Patent ID: 6540272
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: E05B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A latch mechanism comprising:a latch bolt having an open position for releasing a striker in use, and a closed position for retaining a striker in use; a pawl having a retaining position for retaining said latch bolt in at least said closed position, and a release position for allowing said latch bolt to move between said open and closed positions; a release element having a rest position and an actuated position; a release link having an engaging position and a disengaged position, movement of said release element between said rest position and said actuated position causing movement of said release link, movement of said release element from said rest position to said actuated position when said release link is in said engaging position causing said pawl to move to said release position, and movement of said release element from said rest position to said actuated position when said release link is in said disengaged position allowing said pawl to remain in said retaining position; a locking member having a locked position, wherein said release link is held in said disengaged position and an unlocked position allowing said release link to move to said engaging position; and a biasing member providing a bias action force and a bias reaction force, said action force acting to bias said release link towards said engaging position and said bias reaction force acting to bias said latch bolt towards said open position.