Abstract: A linkage assembly includes a frame, an arm movement coordinating member slidably supported by the frame, and a pair of arms pivotally connected to the frame and connected to the coordinating member to ensure that the arms pivot in unison when the coordinating member is slided relative to the frame by depressing a push button that is connected to the frame for translation relative thereto. Either of the arms can be link-connected to a latch assembly for operating either a single latch assembly or for concurrently operating a pair of latch assemblies in response to depression of the push button. An optional emergency release cable may connect with the arm movement coordinating member to facilitate latch operation from inside a tonneau cover of a pickup truck or the like that is held closed by the latch or latches.

Abstract: A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which the striker is mounted in a closed position relative to a second structure (such as a cabinet) on which the locking system is mounted. The push button operator assembly has a button that, when unlocked, can be depressed to move the associated link to unlatch the latch mechanism from the striker, and that, when locked, is inoperable when depressed to move the link.

Abstract: A rotary latch employs at least one rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl. Housing side plates sandwich the rotary jaw, the rotary pawl and one or more torsion coil springs that bias the rotary jaw from an unlatched position toward a latched position, and the rotary pawl from a jaw-releasing position toward a jaw-retaining position. Improvements that enhance service longevity include the use of C-shaped hook formations defined by reaches of spring material that extend from torsion spring coils located alongside one or both of the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl to engage convexly shaped C-shaped formations of the rotary jaw and/or the rotary pawl that are located in the same plane as the torsion spring coils to provide long-lived connections between the torsion spring or springs and one or both of the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl.

Abstract: Weather resistant push button operator assemblies usable with a variety of latch and lock systems are disclosed that employ O-ring seals along inner and outer diameters of tubular push button operators that may be provided with key operated lock cylinders. A clamp-on bracket and linkage assembly is disclosed that may be used to enable the push button operator assemblies to pivot pairs of latch connected links in opposite directions to concurrently release pairs of remotely located latches.

Abstract: A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which the striker is mounted in a closed position relative to a second structure (such as a cabinet) on which the locking system is mounted. The push button operator assembly has a button that, when unlocked, can be depressed to move the associated link to unlatch the latch mechanism from the striker, and that, when locked, is inoperable when depressed to move the link.

Abstract: A slam-capable rotary latch employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having a pair of spaced housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining within the confines of the first, second and third U-shaped notches a suitably configured strike formation, with housing side plate portions that define a selected one of the first and second U-shaped notches being rigidified and strengthened by the close proximity presence of a flange 1) that is formed integrally with side plate portions that define the selected notch and 2) that extends transversely to bridge between the housing side plates at a location near the first and second U-shaped notches.

Abstract: A handle operated, heavy duty, toggle type draw latch is mountable on one of two members and is operable to selectively engage and disengage a latch-engageable formation connected to the other of the two members. The latch includes a complexly configured operating handle that is pivotally connected near one end to a mounting base for movement relative to the base between closed and open positions, that provides a hand grip near its opposite end, and that, at locations between its opposite ends pivotally mounts a drawbar for movement between extended and retracted positions, and defines not only a plurality of stops but also a catch-engageable formation. One stop engages the base when the handle is closed. Another stop engages the base when the handle is fully open. Still another stop engages the drawbar when the drawbar is retracted. When the handle is open, the drawbar can be pivoted into and out of extended positions for selectively embracing the latch-engageable formation.