GB871895A - Improvements in or relating to releasable fastening devices - Google Patents

Abstract

871,895. Latches. WILMOT-BREEDEN Ltd. Oct. 15, 1959 [Oct. 22, 1958], No. 33711/58. Addition to 864,305. Class 44. A releasable fastening device comprises two parts between which relative angular and translatory movements occur in a common plane as the parts move to a relative coupling position, the formation of said parts being such that when in said coupling position surface portions thereof contact each other substantially at the centre of said relative angular movement and so that the reaction force therebetween, as a result of any tendency for relative translatory movement in the reverse direction to that occuring during the fastening operation, is aligned with the direction of said relative translatory movement and is directed substantially through said centre and imposes no turning movement tending to produce relative angular movement in the uncoupling direction. A cam 2 co-acts with a keeper 1 when an automobile door is closed, the cam rotating about an axis 6 as a lobe 4 co-operates with a bulge 8 of the keeper. A lobe 3 passes over a surface 10 and the cam returns to its resting position by the action of a spring 22 which urges a cam plate 19, attached by a spindle 15 to the cam, against a stop. The reaction force between the cam and keeper acts in a line passing through the rotational axis of the cam such that the latch may be released by rotation of the cam. This rotation may.be effected by a push button or by a remote control linkage connected to lever 34, both means causing cam plate 19, and hence the cam, to rotate. The door can be locked by a key from the outside while allowing the inside operating means to function, and also may be locked by a small handle from the inside while allowing the outside operating means to function. A safety lever situated at the edge of the door which is inaccessible when the door is closed prevents releasing movement of the remote control lever 34.