Detent system for releasably retaining relatively movable members in

Abstract

A detent system is provided for releasably retaining a pair of relatively movable members of a lock assembly or other mechanism in one or more predetermined positions. The members are movable relative to each other to successively present a series of contiguous surface portions on one of the members in spaced, side-by-side relationship with a selected part of the other member. A hole is formed through the part, and a detent element is movably carried in the hole. The detent element has a rounded tip which is projectable from the hole for engaging the contiguous surface portions as the members move relative to each other. A detent receiving formation is provided at a location along the contiguous surface portions and is adapted to receive the rounded tip of the detent element when the members are in a predetermined relative position. A U-shaped spring clip is carried on the part and serves the several functions of retaining the detent element in the hole, of biasing the tip of the detent element into engagement with the contiguous surface portions, and of biasing the rounded tip into receiving engagement with the receiving formation when the members are in the predetermined position. The spring clip has formations on its legs which cooperate with the detent element to assist in retaining the spring clip in position on the part.