Abstract: A vehicle door latch comprising a catch, the catch having a main catch surface; a reset spring for resetting the catch; a cushioning stop mounted on the catch for rotation therewith and for providing a point of attachment for the reset spring; a cushioning element for cushioning the catch; and a latch housing having a receiving groove; wherein the cushioning element is disposed in the receiving groove; the cushioning element is stacked above the main catch surface; the cushioning stop limits opening movement of the catch by engaging against the cushioning element; and the reset spring is connected to the cushioning stop.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch apparatus includes a meshing portion assembly and an operating portion assembly. The meshing portion assembly includes: a latch; and a pawl engaging with the latch for preventing a rotation of the latch. The operating portion assembly includes: a casing including a shaft portion and a slit; and an operation lever pivotally supported on the shaft portion and including a shaft hole. The slit is provided in a wall portion of the casing at right angles to a rotating plane of the operation lever. The operation lever enters the slit in a waiting position. A movement of the operation lever in a direction of a rotating axis thereof is prevented by loosely fitting the shaft hole on the shaft portion and by entering the operation lever to the slit in a state where the meshing portion assembly is not attached to the operating portion assembly.

Abstract: A push-button box-opening structure is provided in which a push button is pushed in from an unlocking starting position to an unlocking position to open a storage box. The unlocking starting position is set at a position where the push button is pushed in a given depth from a pushing-in starting position so as to prevent inadvertent opening of the storage box. The storage box does not open when the button is inadvertently pushed in up to the given depth.

Abstract: A closing mechanism for a movable closing element, preferably for a door, a cover or a flap on a household appliance, such as a dishwasher, a washing machine, or a refrigerator, the mechanism comprises a carriage that can be displaced between a locking position and an unlocking position and is loaded by a spring force in the direction of the locking position. The carriage carries a closing hook that can be engaged with the closing element for the closing action and/or disengaged therefrom for the opening action. A rotary latch co-operates with the closing element during the closing action. As a result of this co-operation, the rotary latch acts on the carriage in such a way that the carriage is displaced into the locking position during the closing of the closing element by the force of the spring.

Abstract: A window lock includes a stationary support base adapted to mount to a window frame. The window lock also includes a window-movement blocker mounted on the stationary support base to block selectively movement of a window panel relative to the stationary support base at the option of a user.

Abstract: A door lock device for a vehicle includes a latch mechanism having a latch rotatable to pass a half-latch state to a full-latch state, a closer mechanism capable of forcedly turning the latch from the half-latch state to the full-latch state, and an actuator for driving the closer mechanism. A casing forming a part of the latch mechanism is secured to the door so as to turnably support the latch. An extending support part extending in a direction orthogonal to a turning axis of the latch is connectedly provided in the casing. The closer mechanism is adapted to be operated on a plane orthogonal to the turning axis of the latch, and is disposed between the actuator and the extending support part so as to be aligned with the latch mechanism. Thus, it is possible to construct the door lock device to be thin so as to be easily disposed in a door.

Abstract: An input shaft of a key lever that transmits a rotating drive force from a key cylinder in response to a key operation is arranged in a lower side of a door housing so that the rain water and the like does not easily reach the input shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch device, comprising: a housing provided in a vehicle door; a latch 14 rotatably supported by the housing, wherein a striker 10 provided in the vehicle body can be fitted to the latch 14; a pole 17 having a shaft portion 17b rotatably supported by the housing, wherein the pole 17 is engageable with the latch 14 to restrict rotation of the latch 14; a helical torsion spring 19 having a helical portion 19a through which the shaft portion 17b is passed, first and second engaging legs 19b, 19c extending radially outward in relation to the helical portion 19a, wherein the first engaging leg 19b is engaged with the pole 17, and the second engaging leg 19c is engaged with the housing, the helical torsion spring 19 always urging the pole 17 to rotate to an engagement position where the pole 17 can be engaged with the latch 14; and a projecting wall 21 formed in the housing, the projecting wall 21 contacting an outer circumferential surface of the helical portion 19a.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing device having a latch mechanism, a locking mechanism, an actuator, and a canceling mechanism is provided. The actuator has an electric motor and a pivotable drive lever. The canceling mechanism operates to block transmission of power between the electric motor and the drive lever when manipulation force of a vehicle door handle is transmitted to the canceling mechanism through the locking mechanism. The manipulation force of the door handle is transmitted to the canceling mechanism only when the vehicle door is in an unlocked state.

Abstract: A door lock system for vehicle doors includes a lock mechanism including a switching lever. The switching lever can be moved freely between a neutral position and a locking position and between the neutral position and an unlocking position. The door can not be opened when the switching lever is moved from the neutral position to the locking position and can be opened when the switching lever is moved from the neutral position to the unlocking position. A link unit that receives a lever operation force from outside of the door and conveys the lever operation force to the switching lever. A holding unit holds the switching lever at the neutral position when the link unit does not receive the lever operation force.

Abstract: A cinching latch assembly is disclosed herein. The cinching latch assembly having: a housing; a unidirectional motor mounted to the housing; at least one gear operatively connected to the unidirectional motor; at least one cam member operatively connected to the at least one gear; and a latch lever pivotally mounted relative to the housing, the latch lever being operatively connected to the at least one cam member wherein, operation of the unidirectional motor in a first direction rotates the gear causing the cam member to urge the latch lever between a first position and a second position wherein the latch lever rotates a fork bolt into a primary latched configuration.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a security latch device comprises a security latching arm configured to move, pivot, swing or slide from a operative position, non-operative position or door-ajaring position and a security latching arm cover. The cover comprises a sleeve configured to conform to the security latching arm and to slip on or install on, over or around the security latching arm and being made of impact absorbing material to protect an impacted surface (e.g., a door's surface, door frame or door jamb) when the security latching arm is impacted by a door.

Abstract: A latch mechanism holds a door body in a half-closed state or a fully-closed state with respect to a vehicle body. An open lever connected to an operating handle on the door body releases the half-closed state or the fully-closed state. A release assisting unit triggered by the opening operation of the operating handle assists the release of the half-closed state or the fully-closed state of the door body. A charging device charges a portion of a driving current supplied to a driving source of a lock mechanism between the operating handle and the latch mechanism, and supplies a charged driving current to the release assisting unit.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a striker in a rotary pawl latch. The latch assembly includes a housing, a rotary pawl, and an actuator. The housing can have one sidewall having a notch for receiving the striker. A trigger can be pivotally attached to the housing such that the actuator releases the rotary pawl thus opening the latch.

Abstract: A door latch comprising a forkbolt that has a movement between a latched position and an unlatched position is provided. A detent is included that has movement on a travel path between a first position and a second position, the detent engaging and holding the forkbolt in the latched position when the detent is in the first position. The detent releases the forkbolt for movement to the unlatched position when the detent moves to the second position. A detent spring eccentrically engages the detent relative to the detent travel path and biases the detent toward the first position. A release mechanism is also included for moving the detent against the bias of the detent spring to the second position, thus releasing the forkbolt and producing a non-linear torque on the detent.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lock body that includes an engagement groove with or from which the closing-side and opening-side lock receivers are engaged or disengaged, the lock body being variable between a neutral posture in which the closing-side and opening-side lock receivers are allowed to be engaged with or disengaged from the engagement groove; a closing-side locking posture in which the closing-side lock receiver that is engaged with the engagement groove is regulated so as not to be disengaged from the engagement groove; or an opening-side locking posture in which the opening-side lock receiver that is engaged with the engagement groove is regulated so as not to be disengaged from the engagement groove; a holding member and a release operation lever.

Abstract: A modular latch for an automotive vehicle is provided. It includes a latch core (a housing and a ratchet and pawl rotatably mounted to the housing), a mounting plate that secures the latch core to the vehicle. The latch cure can use any of a plurality of different mounting plates for a lift gate latch, a decklid latch, and a sliding door latch; A latch module is mounted to the latch core to provide different functional including a manual release latch module, a power release latch module, a power lock and unlock latch module, and a power cinching and release latch module. The latch cure may fit a more or less universal envelope. The latch may employ one or more status sensors. Those status sensors may sense striker position, and may not necessarily include any sensors mounted to monitor ratchet position. The latch may include a layered latch core in which one or more sensor members move in different planes from the pawl and ratchet.

Abstract: A rotary pawl latch has a lock bar that engages with the pawl when the pawl is latched and that moves toward the center of the pawl to release the pawl for unlatching. This lock bar never completely becomes disengaged from the envelope of the pawl. There are cutouts in the pawl which allow the pawl to rotate as the lock bar is actuated.

Abstract: A door latching mechanism of a vehicle door lock engages with a striker fixed to a vehicle body to close a door. An outside handle on the door is operated. Operating force is transmitted via a rod to an intermediate lever below a windowpane in the door and transmitted via a Bowden cable to an operating mechanism. The force is transmitted from the operating mechanism to the door latching mechanism to release the engagement from the latching mechanism to allow the door to open.

Abstract: An actuator has an actuator housing fixed to an open side of a concave accommodating portion of a latch housing in a latch body, and also has a drive source, which is accommodated in the actuator housing, and an open lever for releasing a meshing part from a striker by being release-operated by the drive source. The open lever is accommodated in the actuator housing. A block member blocks a gap between the accommodating portion of the latch housing and the actuator housing.

Abstract: A sliding door for a motor vehicle which is movable in a sliding motion into an opened and a closed position is provided with a main lock arrangement by which the sliding door can be fixed in the closed position, and an auxiliary lock arrangement which supplements the holding force of the main lock arrangement when the sliding door is in the closed position. In an improvement over conventional sliding door arrangements of this type, the auxiliary lock arrangement is used not only for supplementing the main lock arrangement when fixing the sliding door in the closed position, but also for fixing the door in the opened position.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus includes a latch mechanism having a latch being engagable with a striker and having a pawl stopping a rotation of the latch being engaged with the striker at a half latched position and a fully latched position, a half latch detection portion, a full latch detection portion, a driving portion for rotating the latch being in the half latched position toward the fully latched position, an intermediate position detection portion and a controlling portion for controlling the driving portion to start the driving portion in order to rotate the latch being in the half latched position toward the fully latched position, to stop the drive of the driving portion when the latch is in the fully latched position and to temporally stop the driving portion when the latch is in the intermediate position.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for preventing a motor vehicle door from opening when a handle portion of a handle assembly moves with acceleration above a predetermined threshold relative to a base thereof. The locking device includes a lock cup fixedly secured to the base and having a plurality of teeth. The locking device also includes a spool rotatably coupled to the lock cup and operably connected to the handle portion. The spool includes a pawl rotatably mounted thereto. The locking device further includes an inertia element disposed between the lock cup and the spool. The inertia element is coupled to the pawl such that upon the acceleration above the predetermined threshold the inertia element lags rotation of the spool and forces the pawl into engagement with one of the plurality of teeth to stop movement of the handle portion relative to the base and prevent the door from opening.

Abstract: The latch includes a ratchet and pawl operable to move between an engaged position to hold a striker and a released position to permit the striker from exiting the latch. In addition, a release lever and a lock lever are pivotally mounted to the opposite surface of the latch housing. A lock link lever connects the release lever to the lock lever, having a first end pivotally mounted to the lock lever and a second end slidably located in a slot on the release lever. Actuating the release lever while the second end of the lock link lever is in its locked position pivots the lock link lever in a first arc and actuating the release lever while the lock link lever is in its unlocked position pivots the lock link lever in a second arc to actuate the pawl into its released position.

Abstract: A restraint device includes a latch and a catch. The latch is rotatable between a first latch position and a second latch position about a latch axis of rotation, which is remote from the latch. The catch is provided with a first arm and a second arm. The catch is rotatable about a catch axis of rotation between a first catch position and a second catch position. The catch axis of rotation extends through the catch. When the catch is in the first catch position, the latch, as it is rotated from the first latch position toward the second latch position, contacts the first arm to rotate the catch about the catch axis of rotation, thereby allowing the latch to rotate about the latch axis of rotation past the catch.

Abstract: A latch for an appliance or the like provides a floating bolt assembly spring biasing a door against a sealing gasket in different positions depending on gasket compliance. A lock provides a stop that may adjustably bridge a distance between the latch frame and the floating bolt assembly as the gasket ages thereby providing positive locking of the door over the life of the appliance.

Abstract: A system is provided for latching a door of an automobile. The system includes, but is not limited to, a first power source, second power source, a latch for the door coupled to the first power source and the second power source, and an electronic control unit configured to control an operation of the latch. The electronic control unit is further configured to determine a status of the first power source, evaluate the status of the first power source, and control the operation of the latch with the second power source if the evaluation of the status indicates the first power source is unavailable.

Abstract: A latch system for a lifegate of a motor vehicle. The system includes a handle rotatable relative to the liftgate. The system also includes a switch having a first contact biased apart from a second contact by a biasing member. The first contact is movable relative to the second contact to close the switch upon rotation of the handle. The system further includes a power actuation system in communication with and responsive to the switch to move the liftgate from the closed position to the opened position when the switch is in the closed position.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention include a gate latching device having a first unit and a second unit configured to be operatively coupled by a shaft. The first unit can include a first locking mechanism and a latching mechanism that includes a latch and second unit can include a second locking mechanism, and a latch displacement mechanism. One of the first and second locking mechanisms is a key-actuated lock and the other is a keyless lock. The locking mechanism having a keyless lock may further include a latch displacement inhibitor to provide a multiple step operation to unlock the keyless lock to prevent operation by a child. The latch displacement mechanism can be operated to open the latch. The operation of the latch displacement mechanism can be prevented if the latch is locked and/or if it is being inhibited by the latch displacement inhibitor having an inhibit position and an uninhibited position.

Abstract: A door latch apparatus for a vehicle includes a latch, a pawl, a motor, a release power transmitting mechanism, an active rotary member arranged in a standby area in a normal state, a driven rotation member rotating about a rotational shaft arranged in parallel with a rotational shaft of the active rotary member and away therefrom, a cam projection formed at the active rotary member, a cam groove formed at the driven rotation member and slidably engaging with the cam projection, the cam groove extending away from a reference line when the standby area is arranged close to one side of the rotation range and the active rotary member is positioned close to the one side of the rotation range, and a standby state detecting device detecting whether or not the active rotary member is arranged within the standby area based on a rotational position of the driven rotation member.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the door latch system includes a ratchet, a pawl, a release lever, a lock link, a double lock lever and a double lock override lever. The ratchet is movable between a closed position for holding a striker, and an open position. The pawl is movable between a ratchet locking position wherein the pawl holds the ratchet in the closed position, and a ratchet release position wherein the pawl permits the ratchet to move to the open position. The release lever is movable between a rest position and a pawl release position. The lock link is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position. In the engagement position the lock link is positioned to transfer movement of the release lever to the pawl release position into movement of the pawl to the ratchet release position. In the disengagement position the lock link does not transfer movement of the release lever to the pawl release position into movement of the pawl to the ratchet release position.

Abstract: A door opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a first hinge base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body, a second hinge base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door, a four-link hinge including a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm for connecting the first hinge base with the second hinge base, the four-link hinge supporting the vehicle door between a fully open position and a fully closed position, a fully open position locking mechanism adapted to be mounted on the vehicle door for locking the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body at the fully open position, and an unlocking mechanism adapted to be mounted on the fully open position locking mechanism for releasing a locked condition of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A door latch apparatus for vehicles may include a base plate, a claw lever, a pawl lever to selectively restrict the claw lever, the claw lever rotated by an entrance of a striker, a connection lever pivotally coupled to a door lock switch rod, an outside handle lever being coupled to and operated by an outside handle rod. The outside handle lever may include an open lever, a locking link pivotally coupled to the connection lever and slidably coupled to a second end of he outside handle lever and selectively engaged with the open lever of the outside handle lever, a pawl rod hinged to the pawl lever, and an unlocking rod coupled to the other end of the pawl rod and engaged with the other end of the locking link, the unlocking rod being hinged at a medial portion thereof to third position of the base plate.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus includes a housing for accommodating a latch mechanism for holding a vehicle door to a vehicle body, a lever mechanism actuated when a door handle is operated, a link mechanism for connecting the lever mechanism to the latch mechanism, the link mechanism having a first position for transmitting operational force from the lever mechanism to the latch mechanism and a second position for preventing transmission of the operational force from the lever mechanism to the latch mechanism, and a motor drive mechanism for changing the first and second positions of the link mechanism. The housing includes a first accommodating space for accommodating the motor drive mechanism and a second accommodating space adjacently provided to the first accommodating space for accommodating the latch mechanism and a water preventing portion is provided for preventing water from entering the first accommodating space from outside the housing.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a locking device for vehicle free from the occurrence of rattle at the portion where the striker is locked. When a lock plate 5 and a latch plate 4 are brought into a locked state and a latch-side recessed portion 4d of the latch plate 4 is engaged with a striker 20, a plate pressing cam 7 rotates clockwise by a restoring force by a coil spring 12, so that its depressing-side cam portion 7e depresses a tip end 6c of a rattle-removing plate 6. A rattle removing-side recessed portion 6d of the rattle-removing plate 6 engages with the peripheral surface of the striker 20, to suppress the rattle of the striker 20. Since the rattle removing-side recessed portion 6d is formed into the shape that matches the peripheral surface of the striker 20, occurrence of rattle can be strictly suppressed.

Abstract: A door of a vehicle is opened and closed by a handle mounted to the side of the door. In the door, a vehicle door lock control connected to the handle comprises a base plate on which an operating lever and a release lever are pivotally secured. The release lever is connected to a door-latching device which engages with or disengages from a vehicle body. The door is placed by a knob via a knob lever in a locked position where the door cannot be opened by the handle. The knob is coupled to the knob lever.

Abstract: An input shaft of a key lever that transmits a rotating drive force from a key cylinder in response to a key operation is arranged in a lower side of a door housing so that the rain water and the like does not easily reach the input shaft.

Abstract: A T-handle actuator has one or more retractable ball bearings for selectively engaging a socket to operate a latch mechanism. The ball bearings are allowed to retract using a pushbutton for removal of the actuator from the socket. A latch mechanism is operated by rotationally moving a drive plug. The drive plug can be a socket that can be engaged by the T-handle actuator.

Abstract: A door closing apparatus includes a latch mechanism operated for opening or closing a door of a vehicle, a driving mechanism transmitting a driving force to the latch mechanism to operate the latch mechanism, a first lever rotatably disposed about a first rotational axis and rotating in one direction in response to transmission of an operation force of a door handle to the first lever so that the latch mechanism is controlled at the unlatched state, a second lever having an engaging portion which engages with the first lever and rotatably disposed about a second rotational axis being different from the first rotational axis. The second lever rotates in the one direction about the second rotational axis in response to a rotation in the one direction of the first lever to interrupt transmission of the driving force from the driving mechanism to the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A kit for selectively constructing a system for releasably maintaining a movable closure element in a predetermined position relative to a frame upon which the closure element is movably mounted. The kit includes a base assembly, a first mechanism that is operably attachable to the base assembly to define a first system having a first configuration that is operable in a first manner, and a second mechanism that is operably attachable to the base assembly to define a second system having a second configuration that is operable in a second manner that is different than the first manner. The first and second mechanisms are interchangeably operably attachable to the base assembly, one in place of the other, to allow a selection to be made by an assembler as to a desired configuration and manner of operation of a system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock assembly (10) of a planar component (22) displaceably mounted in frame (30). Said assembly (10) comprises an engaging element (40) which, in said planar component's closed position, can be fixed in place in a latching system (50). Said latching system is designed in a manner that, in its blocked position, the engaging element, for instance a bar affixable by compression and/or friction in the latching system (50), can be inserted into latter in a first direction (R) opposite the direction of closing (X) of the planar component (20), whereas such insertion is blocked in a second direction (S) which is opposite said planar component's direction of opening (O). This design allows almost noiselessly operating the lock assembly. The planar component also may be closed when the latching system is in the blocked position already when the planar component is open.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for selectively latching a door to an automotive vehicle. The latch mechanism includes a latch hook movable between locked and unlocked positions relative to a striker bar fixedly secured to the vehicle. A release lever is operatively coupled between the latch hook and the latch mechanism for selectively actuating the latch hook between the locked and unlocked positions. An inertia lever is engagable with the release lever to prevent movement of the latch hook between the unlocked and locked positions. The inertia lever is movably coupled to the latch mechanism for movement in and out of engagement with the release lever in response to a threshold acceleration of the vehicle. A slot is formed in the release lever presenting sides engagable with the inertia lever to automatically rock the inertia lever in response to movement of the release lever to prevent seizing of the inertia lever within the latch mechanism due to lack of use.

Abstract: In a glove box device, a cylinder is fixed to an operating handle, a slide member switches between a locking state and an unlocking state in correspondence to sliding motion, and a connecting member is interposed between one end of the slide member and a rotor. The connecting member transmits a turning force of the rotor turning along with the operating handle to the slide member, to move the slide member from a locking position to an unlocking position when the rotor is in the unlocking position. The connecting member cuts off the transmission of turning force between the slide member in the locking position and the rotor, when the rotor is in the locking position. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of components needed, and also to reduce a gap between a design face of the operating handle and the cylinder lock, thereby improving the appearance.

Abstract: An adjustable striker bolt assembly includes a mount having a first slot oriented along a first axis and a second slot oriented along a second axis. The second axis is disposed at a predetermined angle to the first axis. The adjustable striker bolt assembly further includes a striker bolt supported in the second slot of the mount.

Abstract: A door latch device in a motor vehicle comprises an engagement portion including a latch which engages with a striker of a vehicle body. The door latch device comprises an inner lever connected to an inside handle, a lock lever connected to a lock knob on a door inside the vehicle, a subsidiary lever connected to the lock lever, a childproof lock lever, a motor and an actuating member driven by the motor to actuate the childproof lock lever. Childproof locking and a double locking can be carried out by the single motor.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device includes a door operating lever that releases a closed-door latch unit when being turned to a first direction and releases an open-door latch unit when being turned to a second direction is arranged on a base plate by means of an inside-handle lever shaft. Also, an operation output unit is formed on an inside handle so as to engage with the door operating lever. When the inside handle is operated to open or close the door, the door operating lever is turned in a desired direction by bringing the operation output unit into contact with the door operating lever. Furthermore, a lower open lever that transmits the turning operation to the second direction of the door operating lever to the open-door latch unit is arranged on the base plate by means of the inside-handle lever shaft.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch chassis, a latch bolt having a closed position and an open position, a pawl having an engaged position at which the pawl holds the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position at which the pawl allows the latch bolt to move to the open position, and a first release handle operably connected to the pawl via a transmission path to selectively move the pawl from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The transmission path includes a toggle linkage having a first link pivotable about a first axis and a second link pivotable about a second axis, the first link and the second link being pivotable relative to each other about a common axis. The latch mechanism includes a stop to limit rotation of the second link in a first direction relative to the first link.

Abstract: An actuator is provided that uses two lengths of shape memory alloy (SMA)wire to kinematically couple a first and second lever together. The two SMA wires are routed in generally V-shaped paths around a link pin that is coaxial with the first and second levers. By selectively contracting one of the wires, the link pin slides between a locked and an unlocked position. A locking pin extending from the link pin couples the first and second levers together while the link pin is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A latch engages with a striker fixed to a vehicle when a door of the vehicle is closed. A latch lever that turns together with the latch has an engagement portion. A closing lever forced by a spring has a pressing portion and has the same axis as a sector gear driven by a motor. If the door is incompletely closed or in a half-latched position, the closing lever turns by the sector gear driven by the motor, so that the pressing portion contact and press the engagement portion of the latch lever to allow the door to close completely. Even if the pressing portion inadvertently engages with the engagement portion, the sector gear and the closing lever can return to the original position independently. Then, the door can normally be closed.

Abstract: A door lock device for a vehicle has a latch mechanism (3) configured to be fixed to a mounting surface (1a) of an end portion of a vehicle door for maintaining the vehicle door in a closed position relative to a vehicle body, said latch mechanism (3) having a latch (32) defining a latch plane; and an operational lever (56) operatively linked to an operational handle (12) provided to the vehicle door and being operatively linked to the latch mechanism for operating the latch mechanism for releasing the vehicle door from the vehicle body; characterized by a locking lever (72) arranged perpendicular to the latch plane such that a side surface of the locking lever (72) faces toward the side panel of the vehicle door, the locking lever operable to allow and disallow operable linkage between the operational lever and the latch mechanism; an emergency operational member (76) arranged to face toward the side panel of the vehicle door and operatively linked to the locking lever; an active lever (71) arranged perpendi