Patent ID: 9273488
Filing Date: 2016-03-01
CPC Classification: B64D,E05B,E05C

Claim Text:
1. A positive locking keeper for use with an aircraft panel latch assembly, the latch assembly having a hook for engaging the positive locking keeper, the positive locking keeper comprising: a keeper housing comprising a first side and a second side and defining a central opening therethrough; a coupling comprising a head and a shaft extending therefrom, the head for engaging the latch assembly and the shaft extending through the central opening of the keeper housing with the head disposed on the first side; a detent pin disposed within an aperture of the keeper housing; a biasing member disposed within the aperture of the keeper housing containing the detent pin, the biasing member biasing the detent pin outwardly; a nut having a central opening defined therethrough, the nut positioned on the second side of the keeper housing such that a portion of the shaft extends through the keeper housing and through the central opening of the nut and is engaged therewith, the nut comprising a plurality of indentations sized and shaped to receive a portion of the detent pin; and a plate fixedly attached to the housing such that the nut is positioned between the plate and the keeper housing, the plate defining a central opening for receiving a portion of the nut and shaft therethrough, wherein when the latch assembly is in a closed position, a take-up force from the latch assembly causes the detent pin to engage one of said plurality of indentations in the nut and prevents rotational movement of the nut, and when the latch assembly is in an open position, the detent pin does not engage any of said plurality of indentations in the nut.