GB1010962A - Improvements in or relating to latch mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

1,010,962. Latch fastenings. WILMOT-BREEDEN Ltd. March 14, 1962 [March 20, 1961], No. 10012/61. Heading E2A. A latch mechanism comprises a base 12 formed with a fixed claw 13, a jaw 14 pivoted on the base and formed with a claw 15 which in a latching position of the jaw is arranged to grip a striker element 6 against the fixed claw, resilient means 16 biasing the jaw to an unlatching position in which the striker element during a latching operation engages the claw on the jaw and moves the latter to latching position, a pawl member 17 pivotally mounted on the jaw and having a portion urged into wedging contact with a complementary portion 20 on the base when the jaw is in the latching position, the co-action of said portions serving to hold the jaw in the latching position The resilient means is a spring and this is positioned between the jaw 14 and the pawl member 17 and during movement of the jaw to latching position the spring is extended to bias the jaw since one edge of the pawl member abuts against the portion 20 on the base. During movement of the jaw to its latching position the pawl member is moved so that eventually the end edge of the pawl member engages one side edge of the portion 20 with a wedging engagement. The jaw is moved to its unlatching position by an arm 28 which is connected to a locking device 26 operated by means of a key. When the arm 28 is turned by the key it comes into contact with the pawl member 17 and pivots it to disengage the wedging portions 19 and 20 to allow the jaw to turn to its unlatching position under the urge of the spring 16. Movement of the jaw to unlatching position is limited by a lug 22 struck up from the base. The striker element is a pin carried by a bracket. As shown the striker is mounted on the body of a vehicle and the latch mechanism on the boot lid.