Patent ID: 6099342
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A latch key mechanism comprising:a rotatable latch key having a profile for alignment with a profile of a keyhole into which the latch key is to be inserted and thereafter to be rotated to rotate the latch key to a latched position behind the keyhole,a holder rotatably receiving the latch key,a spring connected to the latch key and to the holder, the spring biasing the latch key for rotation of the latch key relative to the holder to a desired position, at which position the profile of the latch key is aligned relative to a portion of the holder that is known to be aligned with the profile of the keyhole prior to insertion of the latch key into the keyhole,the latch key having been inserted into the keyhole, thereafter being rotatable against a resilient bias of the spring to rotate the profile of the latch key out of alignment with the profile of the keyhole and to rotate the latch key to a latching position behind the keyhole, andupon the latch key having been freed from the latching position prior to withdrawal of the latch key from the keyhole, the spring biasing the latch key to rotate the latch key to said desired position at which position the profile of the latch key is aligned relative to the portion of the holder that is known to be aligned with the profile of the keyhole.