Patent ID: 6761382
Filing Date: 2004-07-13
Classification: E05B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A gravity-sensitive latch for selective latched engagement with a keeper, comprising:a housing; a button supported for movement relative to said housing; a pendulum operatively positioned within said housing adjacent to said button, said pendulum pivoting between a first position and a second position responsive to gravitational force when said housing is respectively positioned in a first horizontal orientation and a second vertical orientation; a pawl suitable for engaging a keeper, said pawl having a latched position and an unlatched position; connection means connected between said pendulum and said pawl for moving said pawl between said latched position and said unlatched position responsive to said pendulum position; wherein when said housing is in said horizontal position, said pendulum is in first position suitable for being contacted by said button when said button is moved, wherein responsive to said button movement said pendulum moves and thereby though said connection means moves said pawl to said unlatched position; and wherein when said housing is in said vertical position, said pendulum is in said second position and thereby being out of contact by said button when said button is moved.