Closure fasteners – Bolts – Loops
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-09
2001-07-10
Dayoan, B. (Department: 3627)
Closure fasteners
Bolts
Loops
C292SDIG004
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257631
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to latches, and more particularly, to draw latches for latching together two closure members.
2. Background of the Invention
The present latch is referred to as a “draw latch” because it forcibly draws together the two closure members on which the latch members are mounted. Such members may be components of a cabinet, or a case, or a housing for a machine, a window or door panel, or any type of enclosure. In many cases, the closure members will be co-planar panels, but, in other cases, the two closure members will be angularly disposed, such as at right angles to each other.
All draw latches are basically toggle devices having three links and three pivot points. One of the pivot points is disengageable so that the latch may be unlatched to separate the closure members.
The present invention relates particularly to a draw latch of the toggle type which is sturdy and has improved retention and assembly features.
The prior art has provided draw latches of the toggle type with means for adjusting the distance between latching points. Some prior art adjustable latches incorporate a screw thread in the link which is to be stressed in tension. This introduces an undesirable feature, namely, if the latch be loaded beyond its maximum holding strength, there would be a complete failure of the latch mechanism.
Also in some prior art draw latches, the threaded tension link is the detachable link and is articulated with the handle lever in such manner that the latching operation involves two motions: (1) engagement of the detached link with its cooperating element and (2) the lever action to close the latch. Depending on the orientation of the latch with respect to gravity or other outside forces, the latching operation may require two hands.
Another deficiency of prior art adjustable draw latches resides in the complexity of the mechanism due to the attachment of the link. Usually rivets and cross pins are required to provide the pivoting joint.
A further disadvantage of prior art draw latches is the generally unpleasing appearance of the device. Due to the geometry of the articulated members, the mounting hardware and other aesthetically objectionable features which are exposed for viewing.
One example of a draw latch which is provided to overcome these aforementioned deficiencies, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,206, issued on Sep. 10, 1985 and assigned to Southco, Inc. the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A draw latch is provided with a base and a cover member which are connected by a pivot member which permits relative rotation of the base and cover. A keeper member is provided for mounting to a first closure member, such as a window frame, and is configured to be engaged by the cover selectively by the user, when the latch is secured.
Preferably, the pivot member is provided as a single element which can be matingly configured for installation into the base, and the base cooperatingly configured to retain a part of the pivot member. The cover, likewise, is configured to connect with an opposite portion of the pivot member. One or more orienting elements is provided on the pivot member to facilitate installation on the base and cover in the appropriate positions.
Stops are provided to regulate the swing of the cover and pivot member relative to the base.
A principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved draw latch of the toggle action type.
A more specific object is to provide a draw latch of the toggle action type which includes orienting elements to facilitate assembly and operation of the latch.
Another object is to provide such a draw latch having a simplified design for economical manufacture and assembly.
Another object is to provide a latch which may be engaged and latched in a single motion.
Another object is to provide a draw latch of the toggle action type which is of more pleasing appearance.
Another object is to provide a draw latch which has improved retention and stability characteristics. Another object is to provide a draw latch which has improved assembly features.
Another object is to provide a draw latch in which the tension link is a larger member of the assembly which covers and conceals the other components when in latch position, thereby providing a stylish uncluttered appearance and free of hazardous protruding elements.
Yet another object is to provide a draw latch of the foregoing type in which at least some, or all, of the components are molded of engineering plastic resin, thereby to provide a latch that is entirely resistant to corrosion and is nonmagnetic.
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Southco, Inc. Handbook #48, pp. H11-H26.
Holtman Eli J.
Hyp Eric D.
Sokurenko William E.
Dayoan B.
Estremsky Gary
Paul & Paul
Southco Inc.
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