 134 from rotating beyond a predetermined angular displacement as determined by an interacting slot formed in the latch itself. Together, these base features of the base locking cap 138 and base neck 136 cooperate with the corresponding latch components on the latch 134 to achieve a controlled, secure rotational assembly.

[0049] Although the illustrated embodiment illustrates generally circular or concentric features about the central axis 120 (e.g., the cross section of the base neck 136 and the base locking cap 138 are round), other geometries such as elliptical, polygonal, or asymmetric forms may be employed. The term rotatable, as used herein encompasses, limited or indexed angular displacement between the two components.

[0050] The latch 134 comprises a latch 134 body 144 and a locking body 142. The illustrated latch 134 body 144 defines a strap slot 148 configured to receive a strap 154. While the illustrated embodiment includes a strap slot 148 configured to receive a strap 154, alternative embodiments may employ different attachment configurations depending on the design needs. For example, rather than a strap slot 148, the latch 134 body 144 may include (additionally or alternatively) a fastener, hook, magnetic catch, alternative aperture, or other structural opening designed for engagement with complementary components depending on the intended application. Accordingly, the latch 134 is not limited to a strap slot 148 for receiving a strap 154 and may instead form part of other mechanical or aesthetic coupling interfaces.

[0051] The locking body 142 includes the first portion 142a and a second portion 142b that collectively define an opening 146. The first portion 142a defines a neck opening 146a, dimensioned to house and secure the base neck 136 upon assembly. The second portion 142b defines a locking cap opening 146b, configured as a wider passage that allows the base locking cap 138 to easily pass through during assembly of the latch 134 with the mounted surface 130. The neck opening 146a and locking cap opening 146b together define the opening 146 through which the base features are inserted and secured.

[0052] At the leading end of the latch 134, the first portion 142a defines an angle-limiting slot 150 (e.g., a channel, groove, or the like) formed within the neck opening 146a. The angle-limiting slot 150 is configured to receive and retain the angle-limiting tab 140, thereby constraining the rotation of the latch 134 relative to the base structure 104 and preventing rotation beyond a predetermined angular limit. For example, the angle-limiting tab 140 is configured to translated between the first and second extreme ends of the predetermined angular limit defined by the angle-limiting slot 150.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 3a through 3c, the latch 134 is rotatable from a first extreme position (FIG. 3a), where the latch 134 is positioned at approximately relative to a reference line 160, through a centered or neutral position (FIG. 3b), where the latch 134 is aligned with the reference line 160, to a second extreme position (FIG. 3c), where the latch 134 is positioned at approximately + relative to the same reference line 160. In certain embodiments, the angular displacement may be about 20 to 60, about 30 to 50, about 35 to 45, or approximately 40, depending on the geometry of the angle-limiting slot 150 and the corresponding angle-limiting tab 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the reference line 160 is associated with the mounted surface 130 (or, in some configurations, the base neck 136).

[0054] Accordingly, in some examples, the latch 134 is configured to rotate within a total range of motion extending from to +, the magnitude of which is dictated by the arc length of the angle-limiting slot 150. Increasing the arc length of the angle-limiting slot 150 correspondingly increases the allowable range of rotation, while decreasing the arc length reduces it. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts a substantially symmetrical range of motion about the reference line 160, this need not be the case. In certain configurations, the angle-limiting slot 150 may define an asymmetrical arc such that the range of motion is greater in one rotational direction than the other. For instance, by way of non-limiting example, the latch 134 may be configured to rotate from approximately 40 to +50 relative to the reference line 160, thereby providing a biased or directionally extended range of rotation suited to specific functional or ergonomic requirements.

[0055] While the angle-limiting slot 150 is illustrated and described as being formed in the latch 134 and the angle-limiting tab 140 as being formed on the base neck 136, alternative configurations are contemplated. In some embodiments, the inverse arrangement may be employed, wherein the angle-limiting slot 150 is formed in the base neck 136 and the angle-limiting tab 140 is instead formed on the latch 134. Such a reversal of the slot and notch configuration provides the same functional interaction and rotational constraint between the latch 134 and the base structure 104 and therefore falls within the intended scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] Positioned between the neck opening 146a and the locking cap opening 146b is a locking taper 152, configured to retain the base neck 136 once the latch is assembled. For example, the opening 146 is tapered or pinched to define the locking taper 152, thereby defining the neck opening 146a and the locking cap opening 146b. As illustrated, the locking taper 152 defines a width across the opening 146 at that point that is smaller than the diameter of the base neck 136, allowing the latch 134 to elastically flex during assembly (e.g., when latch 134 is pulled relative to the base neck 136 in the direction of arrow 156) the such that the base neck 136 can snap securely into the neck opening 146a.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, assembly of the angle-limiting rotatable latch 134 proceeds by first aligning the base locking cap 138 with the latch 134 locking cap opening 146b as illustrated in FIG. 2a. Once aligned, the base locking cap 138 is urged into the locking cap opening 146b by pulling the latch 134 relative to the mounted surface 130 in the direction indicated by arrow 156. The latch 134 is pulled (e.g., in the direction of arrow 156) until the base neck 136 passes through the locking taper 152 and snaps into the neck opening 146a. Once in place, the latch 134 can rotate relative to the mounted surface 130 about a central axis 120, as indicated by arrow 158, within a defined angular range limited by the engagement between the angle-limiting slot 150 and angle-limiting tab 140.

[0058] In certain embodiments, a secondary locking feature may be provided to prevent unintended rotation or disengagement. For example, a spring-biased detent or manual release tab may selectively engage the base structure 104 or back plate 110 to temporarily immobilize the latch 134 in one or more angular positions.

[0059] The assembled latch 134 provides a rotationally constrained yet securely retained latch system. The structural interaction between the base neck 136, base locking cap 138, locking taper 152, and the angle-limiting slot 150 enables the latch to resist dislodgment from both in-plane and out-of-plane forces. The configuration ensures consistent rotational performance and repeatable locking engagement, making the latch system suitable for various mechanical, consumer, and industrial applications requiring controlled rotation and secure retention. It should be appreciated that the rotatable latch 134 and its associated angular-limiting and locking features may be implemented in other contexts and configurations, independent of the illustrated base structure 104 or back plate 110, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0060] It should be further understood that while the illustrated embodiment utilizes the base structure 104 and back plate 110 to support the rotatable latch 134, the cooperative relationship between the base locking cap 138, base neck 136, and latch openings 146a, 146b may be implemented in a wide variety of assemblies, including but not limited to panel-mounted fixtures, frame-mounted hardware, or embedded rotational interfaces. The disclosed latch mechanism may also be incorporated into a one-piece molded housing or used as part of a modular assembly in which the base structure 104 is integrally formed with, or replaceable within, a host component.

[0061] In the illustrated example, when assembled, the component 108 is sandwiched between the base structure 104 and the back plate 110.

[0062] The component 108 may be or include a planar sheet, such as a webbing, strap, ribbon, textile, or similar flexible structure. The component 108 defines a plurality of openings 114 and openings 116. Each opening 114 is sized and shaped to receive a corresponding locking tab 106, while the opening 116 is sized to receive a centering post 132 of the base structure 104. The pattern of openings 114 and 116 corresponds to the pattern of locking tabs 106 and centering post 132 of the base structure 104.

[0063] The back plate 110 includes a plurality of flexible arms 112 extending radially outward from a central hub portion 118. The flexible arms 112 are configured to flex to allow the locking tabs 106 of the base structure 104 to pass through and engage the corresponding locking surfaces 128 formed within or adjacent to clip openings 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the back plate 110 includes four flexible arms 112, though more or fewer arms may be provided to adjust the number of installation positions, which may correspond to the number of locking tabs 106 and clip openings 124.

[0064] Each flexible arm 112 is illustrated as having a generally S-shaped (sigmoidal) curvature along its length, although other profiles may be used, including linear, V-shaped, or Z-shaped configurations. The cross-section of each flexible arm 112 along its length is generally quadrilateral, shown here as approximately square with rounded corners.

[0065] A locking body 126 is positioned at the distal end of each flexible arm 112. Each locking body 126 defines a clip opening 124 and a locking surface 128 along an inner surface. Each clip opening 124 may have a quadrilateral shape, with one side forming the locking surface 128. The locking surface 128 may be sloped or chamfered to facilitate engagement during assembly.

[0066] The central hub portion 118 of the back plate 110 further defines an alignment slot 122. The alignment slot 122 is configured to receive a portion of the base structure 104, such as the centering post 132, to assist in alignment of the two parts during assembly. The cooperation between the alignment slot 122 and centering post 132 allows the base structure 104 and the back plate 110 to pivot about a center axis 120 prior to engagement of the snap-fit joints, thereby allowing for proper orientation and multi-positional assembly.

[0067] The base structure 104 is attachable to the back plate 110 in multiple rotational positions about the center axis 120, allowing the orientation of any attached feature (e.g., buckle, fastener, accessory mount, etc.) to be selectively adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment, the base structure 104 can engage the back plate 110 in one of four discrete positions, spaced approximately 90 degrees apart. However, other configurations (e.g., three-, five-, or six-position assemblies) are possible by varying the number of locking tabs 106 and clip openings 124.

[0068] In further embodiments, the rotational position, angular limit, or detent behavior of the latch 134 may be user-adjustable or configurable. For example, interchangeable base structures 104 may include angle-limiting tabs 140 of different geometries to provide customized ranges of motion. Likewise, the angle-limiting slot 150 may include secondary recesses or stepped contours that enable the latch to engage in multiple indexed positions or detent stops.

[0069] The base structure 104 defines a mounted surface 130 having an outer (first) surface 130a and an inner (second) surface 130b. The first surface 130a may be generally planar and may serve as the mounting interface for an attached component, such as a buckle housing, fastener body, or accessory plate. The geometry of the first surface 130a may be adapted as necessary for integration into various end-use products.

[0070] The second surface 130b includes the centering post 132 and a plurality of locking tabs 106 extending generally perpendicularly from the surface. The centering post 132 is disposed concentrically about the center axis 120, while the locking tabs 106 are distributed evenly around the centering post 132.

[0071] The base structure 104 and back plate 110 may be made from plastic, metal, composite, or combinations thereof. In one example, the base structure 104 is formed as a single, integrally molded piece of injection-molded polymer. Suitable materials include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, or other engineering plastics.

[0072] In other embodiments, the latch 134, base structure 104, or back plate 110 may be manufactured using additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), die casting, metal injection molding, or machining processes, depending on the desired strength, precision, and production volume. The features such as the base neck 136, locking cap 138, and angle-limiting tab 140 may be integrally formed, overmolded, or co-molded with other components. Surface treatments, coatings, or lubricants may be applied to reduce friction or wear during rotation.

[0073] While a particular attachment configuration is illustrated and described the latch 134 may be rotatably attached to a component 108 via the base locking cap 138 and base neck 136 using other configurations and interfaces. The principles of the rotatable latch system, including its angular-limiting, locking, and retention featuresare equally applicable to other structures, materials, and mounting arrangements without limitation to the illustrated strap 154 or back plate 110.

[0074] The disclosed rotatable latch system 100 may be adapted for use in a wide variety of environments and industries, including outdoor equipment, marine hardware, automotive assemblies, wearable systems, or industrial enclosures. Environmental sealing elements such as O-rings, gaskets, or compressible washers may be added between the latch 134 and base structure 104 to resist ingress of dust, moisture, or debris, thereby expanding applicability to harsh conditions. In some embodiments, the latch 134 or base structure 104 may incorporate additional functional features such as embedded magnets, detent balls, springs, or sensors (e.g., position, proximity, or engagement sensors) to provide feedback or enhanced retention characteristics.

[0075] The latch 134, the base structure 104, and back plate 110 may be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including injection molding, CNC machining, or additive manufacturing. In certain embodiments, the parts are produced via 3D printing techniques such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), or selective laser sintering (SLS), which allow for tight tolerances and complex geometries. Additive manufacturing can eliminate the need for mold tooling and thereby reduce upfront production costs, particularly advantageous for low-volume production runs or prototype development.

[0076] While the present device and/or system have been described with reference to certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present device and/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, components of disclosed examples may be combined, divided, re-arranged, and/or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present device and/or system are not limited to the particular examples disclosed. Instead, the present device and/or system will include all examples falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.