William W Bouton

US Patent:

40688739, Jan 17, 1978

Filed:

May 21, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/688773

Inventors:

Carmen Testa - Stamford CT
William J. Bouton - South Norwalk CT

Assignee:

Excelsior Hardware Co. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

E05B 6548
E05C 1910

US Classification:

292101

Abstract:

An automatically closing lock, for a container having a body and a closure mounted for movement to close the body, includes a catch assembly having a catch housing mountable with one of the container body and closure. The catch housing defines a striker surface and a catch surface adjacent the striker surface. A latch assembly, that cooperates with the catch assembly, includes a latch housing mountable on the other of the container body and closure and a latch member mounted for limited pivoted movement in the latch housing. The latch member is formed with at least one hook-like element that is guided to the catch surface and into engagement therewith by the striker surface. A spring compressed in the latch housing urges the latch member and hook-like element into firm contact with the striker surface and into engagement with the catch surface. The limited pivoted movement of the latch member permits its hook-like element to be disengaged from the catch surface and the container closure to be opened from the body with a single movement.