Patent ID: 7695031
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: E05B,E05C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A latch assembly for releasably securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, the second member having a keeper in a fixed positional relationship therewith, the latch assembly comprising: an upper housing adapted for mounting to the first member; a lower housing attached to said upper housing and having a cavity; a pawl supported by said cavity, said pawl being capable of pivotal and rectilinear motion relative to said cavity, and said pawl being rectilinearly movable between extended and retracted positions; a knob supported by said upper housing for rectilinear movement between retracted and extended positions, said pawl being rotationally movable between a first angular position and a second angular position when said knob in said extended position of said knob; means for selectively retaining said knob in said retracted position of said knob; and means to block rotational movement of said pawl when said knob is in said retracted position of said knob, wherein said means to block rotational movement of said pawl blocks rotational movement of said pawl toward said second angular position such that said pawl cannot move out of engagement with the keeper when said knob is in said retracted position of said knob.