A fastener with a formed head stud and lobes at the end of the stud, that fastens to (or unfastens from) a receptacle when the stud is rotated in a 1/4 turn (90 degrees) position. |
The movement of the pawl of a latch into the latched/unlatched position.
Generally the handle or the part of a latch that rotates or slides the pawl (retainer) into its locked/unlocked position.
One of a type of actuator that requires a hex shaped tool to rotate the latch pawl into locked/unlocked position.
For latches or door handles: having the ability to adapt to varying panel thicknesses. For Hinges: having multi-positional capability, having the ability to regulate/dampen the opening/closing speed, and/or having the ability to regulate the amount of gasket compression around the door or frame.
A hinge that has the ability to regulate amount of gasket compression around a door frame.
A latch and/or door handle having: a) the ability to adapt to varying panel thicknesses
(usually by changing the latch pawl position), or b) the ability to regulate the amount of gasket compression around a door frame.
A latch having: a) the ability to adapt to varying panel thicknesses, b) ability to regulate amount of gasket compression around a door frame.
A hinge that has ability to regulate (dampen) opening/closing speed and/or has multi-positional capability.
The load that causes failure or excessive deformation which renders the product inoperable.
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Type of stud (1/4 turn) in which the head has a supplemental ring (bail) attached. The bail ring is used for ease of manipulating the stud. The bail can pivot into a flat, out-of-way position.
Generally referred to as the latch mounting plate. It can be riveted or screw mounted to the panel.
May also refer to the portion of a latch assembly that houses or holds the latch body.
A reciprocating plate on rotary type, tension, or over-center draw latches that, when combined with a stationary catch plate (keeper), provides tensional clamping forces to draw and hold panels or objects securely, while offering vibration resistance.
Typically refers to a type of installation in which the fastener is not viewable from the far side of the mounting panel after it has been installed. May also apply in situations where a fastener is installed without access to the back side of panel. This is considered a "blind hole" installation.
A type of panel preparation in which the mounting hole does not extend through the mounting panel. Used for "blind" fastener application.
The minimum load required to break the latching force between door and its door frame.
An integral mechanism that creates frictional retention without having to apply supplementary external forces. It prevents "backlashing" "sudden unexpected release" or "flopping" of latch and/or door.
Used in "Swell Latches". The rubber gasket that expands radially to close off the inner panel hole, while drawing inner and outer panels together.
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Being retained in the panel after installation, and during and after use.
A type of fastener whose components are retained in the outer panel when the threaded portion is
unfastened from mating component.
A component of the latch arrangement that provides for latch pawl retention.
A type of flat latch plate that provides a means of magnetic attraction, allowing a magnetic-type latch
to retain a door or panel in the closed position.
The center of a fastener, the center of a rotating locking mechanism, or center location of mounting
hole(s) in installation panel.
The force exerted by a latch to draw two panels together. Also called PULL-UP FORCE.
Pre-set positioning feature that allows a fastener or hinge to rotate into fractional positions and is able to hold a panel or door in the full/partial opened position. Also called DETENT.
A term used to describe a rivet's ability to grasp joined mating panels as it is installed,
providing a solid joint.
A latch that performs two sequential functions: a) the pawl first swings into the latching position behind the door frame by turning the latch handle, knob or head, and b) then draws the pawl towards the frame, compressing the door frame gasket and/or door panel against door frame with additional turn(s) of the latch head. The amount of compression applied an be fixed or adjustable.
An adjustable or compression latch with a cupped face plate that allows the actuation handle to lie in the recessed area. It provides a flush appearance without any protruding parts.
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The closing rate of a door/panel is controlled, such that door will close gradually versus slamming shut. An adjustable hinge with frictional or BUILT-IN DRAG feature can provide this.
A pre-set internal positioning feature that allows a fastener or hinge to rotate into fractional positions and/or to hold panel(s) or door(s) in full/partial opened position. Also used to indicate full open/closed position of some latching mechanisms. In hinges, also called HOLD OPEN FEATURE.
A Southco latch that consists of a rotating, heavy gauged, helical spring that forms a mechanical means of retaining and/or locking a panel or door in the opened or closed position.
The minimum/maximum door thickness required between the latching mechanism and retaining pawl that will allow for effective latching and retention.
A recessed configuration (Hex, Slotted, Phillips, Lobed, TORX®, Toolhead® etc.) in the head of a latch and/or fastener that requires a specially designed tool to install, remove or operate the product.
A cap or gasket that is used to prevent dust and moisture from entering into latch components.
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For 2- and 3-point latching: the predetermined length
of actuation rod(s) that will provide for equally
applied latching forces at all points of a 2 point,
3 point, rod and roller, or remote compression latching
system.
Spring used in Retractable or SPRING EJECTED type
fasteners. It enables the screw thread to fully retract
from the mating panel.
The capability to reduce the transmission of electromagnetic
or radio energy into or out of an enclosure.
The portion of a cabinet that provides storage area.
Also refers to the portion of a cabinet surrounding
the door frame.
The state where the pawl or retaining mechanism of
a latch is rotated into position such that full retention
of
door or panel is achieved.
Generally a protective plate (metal or plastic) that
surrounds the key-lock portion of a latch. Sometimes
used for decorative purposes to cover mounting screws
on the face of a door/panel. Also called Escutcheon
Plate.
Gasketing designed to prevent leakage of environmental
elements (i.e. dust, moisture, etc).
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On Captive or retractable screws, the part that houses
the screw body, and is captivated to the panel during
installation. Also called "Stand off".
The raised edge surrounding the latch cup (that houses
the latch body) that forms a collar for retaining
the latch against the door/panel when latch is installed
in its mounting hole.
The term used to define the ability to move freely
within a constrained area or feature (i.e. hole) and
is used to allow for panel misalignment.
Not extending beyond the surface of panel or door
enclosure.
A fastener similar to 1/4 turn fasteners, except that
it uses a two-part cam (stationary and moving) and
a
rubber sleeve (bushing). When the moving cam is rotated
along the stationary cam by turning
the stud, it compresses and radially expands the rubber
sleeve thereby closing off the inner panel
hole and drawing the inner and outer panels together.
The rate of "fractional turn" is determined
by panel thicknesses, in a through-hole application,
and, by the diameter of the hole in the inner panel
of a blind hole application.
Enclosure surrounding an access panel or door.
Having the capability to retract the threaded portion
of a fastener (stud) away from the mating panel by
means of an internal spring, while retaining the fastener
to the mounted panel. Generally relates to captive
type screw or nut. Also called SPRING EJECTED stud.
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Spatial distance between two mating components.
A ring, strip, or sheet of rubber, metal, or other
material, that when used under applied pressure, will
seal off gas,
fluid, dust, etc. Also called O-RING.
The nominal total panel thickness for which a fastener
is to be used. (This is usually customer defined).
The effective length in terms of screw thread engagement,
screw length, stud length, rivet shank length, etc.,
that will accommodate a defined panel thickness range
and provide for effective latching or panel retention.
The minimum/maximum distance between the latching
mechanism and retaining panel as defined by amount
of pawl travel that will allow for proper latching
and retention. May also be called PANEL THICKNESS
RANGE.
A component part of a 2-point, 3-point, remote, or
rod and roller compression system that guides the
actuation rods through a linear motion to provide
equal compression at all latching points. Also referred
to as Rod Guide.
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A slam-action panel latch system. The entire latching
mechanism and system components are installed on the
inside of a door panel, leaving a clean, unblemished
outer surface panel.
A Hinge that has special DETENT feature which allows
it to hold a door open in a variety of preset positions.
A hinge that allows door to swing freely with no hindrance.
Any of a variety of hinges that allows for easy removal
of a door from a cabinet, without having to remove
the mounted hinge(s). The same hinge components can
also be installed in the inverted position so as not
to permit "lift-off" feature.
A device generally made of plastic or other synthetic
material, used for closing or sealing off recessed
or through-holes in a panel. (Used extensively in
appliance applications)
Generally referring to the "body" portion
of a latch assembly that holds the internal actuating
components.
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Also referred to as INSTALLATION FORCE, it is the
initial force required to properly install a fastener.
The means by which a fastener, hinge, captive screw,
etc. is affixed to the door, frame, or panel.
(Generally for Captive Screw Fasteners):
The procedure for installing a fastener into a slightly
undersized hole in the panel by means of mechanical
press.
(Generally for Captive Screw Fasteners):
The procedure for installing fastener into a hole
having a radially flared (countersink) edge.
A special back-up tool must be used to secure the
fastener in the hole by flaring the ferrule (stand-off)
behind the panel.
(Generally for Captive Screw Fasteners):
The procedure for installing fastener into a hole
with a special back-up tool. Fastener ferrule (stand-off)
is secured in the panel while the threaded stud is
able to float radially. This allows for misalignment
of inner and outer panel holes.
(Generally for Captive Screw Fasteners):
The procedure for installing a fastener into a through-hole
in the panel. The fastener is secured in panel by
a lip feature on the ferrule that snaps in place when
fully installed in panel.
(Generally for Captive Screw Fasteners):
The procedure for installing a threaded fastener into
a hole with mating thread.
(Generally for Captive Screw Fasteners):
Applies to installing a fastener into p.c. boards.
Generally uses PRESS-IN installation.
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For latch applications, it is generally a hex nut
threaded onto the actuation shaft and positioned on
one or both sides of pawl. It restrains the pawl from
linear or axial movement along the shaft, and secures
panel retention.
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The mating component in a draw latch arrangement that
creates tension against the latching rod,
plate, or spring to provide retaining function.
A type of keeper, offered on a variety of draw-latches
that remains concealed behind latch handle
when latch is fully engaged.
Available with the Hidden Panel Latching System. The
keeper has a fixed keeper stud mounted on it.
It allows for only minimal panel/door misalignment.
This style of keeper is intended for lift-off panel
application.
Available with the Hidden Panel Latching System. This
keeper has an oversized keeper stud mounting hole
and special "u-bent" washer designed to
assist panel/door misalignment. This style of keeper
is intended for hinge-type panel application.
One of several keeper plate options available on Over-Center
draw latches, where the mounting hole position is
reversed from traditional keeper styles, so that the
mounting hardware is concealed by the latch blade
A keeper bracket having an "L" shaped configuration
such that the retaining mechanism is positioned 90
degrees to the door panel and frame.
Any latching arrangement requiring a key (or special
tool) to perform latching/unlatching operations and/or
retain latch in locked position.
Built-in latch feature that provides for security.
A key is required to unlock and rotate latch mechanism.
Each of two mating halves of a "Lift-off"
or "Compression" type hinge. Generally referred
to as either
the "upper" or "lower" knuckle.
The knuckle that is mounted in the stationary position
(on the door frame) is referred to as the "fixed
knuckle" and is generally the half having the
pin on which the mating knuckle pivots. The location
where the "fixed knuckle" is mounted is
referred to as the "fixed position".
Type of hinge mounting where the door is flush against
or in-line with the door frame.
Type of hinge mounting used to accommodate most instances
where the door is not positioned flush against
or in-line with the door frame.
An external surface feature consisting of a series
of small projections or ridges applied to a screw
head or knob to provide a means for gripping or holding
the part.
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Any of a variety of latches that is designed to draw
and hold two panels together.
A latch designed to have minimal or no protrusion
from the face of the mounting panel.
Refers to a draw-type latch in which the main component
is manufactured from rubber or elastomer material.
Generally designed for use in applications where vibration
isolation or panel misalignment is of concern.
A latch having a flat, flip-out handle feature for
actuating the latch.
A latching system where the latching forces are exerted
at some arbitrary distance from the actuator.
This applies to single and multi-point latching systems.
A type of latch that requires handle actuation to
open and pushing or slamming of the door to close.
The adjustable part of an adjustable draw latch that
provides the reach in the unlatched position and
draw-up tension in latched position.
A major component that makes up one half of a fixed-hinge
arrangement. One hinge generally has two of them.
A single-piece latch handle having an "L"
shaped configuration.
Refers to a panel/door set up in a removable configuration.
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The base (primary) material used in the product and
any supplementary coating (i.e. zinc chromate,
chrome, black oxide, etc.) applied to provide protection
from moisture, rust, etc. and to enhance product appearance.
The internally or externally threaded hole designed
to mate with a threaded stud having the same thread
diameter and thread pitch.
The maximum recommended load at which the product
continues to function properly.
Having incorrect alignment between mating features.
Mounting Options
Type of mounting where the latching mechanism and
mounting hardware are concealed behind the panel.
(Example: Hidden-Panel Latch)
Type of mounting associated with installing the latching
mechanism on the edge of the mating panels.
(Example: Butt-Joint Panel Fastener)
Type of mounting associated with mounting latching
mechanism on the front or face of the panel.
Typical for most latching applications.
Situation in which mounting hardware is affixed where
panels are flush or in-line.
Type of mounting where the latching mechanism and
keeper are mounted on the backside of connecting
panels and not are viewable from front of cabinet.
(Example: Butt-Joint Panel Fastener)
Type of mount where complete mounting of the latching
mechanism or access hardware is performed in a s
single hole in panel face.
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Condition where the door is not positioned flush against,
or in-line with, the mating door frame.
A hinge arrangement using an "offset style mounting"
would be used for this type of application.
The ergonomically designed force required to effectively
operate or actuate a latch or fastener from the
"open-to-closed" or "unfastened-to-fastened"
position.
A circular gasket generally made of natural or synthetic
rubber compound, that is used for sealing
applications to prevent entry and/or leaking of fluids,
air, moisture, dust, etc.
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Suggested layout of mounting holes for proper latch
installation into panel, door, enclosure, etc.
The minimum/maximum distance between the latching
mechanism and retaining panel as defined by
amount of pawl travel that will allow for proper latching
and retention. May also be called GRIP RANGE.
The rotary feature that provides door/panel retention
when actuated into position. In some cases, this feature
also provides gasket compression. Generally has either
straight or offset configuration and has linear adjustability
along rotating shaft to accommodate a variety of panel
thicknesses.
The pawl has a concave/convex curvature on the working
end.
The pawl has a flat (no curvature) on the working
end.
A marking or other indicator on a latch knob that
indicates the position and/or the opened or closed
status
of the latching mechanism and/or pawl.
Relating to a type of fastener capable of being installed
in a slightly undersized hole using minimal force.
Southco's identification of the family of latch, fastener,
or other access hardware. The first two characters
of the part number define the "product class".
A kind of access hardware with features such as a
handle or finger pull used in opening cabinet doors,
drawers, etc. Varieties include one-piece units and
latch/pull combinations.
A supplemental component that integrates the latch
mechanism and a pull handle in a latch arrangement.
The mechanical advantage provided by a latch in drawing
two panels together. The action can be in a linear,
co-planer, perpendicular, or axial form.
The force exerted by a latch to draw two panels together.
Also referred to as CLAMPING FORCE.
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A screw type fastener with a square profile thread
that allows the fastener to engage and disengage a
panel or receptacle with only a few turns.
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The mating part that accepts a 1/4-Turn stud and provides
for positive fastening.
Note: This is a critical feature when designing in
a 1/4-Turn fastener.
The suggested spacing or location of hole(s) to install
a latch assembly or latch and keeper arrangement,
in order to ensure proper latch operation and performance.
(Note: This is suggested information only. Actual
mounting hole location may vary depending on customer's
specific application, but may affect actual latch
performance.)
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A type of fastener, generally installed with a hammer
or pneumatic tool to drive the pin into the shank
of the rivet. Generally used for retaining thin or
thick walled panels together.
An application in which a DRIVE RIVET is used to retain
a thin panel to a thick panel by means of installing
into a BLIND HOLE in the thick panel.
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A device on draw-type latches that provides supplementary
locking for added security.
Able to adjust the latching mechanism and maintain
retention capability without mechanical means of adjustment
(i.e. wrenching, screwing, etc.). This is usually
accomplished by natural decompression of internally
compressed spring.
A line of reference for the designer, where mating
surfaces (i.e. base/lid, case/lid, cover/base, door/frame)
exist. This line correlates the panel separation to
the recommended latch mounting location.
The rod-shaped component found in most compression-type
and draw-type latches that provides latch actuation.
The shaft also provides for linear and axial positioning
of the latch pawl.
Having the capability to retract the threaded portion
of a (usually captive screw) fastener away from the
mating panel by means of an internal spring.
Having a spring installed into the assembled unit
where latching force is provided by natural decompression
of the compressed spring. Used in spring-loaded plunger,
slam latches.
A known constant force (tensile or compression) applied
to the product over a specified length of time.
A spring-action mechanism designed to separate a stud
from its receptacle, ferrule, or panel.
A compression-type latch with a rubber bushing that,
when the handle is actuated, expands radially to close
off the inner panel hole while drawing the inner and
outer panels together. Features include: a) thin,
thick and blind wall applications, b) accommodates
misalignment between door and frame, and c) has excellent
vibration resistance characteristics.
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A protruding feature that provides a pull and a gripping
surface to ease opening and closing of door/panel.
An application in which a specific tool or key is
required to actuate a latch. In tamper-resistant rivet
applications, it can indicate evidence of tampering.
A type of handle having a "T"-shape configuration
that provides a more positive grip for rotary actuation.
A single-piece handle having a "T"-shaped
configuration
The maximum recommended torque to be applied to the
mounting hardware (i.e. nuts, jamnuts, mounting screws,
etc.). Tightening torque should not exceed recommended
values, or latch damage/failure may occur.
Feature on Over-center and Under-center draw latches
that mechanically identifies full positive
latching condition.
Refers to a fastener/latch that requires a specific
tool (or key) to mates with the drive recess in the
fastener head or latch handle in order to perform
latching and unlatching operations.
An application where the latch retains the door/panel
in a locked state. A specific tool (or key) is required
to unlock the latch.
Combined or total thickness of mating panel(s); panel,
frame, gasket, and gap.
A latching arrangement having latching and/or compression
capabilities in two or three areas of a door and frame.
Assembly generally includes actuator rods and an operating
latch.
Generally describes right- or left-handed operation and/or installation of latches or hinges.
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Forces exerted in opposite directions as in a cutting action, which renders the product inoperable.
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