US3070396A - Catch for a packing case or the like - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 25, 1962 G." E. SWANSON I CATCH FOR A PACKING CASE OR THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed July 31, 1958 FIG.7 'Flc-m F|G.9 FIG.1O

F'IG.5 II-lens A TTORNEYS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 G. E. SWANSON CATCH FOR A PACKING CASE OR THE LIKE N w w w i RN E mm va m ,(W m m 0 vs f ,w WM A m 8 M 30, w w w B 9 w m. ami 522: a G a w .wfik MW 6 52:: y M 8 0. M a, 4 4 p r 7 l H 22 3 ,4 2 Hui s \a. 1 4 a 8 5 a z 8 F i I W. J 7 aw m 4 v a 8 W Z 6F w F Q J4. fr I III 6 ."I'IIEIFHV 4 L7immg====== A. W o EVIL Dec. 25, 1962 Original Filed July 31, 1958 ilnited States 3,070,396 Patented Dec. 25, 1962 Fine 3,070,396 CATCH FOR A PACKING CASE OR THE LHQE Gunnar E. Swanson, Middletown, Conan, assignor to The Nielsen Hardware Corporation, Hartford, Conn, a corporation of Connecticut Original application July 31, 1958, Ser. No. 752,302, new Patent No. 2,951,722, dated Sept. 6, 1%11. Divided and this application Oct. 26, 195%, Ser. No. 848,587

10 Claims. (Cl. 292-447) This application is a division of my copending application Serial No. 752,302, filed July 31, 1958, entitled Catch for a Packing Case or the Like, new Patent No. 2,951,722, dated September 6, 1960.

The invention relates to a catch for use on a packing case or the like having a main body and having a cover upwardly separable from said main body. A strike is provided which is adapted to be fixedly attached to said case cover, and a catch unit is provided which is adapted to be fixedly attached to said case body below the strike. The catch unit is of the type comprising a lever movable about a fixed axis and a yoke pivoted to said lever at a movable axis and engageable with the strike. The relationship of parts is such that said yoke when so engaged and said lever when in said forward position constitute toggle links movable respectively about the pivotal connection with the strike and about said fixed lever axis so that said movable yoke axis has an overcenter action with respect to said fixed lever axis upon movement of the lever to a rearward position.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved adjusting means between the fixed lever axis and the movable yoke axis which makes it possible for the case cover to be always pressed firmly downwardly against the case body notwithstanding minor inaccuracies in the location of the strike and of the catch unit on the case cover and on the case body.

A further object of the invention is to provide an adjusting means as set forth in the last preceding paragraph which includes a spring for resisting upward movement of the yoke axis and also an adjustable screw for positively limiting upward movement of the yoke axis in opposition to the resistance of the spring.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the claims.

The drawings show two embodiments of the invention and such embodiments will be described, but it will be understood that various changes may be made from the constructions disclosed, and that the drawings and description are not to be construed as defining or limiting the scope of the invention, the claims forming a part of this specification being relied upon for that purpose.

' Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a catch embodying the invention, said catch being shown in its position of initial engagement.

FIG. 2 is a side view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the catch in an intermediate position, a fragmentary portion at the bottom being shown in vertical central section.

FIG. 3 is a side view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the catch in its position of full engagement.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the catch as shown in FIG. 3.

- FIG. 5 is a front view of the base separate from other parts.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the base as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the main lever separate from other parts.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the lever as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the yoke separate from other parts.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the yoke as shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 1111 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 11, but showing the catch in a position preparatory to release.

' FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 12, but showing the catch in position for disengagement.

FIG. 14 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIGS. 3 and 11.

FIG. 15 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the lines 15-15 of FIGS. 3 and 11.

FIG. 16 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the lines 16-16 of FIGS. 3 and 11.

FIG. 17 is a front view generally similar to FIG. 4, but showing an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

A catch embodying the invention is adapted for use on a packing case or the like having a main body A and having a cover B upwardly separable from said main body. The catch includes a strike 10 adapted to be fixedly attached to said case cover B, said strike having a relative- 1y fixed book 12. The catch also includes a catch unit which has a base 14 adapted to be fixedly attached to said case body A below said strike 10. A main lever 16 is connected with the base 14 for movement about a horizontal transverse axis which is fixed against forward and rearward movement relatively to the bases, such an axis being provided by a first pivot pin 18. A yoke 20 is pivoted to said lever 16 for movement about a movable horizontal transverse axis at a second pivot pin 22 spaced from said lever axis 18. The yoke 20 is pivotally engageable at its upper end with the book 12 of said strike 10 when said lever 16 is in a forward position as shown in FIG. 1. Said yoke 20 when pivotally engaged with the book of said strike and said lever 16 when in said forward position constitute toggle links movable respectively about the pivotal connection of the yoke with the strike 10 and about said lever axis at 18 so that said movable yoke axis at 22 has an overcenter action with respect to said lever axis at 18 upon movement of the yoke 20 and the lever 16 to rearward cover holding position as shown in FIG. 3.

The base 14- is shown as having two parallel forwardly projecting wings 24, 24 having holes 18*, 18 therein for the first pivot pin 13. The lever 16 is shown as having two rearwardly projecting wings 26, 26 located between the base wings 2.4, 24 and having holes 18 18 for said pivot pin 18 and preferably also having holes 28*, 28 for another pin 28 to be described. In addition the wings 24, 24 have holes 22*, 22 for the second pivot pin 22. The last said holes 22 22 are vertically elongated to permit vertical adjustment of said pin 22. The yoke an is shown as having two rearwardly projecting wings 319, 30 having holes 22 22" for the pivot pin 22.

I The base 14 has forwardly projecting teeth 32, 32 and the wings 26, 26 of the lever 16 have notches 34, 34 into which the teeth fit when the catch is in fully engaged position as shown in FIG. 3. The teeth and the notches are adapted to carry a portion of the vertical stress and to thus avoid undue stress on the pins 18 and 28.

In accordance with the invention, a manually rotatable adjusting screw is provided on the lever 16 for enabling said yoke axis at 22 to be moved vertically to vary the distance between said base and said strike when said yoke and said lever are in their said cover holding posi-' tions as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. It is thus possible to make correction for minor inaccuracies in the location of the base 14 and of the strike 10 respectively on the body A and on the cover B. Within reasonable limits, the. stated adjustment makes it possible, notwithstanding such 3 inaccuracies, for the cover to be always firmly pressed downwardly against the body when the yoke and lever are moved to their cover holding positions. I p

A member having a vertical aperture therein is carried by the lever 16 in fixed relationship with the axisof the first pin. This member is preferably a structurally sepa-' rate block such as the block 36 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. The block such as 36 has a vertical aperture therein and a vertical screw such as 40 extends through the vertical aperture and is adapted upon rotary adjustment thereof to vary the distance between the axis of the first and second pins. The screw has means at the top thereof and closely adjacent the first pin for effecting said rotary adjustment, this means being shown as a screw driver slot in the screw. The screw is readily accessible at the top so that adjustment can be made notwithstanding the disclosed catch device at the bottom of the lever.

Referring particularly to the catch shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, the block 36 is interposed between the wings 26, 26 of the lever 16, this block being transversely apertured to receive and fit the first pivot pin 18. Also interposed between said lever wings 26, 26- and below the block 36 is a second block 38 apertured to receive and fit the pivot pin 22, said second block being vertically movable relatively to said lever 16. The upper portion of the screw 46 extends through said vertical hole in the block 36 and the screw is held to prevent relative vertical movement. The lower portion of the screw 49 is entered in a vertical threaded hole in the block 38. For preventing vertical movement, the screw 40 has an annular groove through which the pivot pin 18 extends, said pin at least assisting in preventing bodily vertical movement of'said' screw. Preferably another transverse pin 23 extends through an aperture in the block 36 and into the annular groove in the screw, this last said pin cooperating with the pivot pin 18 to prevent vertical movement of the screw. By means of said slot in its upper end, the screw 40 may be turned to vertically adjust the block 38 and pivot pin 22 relatively to the pivot pin 18. The vertical adjustment of the pin 22 relatively to the lever 16 is permitted by the vertical elongation of the holes 22*, 22 The yoke is vertically adjusted with the pin 22 and the yoke axis is therefore moved or adjusted with respect to the lever axis at 18.

A manually movable releasable latch device is preferably provided which normally engages the base 14 and the lever 16 for preventing movement of said lever forwardly from its rear position. Preferably said latch device comprises an abutment in fixed position on the base and also comprises a latch carried by the movable lever and normally in engagement with the abutment to retain the lever in rearward position, said latch being manually movable relatively to the lever and out of engagement with said abutment.

As shown the base 14 has two forwardly projecting wings 42, 42 near its bottom and a transverse pin 44 is secured to said wings. The pin 41- constitutes the beforementioned abutment on the base, this abutment having a rearwardly exposed face. The relatively movable latch on the lever is shown at 46, this latch being spring pressed downwardly and manually movable upwardly. The latch preferably comprises two transversely spaced active portions and said active portions have inclined cam faces 48 which enable the latch to automatically move upwardly, as shown in FIG. 2, when the lever 16 is moved rearwardly from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. At the last said position the latch 46 snaps downwardly behind the abutment 44.

For manually moving the latch 46 upwardly there is provided a finger piece 50 which is carried by the lever 16 and which is spaced forwardly from the base 14 to provide finger space behind it. Said finger piece has rearwardly projecting wings 52, 52 at the sides thereof, said wings 52, 52 being at the outer sides of the wings 26, 26 on the lever 16. Said lever wings 26, 26 have slots 54 which are vertical and slots 56 which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly. Transverse pins 58 and 60 extend through and fit holes in the wings 52, 52 of the finger piece and also through said slots 54 and 56 in the wings 26, 26 of the lever. The pins 58 and 60 are at the lower ends of the slots 54 and 56 and the finger piece therefore cannot move downwardly beyond the position shown in FIG. 3. When the latch 46 is in its engaged position as shown in FIG. 11, the front wall of the finger piece 50 registers with the front wall of the lever 46. Said finger piece has an offset upward extension 62 which fits behind and engages the rear face of said front wall of the lever 16. The extension 62 has an upwardly and rearwardly inclined front face and this cooperates with the adjacent front portion of the lever 16 to prevent vertical movement of the finger piece.

The latch 46 is U-shaped in horizontal plan, as shown in FIG. 16, said latch having wings 64, 64. The latch is located between the wings 26, 26 of the lever and the active portions of said latch are at the lower ends of said latch wings 64, 64. Said wings of the latch have vertical slots 66 through which the pin 58 extends and said wings have upwardly and rearwardly inclined slots 68 through which the pin extends. A transverse normally vertical plate 76 is secured tothe wings 26, 26 of the lever near the rear thereof and behind the latch 46. A compression coil spring 72 is interposed between the plate and the front wall of the latch 46. The spring fits a tab bent forwardly from the plate 76 and a tab bent rearwardly from the front wall of the latch. Said spring 72 biases the latch 46 to its engaged position as.

shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. Downward movement of the latch relatively to the finger piece 50 is limited by the engagement of the upper ends of the slots 66 and 68 with the pins 58 and 60. When the upper ends of said slots 66 and 68 engage the pins 58 and 60, the spring 72 also biases the finger piece 50 downwardly. Downward movement of the finger piece is limited by the engagement of the pins 58 and 60 with the lower ends of the slots 54 and 56 in the wings 26, 26 of the lever.

When the catch is moved from the FIG. 1 position to the FIG. 3 position, the latch 46 engages the abutment 44 as shown in FIG. 2 and is cammed upwardly. The latch moves upwardly in opposition to the spring 72 and: independently of the. finger piece 50. In the FIG. 3 position the spring 72 has moved the latch so that its active) portions are behind. the abutment 44 to prevent forward movement of the lever.

When the catch is to be. disengaged, the inclined face on the extension 62 of the finger piece and the inclination of the slots 56 in the lever wings cooperate to prevent the finger piece 50 from moving vertically upwardly. Said inclined face and slots cause the finger piece:

to have combined upward and rearward swinging movement about the pin 58 when. substantially forward pres.- sure is applied manually to the lower end of said finger piece. When such pressure is applied, the finger piece is moved from the FIG. 11 position to the FIG. 12 position and it carries the latch 46 with it, the latch being.

thus moved out of its engaging relationship with the abutment 44. As soon as the FIG. 12 position has been reached, the forward pressure on the lower end of the finger piece is continued, and motion is continued to the FIG. 13 position which is such that the yoke 20 can be disengaged from the strike 10. It will be seen that substantially forward manual pressure applied to the lower end of the finger piece 50 serves not only to move the latch 46 upwardly for releasing the lever 16 but also to move said lever forwardly.

It will be observed, particularly from FIG. 11, that the combined center of gravity of the latch 46 and of the finger piece 50 is above the axis of the pin 58. Therefore any shock that would tend to move the lever 16 forwardly and which would thus tend to release the catch, would also tend to move the latch and finger piece forwardly and downwardly so that they remain in the positions shown in FIG. 11. With the parts in the FIG. 11 position, the lever 16 is iocked against forward movement.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show an alternative catch unit, generally similar to the upper portion of the catch unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, but omitting the means for releasably holding the parts in cover retaining positions.

The unit shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 has a base 74 similar to the base 14. A main lever 76 is connected with the base for movement about a horizontal transverse pivotal axis, said axis being fixed against forward and rearward movement relatively to the base. As shown, the base has forwardly extending wings 80, 80 and the lever 76 carries a block 82 which is vertically movable relatively to the main body of the lever and which has integral pintles 78, 78 entering pivot holes in said wings 80, 89. The pintles 78, 78 constitute a pivot pin corresponding generally to the first pivot pin 18 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, and said pintles provide the before-mentioned transverse pivotal axis.

A yoke 84, generally similar to the yoke 20, is connected with the lever '76 for pivotal movement about a transverse axis that is movable toward and from the lever axis at 78. When the parts are in their normal positions, as shown, the yoke axis is movable vertically. Preferably and as shown, the yoke is pivotally connect- 'ed to the lever by means of a transverse pivot pin 86 extending through holes in rearwardly extending wings 88, 88 on the lever. The pivotal axis of the yoke is vertically movable as stated, and the entire lever is vertically movable with the yoke axis. The lever wings 88, 88 have vertically elongated slots 90, 90 therein, and the pintles 78, 78 on the block 82 extend through these holes. The elongated slots 90, 9t} permit the stated vertical movement of the lever and of the yoke axis.

At least one vertical compression spring is preferably provided for resisting upward movement of the movable yoke axis toward said fixed lever axis. As shown, there are two vertical compression springs 92, 92 each abutting at its lower end against an abutment in fixed relation to the yoke axis at the pin 86 and each having its upper end held in fixed relation to the fixed lever axis 78. When a block 82 is provided the springs abut against said block. The said abutment for the lower ends of the springs may be a plate 94 above the pin 86 and in engagement therewith. The springs 92, 92 tend to hold the pintles 78, 78 at the upper ends of the slots 90, 90, and said springs will yield to permit upward movement of the abutment 94 and the pin 86 when the yoke is engaged with the strike and when the parts are moved to their cover retaining positions. The springs 92, 92 may serve within the limits of the pressure applied thereby to al- ,ways press the cover firmly downwardly against the case {bodynotwithstandingminor inaccuracies in the location of the strike and of the catch unit on the case cover and on the case body.

The pressure applied by the springs 92, 92 may ordinarily be sufiicient, but in order to provide a heavier and more positive pressure one or more adjustable screws are provided for limiting upward movement of the movable yoke axis at the pin 86 toward the lever 78 axis. When a block such as 82 is provided, the screw or screws are carried by said block. Preferably and as shown, threaded holes are provided in the block 82 and the screws 96, 96 are entered in these holes. Preferably, the screws extend through the springs 92, 92 and the lower ends of the screws are closely adjacent the abutment plate 94. As shown, the screws 96, 96 do not engage the abutment plate 94, and said plate and the pin 36 may move upwardly in opposition to the springs and to the extent permitted by the screws. The screws may be adjusted to vary the extent of permitted upward movement. Furthermore, the screws may be adjusted to 6 firmly engage the plate 94 and'to thus positively prevent any upward movement of the pin 86. Within reasonable limits, adjustment of said screws 96, 96 makes it possible for the cover to be always firmly pressed downwardly against the body when the catch is in its fully engaged position as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19.

In the use catch, the springs 92, 92 apply initial pressure to the cover as the parts are moved to their normal positions as shown, and in many instances this spring pressure is sufiicient and the screws 96, 96 are ineffective. But when greater pressure is necessary, the screws are adjusted to engage the abutment immediately before the completion of the toggle action so as to apply positive pressure to the cover as the toggle action is completed.

The invention claimed is:

1. In a catch for use on a packing case or the like having a main body and having a cover upwardly separable from' said main body, the combination of a strike adapted to be fixedly attached to said case cover and having a relatively fixed hook, a base adapted to be fixedly attached to said case body below said strike, a horizontal transverse pivot pin in fixed relationship with the base, a main lever engaging said pin and thereby connected with said base for pivotal movement about the axis of the pin, a second horizontal transverse pivot pin carried by the main lever and spaced from said first pin, a yoke engaging the second pin and thereby connected with the lever for pivotal movement about the axis of the second pin which yoke has a portion pivotally engageable at its upper end with the hook of the strike when said lever is in a forward position, said yoke when so engaged with the strike and said lever when in said forward position constituting toggle links movable respectively about the pivotal connection with the strike and about the axis of the first pin so that the second pin has an overcenter action with respect to the first pin when the yoke and the lever are moved rearwardly to vertical cover holding positions, a member carried by the lever and located closely adjacent the first pin and in fixed relationship with the axis thereof which member has a vertical aperture therein, and a vertical screw extending through the. aperture in said member and adapted upon rotative adjustment to vary the distance between the axes of the first and second pins which screw has means at the top thereof and closely adjacent the first pin for manually effecting said rotative adjustment.

2. A catch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said lever is provided with two transversely spaced longitudinal flanges having bearing apertures therein which receive said first pin, and wherein said member carried by the lever is a structurally separate block which is located be tween said flanges of the lever.

3. In a catch for use on a packing case or the like having a main body and having a cover upwardly separable from said main body, the combination of a strike adapted to be fixedly attached to said case cover and having a relatively fixed hook, a base adapted to be fixedly attached to said case body below said strike, a horizontal transverse pivot pin in fixed relationship with the base, a main lever engaging said pin and thereby connected with said base for pivotal movement about the axis of said pin, a second horizontal transverse pivot pin carried by the main lever and spaced from said first pin, a yoke engaging the second pin and thereby connected with the lever for pivotal movement about the axis of said second pin which yoke has a portion pivotally engageable at its upper end with the hook of the strike when said lever is in a forward position, said yoke, when so engaged with the strike and said lever when in said forward position constituting toggle links movable respectively about the pivotal connection with the strike and about the axis of the first pin so that the second pin has an overcenter action with respect to the first pin when the yoke and the lever are moved rearwardly to vertical cover holding positions, a first block carried by the lever in fixed position thereon 7 and closely adjacent the first pin which block has a vertical aperture therein, a second block carried by the lever and vertically movable with respect thereto, said second block having a transverse aperture therein which receives and fits the second pin and also having a vertical threaded aperture therein which is in alignment with the vertical aperture in the first block, and a vertical screw extending through the aperture in the first block and into the threaded aperture in the second block which screw is held against vertical movement relative to the first block and which screw has means at the top thereof and closely adjacent the first pin for manually rotating said screw to enable it to vertically move the second block and the second pin.

4. A catch as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first block has a transverse aperture therein which receives and fits said first pin, and wherein said vertical aperture in the first block is offset from said transverse aperture so that the top of the screw is readily accessible.

5. A catch as set forth in claim 4, wherein said screw has an annular groove therein positioned to receive and fit said first pin so that said first pin at least assists in preventing vertical movement of said screw.

6. A catch as set forth in claim 5, wherein said first block has a transverse retaining pin therein additional to said first pin which retaining pin is also entered in said annular groove in the screw and cooperates with the first pin for preventing vertical movement of said screw.

7. In a catch for use on a packing case or the like having a main body and having a cover upwardly separable from said main body, the combination of a strike adapted to be fixedly attached to said case cover and having a relatively fixed hook, a base adapted to be fixedly attached to said case body below said strike, a horizontal transverse pivot pin in fixed relationship with the base, a main lever having longitudinally elongated transverse bearing apertures which receive said pin for pivotally connecting the lever with said base, a second horizontal transverse pivot pin carried by the main lever and spaced from said first pin, a yoke engaging the second pin and thereby pivotally connected with the lever which yoke has a portion pivotally engageable at its upper end with the book of the strike when said lever is in a forward position, said yoke when so engaged with the strike and said lever when in said forward position constituting toggle links movable respectively about the pivotal connection with the strike and about the axis of the first pin so that the second pin has an overcenter action with respect to the first pin when the yoke and the lever are moved rearwardly to vertical cover holding positions, a block carried by the lever and located closely adjacent the first pin and in fixed relationship with the axis thereof which block has a vertical aperture therein, and a vertical screw extending through the aperture in said member and adapted upon rotative adjustment to vertically move the lever and the second pin relatively to the fixed first pin which screw has means at the top thereof and closely adjacent the first pin for manually effecting said rotative adjustment.

8. A catch as set forth in claim 7, wherein said block is formed integrally with said first pin.

9. In a catch for use on a packing case or the like having a main body and having a cover upwardly separable from said main body, the combination of a strike adapted to be fixedly attached to said case cover and having a relatively fixed book, a base adapted to be fixedly attached to said case body below said strike, a horizontal transverse pivot pin in fixed relationship with the base, a main lever engaging said pin and thereby connected with said base for pivotal movement about the axis of the pin, a second horizontal transverse pivot pin carried by the main lever and spaced from said first pin, a yoke engaging the second pin and thereby connected with the lever for pivotal movement about the axis of the second pin which yoke has a portion pivotally engageable at its upper end with the book of the strike when said lever is in a forward position, said yoke when so engaged with the strike and said lever when in said forward position constituting toggle links movable respectively about the pivotal connection with the strike and about the axis of the first pin so that the second pin has an overcenter action with respect to the first pin when the yoke and the lever are moved rearwardly to vertical cover holding positions, a member carried by the lever and located closely adjacent the first pin and in fixed relationship with the axis thereof which member has a vertical threaded aperture therein, a screw entered in the last said aperture and having means at the top thereof and closely adjacent the first pin for manually effecting rotary adjustment of said screw, a spring carried by the lever and serving to resist relative upward movement of said second pin and said yoke when the lever and the yoke are moved to their cover holding positions, and means initially spaced from the screw and engageable thereby to limit said relative upward movement, the limiting action of the screw being variable in accordance with rotary adjustment thereof 10. A catch as set forth in claim 9, wherein said member carried by the lever is a structurally separate block, and wherein a compression spring is interposed between said block and said screw engageable means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 830,182 Skov Sept. 4, 1906 1,898,742 Phillips Feb. 21, 1933 2,605,123 Claud-Mantle July 29, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 481,883 Great Britain Mar. 18, 1938 676,005 Germany May 24, 1939

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