CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR A DISHWASHING APPLIANCE AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

Abstract

shwasher and associated apparatus is provided. A door is pivotably engaged with a tub, and defines a latch pocket, configured as a grasping member, having a latch aperture in communication therewith and extending therethrough to the tub. A latch actuation member is received by the latch pocket, and a latch device engaged therewith extends through the latch aperture to releasably secure the door to the tub, the securement being releasable by actuation of the latch actuation member. A pull-latch is receivable by the latch aperture, in place of and interchangeably with the latch device and latch actuation member, and releasably secures the door to the tub, the securement being releasable by exertion of an outward force on the grasping member. A latch pocket insert member operably engages the latch pocket to separate the latch aperture therefrom, when the pull-latch is received by the latch aperture.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]Embodiments of the present invention relate to dishwashers and, more particularly, to a closure system for a dishwashing appliance and associated apparatus.

[0003]2. Description of Related Art

[0004]A dishwasher typically includes a tub portion for receiving dishware to be washed, wherein the tub portion defines a front or forward opening having a door member pivotably engaged therewith for sealing the opening. The door member is often hinged at the lower end thereof such that the upper end of the door member can be pivoted downward so as to permit access to the interior of the tub. The door member typically employs a graspable handle about the upper end thereof for pivoting the door member about the hinge. A latch mechanism may be located proximate the upper end of the door member, in some instances, in association with the handle, for securing the free end of the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position with respect to the front opening.

[0005]In some instances, a particular basic structure of a dishwasher may be implemented in a dishwasher platform or series, wherein the particular platform or series may include a plurality of individual dishwasher models differing, for example, according to aesthetic or functional features. That is, a basic dishwasher platform may include various models differentiated by varying the configuration of certain functional components such as, for example, control panels, detergent dispensers, and wiring, or certain aesthetic aspects such as, for instance, color and/or material comprising the outer door panels.

[0006]One particular example of model differentiation on a single dishwasher platform may involve the style of the handle used to open/close the door member. In some instances, varying the handle style/configuration may also require that the latch mechanism engaged between the door member and the tub portion be varied, as well. One style of handle may include a spring-loaded, movable (i.e., pivotable) release latch mechanism mounted to the door. In such instances, the user may be required to pivot the release latch lever/mechanism (i.e. squeeze the lever) to release the latch and open the door. An alternate style of handle may involve a pull-type latch that operates, for instance, as a friction-latch or a magnetic-latch, and does not require a release latch lever/mechanism as previously discussed.

[0007]A variety of handle styles may sometimes necessitate a significant number of different parts to be used for each style of handle (and possibly the corresponding door member). Increased component complexity and component differentiation (i.e., the model-specific particular parts for each different model) may undesirably lead to increased manufacturing costs, and inventory and service complexities. As such, there exists a need for a handle and latch system for a dishwasher having an increased number of interchangeable/common components that may be used in various models of a single platform.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008]The above and other needs are met by the present invention which, in one embodiment, provides a dishwashing appliance, comprising a tub portion defining an opening, and a door member configured to pivotably engage the tub portion so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position with respect thereto. The door member covers said opening in the closed position, and defines a latch pocket having a latch aperture in communication therewith, wherein the latch aperture extends from the latch pocket and through the door member to the tub portion. The latch pocket is configured as a grasping member for pivoting the door member from the closed position. A latch actuation member is operably engaged with a latch device, wherein the latch actuation member is configured to be received by the latch pocket, and the latch device is configured to extend through the latch aperture so as to be capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position. The securement between the latch device and the tub portion is releasable by selective actuation of the latch actuation member. A pull-latch is configured to be received by the latch aperture, in place of and interchangeably with the latch device and associated latch actuation member, wherein the pull-latch is capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position. The securement between the pull-latch and the tub portion is releasable by selective exertion of an outward force on the grasping member. A latch pocket insert member is configured to operably engage the latch pocket so as to separate the latch pocket from the latch aperture, when the pull-latch is received by the latch aperture.

[0009]Another aspect of the present invention comprises a closure system adapted to be operable between a door member and a tub portion of a dishwashing appliance, wherein the tub portion defines an opening, and the door member is adapted to pivotably engage the tub portion so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position with respect thereto. The door member covers said opening in the closed position, and defines a latch pocket having a latch aperture in communication therewith. The latch aperture extends from the latch pocket and through the door member to the tub portion, wherein the latch pocket is adapted as a grasping member for pivoting the door member from the closed position. The closure system comprises a latch actuation member operably engaged with a latch device, wherein the latch actuation member is configured to be received by the latch pocket, and the latch device is configured to extend through the latch aperture so as to be capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position. The securement between the latch device and the tub portion is releasable by selective actuation of the latch actuation member. A pull-latch is configured to be received by the latch aperture, in place of and interchangeably with the latch device and associated latch actuation member, wherein the pull-latch is capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position. The securement between the pull-latch and the tub portion is releasable by selective exertion of an outward force on the grasping member. A latch pocket insert member is configured to operably engage the latch pocket so as to separate the latch pocket from the latch aperture, when the pull-latch is received by the latch aperture.

[0010]Aspects of the present invention thus provide significant advantages as further detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011]Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0012]FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate one aspect of a dishwasher having a door member capable of implementing a closure system, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher implementing a first aspect of a closure system, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher capable of implementing a closure system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher implementing a second aspect of a closure system, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher implementing a second aspect of a closure system, according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.5;

[0017]FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher implementing another aspect of a closure system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, with respect to a proximity sensor; and

[0018]FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher implementing another aspect of a closure system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, with respect to a contact switch device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019]Exemplary embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0020]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a closure system, including, for example, a handle and latch provision, for a dishwashing appliance such as a dishwasher. While the embodiments disclosed herein are generally directed to a dishwasher, one skilled in the art will appreciate that such a closure system of the disclosed or similar configurations may be utilized in any number of applications such as, for example, in many different household appliances.

[0021]FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a dishwashing appliance, generally indicated by the numeral 50. Such a dishwashing appliance 50 may include a door member 100 pivotably engaged with an associated tub portion 110 about respective lower ends thereof. The door member 100 is thus movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the tub portion 110, which defines a front or forward opening. The door member 100, in the closed position, is further configured to cover and close the forward opening so as to, for example, contain wash water circulated therein for cleaning dishware. Accordingly, the door member 100 should be capable of being selectively maintained in a closed position with respect to the tub portion 110 so as to prevent leakage of the wash water from the tub portion 110. Typically, such selective securement/closure of the door member 100 is accomplished using, for example, a handle and/or latch mechanism. However, as previously discussed, it may sometimes be desirable to use a basic dishwasher configuration or "platform" and differentiate various models based upon that single platform by the offered features or aspects associated with each model.

[0022]FIG. 1 thus illustrates one exemplary model of a dishwasher belonging to a particular platform. This particular model may include, for example, one aspect of a closure system 300 for selectively maintaining the door member 100 in a closed position with respect to the tub portion 110. One such aspect of a closure system 300 may comprise a latch device 320 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) and associated latch actuation member 108. The latch device 320 may be operably engaged with one of the door member 100 and the tub portion 110, and configured to selectively engage the other of the door member 100 and the tub portion 110 so as to releasably secure the two components together in the closed position. The door member 100, in some instances, may be comprised of, for example, the door member 100, itself, as well as a console member 400 disposed about an upper end of the door member 100. As such, the latch actuation member 108/latch device 320 may be engaged with the door member 100 and/or the console member 400, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The latch actuation member 108 may be configured to operably engage the latch device 320 so as to at least allow the latch actuation member 108 to release the securement effected by the latch device 320, and allow the door member 100 to be pivoted from the close position with respect to the tub portion 110.

[0023]In order to mount such an aspect of a closure system 300, the door member 100 may define a latch pocket 102, as shown in FIG. 3. Such a latch pocket 102 may be accessible from outside the tub portion 110 (i.e., from the outside of the door member 100) and, in some instances, may be configured as a graspable member capable of being grasped by a user. In this manner, the user grasping the graspable member may be able to pivot the door member 100 from the closed position (and toward the open position) by exerting a outwardly-directed force (with respect to the tub portion 110) thereto. In order to facilitate such a function, the latch pocket 102 may be defined, for example, by the door member 100, itself and/or by a console member 400 disposed about an upper end of the door member 100. Further, the latch pocket 102 may be medially disposed with respect to the lateral direction of the door member 100/console member 400 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0024]The latch pocket 102 may be further configured to receive the latch actuation member 108 such that the latch actuation member 108 is accessible and actuatable from externally of the door member 100 (i.e., outside the tub portion 110). Since the latch device 320 is generally configured to be in communication with the latch actuation member 108, the latch device 320 is operably engaged with one of the door member 100 and the tub portion 110 so as to form a releasable securement therebetween. In one instance, the latch device 320 is operably engaged with the door member 100 in or about a latch aperture 340, wherein the latch aperture 340 is in communication with and extends from the latch pocket 102, through the door member 100 (or component thereof, such as, for example, the console assembly 400), and toward the tub portion 110. Accordingly, the latch device 320 may be mounted in or otherwise associated with the latch aperture 340 so as to be in communication with the latch actuation member 108 disposed in or otherwise associated with the latch pocket 102. In this configuration, the latch actuation member 108 and the latch device 320 combine to extend from the latch pocket 102, and through latch aperture 340 (through the door member 100 or component thereof), so as to be capable of engaging the tub portion 110 for forming the releasable securement therebetween.

[0025]In one example, the latch actuation member 108 may comprise, for example, a biased (i.e., spring-loaded) movable release lever or other suitable mechanism capable of actuating/de-actuating the latch device 320 in communication therewith. More particularly, the latch actuation member 108 may be pivotable about a first axis 310, for instance, in conjunction with a user grasping the latch actuation member 108 and the graspable member associated with the latch pocket 102. In a simplified instance, the latch device 320 may further comprise a biased latch member 330 pivotable about a second axis 315, wherein the latch member 330 is configured to be normally-biased to engage the tub portion 110 (or latch receiving member associated therewith) and form the releasable securement therebetween, when the door member 100 is in the closed position. As such, the latch actuation member 108 is configured to pivot counterclockwise (with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 3) about the first axis 310, when grasped by the user. In turn, the latch actuation member 108 urges the latch member 330 to pivot counterclockwise (with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 3) against the normal biasing thereof with respect to the tub portion 110. In such an instance, the latch member 330 is released from securement with the tub portion 110, allowing the door member 100 to be pivoted from the closed position. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that many different configurations of the disclosed latch actuation member 108/latch device 320 may be implemented. For example, the disclosed latch actuation member 108/latch device 320 may comprise any suitable mechanical linkage engaged between or with the latch actuation member 108/latch device 320.

[0026]With respect to this disclosed latch actuation member 108/latch device 320 embodiment, a user of the dishwasher may be able to insert a hand into the latch pocket 102 and squeeze the latch actuation member 108 to release the securement effected by the latch device 320, thus allowing the door member 100 to be pivoted away from the tub portion 110 toward the open position in response to a pulling motion (i.e., outwardly of the tub portion 110). However, as previously discussed, it may sometimes be desirable for a basic dishwasher configuration or platform to serve as the basis for a variety of different, possibly seriated, dishwasher models based on that platform. For example, the disclosed latch actuation member 108/latch device 320 embodiment may represent one dishwasher model of a particular platform, though another model of that platform may be equipped with a simple pull-type latch, such as a frictionally-operable latch, a magnetically-operable latch, or an electromechanically-operable latch (or combinations thereof). Depending, for example, on other features offered with each model, the model implementing the pull-type latch may be a "higher" model or a "lower" model than the model implementing the disclosed latch actuation member 108/latch device 320. For instance, such models may include different front (appearance) panels 106 and/or different control panels 104 (differing, for example, in the number of different wash cycles or settings). The front panel 106 may be associated with the door member 100, while the control panel 104 may be associated with the console member 400. However, to achieve or otherwise facilitate aspects of the present invention by maximizing the number of components common to the different models across a single platform, it may be desirable for the different models to utilize as many of the same components (i.e., the door member 100 and/or the console member 400) as possible, such as the components defining the latch pocket 102 and/or the latch aperture 340.

[0027]As shown in FIG. 4, aspects of the present invention implementing a pull-type latch 150, such as a frictionally-operable latch, a magnetically-operable latch, or an electromechanically-operable latch, may not require a mechanical latch actuation member 108, as previously discussed. Instead, the door assembly 100 is maintained in the latched position through friction, a magnetic coupling, or an electromechanical arrangement, respectively, between the door member 100 and the tub portion 110. As such, there may not be any component extending through latch pocket portion of the latch aperture 340 in models implementing a pull-type latch. In such instances, the latch pocket 102 may simply be grasped by a user, and a force outwardly of the tub portion 110 applied thereto, in order to open the door member 100 (i.e., for a frictionally-operable latch or a magnetically-operable latch). In models implementing a magnetically-operable latch or an electromagnetically-operable latch, the dishwasher may further comprise an associated latch actuator associated with the door member 100, tub portion 110, console member 400 and/or control panel 104, as appropriate, for providing a suitable actuation signal for securing/unsecuring the latch. For example, an electromechanically-operable latch (i.e., a solenoid-type latch) may be operably engaged with the control panel 104 and configured to prevent the door member 100 from being opened while the dishwasher is in operation.

[0028]As previously discussed, aspects of the present invention implementing a pull-type latch 150, such as a frictionally-operable latch, a magnetically-operable latch, or an electromechanically-operable latch, may not require a mechanical latch actuation member 108 and, as such, there may not be any component extending through the latch pocket portion of the latch aperture 340 in models implementing a pull-type latch, as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, the presence of the latch pocket 102 and the open/unoccupied latch aperture 340 may impart an "unfinished," "unrefined," or otherwise "crude" feel (i.e., poor aesthetics, or not ergonomically favorable) to particular models implementing a pull-type latch. In some instances, the open latch pocket portion of the latch aperture 340 may present a risk of injury, for example, to the hand/finger(s) of a small child entering the latch pocket 102. As such, since it may remain desirable for the same component(s) defining the latch pocket 102/latch aperture 340 to be used across different models, certain aspects of the present invention may implement a latch pocket insert member 120 in models comprising a pull-type latch, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. More particularly, an appropriate latch pocket insert member 120 may be engaged with the latch pocket 102 so as to substantially close the latch aperture 340. That is, the latch pocket insert member 120 may be configured to close the portion of the latch pocket 102 leading to, in communication with, or defining the latch aperture 340, so as to enclose the interior of the latch pocket 102 and prevent any mechanical extension (i.e., of hand/finger(s)) therethrough. In some instances, the latch pocket insert member 120 may appropriately contoured such that, upon engagement with the patch pocket 102, the latch pocket insert member 120 may cooperate with the latch pocket to provide a substantially contiguous grasping receptacle (see, e.g., FIG. 6). Accordingly, the latch pocket insert member 120 may provide an aesthetic enhancement of the models implementing a pull-type latch by providing a desirable and consistent tactile feel of the latch pocket 102 by providing a smooth, comfortable contiguous surface 122 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8) for the user to grasp (with less risk of injury) when opening the door member 100.

[0029]The latch pocket insert member 120 may be configured, in some aspects, to removably engage the latch pocket 102. For example, a first portion of a securement mechanism may be operably engaged with the door member 100 and/or console member 400 about the latch pocket 102, and a second portion of the securement mechanism may be operably engaged with the latch pocket insert member 120, wherein the first and second portions of the securement mechanism are complementarily configured so as to secure the latch pocket insert member 120 to the latch pocket 102 upon engagement therebetween. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, snap-type fasteners or tabs 130 may be associated with either or both of the latch pocket insert member 120 and the latch pocket 102, or a combination thereof, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. FIG. 6 illustrates one particular example of a latch pocket insert member 120 engaged with the latch pocket 102 through such a securement mechanism as viewed from a perspective outwardly of the tub portion 110 (i.e., from the tub portion side of the door member 100). In such instances, tabs 130 may secure the latch pocket insert member 120 to the latch pocket 102 and/or portions of the door member 100, console member 400, and/or control panel 104. Aspects implementing such tabs may allow the latch pocket insert member 120 to be removable, as desired, such that a model implementing a pull-type latch could possibly be converted to a model implementing a latch actuation member 108/latch device 320 (or vice versa). In other aspects, the latch pocket insert member 120 may also be configured to be engaged with the latch pocket 102 in other manners such as, for example, using conventional fasteners such as screws, spring clips, an adhesive, or through ultrasonic welding, or combinations thereof.

[0030]In another example, as shown in FIG. 7, a magnetically-operable latch or an electromagnetically-operable latch may have a proximity sensor 124 associated therewith (i.e., engaged with the latch pocket insert member 120) which senses the presence of a user's hand grasping the latch pocket 102 and thus, if appropriate (i.e., if the dishwasher is not in operation) releases the securement between the door member 100 and the tub member 110, accordingly. In such instances, the latch may comprise a solenoid, whereby, if the dishwasher is in operation when the proximity sensor 124 senses a user's hand within the latch pocket 102, the solenoid may be directed to remain in the secured position so as to prevent the door member 100 from being opened. Alternatively, the proximity sensor 124 may signal the control panel 104 to stop the operation of the dishwasher (and take the necessary steps to allow the door member 100 to be opened, such as, for instance, draining the water within the tub portion 110) before releasing the solenoid from the secured position to allow the user to open the door member 100. In still another aspect, as shown in FIG. 8, a switch device 126, such as a "push button," may be implemented in place of the proximity sensor 124, for example, in engagement with the latch pocket insert member 120, and function similarly thereto.

[0031]By implementing a latch pocket 102/latch pocket insert member 120 system, as disclosed herein, the aforementioned latch mechanisms may be interchangeably incorporated in different models of the same basic dishwasher platform, thus providing greater commonality of the components used across those models. The greater component commonality may advantageously and desirably facilitate, for example, ease of assembly and lower manufacturing costs (i.e., different models of the same platform could be assembled on the same assembly line), as well as reduced inventory requirements and costs.

[0032]Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, in some embodiments the latch pocket insert may be made of plastic, composite, metal, or a combination of materials. A motion detection switch may be used in place of the proximity switch disclosed above. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A dishwashing appliance, comprising:a tub portion defining an opening;a door member configured to pivotably engage the tub portion so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position with respect thereto, the door member covering said opening in the closed position, and defining a latch pocket having a latch aperture in communication therewith, the latch aperture extending from the latch pocket and through the door member to the tub portion, the latch pocket being configured as a grasping member for pivoting the door member from the closed position;a latch actuation member operably engaged with a latch device, the latch actuation member being configured to be received by the latch pocket, and the latch device being configured to extend through the latch aperture so as to be capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position, the securement between the latch device and the tub portion being releasable by selective actuation of the latch actuation member;a pull-latch configured to be received by the latch aperture, in place of and interchangeably with the latch device and associated latch actuation member, the pull-latch being capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position, the securement between the pull-latch and the tub portion being releasable by selective exertion of an outward force on the grasping member; anda latch pocket insert member configured to operably engage the latch pocket so as to separate the latch pocket from the latch aperture, when the pull-latch is received by the latch aperture.

2. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a first portion of a securement mechanism operably engaged with the door member about the latch pocket and a second portion of the securement mechanism operably engaged with the latch pocket insert member, the first and second portions of the securement mechanism being complementarily configured so as to secure the latch pocket insert member to the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

3. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 2, wherein one of the first and second portions of the securement mechanism comprises a tab, and the other of the first and second portions of the engagement mechanism comprises a securing flange, the tab and securing flange being configured to interact in an interference fit for securing the latch pocket insert member to the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

4. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive material disposed between the latch pocket insert member and the latch pocket, for securing the latch pocket insert member to the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

5. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 1, further comprising at least one mechanical fastener configured to operably engage and secure the latch pocket insert member to the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

6. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 1, wherein the latch pocket insert member is configured to be secured to the latch pocket by a weld therebetween.

7. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor operably engaged with one of the door member about the latch pocket, and the latch pocket insert member, the proximity sensor being configured to sense grasping of the grasping member and to send a corresponding signal to at least one operational component in response thereto.

8. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a switch device operably engaged with one of the door member about the latch pocket, and the latch pocket insert member, the switch device being configured to be actuated by grasping of the grasping member and to send a corresponding signal to at least one operational component in response thereto.

9. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 1, wherein the pull-latch further comprises one of a magnetically-operable latch, a frictionally-operable latch, and an electro-mechanically-operable latch.

10. A closure system adapted to be operable between a door member and a tub portion of a dishwashing appliance, the tub portion defining an opening, and the door member being adapted to pivotably engage the tub portion so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position with respect thereto, the door member covering said opening in the closed position, and defining a latch pocket having a latch aperture in communication therewith, the latch aperture extending from the latch pocket and through the door member to the tub portion, the latch pocket being adapted as a grasping member for pivoting the door member from the closed position, the closure system comprising:a latch actuation member operably engaged with a latch device, the latch actuation member being configured to be received by the latch pocket, and the latch device being configured to extend through the latch aperture so as to be capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position, the securement between the latch device and the tub portion being releasable by selective actuation of the latch actuation member;a pull-latch configured to be received by the latch aperture, in place of and interchangeably with the latch device and associated latch actuation member, the pull-latch being capable of operably engaging the tub portion to releasably secure the door member to the tub portion when the door member is in the closed position, the securement between the pull-latch and the tub portion being releasable by selective exertion of an outward force on the grasping member; anda latch pocket insert member configured to operably engage the latch pocket so as to separate the latch pocket from the latch aperture, when the pull-latch is received by the latch aperture.

11. A closure system according to claim 10, further comprising a portion of a securement mechanism operably engaged with the latch pocket insert member, the portion of the securement mechanism being adapted to engage a complementarily-configured portion of the securement mechanism operably engaged with the door member about the latch pocket so as to secure the latch pocket insert member to the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

12. A closure system according to claim 11, wherein one of the portions of the securement mechanism comprises a tab, and the other of the portions of the engagement mechanism comprises a securing flange, the tab and securing flange being configured to interact in an interference fit for securing the latch pocket insert member to the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

13. A closure system according to claim 10, further comprising an adhesive material disposed between the latch pocket insert member and the door member about the latch pocket, for securing the latch pocket insert member to the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

14. A closure system according to claim 10, further comprising at least one mechanical fastener configured to operably engage and secure the latch pocket insert member to the door member about the latch pocket upon engagement therebetween.

15. A closure system according to claim 10, wherein the latch pocket insert member is configured to be secured to the door member about the latch pocket by a weld therebetween.

16. A closure system according to claim 10, further comprising a proximity sensor operably engaged with the latch pocket insert member, the proximity sensor being configured to sense grasping of the grasping member and to send a corresponding signal to at least one operational component in response thereto.

17. A closure system according to claim 10, further comprising a switch device operably engaged with the latch pocket insert member, the switch device being configured to be actuated by grasping of the grasping member and to send a corresponding signal to at least one operational component in response thereto.

18. A closure system according to claim 10, wherein the pull-latch further comprises one of a magnetically-operable latch, a frictionally-operable latch, and an electro-mechanically-operable latch.

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