US Patent 7111881 Single-piece latch strikers with mechanically locked components

Mechanically locked strikers have a base, a striker bar, and a locking arm which extends from the base to the striker bar. In one embodiment the striker bar and locking arm are formed integrally with the base, with the striker bar extending from the base at one point or area, and the locking arm mechanically attached to the base at another point or area. Alternatively, the locking arm may extend from the base at one point or area, and the striker bar is mechanically attached to the base at another point or area. In another embodiment, the striker bar and locking arm are each mechanically locked to the base. A segment of the locking arm forms a bridge over the base, defining a throat for engagement of a latch about the striker bar.