GB931171A - Improvements in or relating to latch mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

931,171. Latch fastenings. WILMOT - BREEDEN Ltd. March 15, 1962 [March 22, 1961], No. 10392/61. Class 44. A latch mechanism for a fastening of the type wherein the latch mechanism is carried by one of two relatively movable members and cooperates with a striker carried by the other member and wherein the members are constrained so that relative movement between the striker and the latch mechanism at latching and unlatching takes place along a fixed path, comprises a pivoted latch member 22 spring loaded to a latching position, the member being formed with a slot 23 having an open end, a first notch 28, and a second notch 29 intermediate the first notch and the open end of the slot, the notches being dimensioned to receive an element 15 of the striker and arranged so that the element is received in the first notch when the fastening is latched, the slot having a configuration such that for the striker element to move from the first notch to the open end of the slot the latch member has to carry out three successive rocking movements about its pivot viz. a first movement away from its latching position, a second movement towards its latching position and a third movement away from its latching position and the second notch being so located that the striker element engages therein between said second and third movements during unlatching thus providing a safety position for the fastening. In the construction shown the latch mechanism has a generally U-shaped frame 16 with similar limbs 17 and 18 which in use are spaced apart transversely of the centre line of a vehicle and which receive between them the striker 3 which is carried by the bonnet. The limbs are deformed inwardly at 19 and have grooves 20 which guide the movement of the striker. The latch member 22 is pivotally mounted between the limbs 17, 18 on a pin 24 and is formed with an abutment 25 which is urged into engagement with the frame 16 by a spring 27 surrounding the pivot pin 24. This is the latching position. The slot 23 is Z- shaped the notch 28 being the latching notch and the notch 29 the safety notch; the latch member also has an inclined upper surface 30 which is engaged by the element 15 of the striker as the bonnet is moved to latching position. A transverse lug 32 on the latch member is provided to enable the latch member to be displaced from its latching position either manually or by means of a cable or rod. The striker 3 is a U-shaped bar the element 15 being the base of the U. It is surrounded by a compression spring 12 and a plate 13 is slidable on the striker under the influence of the spring 12; movement of the plate 13 is limited by lugs 14 on the striker limbs 4, 5.