Latch meets needs of marine applications.
Press Release Summary:
Pull-to-Open Latch offers flush surface when latched, and installs in single round hole. It is made of polycarbonate materials that resist corrosion and UV damage. Built-in detent within mating keeper ensures door will not accidentally open until latch is pulled. Scratch-resistant finishes withstand repeated use and temperature extremes. Finish options include chrome, gold-plated, and matte black. Latch is rated UL94-HB for flammability.Original Press Release:
New Pull-To-Open / Push-To-Close Latch Poised To Become Marine Industry Standard
(July 2002, Concordville, PA) . Southco, Inc. is pleased to offer the Marine industry a new version of a popular latch. The company's new Pull-to-Open Latch is specifically designed to meet the needs of marine applications: it offers a flush surface when latched-ideal for critical space inside cabins and enclosures, it installs into a single round hole, and it offers simple, intuitive operation.
Operating the latch is a snap: simply push the large, round button to pop-out the knob, then pull the knob to open the door/drawer/panel. To close, simply slam the door closed, then push the knob back into its housing to store flush. A built-in detent within the specially-designed mating keeper holds the door closed, even when the knob is extended. This helps ensure that the door will not accidentally open-even under vibration-until the latch is pulled open. The latch can be slammed closed with the knob extended without marring or damaging the panel.
The knob stores flush with the surface of the panel, for a completely smooth and slightly rounded surface, which eliminates the possibility of snagging clothing or bumping into the latch. This is a critical consideration within the tight confines of cabin and cabinet interiors. The Pull-to-Open Latch is made of durable polycarbonate materials that resist corrosion and UV damage. In testing, the latch exceeded 500 hours in both UV-exposure and salt-spray testing, per ASTM standards. It is rated UL94-HB for flammability. Its durable scratch-resistant finishes withstand repeated use and temperature extremes.
The Pull-to-Open Latch installs into a single, round hole, reducing assembly time up to 50% (compared to similar latches). Optional installations include using a "double-D" shaped hole or using the built-in alignment stem, to ensure that the latch does not rotate within the panel.
The latch is available in three finish options: chrome for a sleek, modern appearance, gold-plated for a more luxurious look, and a matte black, which eliminates glare and compliments other equipment. Both the gold and chrome finishes are the same as those used in the automotive industry, and provide unparalleled durability and scratch resistance.
The Pull-to-Open Latch is also ideal for many applications in other industries such as Automotive, RV/Caravan, Medical, Off-highway, and Trucking.
Visit www.southco.com for more details, downloadable CAD drawings, up-to-the-minute price and availability information, and to use the on-line configurator to specify the latch for current applications.
Southco is a leading global provider of engineered access solutions, including latches, captive fasteners, hinges, handles and other accessories for applications in the Marine, Networking, Telecommunications, Computer, Automotive, Mass Transit, Off-highway/Construction, RV/Caravan, Industrial Machinery and HVACR industries. Southco is strongly focused on customized engineering support for its key customers. The company aims to be a virtual engineering center for its customers' engineered-access solutions and is committed to providing outstanding quality and overall satisfaction. Southco's promise to its customers is to connect, create and innovate to come up with the best solution for every access engineering problem.
For more information about Southco's new Pull-to-Open Latch, visit www.southco.com or eMail info@southco.com.
Southco, Inc. 210 N. Brinton Lake Road, PO Box 116; Concordville, PA 19331-0116; Tel: 610-459-4000; Fax: 610-459-0412
TECHNICAL CONTACT: Gerry Clisham
Tel: +1 610 361 6588
