Abstract: A locking slide latch comprises components that are easily assembled without the need for separate fasteners or adhesives. A preferred latch comprises a gripable base member having a spring member mounted thereon, a locking member rotatably mounted on the spring member and a rotatable lock plug mounted in the spring member and contacting the locking member. These components are assembled together without the use of separate fasteners or adhesives, thereby simplifying assembly and allowing for interchangeability of parts to meet varying latch requirements. The latches are preferably manufactured from corrosion resistant materials such as plastics, composites and corrosion resistant metals, and are highly suitable for use in automotive, recreational vehicle and marine applications.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 8, 1997
Date of Patent:
April 27, 1999
Assignee:
Southco, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert D. Alyanakian, Richard E. Schlack
Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a key-activated, handle-operated three way (position) locking mechanism for removable automobile, or other vehicle, roof panels of the type wherein the handle customarily pivots from locked to open (unlocked) positions to permit removal of the roof "T-top" panels. The "T-top" lock-handle device of this invention comprises a latch stud adapter mechanism and locking cam mechanism each located substantially within a handle-housing and operative to permit locking and unlocking over a three position arc for the lock and a two position arc for the handle-housing and wherein unlocking is effected by meshing of notched surfaces on said adapter and locking cam whereby the locking cam drives the adapter upon rotation of the handle to unlock the "T-top" permitting its removal from the automobile roof.
Abstract: A lock for a vehicle sunroof panel including a handle for effecting rotation of the shaft and parts mounted to the shaft and handle cooperable by positioning of one relative to the other by means of a key-operated lock cylinder to on the one hand enable the handle and on the other hand to disable the handle.