US 12,035,492 B2
Preloaded flexible latch assembly
Adam Spiegelman, The Hills, TX (US); Kevin O'Connell, Rochester, MN (US); Kenneth E. Lubahn, Oronoco, MN (US); Justin Christopher Rogers, Rochester, MN (US); and Eric J. Campbell, Rochester, MN (US)
Assigned to International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US)
Filed by International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US)
Filed on Sep. 30, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/489,863.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/230,671, filed on Aug. 6, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0041984 A1, Feb. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. H05K 5/02 (2006.01); E05C 3/14 (2006.01); E05C 5/02 (2006.01); E05C 19/06 (2006.01)
CPC H05K 5/0221 (2013.01) [E05C 3/14 (2013.01); E05C 5/02 (2013.01); E05C 19/06 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A latch mechanism comprising:
a mounting bracket;
a stop connected to the mounting bracket that is stationary relative to the mounting bracket;
a first spring rigidly connected to the mounting bracket at a first end of the first spring, the first spring in contact with the stop at a second end of the first spring that is opposite of the first end to preload the first spring; and
a latch comprising:
a second spring rotatably connected to the mounting bracket; and
a body connected to the second spring, the body comprising:
a pad at one end of the body; and
a first pawl at a second end of the body opposite of the pad.