Overcenter type latch

An overcenter type latch for securing a pair of relatively movable members to each other comprising, in combination, an elongated retainer for securement to one member and including a pair of laterally spaced recesses adjacent one end portion thereof and an upstanding leg adjacent the other end thereof having a shoulder providing a striker, an elongated handle of plastic material including a pair of laterally spaced abutments adjacent one end thereof engageable within the recesses of the retainer to pivot the handle to the retainer for movement between an unlatched position and an overcenter latched position wherein the other end of the handle engages the leg to locate the handle in spaced relationship to the retainer, elastomeric link means for pivotal securement to the other member and to the handle, the link means being tensed and extending through the space between the recesses and the abutments when the handle is in overcenter latched position, the pivot of the link means to the handle being overcenter with respect to the pivot of the link means to the other member and the engagement of the abutments with the recesses, and a manually operable latch element integrally pivoted to the handle by a flexible web adjacent the other end thereof and located in the space between the handle and retainer, said latch element including a latch shoulder juxtaposed to the striker shoulder when the handle is in overcenter latched position to block movement of the handle to unlatched position, and a finger engageable portion operable by the operator inserting his fingers in the space between the handle and retainer and manually grasping the finger portion and handle to pivot the latch element relative to the handle and move the latch shoulder out of juxtaposition to the striker shoulder concurrently with movement of the handle to unlatched position, movement of the handle to overcenter latched position engaging the latch shoulder with the striker shoulder to pivot the latch element relative to the handle and permit the latch shoulder to move past and in juxtaposition to the striker shoulder.

An overcenter type latch for securing a pair of relatively movable members to each other comprising, in combination, a molded plastic retainer for securement to one member and including a pair of laterally spaced integral lugs adjacent one end portion thereof, each including an arcuate recess and an arcuate lead in cam surface, an upstanding integral leg adjacent the other end of the retainer having a shoulder providing a striker, an elongated molded plastic handle including a pair of laterally spaced abutments adjacent one end thereof slidably movable along a respective lead in cam surface and into engagement within a respective recess of the retainer to pivot the handle to the retainer for movement between an unlatched position and an overcenter latched position wherein the other end of the handle engages the leg to locate the handle in spaced relationship to the retainer, an elastomeric link for pivotal securement to the other member and to the handle, the link being tensed and extending through the space between the retainer lugs and handle abutments when the handle is in overcenter latched position, the pivot of the link to the handle being overcenter with respect to the pivot of the link to the other member and the engagement of the abutments with the recesses, and a manually operable latch element integrally pivoted by a flexible web to the handle adjacent the other end thereof and located in the space between the handle and retainer, said latch element including a latch shoulder juxtaposed to the striker shoulder when the handle is in overcenter latched position to block movement of the handle to unlatched position, and a finger engageable portion operable by the operator inserting his fingers in the space between the handle and retainer and manually grasping the finger portion and handle to pivot the latch element relative to the handle and move the latch shoulder out of juxtaposition to the striker shoulder concurrently with movement of the handle to unlatched position, the latch shoulder being engageable with the striker shoulder to pivot the latch element relative to the handle and permit the latch shoulder to move past and in juxtaposition to the striker shoulder upon movement of the handle to the overcenter latched position.