GB930374A - Improvements in or relating to latch mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

930,374. Latches. CHICAGO FORGING & MANUFACTURING CO. Oct. 14, 1959, No. 34843/59. Class 44. A batch mechanism comprises a latch plate 1 having a keeper receiving opening 3, a main latch 10, and a safety latch 61, both latches being rotatably mounted on the plate 1 and having keeper engaging portions 20, 62 overlying the opening which, after engagement with a keeper 80 rotate such that keeper retaining portions 21, 63 of the latches overlie the opening, the keeper retaining portion 21 of the main latch lying between the keeper and the keeper-retaining portion 63 of the safety latch when in the latched condition. In operation the keeper 80 moves downwards into the opening 3 and strikes the keeper-engaging portion 62 of the safety latch 61 and causes the latter to rotate about its pivot 60 until a locking abutment 75 of a lever 67 is able to move into and offset 77 due to the rotation of lever 67 about its pivot 70 under the action of spring 65, further rotation of the safety latch 61 thereby being prevented. The keeper continues to move downwards and rotates the main latch 10 against the action of spring 12, the keeper-engaging portion 20 of the latch co-operating with a wall 36 of a lever 30 and causing the latter to rotate about its hinges 31 until it can spring back under the action of spring 32 to lock the main latch. Release of the mechanism is effected by pulling wire 41 which causes lever 30 to be rotated and releases the main latch 10, the keeper then being forced upwards by this latch until it is held by the safety latch 61. Further rotation of lever 30 causes the lever to engage the abutment 71 on the lever 67 and rotate the latter such that the safety latch 61 is released and the keeper is free to be moved clear of the opening 3.