GB656321A - Improvements in or relating to a latch mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

656,321. Catches. STEVENS, A. H. (Bassick Co.). Jan. 3, 1949, No. 59. '[Class 44] A catch for a motor-car bonnet of the kind having a crocodile type lid fitted with a spring adapted to lift it when it is released is provided with a safety catch for limiting the opening movement having means for cushioning its stopping action. The catch shown in sections in Figs. 6 and 7 comprises, on the lid part, a flat keeper 24 having front and rear shoulders 35, 34 and on the fixed part of the bonnet, a latch plate 26 having an aperture with a flared opening to receive the keeper and a pivoted, spring-loaded catch lever 28 to engage the rear shoulder 34, Fig. 6. The ejecting spring 33 is carried on a frame consisting of two depending strips 49 joined by a bridge piece 50. The strips are slotted at 51 to pass an upper straight limb of the spring which is arranged on a diameter and engages the flat end of the keeper. The spring is loaded when the lid is fully closed, Fig. 6. The catch lever 28 is released by a cable operated from within the car and the keeper is then ejected by the spring until it engages the safety catch 32. The safety catch has two side limbs joined by apart 62 which contacts the shoulder 35, Fig. 7. A tab 36 fastened to the part 62 is pressed by fingers inserted through the gap under the lid to release the safety catch. The safety catch is pivoted at 57 to a washer 53 positioned under the lower end of the spring so that when the keeper contacts the safety catch the pivot 57 may lift slightly against the spring to absorb the shock. The keeper is screwed into a block in a cup 25 secured to a cross member on the lid and being symmetrical may be adjusted in length by turns of 180 degrees.