Latch assembly
US4534587A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 1983 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/282
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved latch assembly is provided particularly for use in so-called sunroof windows or the like in an automotive vehicle to movably position a vent panel, such as a pane of glass, to selectively open and close a vent opening. The latch assembly comprises at least one pair of mechanical links pivoted to each other and respectively pivoted to the vent panel and a stationary main frame at one side of the vent opening. The links are designed for articulated movement generally over-center relative to each other between a first position holding a latch in locking engagement with a keeper on the main frame thereby locking the vent panel in a closed position and a second position supporting the vent panel in an open position relative to the vent opening. This over-center pivoting movement is facilitated by forming one of the links from a telescoping pair of link sections for lost motion in response to reaction forces during pivoting thereby substantially reducing the magnitude of forces acting between the main frame and the vent panel which could otherwise cause distortion and/or damage thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.