Patent · US Expired

Latching mechanism for an appliance door

US6390518B1 · kind B1 · utility

26Cited by
24References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 15, 2000
Grant dateMay 21, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 15, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T292/1078
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A mechanism for use in latching a pivotable access door of a cabinet includes a latch housing within which is rotatably mounted a catch member between latching and unlatching positions upon a carrier which, in turn, is rotatably supported in the latch housing. The carrier is biased into engagement with a cam pin which acts as a pivot stop for the carrier. A cross pin extends through a pair of laterally spaced slots formed in the latch housing and terminal ends of the cross pin are adapted to depress electronic switches through movement of the carrier when the latching mechanism assumes the latched position. The catch member is rotated to the latching position upon engagement with a latch striker and can be rotated to release the latch striker, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, either through the use of a handle or upon tugging on the access door.

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