Krauser Latch Design

[sumran]

I finally got the prototype of a replacement latch for Krauser bag installed. It is a bit crude, but you can see the concept. Thanks to Florida Airmarshal Gator Balough for donating the old case for testing. This is made with a readily available latch. the standoffs are 6061 aluminum. There is a stainless pin between the standoffs which is a pivot point for the latch.

In the closed position this thing is very solid. I don't have any concern about them coming open during a trip. Anyone that has ever used road cases will be familiar with these latches.

I would welcome thoughts and input on the design. If it works as well as I think it will, I may get someone to make retrofit kits. I attached one photo and a link for some additional shots.

http://sumran.smugmug.com/gallery/38...62536372_FCbHj

[krehmkej]

Interesting concept. I presume that the aluminum blocks need to be that size to replace/fill in for the original latches?

[sumran]

Interesting concept. I presume that the aluminum blocks need to be that size to replace/fill in for the original latches?

That is correct. It fits in the space of the original latch. I left just enough open space for the new latch between the blocks. The height of the blocks might be reduced slightly, but not much. The height is needed to get the right angle for the latch.

The ends are angled to improve aerodynamics!

[AnnapolisAirhead]

I would welcome thoughts and input on the design. If it works as well as I think it will, I may get someone to make retrofit kits. I attached one photo and a link for some additional shots.

Randy, outstanding. Much better design.

Just a thought, if you have enough of a backing plate on the meaty piece of aluminum (standoffs), maybe a 1/4" hole drilled laterally for bungies to clip into or a slot for rokstraps so that you could strap down larger items like camping gear, etc. that won't fit into a Krauser. I've seen the plastic padeyes that folks use, but that requires drilling holes into the plastic and weakens it a bit.

Those latches really hold well. I've used stainless ones on my boats and never had a problem. Nice work.

[sumran]

It is a good idea and I thought about doing it. The aluminum blocks are strong enough for that, but the attachment points are questionable. They are bolted through the band of aluminum that goes around the case. There is quite a bit of flex in that band. The closure hook is bolted to the plastic. It is a steel plate and I put washers on the inside to stiffen the area, but it is still plastic. It makes a strong closure, but I would not add additional stress to the assembly.

I have been successful attaching bungees and straps directly to the case mounting frame, even with the bags attached.