Method of fabricating potted panel latch system

1. A method of fabricating a potted panel latch, the method comprising:

providing a panel;

removing material from a face of the panel to form a recess therein, the recess being sized and shaped to receive a latch body;

securing a latch body within the recess, the securing including:

inserting the latch body within the recess; and

applying an adhesive through apertures positioned on a flange of the latch body, the latch body including a cavity formed around an interface between the latch body and the panel, the cavity being filled with the adhesive so as to bond the latch body to the panel; and

coupling a decorative sheet to the face of the panel, the decorative sheet overlying the latch body and a portion of the panel to provide an appearance of a continuous panel.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

securing a potting cover to the latch body and a portion of the panel;

applying the adhesive through potting cover apertures, the potting cover apertures being located to align with the apertures of the latch body; and

removing the potting cover after applying the adhesive.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

securing a latch guide through a latch guide opening.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

coupling a latch mechanism to the panel, wherein the latch mechanism is positioned within the latch body.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein coupling the latch mechanism comprises:

inserting the latch mechanism within the latch body;

inserting a latch guide through a latch guide opening formed through a side surface of the panel; and

fastening the latch guide to the latch mechanism with screws.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein coupling the decorative sheet includes applying a vacuum to draw the decorative sheet through the recess to provide an appearance of a continuous panel.

7. A method to decorate a face of a panel, the method comprising:

providing the panel;

forming a recess in the face of the panel, the recess being configured to receive a latch body;

securing the latch body within the recess, the securing including:

inserting the latch body within the recess; and

applying an adhesive through apertures positioned on a flange of the latch body, the latch body including a cavity formed around an interface between the latch body and the panel, the cavity being filled with the adhesive so as to bond the latch body to the panel; and

decorating the face of the panel to provide an appearance of a continuous panel.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the decorating comprises overlaying a decorative coating over the latch body and a portion of the panel.

9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:

securing a latch guide through a latch guide opening located in the panel.

10. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:

coupling a latch mechanism to the panel, wherein the latch mechanism is positioned within the latch body.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein coupling the latch mechanism comprises:

inserting the latch mechanism within the latch body;

inserting a latch guide through a latch guide opening formed through a side surface of the panel; and

fastening the latch guide to the latch mechanism with screws.

12. A method of fabricating a potted panel latch, the method comprising:

providing a panel;

removing material from a face of the panel to form a recess therein, the recess being sized and shaped to receive a latch body;

securing the latch body within the recess; and

fixedly coupling a decorative sheet to the face of the panel such that the decorative sheet is immovable relative to the face of the panel, the decorative sheet overlying the latch body and a portion of the panel to provide an appearance of a continuous panel.

13. A method of fabricating a potted panel latch, the method comprising:

providing a panel;

removing material from a face of the panel to form a recess therein, the recess being sized and shaped to receive a latch body;

securing the latch body within the recess;

fixedly coupling a decorative sheet to the face of the panel, the decorative sheet overlying the latch body and a portion of the panel to provide an appearance of a continuous panel;

inserting the latch body within the recess; and

applying an adhesive through apertures positioned on a flange of the latch body, the latch body including a cavity formed around an interface between the latch body and the panel, the cavity being filled with the adhesive so as to bond the latch body to the panel.