Patent ID: 6422616
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: E05B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A latching mechanism for selectively retaining a closure having a striker, the latching mechanism comprising, in combination:a housing forming a vertically extending groove for receiving the striker; first and second axles located on opposite sides of the groove; a striker spring located at the groove; wherein the striker spring provides a force in a vertical direction to bias the striker out of the groove; a pawl pivotable about the first axle and defining a notch; and a ratchet pivotable about the second axle and defining a protrusion adapted to cooperate with the notch of the pawl to selectively retain the ratchet in a locked position, the ratchet also defining a pocket for receiving the striker and retaining the striker in the groove when the ratchet is in the locked position.