GB693341A - Improved bonnet latch for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

693,341. Catches. GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. Nov. 7, 1951 [Nov. 17, 1950] No. 26029/51. Class 44 The fastening means of a motor vehicle bonnet comprises two catches arranged to be operated by one operating lever to release the bonnet and arranged so that accidental release of one catch allows only limited opening movement of the bonnet, further opening being permitted by release of the second catch. The bonnet 12 has a bracket 17, Fig. 2, to which is attached a cone-headed keeper 20 adapted to pass through an opening 31 in a supporting plate 30. A spring loaded cupped washer 23 slides on the shank 19 of the keeper to cushion the closing of the bonnet and to give it a small initial opening when released. A spring loaded lever 35, Fig. 3, pivoted to the supporting plate 30 on the vehicle body has a portion 37 cooperating with the head of the keeper and adapted to snap in behind the upper surface 20a to retain the bonnet in the shut position. A cranked extension 38 of the lever 35 passes through a slot 33 in the plate 30 and carries a cam portion 40. The second catch comprises a pivoted hooked lever 51, Fig. 6, mounted by a horizontal pivot 53 on a bracket 53a attached to the plate 30. A portion 60 of the lever 51 extends forwardly for operation by a hand inserted through the grill 14 at the front of the vehicle. A lug 50 secured to the inside of the bonnet is arranged to co-operate with the hooked end 58 to prevent complete opening of the bonnet should the keeper 20 be accidentally released by the lever 35. A spring 55 holds the lever 51 in the retaining position. An extension 59 from the lever 51 is arranged to engage a cam shaped portion 40 of the lever 35 so that when the lever 60 is operated to swing the lever 51 to the release position (shown dotted in Fig. 6) the lever 35 is also moved to the release position to allow the bonnet to open fully.