Victor D Valade

US Patent:

39725499, Aug 3, 1976

Filed:

Sep 25, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/509277

Inventors:

Victor D. Valade - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E05C 106
B60K 2700

US Classification:

292182

Abstract:

An auxiliary latch system for a vehicle compartment panel that assists the primary latch mechanism thereof in holding the panel in closed position in response to energy absorbing movement of a bumper of the vehicle. The auxiliary latch system includes one or more secondary latch mechanisms, each of which includes a latch member spring biased to an unlatched position. A first lever of each secondary latch mechanism is rotatable to engage and move the associated latch member to a latched position in latching engagement with the closed compartment panel to provide the assist to the primary latch mechanism in holding the panel closed. A separate elongated cable associated with each secondary latch mechanism extends between the associated first lever and a common second lever pivotally mounted on the vehicle adjacent the energy absorbing bumper. Energy absorbing movement of the bumper from an extended position toward a retracted position rotates the second lever and pulls the cables so as to rotate the first levers of the secondary latch mechanisms and thereby initiates the auxiliary latching of the compartment panel by the secondary latch mechanisms.