Abstract: A mold (100) for producing foamed articles is described. The mold comprises an upper mold and a lower mold (102) releasingly engageable in a closed position to define a mold cavity (106) having a parting line about a periphery of the mold cavity. The parting line of the mold defines: (i) a first channel (108) along a first length of a periphery of the mold cavity, and (ii) a second channel (110) in communication with first channel, the second channel having a second length which is less than the first length. A method for producing a molded article use is also described. The subject mold and method are particularly well suited for the production of molded foam (e.g, polyurethane) articles.

Abstract: A lockable, slammable rotationally actuated latch assembly for use as a latching and locking mechanism on a door or panel of an enclosure or compartment has a mounting pan with a recessed draw and peripheral mounting flange. A rotatable cam shank intersects the mounting pan and has a handle attached to an end of the cam shank on the exterior side of the pan. A latch is rotationally mounted on a latch shank located on the interior side of the mounting pan and is biased into the latched position by a torsion spring. A cam is attached to an end of the cam shank on the interior side of the pan and the cam has a contact edge positioned to contact and rotate the latch upon rotation of the cam shank. An optional latch guide can also be mounted on a latch shank for guiding a striker into a striker receiving cavity formed between the latch and latch guide. A lock assembly may be mounted on the flange of the mounting pan or inside the recessed draw of the pan.

Abstract: A lockable, slammable paddle operated latch assembly for use as a latching and locking mechanism on a door or panel of an enclosure or compartment has a paddle handle pivotally mounted on a pin transversely mounted through side walls of a recessed draw of a mounting pan and attached at one end to an orthogonal trip/lock member on the interior of the pan adjacent the draw. One extension of the trip/lock member is positioned underneath the locking arm of a key cylinder when the paddle is fully recessed and the key is in the locked position. Another extension of the trip/lock member contacts the latch which is pivotally mounted on the interior of the pan draw. A torsion spring about the latch mounting shank biases the latch into the latched position, but allows the latch to be deflected for engagement with a striker with the trip/lock member locked or unlocked, so that the latch can be slammed shut even when locked. A latch guide can also be mounted on the latch mounting shank.

Abstract: A latch and lock system employing a rotary trip pawl/latch assembly actuated by impingement of a disconnected pushbutton trip arm upon a cam attached to the trip pawl mounting pin. Cross rod connection of the cams of laterally opposed latch assemblies provides dual latch and lock points for a single compartment lid operable through either latch assembly. The lack of a permanent mechanical connection between the pushbutton trip arm and the cam of the latch assembly insulates the latch assembly from forceful attack upon the pushbutton.

Abstract: A locking rotary latch assembly has a shank bearing about the shank on the exterior side of a latch housing, and an interior load bearing bushing about the shank on the interior side of the latch housing which also intersects and guides a sliding locking arm. A latching arm is mounted on the end of the shank against the load bearing bushing which includes a portion that is in contact with the housing adjacent the exterior shank bearing so that forces applied to the shank are resisted by the combination of the load bearing bushing, and the exterior shank bearing against the portion of the load bearing bushing in contact with the housing. The exterior shank bearing prevents passage of the shank from the exterior to the interior side of the housing.