Self-acting Latch.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Apr., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 5th Jan., 1895-Accepted, 9th Mar., 1895
Self-acting Latch.
I, EDWIN JOHN TURNER, Manager, Messrs. W. and T. Avery Limited,
38 Robertson Street Glasgow, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention relates to a self-acting latch, and is more particularly applicable
for fixing vertical stanchions to a platform, such as that of a weighing machine, to
form a
56 pen to receive and weigh cattle.
"
In carrying out my invention 1 prolong the stanchions through holes in the
platform and in the part of the stanchion projecting below the platform I form a
hole into which when the stanchion is placed in position a catch falls automatically
and locks the stanchion to the platform. The catch may be in the form of a
quadrant pivoted to a block attached to the platform and having its lower end so
shaped that it will fit the hole in the stanchion. This quadrant is weighted so that
it falls into position. The upper end of the quadrant is brought through the
platform and has a ring attached by which the lower end of the quadrant can be
withdrawn from the hole in the stanchion when the stanchion is to be removed.
Instead of the hole in the stanchion I may form a projection on its lower end,
which will lock against a pivoted wedge when the stanchion is put in position.
The latch has been described above as applicable to a horizontal platform, but it
may also be employed for fixing a bar in a horizontal or other position.
Dated this 4th day of April 1894.
BOTTOMLEY & LIDDLE,
154, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.
Self-acting Laten.
I, EDWIN JOHN TURNER, Manager, Messrs. W. and T. Avery Limited, of
Partick, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to a self-acting latch, and is more particularly applicable
for fixing vertical stanchions to a platform, such as that of a weighing machine, to
form a pen to receive and weigh cattle, as well as for a catch or fastener for
"
window sashes.
In carrying out my invention I prolong the stanchions through holes in the
platform and in the part of the stanchion projecting below the platform I form a
hole into which when the stanchion is placed in position a catch falls auto-
matically and locks the stanchion to the platform. The catch may be in the
form of a quadrant pivoted to a block attached to the platform and having its
lower end so shaped that it will fit the hole in the stanchion. This quadrant is
weighted so that it falls into position. The upper end of the quadrant is brought
through the platform, and has a ring attached by which the lower end of the

page_text: quadrant can be withdrawn from the hole in the stanchion when the stanchion is to
be removed.
Instead of the hole in the stanchion I may form a projection on its lower end
which will lock against a pivoted wedge when the stanchion is put in position.
The latch has been described above as applicable to a horizontal platform,
but it may also be employed for fixing a bar in a horizontal or other position.
In order that my invention may be properly understood and readily carried
into effect I have hereunto appended two explanatory sheets of drawings in the
several figures of which corresponding parts are marked with the same letters of
reference.
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a side elevation and plan illustrating the
self-acting latch applied to a weighing machine.
Figure 3 is a part elevation and part transverse section illustrating the self-
acting latch applied to the sash and framework of a sliding sash window.
In Figures and 2 the stanchion A, which passes through a hole B in the
platform of the weighing machine, has at its lower end a hole or slot D formed
upon it.
Into the said hole or slot D the one end E of a quadrantal catch F
enters and becomes locked. The end E of the catch F is of wedge shape, and
the hole or slot D is of a corresponding shape. This quadrantal catch F is
inserted between the two cheeks of a snug G, to which it is pivoted at g. The
outer extension H of the said quadrantal catch F protrudes through a recess I
cut or formed in the platform, and is secured by a ring J which facilitates the
unlocking of the catch F with the stanchion A. The catch F is pivoted so
that it falls into the notch D and remains locked as seen more particularly in
Figure 2.
In Figure 3 a pin or projecting stud A¹ takes the place of the stanchion A.
This stud A' is secured on the underside of the lower sash K, which in the
closed position of the window penetrates a hole formed in the framework L of
the window. The hole or slot D formed in the said stud is the same as what
has been described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, as well as the construction
of the quadrantal catch and the locking and releasing mechanism as will be seen in
the said figure.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
The self-acting latch, substantially as described and shown on the accompanying
sheets of drawings.
BOTTOMLEY & LIDDLE,
154, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.