Charles W Hoffman

US Patent:

54857333, Jan 23, 1996

Filed:

May 13, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/060645

Inventors:

Charles G. Hoffman - Mansfield TX

International Classification:

E05B 4700
E05C 1756

US Classification:

70276

Abstract:

A magnetic lock has a latch magnet positioned on a pivotal latch. An axial section of the pivotal latch is attached pivotally to a latch housing at a latch axis. The latch housing is attached to an inside of a compartment closure that is closeable against a frame to which a latch plate is attached. A plate-contact end of the pivotal latch is extended outward radially from the axial section of the pivotal latch. An axial-end magnetic pole of the latch magnet is positioned proximate the axial section of the pivotal latch. An actuation-end magnetic pole of the latch magnet is positioned proximate the plate-contact end of the pivotal latch. A reset magnet is positioned on the latch housing at an opposite side of the latch axis from a latch-plate side of the pivotal latch. Magnetic poles of the reset magnet are positioned in like-pole-to-like-pole relationship to the latch magnet, such that the reset magnet repels the latch magnet to actuate the pivotal latch in a direction of engagement with the latch plate. A magnetic handle having a key magnet stronger than the reset magnet is positional in opposite-pole relationship to the latch magnet at an opposite side of the compartment closure from the latch housing when desired to disengage the pivotal latch from the latch plate.