Patent ID: 6418761
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
A latch for use with a closure member and an associated frame member, the latch comprising:a housing adapted for installation to the closure member; a latch assembly mounted to the housing and operable between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration, said latch assembly including a latching pawl movable between latched and unlatched positions, and a shaft, said latching pawl being attached to said shaft and being movable responsive to movement of said shaft; a lock mounted to said housing, said lock being selectively operable between a locked and unlocked configuration; and a lock pawl attached to said lock, said lock pawl being rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position responsive to operation of said lock between said locked and unlocked configurations, said lock pawl having a U-shaped opening at spaced separation from said lock, wherein a portion of said shaft is received within said U-shaped opening when said lock pawl is in said locked position, and wherein said portion of said shaft has flats formed on either side thereof that engage said U-shaped opening when said lock pawl is in said locked position, whereby said lock pawl prevents said latching pawl from moving to said unlatched position when said lock pawl is in said locked position.