Device for latching and releasing the lid of a portable compact disk player

Abstract

An optical disk reading device has a lid having a catch hole provided along an edge, and a locking element having a catch part that removably engages the catch hole, and a push rod directing part. The locking element is pivotable to cause the catch part to engage and disengage the catch hole to close and open the lid, respectively. The optical disk reading device further includes a push rod having a tab provided at the bottom end, the push rod assuming an unlocked position when the catch part disengages the catch hole, and assuming a locked position when the catch part engages the catch hole. The optical disk reading device further includes a guide track having a stop edge, with the tab traveling along the guide track and secured at the stop edge when the push rod is in the locked position. The push rod directing part contacts the tab to cause the tab to be disengaged from the stop edge when the locking element is pivoted to disengage the catch part from the catch hole.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.