US2802684A - Latch mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 13, 1957 Filed July 27. 1953 E. B. JACOBSON LATCH MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet l v I/IIIII; y, I

1957 E. B. JACOBSON 2,802,684

LATCH MECHANISM Filed July 27, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I INVENTOR. 5M 6 awfiam 446%, 44 r, M My MM w United States Pe O LATCH MECHANISM' Edwin E. Jacobson, Grand Rapids, Mich, assignor t Jervis Corporation, Grandville, Mich, a corporationof Michigan Application July 27, 1953, Serial No. 370,293

Claims. (01. 292-332 This invention relates to a latchmechanism, and it is an object of the invention to provide improved apparatus of that character.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved latch mechanism which is particularly applicable to use with a hinged door, a sealing gasket being provided between such door and a cooperating door frame of a cabinet. It is to'be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to such an application.

A iatch mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention has the advantage, when used in the above outlined application and in various other applications, that it provides a door closing force (gasket compressing force) which may be of a desired value, varying only slightly with the setting of a cooperating keeper. Thus if the keeper is mounted on the cabinet and the latch mechanism on the door, the keeper may be set close to the door frame or may be set relatively farther away from the door frame over a substantial rangewithout materially affecting the gasket compressing force of the latch mechanism.

Accordingly, it is another object of the invention to provide an improved latch mechanism which will exert a closing force of-substantially fixed magnitude when the cooperating keeper is located anywhere within a substantial range of positions.

It is another object of the invention to provide '-an*im-' proved latch mechanism which may cock in its released position and which is assured of cooking at each 'open ing of the cooperating door when the cooperating keeper is located anywhere within a wide range of positions.

It is another object of the invention to provide animproved cocking latch mechanism which is automatically released upon closing of a cooperating door to'hold the door firmly in closed position and which at thesame time operates with a minimum of noise.

it is another object of the invention to provide an improved latch mechanism having the above described characteristics while being rugged, easy to operate, and economical to manufacture. I

This invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and itsscope will-bepointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, in which like partsare designated by like reference numerals,

Fig. 1 is a sectional plan view of a latch mechanismapplied to a hinged door, the latch mechanism being constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the same 'latch mec'hanism as shown in Fig. 1; v

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating the latch mechanism in a different operating position; and

Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7 are views similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating four additional embodiments of the invention.

As indicated above, a latch mechanism constructed in- J 2,802,684 Patented Aug. 13, 1 957 ice 2 accordance with the present invention has broad possibilities of application but is particularly applicable to use with refrigerators. and freezers wherein a hinged door is provided with a sealing gasket, the latch mechanism being intended to cause compression of the gasket between the door and a cooperating door frame when the door is in closed position in order to effect a substantially airtight seal between .the door and the door frame. The specific embodiment of the invention described herein is shown in such an application, but it is to be understood that the invention is in no way limited to such an application.

In Fig. 1 a latch mechanism 10 is shown mounted on the free edge of a hinged refrigerator door 11, the door 11 cooperating with a door frame 12, and a gasket 13 being arranged on the door to efiecta tight seal between the door and the door frame. A keeper 14 is shown secured to the door frame 12 and extending outwardly therefrom, a keeper roller 15 being .rotatably mounted at the end thereof. It will be noted that the keeper 14 is adjustable laterally of the door frame and inwardly and outwardly of the door frame by conventional means which donot form a part of the present invention and, hence are not described in detail herein.

The latch mechanism includes a frame 21 which is preferably mounted within the door 11 and which may be secured to the door in any suitable manner.

A latch bolt 22 is pivotally mounted on the, frame 21 through a pin 23. It will be noted that the latch bolt 22 has a slot 24, defined by arm's 24a and 24b, for receiving the keeper roller 15. The latch bolt is pivo-table v between a keeper engaging position, illustrated in Fig. 1, and a cocked position, illustrated in Fig, 3,

A'bolt actuator 25 is also pivotally mounted. on the frame 12'through a pin 26. A spring 27 is centered around the pin'26, one end of the spring engaging a side wall 28 of the frame and the other end of the spring engaging a side wall 29 of the bolt actuator 25 Preferably a spacer 30 'is. provided around the pin 26 and Within the spring 27, such that a coil spring of substantial size may be employed while still being firmly positioned about the pin 26.

At the inner end of the bolt actuator 25 (the upper end inFig. 1) there is provided a cam roller 31 rotatably mounted on the bolt actuator through a pin 32. This cam roller is arranged to ride along cam surfaces 33 and 34 on the latch bolt 22, the cam surfaces, in the embodiment of the invention now being described, constituting edge portions of the latch bolt.

The bolt actuator 25 is pivotable between a normal position, see Fig. 1, corresponding to the keeper engaging position of the latch bolt 22, and an energized position, see Fig. 3, corresponding to the cocked position of the latch bolt. The latter position is referred to as the energized position of the actuator since in this position the spring. 27 is stressed more than in the normal position illustrated in Fig. 1.

A link 35 is pivotally connected at one end to the actuator 25 through a pin 3'6, and at the other end, which may protrude through the outer surface of the door 11, a slot 37 is provided through which a suitable operating handle may be connected thereto.

The latch may be released by drawing on the link 35,

ings, is preferably so arranged that a force directed outwardly of the refrigerator is required to release the latch. The same outwardly directed force draws the door open as the latch bolt 22 rotates in a clockwise direction. At some point in the travel of the cam roller 31 along the cam surface 34 the clockwise rotation of the latch bolt 22 is sufficient to permit the escape of the keeper roller 15 from the slot 24 in the latch bolt, whereupon the latch'is completely free of the keeper and the door may be opened.

With the latch mechanism in the position illustrated in Fig. 3 and with tension on the link 35 released, the spring 27 again urges the actuator in a counterclockwise direction forcing the cam roller 31 against the cam surface 34. However, the force thus applied to the latch bolt 22 has no tendency to cause rotation of the latch bolt since the force is necessarily directed normally to the cam surface and since the cam surface is arranged substantially perpendicular to radii emanating from the pivotal axis of the latch bolt. Stated differently, the force applied by the cam roller 31 to the cam surface 34 is substantially in line with the pivotal axis of the latchbolt. Accordingly, while the actuator 25 is in its energized position, the spring 27 being stressed, the force applied by the actuator to the bolt is in such a direction that no torque is transmitted to the bolt and the latch bolt and bolt actuator will remain in their respective positions illustrated in Fig. 3 until such time as an external force is applied. In other words, the latch bolt 22 is cocked and will remain in this cocked position until an external force disrupts the balance of the applied forces.

When the door is pushed shut the arm 24a strikes the keeper roller 15 whereby the latch bolt 22 is caused to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. When this rotation is sufficient to cause the cam roller 31 to leave the cam surface 34 and to bear against the hump or corner 42 intermediate the two cam surfaces 33 and 34, the force applied to the latch bolt by the actuator, through the cam roller 31, is then no longer directed along a line which passes through the pivotal axis of the latch bolt. Instead, the force is directed relatively to the left in Fig. 3, whereby an increasing counterclockwise torque is applied to the latch bolt. This force drives the latch bolt in a counterclockwise direction, the arm 24b bearing against the inner side of the keeper roller 15 and drawing the door toward its closed position.

When the door has closely approached its closed position, the gasket 13 being in contact or substantially in contact with the door frame 12, the cam roller 31 will have reached the right-hand portion of the cam surface 33. It will be noted that in this position the force applied by the cam roller to this cam surface is nearly perpendicular to radii emanating from the pivotal axis of the latch bolt. For this reason a relatively large movement of the cam roller 31 will produce a relatively small downward movement of the left-hand portion of the latch bolt. In other words, a wedging action results from movement of the cam roller along the cam surface 33 whereby a constant and very substantial torque magnification is obtained. This results in a substantial compression of the gasket 13 whereby an effective air seal is provided between the door 11 and the door frame 12.

The extended cam surface 33 permits a substantial door closing movement of the latch bolt after the cam roller has engaged this cam surface, even though a substantial movement of the cam roller to the left, Fig. 1, causes a relatively small counterclockwise movement of the latch bolt. Accordingly, the desired compression of the gasket 13 may be obtained without precise adjustment of the keeper roller 15 in a direction inwardly or outwardly of the door frame (vertically in Fig. 1). In other words, if the gasket 13 contacts the door frame 12 just as the cam roller 31 first engages the right-hand end of the cam surface 33, the cam roller may move only half way along the cam surface 33 before the gasket is adequately compressed. On the other hand, if the adjustment of the keeper roller 15 is such that the gasket 13 contacts the door frame 12 only after the cam roller 31 has moved a substantial distance along the cam surface 33, then the same compression of the gasket 13 may still be obtained by further movement of the cam roller to the left along the cam surface 33. It may be seen then that the extended cam surface 33 provides for a given, adequate compression of the sealing gasket 13 in spite of considerable tolerance in the location of the keeper roller 15.

It will also be noted that the cam surface 34 is of substantial length. All portions of the cam surface 34 lie on a curved line which is substantially peripheral of the pivotal axis of the latch bolt. Accordingly, the latch bolt is in cocked position any time that the cam roller 31 engages any portion of the cam surface 34. This extended cam surface 34 permits substantial tolerance in the positioning of the keeper roller 15 in a lateral direction as viewed in Fig. 1, as is explained immediately below.

In a cocking latch bolt there are two characteristics essential to successful operation. First, the latch bolt must reach cocked position before the latch bolt is free of the keeper roller. This is necessary in order to assure cocking of the latch at each opening operation. Secondly, and as a corollary, the latch bolt must be movable beyond the initially cocked position in order to permit the latch bolt to clear the keeper roller. The expedient most commonly employed in the prior art for obtaining these two features of operation is that of permitting the latch mechanism to pass over center. That is, the actuator or other spring biased device is stressed during the movement of the latch bolt to initially cocked position, whereafter the spring biased device is permitted to relax appreciably as the latch mechanism passes over center. Such an arrangement has the disadvantage that the spring biased device must again be compressed appreciably to permit tripping of the latch mechanism. Accordingly, substantial closing force is required.

In accordance with the present invention the latch mechanism is permitted to move substantially beyond the initially cocked position while permitting only a slight relaxation of the spring 27 Accordingly, only a very small closing force is required to trip the latch mechanism. it is, therefore, readily seen that the present invention as sures cocking of the latch mechanism on each opening operation, it assures that the latch bolt may clear the keeper, and at the same time a relatively light closing force is required to trip the latch mechanism. All this is obtained 'Wl1l16 still permitting substantial tolerance in the lateral adjustment of the keeper, that is, the permitted movement of the latch mechanism a substantial distance beyond its initially cocked position assures that the latch mechanism will be cocked even though the keeper roller 15 may be set substantially to the left of its ideal position and assures that the latch bolt may clear the keeper even though the keeper may be adjusted substantially to the right of its optimum position.

Because of the fact that the latch bolt moves well beyond its initially cocked position there is little possibility that the latch mechanism will be tripped when the door is open. Any reasonable jarring of the door while it is open will not cause tripping of the latch since tripping requires that the cam roller 31 roll along the entire length of the cam surface 34. Preferably the latch bolt is urged in a clockwise direction as by a spring 43, this spring being'very light as compared to the spring 27. More spe cifically, the spring 43 need be only of such strength as to assure clockwise movement of the latch belt, after cocking of the latch, such that the cam roller 31 will in fact roll to the outer end of the cam surface 34 (the lower end in Fig. 1).

In the event that the latch bolt should be struck while the door isopen, such that the latch mechanism is tripped, the latch mechanism can be recocked simply by operation of the handle, that is, by pulling on the link 35. In such case the spring 43 is depended upon to move the latch bolt into its cocked position when the actuator is moved to its energized position.

Another advantage of the embodiment of the invention so far described is that there is relatively little noise caused by tripping the latch bolt. When the door is moved toward its closed position the arm 24a strikes the keeper roller and bears against the surface thereof during the tripping of the latch mechanism. After the latch mechanism has been tripped the latch bolt is urged outwardly of the cabinet whereby the surface of the arm 24b is caused to bear against the inner surface of the .keeper roller 15. Normally this operation results in a loud knocking noise which .is objectionable to the user and which is harmful to the latch mechanism.

It is common practice to employ a relatively narrow slot, that is a slot which is only slightly larger than the ,keeper roller or other device to be engaged by the latch bolt. This means that there is less room for acceleration of the latch bolt as it changes position after completion of the tripping operation. However, it is, of course, necessary that the slot be appreciably wider than the diameter of the keeper roller whereby the undesired knocking noise remains. In accordance with the present invention the initial closing force applied to the latch bolt by the bolt actuator is very small. In other words, the arm 24b comes into contact with the latch bolt roller '15 with relatively little applied force.

Another and perhaps more substantial knocking noise accompanies the closing movement of most prior art latches. It is common practice to provide a positive stop for a latch mechanism when it reaches its full, door-closing position. Such a stop may be a fixed member against which the latch bolt or the actuator strikes, or, in a latch mechanism similar to that disclosed in Figs. 13, a pocket is frequently provided on the latch bolt in which the cam roller 31 seats itself at the end of the closing movement of the latch mechanism. Frequently the latch mechanism reaches this fully closed position with substantial force and with a resultant knocking noise.

It will readily be seen that the elongated cam surface 33 permits the latch mechanism to reach its fully closed position while the cam roller 31 is still moving along this cam surface. Accordingly, it is the compression of the gasket which limits the closing movement rather than any positive stop against which some portion of the latch mechanism strikes. Accordingly, this important cause of knocking is substantially eliminated in a latch mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention.

In Fig. 4 a different embodiment of the invention is illustrated. This embodiment includes a keeper 115 similar to the keeper 15 of Figs. 1-3 but being slotted to receive a latch bolt roller 124 rotatably mounted on a latch bolt 122. In this embodiment the latch bolt 122 is pivoted about a horizontal pin 123, and an actuator 125, pivotally mounted on a horizontal pin 126, is arranged to urge the latch bolt outwardly of the cabinet or in the direction of opening movement of the door. A helical spring 127 bears against a flange 129 on the actuator, thereby to urge the actuator in a clockwise direction.

A cam roller 131 is rotatably mounted on the actuator 125 and bears against cam surfaces 133 and 134 on the inner edge of the latch bolt 122. The latch mechanism is controlled by a rod 135 bearing against the flange 129. An operating handle, not shown in the drawings, may be arranged to bear against the outer end of the rod 135 when it is manipulated by the operator.

It will be noted that the cam surface 133 is elongated and is so oriented as to provide a wedging action which greatly magnifies the door closing or gasket compressing forces. When the push rod 135 pivots the actuator 125 in a counterclockwise direction against the action of the spring 127, the cam roller 13.1 rides along the cam surface 133 and finally engages the cam surface 134. The latch mechanism is then in its cocked position. When the door is nextclosed the latch bolt roller 124 strikes against the portion of the keeper, whereupon the cam roller 131 rolls off the cam surface 134 and bears against the cam surface 133 to close the door.

This particular latch mechanism is arranged for foot pedal operation as well as operation by a handle bearing against the push rod 135. For this purpose an arm 145 is provided which is pivotally connected to the actuator through a pin 146. A slot 147 is provided in the arm which encompasses the pivot pin 123 for the latch bolt. The left-hand end of the arm 145 extends through suitable openings in the door and in the cabinet. Suitable apparatus is provided within the cabinet which, when operated by a foot pedal, bears against the lefthand end of the arm 145 and drives it outwardly. As may be readily seen in Fig. 4, this causes the actuator 125 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 126 against the action of the spring 127.

The embodiment of the-invention disclosed in Fig. 5

includes a roller type of keeper 215 engageable by a slot 224 ina latch bolt 222, the latter being pivotally mounted on a pin 223. A bolt actuator 225 is pivotally mounted on a pin 226 and is biased in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 227. A .cam roller 231 is arranged on the actuator 225 to cooperate with cam surfaces 233 and 234 on the bolt 222. In this instance the cam surfaces partially define a slot in the latch bolt rather than constituting an edge of the latch bolt as in the previously described embodiments.

In this embodiment of the invention the latch mechanism is operable by a suitable handle and link, not shown in the drawings, which draw against a flange 229 on the actuator 225. Again it will be seen that an extended cam surface 233 is provided. This cam surface is so oriented as to provide a wedging action when the cam roller 231 bears 'thereagainst. Also, this cam surface is extended whereby a substantial closing movement of the latch bolt may be obtained even though the aforementioned wedging action produces a relatively small movement of the latch bolt for a given movement of the cam roller 231. Also, the cam surface 234 against which the cam roller 231 bears when the latch mechanism is in cocked position, is extended whereby the latch bolt may pivot substantially beyond the initial cocked position'without relaxation of the main spring 227. The advantages of this construction have been fully explained above.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 6, the keeper again includes a roller 315 which cooperates with a slot 324 in a latch bolt 322, the latter being pivotally mounted on a pin 323. An actuator 325 is pivotally mounted on a pin 326 andis biased in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 327.

Arranged on the actuator 325 is a cam roller 331 which cooperates with cam surfaces 333 and 33 on the latch bolt 322. As in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, these cam surfaces partially define a slot in the latch bolt rather than defining an outer surface thereof as in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1-4.

This latch mechanism is operable by a suitable handle and push rod, not shown in the drawings, which may bear against a flange 329 of the actuator 325.

Again it will be seen that the cam surface 333 is so oriented that a wedging action is provided between this cam surface and the cam roller 331, and again this cam surface is extended whereby a substantial closing movement of the latch bolt may be obtained even though this wedging action produces a relatively small movement of the latch bolt for a given movement of the cam roller 331. The cam surface 334 is so oriented that when the cam roller 331 is in engagement therewith the latch mechanism is cocked. Furthermore, the cam surface 334 is so extended that the latch bolt may move substantially beyond the initial cocked position, as in the previously described embodiments of the invention.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 7 again includes a keeper rollerAlS which cooperates with a slot 52 4- in a latch belt 422, the latch bolt being pivotable about a pin 423. An actuator 425 is pivotable about a pin 426 and is biased in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 427. In this instance a spring guide 427a is provided.

A cam roller 431 is rotatably mounted on the actuator 425 and is arranged to cooperate with cam surfaces 433 and 434- on the latch bolt 422. These cooperating cam elements are arranged in accordance with the general principles of the present invention, described in detail in connection with the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment of the invention the latch mechanism is operated by a link 435 connected to the actuator by a pin 436. A suitable operating handle, not shown in the drawings, is arranged to pull on the link 435 and pivot the actuator in a clockwise direction, against the action of the spring 427. A slot 437 is provided in the link 435 whereby the operating handle and the link may return to their normal positions when the latch mechanism is cocked.

Each of the various embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings and described above, has its own operating characteristics resulting from its own distinct and novel physical construction, which makes each of these latch mechanisms particularly advantageous in different applications. Furthermore, the various embodiments illustrate the adaptability of the present invention to various forms of latch mechanisms.

It will be seen, for example, that the various embodiments disclosed in the drawings and described above have cam surfaces of such orientation that they permit a substantial magnification of the door closing or gasket com pressing force which emanates from the main latch spring. At the same time, these cam surfaces are of such length that in spite of the force magnification, and corresponding small movement of the latch bolt relative to the actuator, the latch bolt may nevertheless be pivoted through a substantial angle under the conditions of this force magnification.

Accordingly, the desired gasket compressing force may be obtained even though substantial latitude is permitted in the positioning of the keeper in a direction inwardly and outwardly of the enclosure; that is, in the direction of initial opening movement of a hinged door on which the latch mechanism is mounted.

Furthermore, another cam surface or another portion of the same cam surface is, in each embodiment, so oriented as to permit cocking of the latch mechanism and is of such length and so oriented that the latch bolt may move substantially beyond its initial cocked position while permitting only a slight relaxation or" the main latch spring, whereby only a small force is required to trip the latch mechanism. permits substantial latitude in the positioning of the keeper in a direction parallel to the door while still assuring the cocking of the latch at each opening of the door, and while assuring that there will be clearance between the latch bolt and the keeper such that the door may be opened.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since many modifications may be made, and it is, therefore, contemplated to cover by the appended claims any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention having thus been described, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position, spring means urging said bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair of cooperating cam elements, one of said elements being mounted on This feature of the invention said latch bolt and the otheron said bolt actuator, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said energized position to said normal positionacting through saidcam elements to urge said latch bolt toward keeper engaging position, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said normal position to said energized position permitting said latch bolt to pivot to said cocked position, said cam elements being movable with said latch bolt and said bolt actuator along lines substantially perpendicular to each other, one of said cam elements being a cam roller and the other being a cam surface, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial. distance. along a line deviating minutely from concentricity with the orbit of said cam roller and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a final keeper-engaging position during the entire course of said cam roller engagement with said cam surface portion, said cam surface including a second portion extending a substantial distance along a line substantially radially of the orbit of said cam roller and being engageable by said .cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

2. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position, spring means urging said bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair of cooperating cam elements, one of said elements being a cam surface mounted on said latch bolt and the other a cam roller mounted on said bolt actuator, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said energized position to said normal position acting through said cam elements to urge said latch bolt toward keeper engaging position, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said normal position to said energized position permitting said latch bolt to pivot to said cocked position, said cam elements being movable with said latch bolt and said bolt actuator along lines substantially perpendicular to each other, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance along a line deviating minutely from concentricity with the orbit of said cam roller and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a final keeper-engaging position during the entire course of said cam roller engagement with said cam surface portion, said cam surface including a second portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said ener ized position.

3. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position, spring means urging said bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair of cooperating cam elements, one of said elements being a cam surface mounted on said latch bolt and the other a cam roller mounted on said bolt actuator, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said energized position to said normal position acting through said cam elements to urge said latch bolt toward keeper engaging position, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said normal position to said energized position permitting said latch bolt to pivot to said. cocked position, said cam elements being movable with said latch bolt and said bolt actuator along lines substantially perpendicular to each other, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance along a line deviating minutely from concentricity with the orbit of said cam roller and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a final keeperaxis of said latch bolt and being engageable by .saidcam roller-when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position, the end of said first mentioned portion of said cam surface adjacent said second men-tionedportion being closer than the other end of said first mentioned portion to the pivotal axis ofsaid bolt actuator when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position.

4. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hinged on a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotal axis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly toward the hinged edge of such doorrelative to said keeper engaging portion when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface defining the edge thereof inwardly with respect to such cabinet, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said .cam surface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator being arranged substantially directly outwardly of said cam roller with respect to such cabinet when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said cam roller rolling along said cam surface toward the hinged edge of such door when saidbolt actuator pivots from said normal position to said energized position and .thereby permitting said latch bolt tolpivot inwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position, said cam rollerrolling along said cam surface away from the hinged edge of such door when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from saidcOcked position to said keeper engaging position, and spring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normal position, said cam surface including a second portion extending a subjstantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

5. In alatch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hinged on a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotal axis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly downwardly ofsaid keeper engaging portion when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface defining the edge thereof inwardly with respect to such cabinet, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator being arranged substantially directly outwardly of said cam roller with respect to such cabinet when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said cam "rollerrolling downwardly along said cam surface when'said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position to said energized position and thereby permitting said latch bolt to pivot inwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position, said cam roller rolling upwardly along said cam surface when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cocked position to said keeper engaging position, and spring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position, said cam surface including a portion 10 extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageablebysaid cam roller ,when said latch. bolt is insaid keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normal position, said cam surface including a second portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

6. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hinged on a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotal axisof said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly downwardly of said keeper engaging portion when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface defining the edge thereof inwardly with respect to such cabinet, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator being arranged substantially directly outwardly of said cam roller with respect to such cabinet when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said cam roller rolling downwardly along said cam surface when said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position to said energized position and thereby permitting said latch bolt to pivot inwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position, said cam roller rolling upwardly along said cam surface when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cocked position to said keeper engaging position, spring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engage able by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normal position, said cam surface including a second portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said .cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in'said energizedposition, and link means pivotally connected to said bolt actuator at a point below the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator andextending through openings in such door and such cabinet to a position wherein it may be pushed outwardly by foot pedal apparatus to pivot said bolt actuator from said normal position to said energized position.

7. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hinged on a.cabinet,.a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotal axis of said latch bolt being arranged relative to said keeper engaging portion outwardly with respect to such cabinet and toward the hinged edge of such door when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface partially defining a slot therein, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator being arrangedasubstantially directly outwardly of said cam roller with respect 'to such cabinet when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said cam roller rolling along said cam surface outwardly and toward the hinged edge of such door when said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position to said energized position and thereby permitting said latch bolt to pivot inwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position, said cam roller rolling along said cam surface inwardly and away from the hinged edge of such door when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cocked positionto said keeper en gaging position, and spring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normal position, said cam surface including a second portion extending :a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

8. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hinged on a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotal axis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly toward the hinged edge of such door relative to said keeper engaging portion when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface partially defining a slot therein, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator being arranged relative to said cam roller substantially directly toward the hinged edge of such door when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said cam roller rolling inwardly with respect to such cabinet along said cam surface when said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position to said energized position and thereby permitting said latch bolt to pivot inwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position, said cam roller rolling outwardly along said cam surface when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cocked position to said keeper engaging position, and spring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch. bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normal position, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a final keeper-engaging position during the entire course of said cam roller engagement with said cam surface portion, said cam surface including a second portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

9. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hinged on a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotal axis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly toward the hinged edge of such door relative to said keeper engaging portion when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface partially defining a slot therein, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an .energized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator being arranged relative to said earn roller outwardly with respect to such cabinet and toward the hinged edge of such door when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said cam roller rolling along said cam surface toward the hinged edge of such door-when said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position to said energized position and thereby permitting said latch'bolt to pivot inwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position, said cam roller rolling along said cam surface away from the hinged edge of such door when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cocked position to said keeper engaging position, and spring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normal position, said cam surface including a second portion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

10. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and an energized position, spring means urging said bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair of cooperating cam elements, one of said elements being mounted on said latch bolt and the other on said bolt actuator, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said energized position to said normal position acting through said cam elements to urge said latch bolt toward keeper engaging position, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said normal position to said energized position permitting said latch bolt to pivot to said cocked position, said cam elements being movable with said latch bolt and said bolt actuator along lines substantially perpendicular to each other, one of said cam elements being a cam roller and the other being a cam surface, said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distance along a line which is substantially circumferential about the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a final keeper-engaging position during the entire course of said cam roller engagement with said cam surface portion, said cam surface including a second portion extending a substantial distance along a line which is substantially circumferential about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain Oct. 20, 1949

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