초록 ▼

A sunroof, or like vehicle cover, is secured to a motor vehicle frame utilizing a latching mechanism which has a simple construction, low overall height, and reliable operation. An engagement element on the vehicle cover cooperates with a hook mounted to the vehicle frame by a guide pin received wit

A sunroof, or like vehicle cover, is secured to a motor vehicle frame utilizing a latching mechanism which has a simple construction, low overall height, and reliable operation. An engagement element on the vehicle cover cooperates with a hook mounted to the vehicle frame by a guide pin received within a guide slot, and a pivot pin received within a reception slot. One of the slots is linear and the other is non-linear. The slots, pins, and hook are positioned with respect to each other and the engagement element so that as the hook moves from an unlatched position to a latched position, moving the engagement element toward the frame, it moves through an intermediate position in which the engagement element is closer to the volume defined by the frame than in the latched position. A resilient, compressible material is preferably provided between the cover and frame to accommodate movement through the intermediate position, and to bias the components to the latched position.

대표청구항 ▼

Locking apparatus comprising: first and second elements to be locked together; locking means for selectively securing said first element to said second element; said locking means comprising at least one engagement element connected to said first element, and at least one locking assembly connected

Locking apparatus comprising: first and second elements to be locked together; locking means for selectively securing said first element to said second element; said locking means comprising at least one engagement element connected to said first element, and at least one locking assembly connected to said second element, said at least one locking assembly for cooperating with said at least one engagement element; each said locking assembly comprising: a hook having a contoured surface for sliding engagement with a said engagement element; means defining a non-linear guide slot in said hook; a guide pin disposed in said non-linear guide slot; a pivot pin connected to said hook; and means defining a linear reception slot in said second element for receipt of said pivot pin; and said hook guide slot, guide pin, pivot pin, and linear reception slot being positioned with respect to said engagement element and each other so that as said hook moves between a first position in which it does not engage said engagement element and said second element is not locked to said first element, and a second position in which said hook securely engages said engagement element and locks said first element to said second element, said hook passing through an intermediate, over-center, position so that said hook is automatically retained in said second position once moved thereto.