GB610696A - Improvements in and relating to latches of the hook and keeper type - Google Patents

Abstract

610,696. Automatic catches. CROSS, E. J. (Chicago Forging & Manufacturing Co.). April 15, 1946, No. 11510. [Class 44] A catch, e.g. for a motor-car bonnet comprises a base 4, Fig. 6, fixed to one part, a spring- urged pivoted hook member 15 having concentric ratchet teeth 17 engaged by spring - urged pawls mounted on the base, and a keeper 36 fixed to another part adapted to engage the hook member and to rotate it into the locking position. Fig. 6 shows one form, the keeper 36 being released. The hook member has two side plates 15, each having ratchet teeth 17 and connected by a back plate 16. The sides are bent together at 18, forming a single hook 25. The hook member is pivoted at 22 and urged by a spring 70 into the released position. The pawls 40, 41 are of slightly different lengths so that one or the other is in operation. The pawls are urged into engagement by springs 44 and moved to release the ratchets by a lever 64 which may be operated by pulling the wire 60. In a modification the pawls are of equal lengths and the teeth on the sides are staggered. In the form shown in Fig. 9, the hook member is formed of a single thick plate and has a ratchet with close teeth 17c engaged by a single pawl 100. In operation, when the bonnet is closing the keeper engages the hook member and turns it against the spring 70 into the position shown. The keeper is then retained until the hook member is released by operation of the pawl. The arm 35 supporting the keeper is guided by an aperture in the base-plate 4.