Compact locking differential

A differential gear mechanism comprising a gear case defining a gear chamber, a differential gear set disposed in said gear chamber, and including at least one input gear and a pair of output gears defining an axis of rotation;

• lockup means for locking up said differential gear set to retard differentiating action, and actuating means for actuating said lockup means;
• said lockup means including a clutch pack operable between an engaged condition, effective to retard relative rotation between said gear case and said output gears, and a disengaged condition;
• said lockup means further including cam means operable to effect said engaged condition of said clutch pack, said actuating means including retarding means operable to engage said cam means and retard a portion of said cam means, said retarding means comprising a flyweight mechanism rotatable about its axis at a speed generally proportional to the level of differentiating action, and defining a stop surface moveable from a retracted position to an extended position in response to a predetermined level of differentiating action;
• said actuating means further including a latch mechanism including a latch member and means biasing said latch member toward an operative position in which said latch member is disposed to engage said stop surface when said stop surface is in said extended position, said latch mechanism further including a weight disposed oppositely from said latch member, about said axis of rotation, said weight being operable to move said latch mechanism, in opposition to said biasing means, along a straight, generally diametrally-oriented path in response to a predetermined rotational speed of said differential gear mechanism, to move said latch member from said operative position to an inoperative position, above said predetermined rotational speed, characterized by:
• (a) said latch mechanism comprising an integral, generally U-shaped member, including a bottom portion and a pair of upright leg portions;
• (b) said bottom portion of said U-shaped member defining said latch member formed integrally therewith;
• and
• (c) said pair of upright leg portions of said U-shaped member extending past said axis of rotation, said weight being fixed to said leg portions.