Patent ID: 6109669
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: E05C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A slam-actuated pawl latch assembly for securing a closure panel, wherein a pawl engages a keeper member, the latch assembly comprising:a) a housing having a pawl slot therein;b) a handle pivotally connected to said housing;c) a pawl member disposed in said pawl slot; andd) biasing means for biasing the pawl member to protrude outwardly from said pawl slot;e) wherein said handle includes means for engaging said pawl member and retracting said pawl member inwardly toward the housing when the handle is pivoted;f) wherein said handle comprises a body portion with a lifting portion connected thereto to facilitate lifting of said handle by a user, and wherein said means for engaging said pawl member comprises a tab portion extending downwardly from said handle body portion;g) wherein said pawl member includes a receiving slot therein for receiving the handle tab portion therein, said receiving slot being defined in part by a wall portion, wherein said tab portion engages said wall portion to draw said pawl member inwardly toward the housing;h) wherein said pawl slot of said housing includes secondary slot means for guiding said pawl member movement within said housing, and wherein said pawl member includes rail members each disposed laterally on opposite sides of said pawl member receiving slot for travel through said housing secondary slot means when said latch is latched and unlatched;i) wherein said handle tab portion is disposed for engagement with the pawl member in an area between said rail members; andj) wherein said housing further comprises mounting means for attachment of said latch to said closure panel; wherein said housing has a front wall and wherein said pawl slot is disposed in said housing front wall, wherein said pawl member extends outwardly through said pawl slot, and wherein said mounting means includes mounting elements disposed on said front wall.