Latching device

Claim 1

A latch for retaining a movable closure member to a stationary member comprising: housing means defining a T-shaped recess including a leg portion having an opening at the forward end thereof and a cross portion at the rear end at right angles thereto; a one-piece plastic latch member disposed in said recess; said latch member having a bolt section slidably mounted in said leg portion of said recess; one end of said bolt section having a latch face extending through said opening into latching relationship with said stationary member; a pair of resilient arms formed integral with and extending outwardly from the other end of said bolt section into said cross portion; the ends of said resilient arms having enlarged bearing means formed thereon in engagement with the rear wall of said cross portion for biasing said latch member forward into latching relationship with said stationary member; the forward surface of said resilient arms adjacent said bolt section normally engaging the front wall of said cross portion for limiting the forward movement of said bolt section; said bearing means being spaced from said front wall of said cross portion when said latch member is in a latched position for allowing rotational movement of said bearing means upon flexure of said resilient arms when said bolt section is moved rearwardly in said leg portion for releasing said latch end from said stationary member.