Patent · US Expired

Latch mechanism for luminaire

US4424993A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
5References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 29, 1981
Grant dateJan 10, 1984
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 29, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T292/0934
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A latch mechanism for use in a street and roadway lighting luminaire. The latch mechanism operates generally in the same fashion as prior latch mechanisms to release the engagement between the upper and lower housings responsive to manual actuation of a pawl of the latch mechanism against the bias of a torsion spring. The present mechanism may be readily detached and replaced without the need for elaborate spring depressors. Two torsion springs are employed, one fitted to each side of the latch pawl to hold and bias the pawl. The springs can be released individually to enable removal of the pawl. On replacement, the pawl is slipped into the cast-in nesting arrangement with the two springs loosely fitted on the pawl. The springs are then depressed to their pawl-biasing condition to mount and affix the pawl to the lower housing. In this manner, the pawl can be replaced, if desired, without the need for tools of any kind, especially since the mounting of the latch in its housing is performed without screws or bolts.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.