Patent ID: 8016329
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: E05B,E05C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A latch for releasably securing a first member relative to a second member having a keeper, the latch comprising: a handle pivotally supported relative to the first member and capable of rotational movement between a closed position, an intermediate position and an open position; a rotary pawl supported relative to the first member and capable of rotational movement between a latched position, an intermediate position and an unlatched position; a pawl catch adapted to selectively secure said pawl in either said latched position or said intermediate position of said pawl; an actuating member operatively connected to said handle such that said actuating member is movable in response to at least movement of said handle from said intermediate position of said handle to said open position of said handle and movement of said handle from said intermediate position of said handle to said closed position of said handle, said actuating member being adapted to selectively engage said pawl catch to release said pawl; and a gear train operatively connected to said actuating member and to said pawl such that, when said pawl is secured in said intermediate position of said pawl by said pawl catch, said pawl moves from said intermediate position of said pawl to said latched position to provide compression between the first member and the second member due to movement of said actuating member in response to said handle being moved from said intermediate position of said handle to said closed position, wherein when said pawl is in said unlatched position, it is adapted to receive the keeper such that the pawl will move from the unlatched position toward the intermediate position as the first member is moved toward the closed position.