Importance

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Abstract

A lockable latch assembly including a base, a latch member pivotally supported on the base for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a locking mechanism housed in the base. The locking mechanism comprises a driver member that is pivotable between a lock position and an unlock position, the driver member including an elliptical outer cam surface. The locking mechanism also comprises a locking member including a flexible band surrounding the cam surface and slidingly engaging the cam surface, the band being deformable to conform to the contour of the cam surface, and a pair of diametrically opposed locking bars extending radially outwardly from the band. Pivotal movement of the driver member actuates reciprocal movement of the locking bars between extended and retracted postions by deforming the band. When in the extended positions the locking bars are engagable with the latch member to restrict movement thereof from the latched position.

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First Claim