Patent ID: 6637847
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: E05C,G06F,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A release latch, comprising: a latch mechanism, having:a base adapted to be immovably fixed to a first component, a resilient arm having one end fixed to said base, and a free end, a catch connected to the free end of said arm and being adapted to releasably engage a second component so that the first component is releasably held against the second component, wherein as said catch is moved into contact with the second component, such contact causes said arm to flex to thereby move said catch to a position in which the catch can engage and hold the second component; and a plurality of guide arms, each being connected to said base, and including a first guide arm disposed on one side of said arm, and a second guide arm disposed on another side of said arm; and a release mechanism adapted to be attached to the first component, and being activatable to move relative to said base, wherein when said release mechanism is activated, said release mechanism is moved from a first position, to a second position in which said release mechanism engages said arm to flex said arm, thereby causing said catch to disengage from the second component and allowing the first component to be moved away from the second component, and when said release mechanism is not activated and after said catch has disengaged from the second component, a memory effect of said arm causes said arm to return to a non-flexed position, thereby pushing said release mechanism back to the first position, said release mechanism including a first wing guide and a second wing guide positionable under said first guide arm and said second guide arm, respectively, wherein when said release mechanism is moved relative to said base, said first and second wing guides and said first and second guide arms cooperatively prevent said release mechanism from twisting.