Combination slam latch and cam lock adapter
AssigneeCompX International Inc.
InventorsJohn Y. Kamin, Robert E. Dalton, JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A self-contained combination latch and cam lock adapter module affixes to the rear of any lock (keyed or non-keyed) that has a requisite mating feature. The module is alignable in any of four positions (up, down, left, and right) on the back of the lock for latching in any installed position. The module allows a user to slam closed an associated door or drawer without having to rotate the lock into a locked position. The module retrofits in the field by removing and replacing an existing fixed cam. In one embodiment, a mating part is rotationally spring-loaded so that when the key or knob is turned and then released, the module automatically returns to its locked position, ready to be shut.
Claims23
An adapter module, for use with a lock having a matable driving element for use with an associated enclosure to be secured with such lock, comprising:
- a housing defining a mating end thereof for matably engaging the driving element of an associated lock;
- an attachment element for selectively attaching said housing to an associated lock;
- and
- a slam latch element retractably supported by said housing, wherein operation of such lock permits said slam latch element to be alternately moved between latched and unlatched positions relative to an associated enclosure.
A combination slam latch and cam lock adapter module, for use with a cam lock having a matable driving element and removable cam for use with an associated enclosure to be secured with such associated lock, comprising:
- a housing defining a mating end thereof for matably engaging the driving element of an associated lock in place of a removable cam removed therefrom;
- an attachment screw for selectively attaching said housing to an associated lock for operatively associating said module therewith;
- and
- a slam bolt retractably supported by said housing and having an inclined surface for engagement with an associated enclosure for slam closure thereof, wherein operation of such associated lock permits said adapter module to be alternately moved between an unlatched position relative to an associated enclosure and a slam closed position relative to such associated enclosure.
Methodology for converting into a slam lock a cam lock of he type having a matable driving element and removable cam attached thereto for use with an associated enclosure to be secured with such associated lock, comprising:
- removing the removable cam from the cam lock driving element;
- and
- securing to such cam lock driving element a slam latch adapter module comprising:
- a housing defining a mating end thereof for matably engaging the driving element of such associated lock;
- and
- a slam bolt retractably supported by such housing and having an inclined surface for engagement with an associated enclosure for slam closure thereof, wherein operation of such associated lock permits such adapter module to be alternately moved between an unlatched position relative to the associated enclosure and a slam closed position relative to such associated enclosure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.