Patent · US Expired

Toggle latch with automatic safety catch

US4925221A · kind A · utility

29Cited by
3References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 1, 1988
Grant dateMay 15, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 1, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T292/108
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A toggle latch is shown which retains a structure, such as an aircraft door, latched against a second structure, such as the fuselage. The latch includes a housing having a latch actuator joined to the housing a first pivot point and a latch member joined to the housing at a second pivot point. A linkage joins the latch actuator and latch member at third and fourth pivot points. In the latched position, the fourth pivot point is positioned past a center line between the first and third pivot points to create the over-center, toggle effect of the latch. A safety catch is pivoted within the latch actuator which extends into a passage in the actuator. The safety catch also engages the housing when the toggle latch is in its latched position to lock the latch closed. Insertion of a tool into the passage engages the safety catch to remove it from its locking contact with the housing and free the latch actuator for opening the latch.

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