AUTOMATIC LOCKING MECHANISM AND WORKTABLE

The present invention relates to an automatic locking mechanism (10) configured to automatically secure and selectively release a first object to a second object, and including a latch (12) having a base (14), a pivoting portion (16) to pivotally secure the latch to the first object about an axis (A), a securing portion (18) having a receiving surface (20) to contact the second object and to pivot the latch about the axis (A) in a first direction. The securing portion also includes a hook (22) to automatically secure the second object to the first object. The latch also includes a bias support (24) attached to the base and including an arch (26) protruding into the first object and defining a space (28) between the first object and an interior apex of the arch. The latch further includes a cam structure (32) attached to the base and including a receiving surface to contact a third object and pivot the latch about the axis (A) in the first direction in response to the selective movement of the third object. The latch further includes a biasing mechanism (36) positioned in the space between the first object and the interior apex of the arch, and configured to bias the latch toward pivoting about the axis (A) in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A worktable comprising said mechanism is also disclosed.