Locking or latching mechanism
AssigneeFoster Refrigerator (UK) Limited
InventorAndrew Hodges
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Locking or latching mechanism with a striker having an enlarged head and a keep. The enlarged head of the striker is able to pass into an opening of the keep. The keep retains the head of the striker in a locked or latched condition. The keep is loosely mounted to permit automatic alignment between the striker and the keep.
Claims14
A locking or latching mechanism installed on a door and door frame, the mechanism comprising a striker extending from the door and having an enlarged head, a housing connected to the door frame and a keep, the keep including an opening through which the enlarged head of the striker can pass, in which the mechanism is in a locked or latched condition when the enlarged head of the striker is received and retained by the keep, the keep being formed as a part separate from the housing but provided loosely within the housing to permit relative movement between the keep when the striker is moved towards and into the keep via movement of the door toward the door frame, wherein the housing includes an opening that is larger than the opening of the keep but smaller than the keep itself to prevent the keep from falling out.
A locking or latching mechanism installed on a door and door frame, the mechanism comprising a striker extending from the door and having an enlarged head, a housing connected to the door frame, and a keep, the keep including an opening through which the enlarged of the striker can pass, in which the mechanism is in a locked or latched condition when the enlarged head of the striker is received and retained by the keep, the keep being formed as a part separate from the housing but provided loosely within the housing to permit relative movement between the keep and housing enabling automatic alignment between the striker and the keep when the striker is moved towards and into the keep via movement of the door toward the door frame, wherein the housing is configured and sized to retain the keep therein while at the same time permitting relative movement between the keep and the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.