Patent ID: 6817637
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: B60R,E05B,E05C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A self-adjusting lock assembly for securely affixing a first movable member to a second fixed member, said lock assembly comprising:A. a latching stud assembly comprising a. a holding bracket mounted to one of said members and comprising an enlarged aperture formed therein, b. a latch-engaging, keeper stud co-operatively engaged with the holding bracket for secure retained engagement therewith and comprising an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion, and incorporating a plurality of radially extending teeth formed on the body portion thereof; and B. a latch assembly comprising a. a first jaw plate incorporating 1. a stud-engaging jaw portion formed thereon and constructed for co-operative locking engagement with at least a first portion of the teeth formed on the body portion of the keeper stud, and 2. a movement control arm integrally formed thereon and constructed for enabling longitudinal movement of the first jaw plate in its entirety, b. a second jaw plate incorporating 1. a stud-engaging jaw portion formed thereon and constructed for cooperative locking engagement with at least a second portion of the teeth formed on the body portion of the keeper stud, and 2. a movement control arm integrally formed thereon and constructed for enabling longitudinal movement of the second jaw plate in its entirety, and c. a control member co-operatively engaged with the control arm of the first jaw plate and the control arm of the second jaw plate and constructed for causing simultaneous, longitudinal movement of the first jaw plate and the second jaw plate when activated; whereby a lock assembly is achieved which provides a controlled secure affixation of the stud assembly with the latch assembly by peripherally surrounding and engaging the radially extending teeth of the body portion of the keeper stud regardless of position or orientation.