Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1 FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to door latch mechanisms
and particularly to automobile door latch mechanisms and -
components therefor suitable for use in vehicle doors and
particularly relates to the operator portions of such mechanisms
used to operate the structural portions (for example ratchet
and pawl).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicle door latch mechanisms normally contain
two portions, a structural portion and an operator portion
for opera~ing the components of the structural portion.
The structural portion usually comprises a pawl and a ratchet
with the ratchet engaging and capturing a striker mounted
on the body for securing the striker and thus securely
closing the door to the car body.
Various proposals have been made for door latch
mechanisms and operators some of which are shown in U.S.
patent 3,523,704; 3,697,105; 3,848,910; 3,858,919; 4,334,704;
4,289,342; 4,196,925; 4,005,887; 4,440,006; 4,487,441 and
4,494,782. See also Canadian Letters Patent 1,128,094
and German Offenlegungsschrift 2,403,238.
U.S. Patent 3,523,704 typifies older latch mechanisms
employing four different levers and many other parts making
the mechanism complex and costly to manufacture and assemble.
U.S. Patent 3,697,105 purports to teach a "floating"
pin for connection purposes. The pin floats in two slots
in a release lever and locking lever.
U.S. Patent 3,848,910 purports to teach a locking
mechanism for doors or,the like, especially for motor vehicle
doors which contains a latching element engaging durin
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~ . ,
132~8~
1 the closing of the door in a closure member; the closed
position of the latching element is locked by a locking
pawl which is disengageable from the latching element by
a disengaging lever; a safety lever is coordinated to the
latching pawl for purposes of blocking its disengaging
movement or interrupting its connection while a forced
locking lever is connected with the safety lever and includes
a part following the latching pawl during actuation of
the safety lever.
U.S. Patent 3,858,919 purports to teach a motor
vehicle door latch wherein a coupling body on the doorpost
is lockingly engageably by a pawl on the door edge which,
in turn, is blockable by an operating lever. The latch
has an actuating member which is operated by the door handles
and is connected by a link to the operating lever. The
actuating member is formed with a slot in which a pin carried
by the locking mechanism is engaged. The operating lever
has a guide surface with which the pin is only engageable
when the pin is towards one end of the guide slot. Thus
when the pin is at the other end of the guide slot the
two elements are effectively disconnected and the door
cannot be opened by actuation of either of the handles.
But should either handle be retained in the actuated position
and the locking mechanism be operated to unlock the door,
the link will move along in the groove, engage the guide
surface on the operating lever, and cam this lever over
to free the pawl and operate the lock. This pin may be
made of a synthetic resin having a low coefficient of friction
such as polytetrafluore,thylene.
U.S. Patent 4,334,704 purports to teach an automobile
-- 2 --
'' 132~871
1 door locking mechanism incorporating a child-lock device
which is connected to an actuator lever of the mechanism
through idle means and operable to keep the locking mechanism
in a locking condition even when a locking knob is released
and a door handle or button is manipulated and which allows
the door or button to move idly.
U.S. patent 4,289,342 purports to teach a motor
vehicle door lock which comprises a ratchet locking mechanism,
being a preferably bolt-shaped catch of which there can
engage the flanks of two locking teeth which are arranged
one behind the other and which are arranged on a pivotable
locking lever which is pressed into the locking position
by spring pressure and which, upon a movement of the catch
relative to the lever during the locking of the door, can
be pivoted by the catch against the spring pressure. For
the opening of the lock there engages in the locking lever
or is secured thereto, a driving member by means of which
the locking lever can be removed from the catch to such
an extent that the respective abutting tooth edge becomes
disengaged.
U.S. Patent 4,196,925 purports to teach an improved
door lock mechanism having an opener plate which can pivot
to move a detent to a locking or unlocking position, the
detent being able to open or close the door latch. The
opener plate is further movable to an activating or non-activating
position by a first locking lever connected to a garnish
button for movement against a turn-over snap action spring
and a second locking lever covering the first locking lever
and connected to a key cylinder for movement with the cylinder
without lost motion.
`` 132~871
1 U.S. Patent 4,005,887 purports to teach a keyless
door locking mechanism for an automotive vehicle comprising
a latch member engageable with a striker element on the
vehicle body during closing of the door, a detent element
engageable with the latch member for keeping the same latch
when engaged by the striker, a release element having a
shoulder being connectable with the detent for releasing
engagement of the latch member and the detent in an unlocked
position thereof, a locking lever for moving the release
element to a locked position to free the connection of
the detent and the release element, a keyless locking lever
being moveable with the locking lever between the unlocked
and locked positions thereof and being further moveable
to a keyless locked position, a cancelling lever moveable
with the locking lever between the unlocked and locked
positions thereof and further moveable to the keyless locked
position and being engageable with the detent to return
the locking lever moved to its locked position during door
opening to its unlocked position upon door closure, but
being disengaged with the detent by the keyless locking
lever at the locked position thereof to maintain the locking
lever so moved to its locked position during door opening
to keylessly lock the door lock mechanism upon door closure,
and a manually operable inside rod for moving the keyless
locking lever to its locked position independently of the
locking lever.
U.S. Patent 4,440,006 purports to teach a central
door-lock system having a plurality of door latches each
including a detent disp,laceable between an open position
securing the respective door to the respective doorpost
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1 and a closed position permitting the respective door to
separate from the respective doorpost, a manual door-opening
handle, mechanism including a primary latch member connected
to the handle and connectable to the detent and moveable
between a lock position preventing this handle from displacing
the detent between its open and closed positions and an
unlock position permitting the handle to displace the detent
between the open and closed positions, and a secondary
latch member displaceable between a lock position urging
the primary latch member into the respective lock position
while permitting the primary latch member to move into
the respective unlock position, an unlock position pèrmitting
the primary latch member to move freely between the respective
lock and unlock positions, and an antitheft position positively
holding the primary member in the respective lock position.
In addition, respective servoactuators for the latches
each include an operator linearly displaceable between
lock, unlock, and antitheft positions, an actuator element
entrainable by the respective operator, connected to the
respective secondary latch member, and jointly displaceable
therewith between the respective positions, and a reversible
electric servomotor and a rack-and-pinion gear train connected
between this motor and the respective operator for displacing
the respective secondary latch member via the respective
actuator element and operator between the respective lock,
unlock, and antitheft positions. A central switch is connected
to the servomotors for operating same jointly and thereby
jointly displacing the secondary latch members between
the respective position,s.
U.S. Patent 4,494,782 purports to teach a drive
~ ~3~7~
1 device for a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle door
lock which can be fastened by means of a central locking
installation comprising an operating element which is guided
on a housing for linear displacement between a fastening
position and an unfastening position and is coupled with
the fastening mechanism. A motor drives the operating
element in both directions of displacement. A locking
lever mounted on the housing for pivoting about a spindle
extending transversely of the direction of displacement
of the operating element in its locking position blocks
the operating element when it is situated in the fastening
position. Thus the fastening mechanism in the locked condition
cannot be unfastened manually. The locking lever is pivoted
by a rotating drive through an eccentric. The eccentric
engages in an aperture of the locking lever. The aperture
permits a pivoting movement of the eccentric of more than
180, while a stop face of the aperture limits the range
of rotation of the eccentric. The end positions of the
eccentric are situated, both in the locking position and
in the unlocking position of the locking lever in a "beyond-dead-
point-position", so that the locking device holds the locking
lever in self-locking manner.
U.S. Patent 4,487,441 purports to teach a child-proof
door locking device for use with an automotive door which
comprises a base plate securely attached to the door, an
inside lever pivotally connected to the base plate and
pivotally movable in response to handling of the inside
handle, an outside lever pivotally connected to the base
plate and pivotally moyable in response to handling of
the outside handle, a first device for causing the latching
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1 device to assume its inoperative condition when the outside
lever is pivoted in a given direction, a second device
for linking the outside lever with the inside lever so
that pivoting of the inside lever in a given direction
induces the pivoting of the outside lever in the given
direction, and a child-proof lever pivotally connected
to the base plate and disengaging the second device from
the inside lever when assuming its child-proof position.
Canadian Letters Patent 1,128,094 purports to
teach an automobile door locking mechanism comprising a
latch rotatable upon engagement with a striker, a ratchet
for preventing the rotation of the latch in the direction
for releasing its engagement with the striker, an actuator
plate for releasing the engagement of the ratchet with
the latch, connecting means for effecting and releasing
the engagement of the actuator plate with the ratchet,
and a rotary lever operable to actuate the actuator plate
in response to operation of an interior door handle, in
which another lever is pivotally fitted to a shaft which
pivotally locates the rotary lever, one of said levers
being formed with a slot opening which extends radially
with respect to the shaft and the other being formed with
a slot opening having an idle opening which extends circum-
ferentially with respect to the shaft, and a connector
means having a part which passes through the slot openings
at a right angle to the plane of rotation of the levers,
said connector means being connected to a child lock change
lever so as to slidingly change its location within the
slot openings and said,another lever being connected to
the interior door handle, whereby to determine whether
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1 actuation of the actuator plate is possible in response
to operation of said handle.
As is apparent, the said mechanisms are complex
in their use, manufacture, assembly and/or operation.
It is also clear from the substantial number of parts in
each mechanism that each of the mechanisms' weight and
size (particularly each of their thicknesses or depths ?
is substantially increased.
See also U.S. Patents 1,512,141; 2,118,729; 3,525,545;
3,904,230; 4,289,342 and 4,312,527 relating to other aspects
of the structural portions of latches and their operation.
It is therefore an object of this invention to
provide an improved operator mechanism suitable for use
in a door latch mechanism or individually housed for use
for operating structural portions of a door latch.
It is a further object of the invention to provide
such a mechanism with a minimum number of parts, and thus
minimum weight and thickness.
It is a further object of the invention to provide
a compact mechanism easily manufactured and simple to assemble
having versatility in use.
It is still a further object of the invention
to provide such mechanism at minimum cost.
It is a further object of this invention to permit
the improved operator mechanism to be incorporated into
a module which may then be secured to other components
(for example structural components) or with the structural
components in the same module.
Further and other objects of the invention will
be realized by those skilled in the art from the following
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1 summary of the invention and detailed description of embodiments
thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, an
operating mechanism suitable for use in a door latch mechanism
(for example, comprising structural components such as
a pawl and ratchet) of a door of a vehicle is provided,
the operating mechanism comprising:
(a) an inside handle release lever for being operated
from the inside of the door, for example by the
operation of an inside door handle;
(b) an outside handle release lever for being operated
from the outside of the door, for example by
the operation of an outside door handle;
(c) means for being engaged by the inside handle
release lever and outside handle release lever,
said means being connected to release the structural
components of the latch for operation (for example,
release the pawl);
(d) at least one of said inside handle release lever
and outside handle release lever (and preferably
at least the outside handle lever) being movable
to a position whereat the release lever cannot
engage said means to release the structural components
when operated.
Preferably, the operation of the inside handle
release lever and outside handle release lever directly
operates said means (as opposed to indirect operation through
other components). Inlone embodiment, each release lever
carries a shoulder for engaging said means. In another
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`~ .
1 embodiment, only one lever carries a shoulder for such
engagement and the other lever is rotatable in and out
of engagement with said means.
Preferably, at least one of the release levers -~
slides longitudinally to engage said means and is pivotable
(about a pivot) so that longitudinal sliding movement of
the release lever when the release lever has been pivoted,
does not permit the release lever to engage said means.
According to another aspect of the invention,
both release levers may be slideable to engage said means
and may be pivotable to positions which will not permit
engagement by said release levers with said means. With
respect thereto, in one embodiment a longitudinally extending
slot is provided in each lever. In this embodiment the
release levers overlie one another and are supported on
a pin for limited sliding longitudinal movement with respect
thereto. The levers are spring biased towards one another
and a rotatable cam lever or locking lever is provided
to rotate the inside handle release lever, the outside
handle release lever and/or both levers out of their normal
position against the action of the spring so that longitudinal
sliding movement will not permit engagement with said means.
According to another aspect of the invention,
the inside handle release lever may not be moved to a position
to be unable to engage said means. Thus, the outside handle
release lever is the only release lever so moveable. In
this regard, the outside handle release lever may have
a longitudinally extending slot in which a pin is carried
on which it may pivotlby the cam lever or locking lever.
According to another aspect of the invention,
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132g~71
1 the inside handle release lever is rotatable about a pivot
point (preferably in a plane at right angles to the plane
of movement of the outside handle release lever) and said
outside handle lever is slideable longitudinally to engage
said means and is pivotable to a position whereat slideable
movement will not permit engagement of said means.
In one embodiment, said means comprises an arm
rotatable about a central pivot, the rotation thereof releasing
the structural components of the latch for operation, one
end of the arm for engagement by the inside handle release
lever and the other end for being engaged by the outside
handle release lever. In some embodiments with this construction,
a cam arm or locking lever is provided and rotated by the
inside handle release lever to position the outside handle
release lever in a position whereat it cannot engage said
means. In one embodiment, a pin secured to the end of
the cam arm for operating the outside handle release lever
is supported in a longitudinal slot in the outside handle
lever. Thus, rotation of the cam arm rotates the outside
handle release lever out of position so that slideable
longitudinal movement thereof will not engage said means.
According to another aspect of the invention,
the inside handle release lever may carry an elongated
slot and is supported on a pin for slideable longitudinal
movement. According to an embodiment, it is pivotable
about the pin to a position whereat it cannot engage said
means.
According to another aspect of the invention,
the inside handle release lever may be rotatable in a plane
at right angles to the plane in which the motion of the outside
~326871
1 handle release lever occurs.
According to another aspect of the invention,
said means being connected to release the structural components
of the latch comprises a pin moveable (either slides or
rotates) to release the components (for example, the pawl
and thus the ratchet).
According to another aspect of the invention,
said means to release the structural components of the
latch comprises an arm or release lever that rotates causing
release of the structural components (for example, the
pawl and ratchet).
This invention permits all the necessary functions
of a door latch to be provided with a reduced number of
parts. The actual number of components for the operating
lS mechanism constructed according to the invention will vary
depe,nding upon the actual design utilized. It will, of
course, be appreciated that the number of parts does not
include the structural components (for example, pawl and
ratchet), as,the structural components are not part of
the invention, though the invention may be utilized with
such structural components.
The latch functions that may be achieved are
as follows:
(a) inside release;
(b) outside release;
(c) locking.
Optional functions that can be provided are:
(d) override;
(e) child proof lock (usually in rear door only);
(f) anti-lockout (usually driver's door).
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1326871
Additionally, the key cylinder (in the front
doors, for example) may be attached to the cam arm or
locking lever to operate the outside handle release lever
to rotate the lever between positions whereat the lever
S when moved longitudinally will or will not engage the means
being connected to release the structural components.
Still further, the inside handle of a door may
be connected by a single cable (Bowden cable) to rotate
the inside handle release lever (and return the lever to
its original position) to move the outside handle release
lever to a position whereat slideable longitudinal movement
of the outside handle release lever will engage the means
being connected to release the structural components (if
the outside handle is not in that position) and thereafter
engage the arm rotatable about a central pivot (the means
being connected to release the structural components) to
cause release of the structural components (for example,
pawl and ratchet) to release the door for opening.
The inside handle may have associated with the
handle and its operation, a handle lock lever which pivots
like the handle towards and away from the door (and in
the same direction as the handle when the door is to be
opened). In this regard, the handle lock lever is operable
by the handle to operate with the handle when the door
is to be opened. The handle lock lever when either depressed
or raised, causes the outside handle release lever to be
moved to a position whereat it does not engage the means
(for example, the arm) to release the structural components.
In this regard, the inside handle release lever may be
forked, one space between one set of forks for positioning
.
1326871
I the arm (means therebetween for releasing the structural
components) and another space for receiving the end of
the cam arm or locking lever. When the inside handle is
pulled or depressed to open the door, the arm is first caused
to move the outside handle release lever to the position to
engage the means to release the structural components if
moved longitudinally and then the inside handle release lever
engages the means to release the structural components.
According to another aspect of the invention,
an operating mechanism for operating the structural components
of a door latch mechanism is provided, the operating mechanism
comprising a pair of release levers, at least one release
lever, preferably both release levers, carrying a longitudinal
slot for being supported (by means of the longitudinal
slot) on a pin (the pin preferably being connected to a
wall of a housing for supporting the at least one lever),
the said at least one release lever carrying a shoulder
(and preferably both levers each carrying a shoulder on
the side of each lever closest to the other lever), the
levers for being connected to the inside door handle and
the outside door handle for permitting opening of the car
door, and means to be engaged by the levers for operating
the structural components of the lock, at least one of
the levers being moveable to a position whereat it cannot
engage said means. For example, where the two release
levers each carry a shoulder and slot, the two levers are
spring biased towards one another and a locking lever (cam)
is provided between the two and carries cam surfaces thereon,
so that when the release levers are in their normally spaced
position, the shoulders of each are aligned with the means
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1 (for example, a pin secured to the structural components)
so that longitudinal movement of one of the levers towards
the pin permits engagement of the shoulder with said means
attached to the structural components releasing for example,
the pawl and thus the ratchet, unlocking the door and whereby
when the cam surfaces on the locking lever (cam) is moved
to different positions the levers swing further from one
another so that longitudinal movement of at least one of
the levers will not engage said means connected to the
structural parts until the locking lever is returned to
the normal position releasing the at least one release
lever to be spring biased towards the other release lever
to their normal engaging positions aligned with said means
(for example, pin) secured to the structural parts of
the door latch mechanism.
According to another aspect of the invention,
a door latch mechanism is provided comprising the operating
mechanism described above and a ratchet and a pawl (structural
components) in a plastic modular case for assembly into
a vehicle door, said means being connected to operate the
pawl and ratchet to unlock the vehicle door.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated with reference
to embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying
figures in which:
Figure l is a perspective view of a door latch
mechanism incorporating an operating mechanism according
to one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a view of the mechanism of Figure
l looking from the opposite direction. ~ -
;
132~7-1
1 Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 (shown with Figures 8 and
9) illustrate the operation of part of the mechanism shown
in Figures 1 and 2 also comprising a key cylinder.
Figure 7 (found with Figure 5) is a close-up
perspective exploded view of part of the structure shown
in Figure 1.
Figure 7A is a perspective view of some of the
components shown in Figure 1 connected to the structural
components (pawl and ratchet) of the lock mechanism shown
in Figure 1.
Figure 7B illustrates a handle mechanism suitable
for use to be connected to the mechanism shown in Figure
1.
Figures 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F illustrate the various
positions of the components of the handle mechanism of
Figure 7B when used to operate the lock mechanism shown
in Figure 1.
Figures 8 and 9 (found with Figure 6) illustrate
the operation of some of the components shown in Figure
1.
Figures 10 to 13, inclusive, illustrate schematically
another embodiment of the invention and its operation.
Figure 14 is a side plan view of part of a car
including a rear door incorporating the lock mechanism
according to another embodiment of the invention.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of a module of
the latch mechanism shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a perspective exploded view of the
components in the latch mechanism shown in Figure 15.
Figures 17 and 18 are plan views of the structural
- 16 -
- - : . . . .
1326871
1 components (ratchet and pawl) and their relative operation
to secure the striker.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of part of the
latch mechanism shown in Figure 16 illustrating components
thereof.
Figure 20 is a plan view of the relative position
of the components shown in Figure 16 when assembled and
in a particular relative position to one another.
Figure 21 is the cross-section taken along the
line 21-21 in Figure 20.
Figures 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 illustrate the
components of the latch mechanism shown in Figure 16 in
various positions.
Figures 27 and 28 illustrate in plan the operation
of some components of a latch mechanism similar to that
shown in Figure 19 when incorporating a handle on the inside
of a car door for the operation thereof.
Figure 29 is a perspective partly exploded view
of another latch mechanism incorporating an operating mechanism
according to another embodiment of the invention.
Figure 30 is a perspective view of one of the
components shown in Figure 29.
Figures 31 through 34 inclusive illustrate the
various positions of the various component members of the
mechanism shown in Figure 29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown
latch mechanism 50 (about 2~ cm thickness) comprising injection
moulded body portion 52 comprising generally rectangular
part 54 covered by back cover 56 and presenting a slot
1 3 2~
l or mouth 58 into which ratchet 60 projects (see also Figure
7A) for being engaged by striker 62 (see Figure 7A). Ratchet
60 is mounted to pivot on pin 64 and is held in position
after it has received pawl 62 as at 62' shown in Figure
7A by pawl 66 which is pivoted on pin 68 (see Figure 7A)
so that when pawl 66 is moved from position 66A to pasition
66B shown in Figure 7A, ratchet 60 is free to release striker
62 and is urged by torsion spring 70 to rotate from position
60A where it captures striker 62 to position 60B (see Figure
7A). With respect to Figure 2, ratchet is in the position
shown as 60B in Figure 7A.
The other side of rectangular part 54 comprises
face 72 and a raised block portion 76 comprising face 78
spaced from face 72. A metal plate 79 is secured to the
face of part 54, as shown in Figure 1, by pins 80 and 82
and carries slot 84. Plate 79 also carries L-shaped metal
portion for engaging face 78 by portion 86 and side 74
by L-shaped connector portion 88. Face portion 86 aarries
an L-shaped portion which extends from the side thereof
remote side 88 and engages the other side 77 of raised
block portion 76. Tab 90 extends from portion 77 along
face 72 and is curved at 92. A raised annular boss 94
extends upwardly from face 72 (see Figure 3) for receiving
torsion spring 96, one arm 98 of which extends laterally
and the other arm 100 extends generally downwardly and
` is anchored by tab 102 in cam lever (or locking lever)
104. Inside handle release lever 106 carries a pin 108
which projects through slot 84 and is covered by cap 108A
to lock pin 108 in slot 84 for movement therein. Arm 98
of spring 96 is secured by tab 110 to inside release lever
- 18 -
. . . ~ . . .
1326871
1 106 and urges release lever to be moved so that pin 108
is at the end of slot 84 nearest spring arm 98. Arm 106
also includes a longitudinally extending slot 112 for receiving
pin 114 of cam or lock lever 104 to permit sliding movement
of locking lever 104 relative to lever 106. Lever 106
carries raised portion 116 which is aligned with tab 118
of metal pawl lever 120 secured to pivot on pin 122 (on
which cam or lock lever 104 is also pivoted to rotate).
(In this regard see Figure 7.) Thus when lever 104 rotates,
arm 106 is pivoted about pin 108 in slot 84 to be raised
and lowered. When arm 104 is in the position shown in
Figure 1, projection 116 is aligned with tab 118 of pawl
arm 120. When arm 104 is in the position shown in Figures
3 and 5, projection 116 is not aligned with tab 118 and
thus if arm 106 is retracted in slot 84 towards the rear
84A of slot 84, projection 116 will not engage tab 118.
Tab 130 located at the end of pawl arm 120 opposite
tab 118 is meant to be engaged by arm 132 of inside handle
release lever 134 pivotally secured by pin 136 to a metal
plate 137 connected to plate portion 86. Lever 134 is
oriented to rotate in a plane at right angles to the plane
of lever 106. Lever 134 is forked and comprises arms 132
for engaging tab 130 of pawl lever 120 and arms 140 and
142 for engaging end 104A of arm 104 therebetween to cause
arm 104 to be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise as
arm 134 pivots either clockwise or counterclockwise. Metal
plate portion 137 sits on ledge 137A forming part of body
54. Plate 137 also contains metal support portion 139
carrying upstanding flange 141 having a curved slot opening
for insertion into slot 144 provided between raised and
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1326871
1 spaced flanges 146 and 148 of connector 150. Wire 152
covered by sheath 154, (as for example being a Bowden cable)
extends through connector 150 and is connected to arm 142
of inside handle release lever 134.
With reference to Figures 7 and 7A, pawl lever
120 carries rectangular slot 160 therethrough for receiving
rectangular portion 162 on the end of pin 122 and the two
portions are welded together. Thus, pawl lever 120 rotates
with pin 162 because of the connection. Pin 162 also contains
a circular portion 164 on which lock lever 104 is fixed
to rotate, however, lock lever 104, because of the circular
configuration about portion 164, will not be caused to
rotate when pin 122 is rotated but is adapted to rotate
about, or pivot about, portion 164.
With reference to Figure 7A, pin 122 i8 urged
to be in one position by torsion spring 170 fixed to pawl
66 so that when pawl 66 is moved to the position 66B and
released, spring 170 will rotate pawl to position 66A when
ratchet is in position 60A.
With reference to Figure 7B, the end of wire
152 is connected at its one other end remote arm 142 to
inside handle assembly located on the inside of the car
door (not shown) through connector 150' secured in slot
in tab 141' supported on handle housing 180. Handle housing
180 comprises opposite extending flanges 182 and 184 through
which pin 186 passes. Handle 188 is secured to rotate
on pin 186 and comprises depending flanges 190 and 191
extending from handle 188. Flange 190 carries a curved
slot 192. Supported on pin 186 by flanges 196 and 198
is lock handle or lock button 194. Flange 196 also carries
- 20 -
`- 1326871
1 depending aperture 200 for passing wire 152 therethrough
to be passed through slot 192 of depending flange 190.
Rotation of handle 188 in the direction of the arrow (depending
on the positioning of wire 152 in slot 192) will either
immediately cause the wire 152 to be drawn rearwardly away
from connector 150' or after an interval to do so. See
Figures 7C through 7F inclusive.
With reference to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the
operation of mechanism 50 will be illustrated. Lever 106
is connected to the handle on the outside of the door by
rod or wire 210 and arm 104 is connected via rod or wire
212 to key lock 214. As is illustrated with reference
to Figures 3 and 4, the rotation of key lock from the position
shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 3 causes
wire 212 to push the end of lock lever 104 towards projection
116 on lever 106 raising projection 116 out of alignment
with tab 118 of pawl lever 120. Pulling on outside handle
(not shown) causing wire 210 to pull pin 108 to the end
of slot 84 shown in Figure 5 when the key lock is in the
position shown in Figure 5 causes the pulling of arm 106
rearwardly not to engage tab 118 of pawl lever 120.
However, when key lock is turned to the position
shown in Figure 4 with the pin 114 of lock lever or cam
lever 104 in the position shown in Figure 4, the pulling
of the outside handle by the pulling of rod or wire 210,
will pull pin 108 rearwardly to the rear of slot 84, and
then pull projection 116 to engage tab 118 rotating pawl
lever 120 causing the pawl 66 to be pivoted to position
66B releasing ratchet 60 to move with the action of torsion
spring 70 to the position shown as 60B shown in Figure
- 21 -
1326871
1 7A releasing striker 62. When projection 116 of lever
106 cannot engage tab 118 of pawl lever 120, the outside
handle connected to wire 210 is inoperative and the door
is locked. The door may be opened by unlocking the key
lock 214 or by operating the inside handle shown in Figure
7B.
In this regard, with reference to Figures 7C
through 7F inclusive, Figures 8 and 9 and Figure 1 with
lever 104 shown in the position shown in Figure 1, handle
portion or button portion 194 may be depressed which causes
wire 152 to be pushed inwardly within sheath 154 causing
arm 142 of fork portion 142, 140 to push arm 104A laterally
causing lever 104 to rotate about portion 164 of pin 122
causing lever 106 to be raised, thus taking projection
116 out of alignment with tab portion 118. In this regard,
the end of wire 152 is moved to the end of slot 192 closest
connector 150 (see Figure 7F). Thus, the outside handle
is inoperative. For unlocking the outside handle, handle
or button portion 194 is raised as in Figure 7C drawing
wire 152 to the end of slot 192 closest handle 188 thus
returning lever 104 to the position shown in Figure 1 thus
"unlocking" the door or rendering the outside handle operative
because wire 152 is drawn towards handle 188 thus pulling
arm 142 and arm 140 to cause arm 142 to engage arm 104A
of lever 104 and rotate it about pin 122 as inside handle
release lever 134 pivots about pin 136. Pawl lever 120
is normally in the position shown in Figure 1 as a result
of spring 170 causing it to be in that position. When
arm 132 is rotated away from tab 130, arm 140 does not
engage tab 130 to push it in any direction. Thus, the
.
1326871
:.
1 space between arms 132 and 140 is such that only arm 132
acts on tab 130 of pawl lever 120 pushing it towards arm
140 but not the other way. Pawl lever 120 after tab 130
is pushed towards art 140 and arm 132 is moved back to
the position shown in Figure 1 is returned to the position
in Figure 1 by the action of spring 170. In this regard
see Figures 8 and 9.
When it is desired to open the door employing
the inside handle 188 irrespective of whether the outside
handle is inoperative or operative, handle 188 is raised
(see Figure 7D) causing wire 152 to engage the portion
of slot 192 (nearest latch mechanism S0) at 192' thus pulling
the end of wire 152 causing arm 132 of inside handle release
lever 134 to engage tab 130 rotating pawl lever 120 and
lS thus pin 122 (see Figures 7 and 7A) against the action
of spring 170 raising pawl 66 to the position 66B permitting
ratchet 60 to rotate by the action of torsion spring 70
to the position shown at 60B releasing striker 62.
With reference to Figures 1 through 9 inclusive,
the outside handle release lever 106 was slideable longitudinally
of its length to engage the pawl lever 120 by engaging
tab 118 for the release of the striker 62 from the ratchet
60 and can be pivoted to a position where lever 106 cannot
engage the pawl lever. The inside handle release lever,
however, does not move in the same manner, but is rotated
in a plane at right angles to the plane of motion of the
outside handle release lever 106.
With reference to Figures 10 through 13 essentials
of an operating mechan,ism according to an embodiment of
the invention are illustrated schematically. In this regard
-
1~2~8~
1 an outside handle release lever 302 and an inside handle
release lever 300 are provided and are each slidable longitudinally
to engage pin 306 which when engaged (either moves longitudinally
or rotates) causing the rotation of a pawl (not shown)
to permit the release of a striker ~not shown) by a ratchet
(not shown) o the structural components of a lock mechanism.
Figures 10 to 13 also illustrate the use cam assembly 310
to bias the levers away from one another under certain
conditions so that shoulders 302A and 300A on the release
levers are moved out of alignment with pin 306. Thus,
inside handle release lever 300 and outside handle release
lever 302 are provided each carrying a shoulder 300A and
302A respectively for engaging pawl pin 306 connected to
the pawl (not shown) which operates to cause the ratchet
lS to release the striker (not shown). Each of levers 300
and 302 carries a slot 303 in which is supported pin 304.
Lever 300 overlies lever 302. Cam assembly is positioned
between release levers 300 and 302. Cam assembly rotates
about pin 308 and comprises cam bodies 310A , 310B, and
310C. By positioning the cams appropriately to space lever
300 and 302 out of alignment of shoulder 300A and 302A
with pawl pin 306 or into alignment with pawl pin 306,
the release levers can be positioned
(i) as shown in Figure 10, wherein both the outside
handle and the inside handle are operative;
(ii) as shown Figure 11 where both handles are inoperative;
(iii) as shown in Figure 12 where the inside handle
is operative and the outside handle is inoperative
(locked); a,nd
(ivj as shown in Figure 13 where the outside handle
- . .
1~2~g71
1 is and thus unlocked and the inside handle is
locked and cannot be unlocked making it "child
proof". ~ :
For activation of each of the handles, wires 315 are connected
to the release levers and to the inside handle or outside
handle (not shown). Thus, by pulling on the outside handle
for example when wire 315 is pulled, release lever 302 ~ .
is pulled and moves forwardly on pin 304 so that shoulder
302 a can engage pin 306 as in Figures 10 and 13 but not
in Figures 11 and 12.
Use of the embodiment of the invention shown
in Figures 10 to 13 is made in further embodiments illustrated
in Figures 14 to 26 inclusive, Figures 27 and 28 and Figures
29 to 34 inclusive.
With reference to Figures 14 to 26 inclusive
there is shown latch mechanism 400 connected to be operated
by outside handle 402 and inside handle 404 and lock button
406. Mechanism 400 is connected to lock button 406 through
wire 408 which is covered by a sheath 410 (see Figure 14)
through link arm 412. Mechanism 400 is connected to inside
handle 404 through cable or wire 414 covered by sheath
416 (see Figure 15). Outside handle 402 is carried on
the outside of the door 420 of automobile 422 (see Figure
14) and is rotatable to cause spring loaded arm 424 (see
Figure lS) to depressed in slot 426 by the engagement of
tab 428 (see Figure 23).
Lock mechanism 400 is housed in a casing which
is 3~ cm thick and is substantially rectangular and carries
the operating mechanism for operating the structural mechanism
.30 used to engage and secure striker 430 (see Figure 15)~
- 25 -
: . , ~ . , ~
13~7~
1 Striker contains retangular opening 432 therethrough.
With reference to Figures 15, 17, 18 and 19,
slot opening 434 is provided in mechanism 400 into which
striker 430 is guided for engagement with ratchet 436 controlled
by pawl 438 both of which are spring loaded. As striker
430 is guided into slot 434 it engages ratchet 436 which
pivots against the action of a torsion spring about pivot
439 causing pawl 438 to take up the position shown in Figure
18 and with arm 436A passing through slot 432 into the
position shown in Figure 18.
Outside handle 402 which engages lever 424 at
428 may be constructed and positioned with respect to mechanism
400 to engage the opposite end of lever 424 on the extension
428A of lever 424 shown in dotted line (see Figure 23)
instead of tab 428. (Lever 424 may be similarly constructed
to lever 624 shown in Figure 29.) Mechanism 400 also carries
a curved slot 440 through its outer surface of the case
for the projection therethrough of child proof locking
lever 442 which is free to rotate from one end of the slot
to the other.
Mechanism 400 is housed in a case, body portions
of which are injection moulded plastics material while
the outer covers on the sides are metal plates. For example,
body 450 (see Figure 16) is injection moulded to provide
all of the slots cavities and formed portions to which
may then be secured different stems or pins threaded ito
apertures in the casing, different openings for receiving
the different connectors (as for example connectors 452
and 454 connecting wires 408 and 414 to the interior of
the case). Body 450 is covered by metal plates, plate
- 26 -
...... ~ - .
.
-
13~8~
1 456 covering the pawl and ratchet (structural locking components)
and metal plate 458 which covers the operating components
shown in Figure 16. In this regard, injection moulded
case 450 comprises a cavity 460 surrounded by flanges 462,
464, 466, and 468. Flange 464 carries two slots 470 and
472 for the connecting of wire 408 connected to inside
lock button and wire 414 connected to inside handle respectively.
Cavity 460 contains a back 474 through which slot 476,
aperture 478, and slot 480 are provided. Raised boss 482
is provided raised from surface 474 to receive metal pins
486 (on 482). Pinhead 488 on rivet 484 extends through
raised step portion 474A and boss 482 is disposed on recessed
surface portion 474B of back 474. Wall 474C spaces surfaces
474A and 474B. Stops 490, 492, and 494 are provided against
which elements for example arms of the locking lever (cam)
514 are stopped. Spring slot 496 is provided for receiving
spring 498 for being secured to projection 424A. Spring
498 is a compression spring which is constantly urging
projection 424A and thus lever 424 towards flange 468.
Three threaded bores are provided in the periphery
of case 450 as at 500A, 500B, and 500C to receive bolts
for securing metal cover 458 to close cavity 460.
With reference to Figures 17, 18, and 19, pawl
438 carries on the side closest to cavity wall 474 a pin
502 which rotates about pivot 438A. Pin 502 extends through
slot 480 and is received in bore 504' of rotatable arm
504. Arm 504 comprises an injection molded plastic body
having cylindrical column 506 at one end and carries on
the other end upstanding rod 508. Pin 486 extends through
wall 474B through aperture 510 and is secured in bore 438B. -
- 27 -
1~2~871
1 To permit pivotting of pawl member 438, pawl 438 is also
connected to arm 504 by pin 502. When pawl 438 is rotated
so is arm 504. Thus, so is rod 508. If rod 508 is rotated
about arm 504, then pawl 438 is also rotated.
Arm 504 carries torsion spring 512 between arm
504 and wall 474B on portion 512A of column 506. One arm - -
of torsion spring 512 abuts locking lever or cam lever -~
514 which is an injected moulded part and will be described
hereafter and the other arm engages inside handle release
lever 516.
Childproof locking lever 442 forms part of rod
442A which is connected to annulus 440 having central aperture
446 therethrough. Curved cam surface 448 is provided on
the other side of ring 444 for engaging inside handle release
lever 516 when the child proof lock is to be engaged.
Cam body 514 comprises a central columnar body.
The ends 514A and 514B extend through ring 444 through
bore 446. Portion 514A extends through aperture 478 for
being secured therein in back wall 474B. The other end
of cam body 514 is secured through-an aperture in the cover
(not shown) of cavity 460.
Arm 514C extends radially from cam body 514 and
carries a recess on opposite sides, one of which is shown
at 518 and between which aperature 520 opens for receiving
-25 and supporting metal end 408A of wire 408 for securing
cam body 514 to wire 408. Wire 408 is secured to lock
button 406 for the operation thereof. Thus, when wire
408 is either pushed or pulled, arm 514C is caused to rotate
and thus cam body 514 is caused to rotate about end 514A
carried in aperature 478. Three other arms extend radially
-- - 28 -
13~B~l
1 from the center thereof, 522, 524, and 526 seen best in
Figure 20.
With respect to torsion spring 512, arm 512A
abuts arm 526 of cam 514. As is also apparent from Figure
16, arm 512B gràsps lever 516.
Arm 516 carries on the undersurface thereof a
bore 528 for receiving end 414A of wire 414 connected to
the inside handle release lever 404 (shown in Figure 14).
Release lever 516 and release lever 424 each comprise longitudinally
extending elongated slot 530, each slot meant to receive
upstanding pinhead and rivet 484 and 488 therethrough to
secure levers 516 and 424 through their slots 530 but permit
longitudinal sliding movement of the levers as well as
pivotting of the levers about pinhead 488 and rivet 484.
Connectors 454 and 452, each comprise a pair
of spaced raised annular flanges 532 and 534 for securing
connectors 452 and 454 in slots 472 and 470 respectively
by flanges 532 and 534 abutting either side of the peripheral
wall portion 464 surrounding each of slots 470 and 472
(see also Figure 20).
The components shown in Figure 16 are then positioned
and connected as shown. With reference to figures 10 to
13 which illustrate schematically the construction and
operation of an embodiment, lever 300 is provided for the
same purpose as lever 516 shown in Figure 16, lever 302
for the same purpose as lever 424 and pin 306 for the same
purpose as rod 508 forming part of body 504 secured to
pawl 438. Cam body 310 is also provided for the same purposes
as cam body 514 and child proof lever 442 which employs
cam body 448 and pin 442A.
- 29 -
1326~71
1 Where flange 428A is provided for engagement
by the outside handle 402, portion 540 may be omitted including ~ :
portion 428 up to dotted line 541 shown in Figure 16.
When the components are assembled into body 450,
lever 516 overlies lever 424. As will be noted, each release
lever contains an inwardly directed shoulder, lever 516
carries shoulder 542 and lever 424 carries inwardly directed
shoulder 544. When the operating mechanism is assembled,
shoulders 542 and 544 are normally aligned with rod 508
so that any longitudinal movement of each of the levers
516 and 524 towards wires 414 will cause the engagement
of rod 508. Rod 508 will thus rotate, causing body 504
to rotate about pin 486 against the action of torsion spring
512 which will be wound thus wanting to return to its original
postion -- in this regard see Figure 20.
With reference to Figure 20 the unit is at rest
with button lock 406 in a position that maintains outside
handle operative (unlocked) and the cams on body 514 positioned
between levers 424 and 516 so that if handle 424 is rotated
by outside handle 402 (see Figure 23) by the engagement
of tab 428, shoulder 544 will engage pin 508 rotating pin
508 causlng pawl 502 to be rotated to the postion shown
in Figure 17 from the position shown in Figure 18, permitting
the ratchet to rotate caused by the torsion spring (not
shown) attached to ratchet 436 to rotate to the position
shown in Figure 17 releasing striker 430, shown also in
Figure 19. (See also Figure 23.) Similarly the pulling
of cable 414 by activation of the inner handle will draw
release lever 516 towards it so that shoulder 542 engages
pin 508 and the same result occurs. (See Figure 22.)
- 30 -
.
13~7~
1 It will be noted that when portion 428 is substituted
by portion 428A shown in Figure 23, the operation of the
handle 402A will depress lever 424 (with lever 424 being
terminated at line 541) causing shoulder 545 to rotate
pin 508.
When it is desired to "lock" the door - in effect
rendering the outside handle 402 and the inside handle
404 inoperable, button 406 is depressed rotating arm 412
clockwise about pivot 413 at the elbow of the L-shaped
10 arm 412 (see Figure 14) pulling wire 408 inwardly towards
arm 412 rotating arm 514c causing cam 522 to engage lever
424 with which it is aligned and arm 524 to engage lever
516 with which it is aligned to be pushed apart so that
if the outside handle or the inside handle are attempted
15 to be operated thus pulling levers 424 and 516 respectively
towards pin 508, pin 508 is not engaged by either of shoulder
544 or 542 and the handles are thus inoperable. (See Figure
24.)
With respect to Figure 25, when it is desired
to engage or activate the child proof lock, lever 442 is
activated by rotating pin 442A from the position shown
in Figure 24 to the position shown in Figure 25 causing
cam surface 448 to engage lever 516 to cause lever 516
to rotate on pin rivet 484, 488 positioning shoulder 542
25 out of alignment with pin 508. However, shoulder 544 is
aligned with pin 508 and thus activation of lever 424 by
for example handle 402 will permit the door to be opened
from the outside.
To render the latch mechanism 400 in door 420
30 inoperative from the inside, pin 442 can be seen from the
- 31 -
.
1 ~26871 -:
1 edge of the door and the driver need only slide it in slot
440 to the position shown in Figure 25. As is also apparent
because of the number of cam surfaces for engaging release
lever 516, release lever 516 is thick so that cam arms
524 and cam surface 448 which are on different levels or
planes so as not to interfere with one another in their
movement, are able to engage lever 516.
With respect to Figure 26, cam body 514 has been
modified to delete arm or lobe 524. Thus, except for the
activation of the child proof lock, the inner handle will
always be operative and the outer handle can be either
operative or inoperative.
With respect to Figures 27 and 28, there is shown
only a portion of the locking lever or cam lever 514, two
levers 516 and 424 with both ends 428 and 428A which can
be engaged by the outside handle 402, and rod 508. It
is also apparent only cam arms or lobes 522 and 524 are
shown of cam body 514, and lever 516 has been modified
to provide a recess at the front thereof (see Figure 28)
identified as 550. Inside handle 404 cannot only be raised
or lifted from the interior surface of the door about support
405 but also a lock button 404C is provided within the
handle (only shown in Figure 27) similar in structure to
that shown in Figure 7B to pivot about support 404B at
~S pivot point 404A to push cable 414 inwardly.
With reference to Figure 28, when lever 516 is
pulled toward handle 404 by the elevation of handle 404,
shoulder 542 engages pin 508 and the door is opened. However,
when lock button 404C is activated pushing cable 414 rearwardly,
the leading edge of cam arm 524 is caused to become lodged
- 32 -
13~71
1 in recess SS0 thereby rotating cam 514 from the position
shown in Figure 28 to the position shown in Figure 27 thus
spacing levers 516 and 424 away from pin 508 thus inactivating
the handles and locking the door. Thus, using this system,
a simple and effective manner of opening the doors is provided,
activating the doors for opening and locking the doors
and locking both the door from the inside and outside by
use of a lock on a single handle using the wire or cable
414 secured to handle 404.
As is apparent, the embodiments shown in Figures
14 to 28 are suitable for use with the back door while
the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 13 are suitable for
use with the front door (however, each could be modified
for use with the front or back door as required).
With reference to Figures 29 to 34 inclusive,
the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 28 have been modified
for use with a front door to include a key lock portion
and to delete the child-proof lockability therefrom. In
this regard, latch mechanism 400 (3 cm in thickness) has
been modified to alter the construction of lever 424 to
delete portion 540 including end 428 thereof and employ
solely portion 428A which was an alternative construction
in that previously used. The release lever now identified
as 624 contains end 624A identical to construction to end
428A. Lever 516 has been modified to be shorter and is
identified as lever 616 and carries downwardly depending
thicker portion 616A on the under side thereof and recess
617 in portion 616A. Cam body 514 has been modified to
the structure shown inlFigure 30 and is identified as 614
and contains structures or arms 614A, 614B, 614C, 614D
- 33 -
.
13~6871
1 and 614E. Once again cam body may be injection moulded
(as could 514). Instead of two cables and wires, only
one cable or wire 614 has been provided, there being no
equivalent to wlre 408. Latch mechanism 600 carries slot
634 for the receipt of a striker identical in structure
to slot 434 as are the pawl and ratchets and the connection
in body 504 of the pawl to pin 508. Spring 498 is provided
to connect to arm 624A of lever 624 and pinhead rivet 484,
488 is still provided to be received in slots 630 and 632.
Only slot 670 is provided in the outer wall 664 of latch
600. Cavity 460 has been modified to provide cavity 660
comprising recessed portion defined by back wall 674B similar
to back wall 474B and stepped raised portion defined by
back wall 674A spaced by wall 674C from wall 674B. However,
between the wall 662 (similar to wall 462) and raised step
portion 674A, a recess or slot 700 is provided seen best
in Figures 29 and 31 for receiving bent rod 702, one end
of which is secured in arm portion 614A of cam body or
lock lever 614 positioned to extend through aperture 678,
in the same position as aperture 478. Recess 617 of lever . .
616 is provided for the same purposes as recess 550 and
is defined at one end by a front wall 617A for engaging
arm 614C when wire 614 is pushed rearwardly so that arm
614C becomes lodged in recess 617 rotating cam lever 614
(in this regard, see Figure 32). Slot 710 is provided
in inside wall 662 for receiving a body 712 being of columnar
construction and carrying an inside flange 714 and an annular
flange 716 for engaging the walls surrounding slot 710
of wall 662. Plange 714 carries boss 717 carrying bore
718 so that when body 712 rotates, bore 718 also rotates
- 34 -
- , .
1326871
1 between the positions shown in Figures 31 and 32. Rod
702 is connected in bore 718 and thus as body 712 is rotated,
rod 702 is caused to move from the position shown in Figure
31 to the position shown in Figure 32. Rod 702 is connected
to arm 614A. Thus when rod 702 is caused to move, arm
614A is moved to the position shown in Figure 32. Body
712 has an irregular shaped opening 712A (as opposed to
circular) shown best in Figure 29 being in effect two triangular
portions meeting at their apexes to form a butterfly formation.
Body 712 is joined to a key cylinder 720 (see Figure 31),
and thus insertion of a key into cylinder 720 and the turning
thereof will cause body 712 to be rotated (because of the
non-circular nature of opening 712A for receiving a like-shaped
key element for rotating body 712). Thus the rotation
of rod 702 rotates cam 614 about a vertical axis by the
movement of arm 614A. Torsion spring 612 similar to torsion
spring 512 is carried on a bos~. One end of torsion spring
612 is lodged in a recess provided at 722 provided in wall
662 of latch mechanism 600. The other arm of torsion spring
612, namely arm 612A abuts against the bottom of cam or
lock lever 614 sitting in aperture 678. Arm 612A does
not abut any of the arms 614 but sits below arm 614E (the
lowest arm). The manner of connecting wire 614' is the
same as used to connect cable 414.
With reference to Figures 30 and 31, release
levers 624 and 626 carry shoulders 644 and 642 respectively
for engaging pin 508 which when engaged, rotates pin 502
in slot 480 for rotating the pawl for releasing the ratchet
and thus the striker. By having cable 614' drawn in the
direction of the arrow shown in Figure 31, inside handle
- 35 -
~ ,-
.. . .
13~71
1 release lever 616 moves forward causing shoulder 612 to
engage pin 508 and cause pin 508 to rotate arm 504 about
pin 486 releasing the pawl and thus the ratchet. The position
of cam lever or lock lever 614 shown in Figure 31 is its
normal position.
With reference to Figure 31, the under side of
lever 616 presents portion 616A for engaging arm 614C.
When engaged by arm 614C, portion 616A does not permit
rotation of arm 614C towards pin rivet 484, 488, and thus
if lever 616 is pulled to the position shown in Figure
31, the key cylinder 720 cannot be activated to render
arm 624 inoperative. The addition of portion 616A protects
locking lever 614 and the elements thereof from being damaged
during operation. With respect to Figure 32, when lever
616 is in the position shown in Figure 29 with arm 614C
in recess 617, the key cylinder 720 can be activated thus
rotating body 712 rotating bore 718 and thus rod 702 to
the position shown in Figure 32. Thus, the door is locked.
When a key is inserted into cylinder 720 and rotated, body
712 is rotated to the position shown in Figure 33, outside
handle 402' may be brought to bear against surface 428A
depressing lever 624 to cause shoulder 544 to engage pin
508 opening the door. As will be observed, arm 614C is
not in recess 617.
With respect to Figure 34, the door is closed
and is in the latched position allowing the key or the
interior lock (if any) to be operated.
As many changes can be made to the invention
without departing from~the scope thereof, it is intended
that all matter herein be interpreted illustrative of the
1326~
1 invention and not in a limiting sense. For example, an
anti-locking feature to prevent accidental lockout has
been provided so that for locking the front door, a key
must be used. In this regard, a pin on the pawl of the
structural portion of the latch moves to a predetermined
position when the door is closed. By adding an additional
arm on the locking lever, the pin connected in some manner
to the pawl can be engaged by the additional arm which
prevents the locking lever rotating unless the door is
closed. Therefore, one cannot lock the door when the door
i8 open, and must be shut. This additional feature is
added at no additional cost, because this lever can be
added or moulded with locking lever or cam 614.
In this regard, arm 614E is provided to be interfered
with by the lower part 508' of pin 508 so as to preclude
rotation of lever 614 when the door is open (see Figure
31).
. ~ . . ."
- 37 -
