Abstract

Disclosed is a latch assembly for a cargo bar of the type having at least two relatively displaceable members. A pivotally mounted handle is used to extend the members in opposite directions to engage in compression the opposite walls of a cargo container. The latch assembly includes a housing having a latch element which is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin to the housing. The latch element is spring biased toward a latched position at which the latch element is in latching engagement with the handle of the extending means. The pivotal mount for the latch element is provided with clearance to enable displacement of the latch element relative to the pivot pin, and the housing is formed with a cap portion positioned proximate the latch for area-to-area support of the top of the latch element upon displacement of the latch relative to the pivot pin. The latch assembly also includes a ramp formed toward the base of the latch element to provide a method for easy release of the latch element. A protrusion and a mating recess are provided on the latch and handle, respectively, to prevent dynamic unlatching of the latch.