Abstract: A cable return assist assembly for a vehicle latch mechanism, including: a housing; a cable; a guide feature secured to the cable; and a spring positioned about the cable, the spring contacting the housing at one end of the spring and the guide feature at an opposite end of the spring when the cable, the spring and the guide feature are installed into the housing, the housing having an opening that allows the spring and the guide feature to be inserted into a cavity of the housing and a portion of the cable is received in a first opening located at one end of the housing and another portion of the cable is received in a second opening located at an opposite end of the housing.

Abstract: A locking system for a fuel compartment assembly of a work vehicle, the locking system having a housing at least partially defining a fuel access compartment, a door pivotally coupled to the housing and movable between an opened position, at which the door provides access to the fuel access compartment, and a closed position, at which the door blocks access to the fuel access compartment, and a locking assembly configured to lock the door at the closed position. The locking assembly includes a catch fixed to the housing and positioned within the fuel access compartment, and a latch arm pivotably coupled to the door at a pivot point defined between first and second ends of the latch arm, the pivot point defining a first pivot axis, where the latch arm is configured to be pivoted about the first pivot axis to be selectively engaged and disengaged with the catch.

Abstract: A door assembly is provided for which can alternate between a pivoting and a sliding configuration. The door assembly can include a door panel, a track, a first carriage assembly, a second carriage assembly, and a locking mechanism. The first and second carriage assembly can connect the door panel to the track. The first and second carriage assemblies can be slidably movable on the track, and the first carriage assembly can further include a pivot mechanism that pivotably couples the door to the track. The locking mechanism can configure the door between the sliding and pivoting configurations. For example, the locking mechanism can mechanically couple the door panel to the second carriage assembly in the sliding configuration and mechanically decouple the door from the second carriage assembly in the pivoting configuration.

Abstract: A bi-fold door is opened with a lift assembly having a plurality of straps attached to power driven lift drums. A latch assembly retains the closed bi-fold door secure to side columns of a building. The latch assembly has a latch strap attached to a latch drum that accommodates the latch strap to hold the closed bi-fold door in contact with the side columns of the building. A floor anchor assembly anchors the bottom of the closed bi-fold door to the floor below the closed bi-fold door to stabilize and inhibit bending and deformation of the bi-fold door frame.

Abstract: A fuel lid structure that includes: a lid body at which a latched portion is formed, the lid body opening and closing an open portion formed in a vehicle body outer panel for access to a fuel fill inlet; a lid lock having: a lock member provided so as to be movable between a latching position in which the lock member latches with the latched portion and a retracted position in which the lock member is retracted from the latched portion, and an urging member that urges the lock member toward the latched portion, the lid lock locking the lid body in a closed position in a case in which the latched portion is latched by the lock member; and an attenuating member provided at the latched portion, the attenuating member contacting the lock member to attenuate the urging force that acts on the lock member.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for limiting movement of a first element, such as a drawer or door of a cabinet, relative to a second element in a first position of the latch assembly, and allowing non-restricted movement of the first element relative to the second element in a second position of the latch assembly. Abase plate is mounted to the first element, and a stop element is mounted to the second element. The latch assembly also comprises a latching plate reciprocally, vertically and moveably mounted on the base plate, such that the latching plate is moveable between a first vertical position engaging the stop element and a second vertical position where said latching plate is disengaged from said stop element. An unlock lever is pivotably mounted to the base plate, and the unlock lever is manually moveable from a first position out of engagement with the latching plate to a second position where the unlock lever secures the latching plate in its second vertical position.

Abstract: A system that includes a lock adapter assembly configured to be installed on a door. The lock adapter includes a motor assembly comprising a motor configured to provide a rotational force, one or more cords configured to convert the rotation force from the motor into a linear force, a deadbolt lock actuator configured to match to an existing torque blade of a deadbolt lock mounted in the door, a passage lock actuator configured to match to an existing torque blade of a passage lock mounted in the door, and one or more latch spool configured to transfer the linear force from the one or more cords to the deadbolt lock actuator, the passage lock actuator, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A table has first and second tabletop halves. A leg assembly is mounted to each half and collapses independently of the other and is movable between an extended position and a stowed position. A locking hinge pivotally connects the halves and automatically disengages a locking feature of the hinge when one of the leg assemblies is pivoted. The hinge includes first and second hinge members. The second hinge member includes a pawl pin slot and a pawl pin, which slides in the slot between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member is prevented in the first position and is permitted in the second position. A cable is mounted between the leg assembly and the pawl pin. Pivoting the leg assembly causes the pawl pin to be automatically moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A lid lock apparatus having a housing to be fixed to a vehicle body with limited space. The lid lock apparatus includes a locking pin, a cable, a linking member, a housing, a mating and fixing part, and a coil spring. The housing includes a locking pin housing part, which houses the locking pin, and a link housing part, which houses the linking member. The housing further includes a space that is interposed between the locking pin housing part and the link housing part is formed, and when the housing is rotated and thereby fixed to a fixed target, the link housing part is, at a fixed ending period, moved into a position of the space which has been defined at a fixed starting period.

Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a housing defining a latching groove, a cover defining a latching hook to engage in the latching groove, and an opening assembly mounted in the housing. The opening assembly includes a sliding member slidably positioned in the latching groove, and an operation member positioned in the housing and connected to sliding member. The sliding member defines an abutting surface on the sliding member. The operating member is capable of pulling the sliding member to slide along the latching groove, so that the abutting surface of the sliding member pushes against the latching hook and disengages the latching hook from the latching groove.

Abstract: A bezel has a locking mechanism that allows bezel designs to locate the bezel lock anywhere along the length of the bezel. The bezel includes a bezel frame, a first plunger mechanism, and a second plunger mechanism. Each plunger mechanism is moveably coupled to the bezel frame at opposite ends of the bezel frame and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A first rod is attached to the first plunger mechanism and a second rod is attached to the second plunger mechanism. A cam lock is positioned between the first rod and the second rod. The cam lock is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the cam lock restricts movement of both rods sufficiently to stop the plunger mechanisms from moving from the latched position to the unlatched position when the cam lock is in the locked position.

Abstract: An anti-effraction safety system for a door or window frame comprising a fixed frame and a mobile frame, in which the mobile frame comprises at least one sectional element with a longitudinal groove with two undercut portions set on opposite sides of a longitudinal central opening and in which at least one transmission rod slidably engages said groove and can be displaced in a longitudinal direction by means of a control handle. Fixed to the transmission rod is at least one closing element co-operating with a complementary detent fixed to the fixed frame. The transmission rod has two through openings both open on respective longitudinal edges of the rod. The closing element comprises two separate complementary parts fixed to one another, in which each of said separate parts engages a respective through opening of the transmission rod and has a respective tenon that slidably engages in a longitudinal direction a respective undercut portion of the groove.

Abstract: A door system is provided for a door opening defined by a pair of vertically spaced jambs, a header positioned near the vertical extremity of the jambs, and a floor supporting the jambs. The door system includes a door, a plurality of track sections, the door being movable on the track sections, and a support system coupled to the door. Engagement of the support system when the door is in a closed position enables transfer of forces applied to the door at least to one of the header and the floor. One embodiment provides for automatic actuation of the support system by movement of a pivoting motor assembly to a closed position. Another embodiment provides for manual actuation of the support system.

Abstract: A lock having a locking rod that is displaced in a longitudinal direction. The rod is driven by an actuator via a rotor. The internal section of the locking rod is flexible so as to have the properties of a flexural section. The locking rod, together with the flexural section and the rotor are configured in one piece from plastic so as to permit transfer between the rotor and the locking rod that is devoid of play.

Abstract: In this side lock apparatus, a opening and closing member is fixed to a support unit so that the opening and closing member can be opened and closed, left and right latches being movably held on the opening and closing member, the left and right latches being urged by a pressure of a spring toward a lock hole formed in the support unit, a free end portion of the latches being moved back from the lock hole in the support member against the spring means by an operation of the operating handle, wherein the left and right latches are operatively connected together via a link lever supported rotatably via a shaft on the opening and closing member, the operating handle being provided with an operating portion engageable with the latch, at least one latch being provided with two contact surfaces engageable with the operating portion of the operating handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hood latch cable retaining system. A cable mounting cavity for a conventional snap-fit cable fastener is provided in a latch support structure of the hood release mechanism. A retainer is mounted to the latch support structure and positioned such that a flange portion of the retainer having a confronting edge is spaced a predetermined distance and offset from the center line of the cable mounting cavity. The latch support structure may be deformed or repositioned during a frontal vehicle impact, causing the confronting edge of the flange to come into contact with the control cable. The confronting edge impedes the snap-fit fastener from disengaging from the latch support structure, preventing the vehicle hood from inadvertently opening.

Abstract: A latch for a section door wherein near the hinges located between the door elements there are provided, at each end of the elements, small rolling wheels which turn on horizontal pivots and slide within side guide bars having a vertical branch, an upper horizontal branch, and a curved connection branch located between the vertical and horizontal branches; the latch is located sideways and is intended for engaging, in its active position, in an opening provided in one of the side guide bars. The side latch is located coaxially with one of the small wheels intended to slide within the side guide bars of the section door. Preferably, the small wheel coaxial to the latch is mounted on a hollow pivot, and the latch is guided to slide within the bore of this hollow pivot.

Abstract: A door latch comprises a follower mounted for rotational movement in a latch housing, a guide pin provided on an actuating arm of the follower which is operatively linked to a multiplier, a bolt biased outwards of the housing, and an inelastic flexible element connected between the multiplier and bolt. In operation rotational movement of the follower is amplified by the guide pin acting on the multiplier. The increased rotational movement of the multiplier is converted to rectilinear movement of the bolt into the housing by the inelastic flexible element, which wraps around an outside edge of the multiplier.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a pane defining a plane, and a latch bolt housing mounted to the pane. A latch bolt is slidingly mounted to the latch bolt housing for movement in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the pane between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is operative to urge the latch bolt toward the first position, and a release handle remote from the latch bolt is operative to move the latch bolt from the first position toward the second position against a biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a pane defining a plane, and a latch bolt housing mounted to the pane. A latch bolt is slidingly mounted to the latch bolt housing for movement in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the pane between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is operative to urge the latch bolt toward the first position, and a release handle remote from the latch bolt is operative to move the latch bolt from the first position toward the second position against a biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: A switchgear cabinet with at least one cabinet door, which can be locked by a lock element of the switchgear cabinet body wherein, in a locked position of the cabinet door, a locking engagement between the lock element and a counter-lock element can be released by a triggering device, which is in an operative connection with the lock element or the counter-lock element via an actuating unit. So that the cabinet door can be opened in a simple way from the inside of the switchgear cabinet, the actuating unit of this invention is designed as a Bowden cable, with one end connected to the triggering device via a connecting element and an other end connected with the lock element or the counter-lock element. The triggering device has a rotary body which is pivotably seated about an axis of rotation. The end of the Bowden cable is fastened eccentrically offset with respect to the axis of rotation on the rotary body, and a lever with a handle is connected to the rotary body.

Abstract: A rotating and/or sliding leaf system, which can be locked, with a leaf (1), which can be swiveled and/or shifted and can be fixed in a system frame by two locking bars (5), which can be shifted and are mounted opposite to one another, wherein the locking bars (5) are connected by an actuating element in such a manner that, upon pulling on the actuating element in the opening direction (7) of the leaf (1), both locking bars (5) are moved simultaneously from a locking position into a position, in which the leaf (1) is unlocked from the leaf frame and released so that it can be swiveled or shifted. The actuating element is formed flexibly from a rope (6).

Abstract: A window assembly includes a pane defining a plane, and a latch bolt housing mounted to the pane. A latch bolt is slidingly mounted to the latch bolt housing for movement in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the pane between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is operative to urge the latch bolt toward the first position, and a release handle remote from the latch bolt is operative to move the latch bolt from the first position toward the second position against a biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: A lock and emergency release system for a door normally power operated by a door operator. The system comprises a lock displaceable between an idle position to a functional position in which opening of the door by the door operator is prevented. An emergency release handle is manually operable for simultaneously displacing the lock to its idle position and releasing the door from the door operator, thereby allowing the door to be manually opened.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a lubricant-free door lock for railroad cars and particularly auto rack railroad cars, which eliminates the need to use grease or other lubricants to lubricate the door locks. The lubricant-free door lock generally includes a stainless steel cylindrical tube or housing and a cylindrical replaceable plastic bushing mounted in the housing the prevent the steel-on-steel contact between a locking pin and the inner walls of the housing. A washer or plate connected to the bottom end of the housing maintains the bushing in the housing. The door lock also includes a spring mounted in the housing between the bushing and an end cap positioned over the locking pin. A stop extends transversely through the housing, end cap and locking pin to limit the movement of the locking pin. The bushing eliminates the need for a lubricant between the steel locking pin and the steel inner walls of the housing.

Abstract: The apparatus is a fall arrestor and lockdown device for vertical lift doors, particularly single membrane fabric vertical lift doors. A pulley on a sensing arm engages the cable which raises and lowers the door. Alternatively, the sensing arm is directly attached to a belt. The sensing arm is mechanically linked to a spring loaded pin reciprocating within a tubular housing. When the cable or belt is tensioned, the sensing arm rotates upwardly to a position where the pin is retracted and the spring compressed thereby allowing the door to move vertically. However, when the cable or belt is not tensioned, the spring urges the pin to an extended position to engage regularly spaced apertures within the guide channel. When the cable or belt is not tensioned due to a cable or belt failure, the device operates as a fall arrestor. When the cable or belt is not tensioned because the door is fully lowered to the ground, the device acts as a lockdown device.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably maintaining the drawer in a closed position with respect a drawer frame includes a latch guide attached to the interior surface of the front panel of the drawer. The latch guide has a guide channel defined therein, a latch member is slidably received. The latch member engages the drawer frame in its locked position and includes a body to which a spring is mounted for biasing the latch member upwardly into engagement with he drawer frame. The latch member has a ramp along which a slide member moves. The slide member is connected to a rod which, in turn, is connected to a drawer knob. When the knob is pulled forwardly, the latch member is moved downwardly against the force of the spring to disengage the latch member from the frame to enable the drawer to be opened.

Abstract: An electronic lock employs an electronic latch for operating the lock bolt. The lock utilizes a flexible member linked between a portion of the lock bolt and a solenoid device. Upon retraction of a solenoid driver, the flexible member pulls the deadlocking lever for latch retraction. When the flexible member is released by the driver, the bolt can extend for a subsequent opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual release system for a slam lock to a luggage compartment door for a vehicle. The slam lock, as is conventional, includes a catch and a latch bar. The catch is installed on a surface of the luggage compartment adjacent the door. The latch bar is mounted through a lock cylinder, which is in turn mounted through opposite major sides of the door to bring the latch bar into engagement with the catch when the door is closed. The latch bar is spring biased to releasably engage the catch. The lock cylinder is accessible by key from the major side of the door on the exterior of the vehicle, and is actuable to move the latch bar to a released position relative to the catch. A release cable within the vehicle is attached to the latch bar to pull the latch bar to the released position relative to the catch.

Abstract: As assembly is provided for securing a door to a fixed object which allows the door to be locked from the outside with a conventional padlock, but which allows the door to be opened from the interior while the padlock is in place. The door has a first face, a second face and an edge. The fixed object typically includes an abutment. Means are provided for engaging the door to the abutment. The engaging means are disposed on the first face of the door proximate to the edge and are movable from an engaged position in which the door is engaged to the abutment, to a released position in which the door is disengaged from the abutment. Means are also provided for biasing the engaging means toward the engaging position. A flexible cord is attached to the engaging means. An active hasp is connected to the flexible cord distal to the engaging means and is disposed on the second face of the door.

Abstract: An interior securing device for a lock of a movable vehicle body part of a motor vehicle includes a Bowden cable provided as a transmitting device which is rigidly connected with a securing knob and is linked to an adjusting element. The Bowden cable is surrounded along its length by a flexible guiding sleeve. Near the securing knob, the guiding sleeve is held fixed to the vehicle body part. Near the adjusting element, the guiding sleeve is held fixed to the lock. The securing device is particularly suitable for use with rear side doors of passenger cars.

Abstract: A latchbolt assembly having a carrier with a solenoid operator mounted on the carrier is slidably received in a base or mounting cap with an annular groove formed in the carrier with a projection formed in the groove at a vertically downward location. A split ring is received in the groove with the projection orienting the gaps in the split ring and the split ring is compressed radially for sealing between the carrier and a base. A latchbolt is slidably received in the carrier and is connected to the solenoid armature for movement to the unlocking position upon energization of the solenoid. A cable extends through the housing and armature and is connected to the latchbolt for manual retraction by the user pulling on the cable. The latchbolt assembly is particularly suitable for motor vehicle fuel filler door latching applications.

Abstract: A door security arrangement with the frame member which is mountable in a wall alongside the opening edge of a door and has an elongate member slideably mounted therein, the member being substantially the same length of the door edge and being movable from a retracted position in which it lies within the frame member and permits the door to swing past it to an extended position in which it lies alongside and substantially against the inner face of the door and the arrangement including releasable means, located within the frame member which hold the elongate member in its retracted and extended positions and are operable by the normal door locking mechanism.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10 and 110) comprising a flexible motion transmitting core element for transmitting motion and a conduit for movably supporting said core element along a longitudinal axis. An adjustment means allows a change in the length of one of the core element and the conduit along the longitudinal axis thereof. The assembly is characterized by the adjustment means including a support member (26, 126) and a rotary member (30) supported by the support member (26, 126) at a support axis for rotation about the support axis in response to the change in the length to thereby minimize the longitudinal length of the adjustment means. A spring (32) interacts between the support member (26, 126) and the rotary member (30) for resisting the rotation of the rotary member (30) relative to the support member (26, 126). A cam element (34) coacts with a cam surface (36) in the rotary member (30) for rotating the rotary member (30) in response to the change in the length.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a first member that is inserted into a second member into a first member, such as to secure an inductive coupler in a charge port while it is used to charge an electric vehicle. The locking mechanism prevents premature or malicious removal of the coupler before charging has been completed. The locking mechanism has logic that allows a user to set the lock in the charge port prior to insertion of the coupler. The locking mechanism has an actuator coupled to a rotatable link that is rotated thereby. A first pin is coupled to the rotatable link and a hole disposed in the first member that mates with the first pin to lock the inductive coupler in the charge port. A spring loaded release mechanism coupled to the first pin that permits the first pin to slide into the hole. Motion of the cable and the release mechanism releases and locks the first pin in the hole, or retracts the first pin from the hole, thus locking and unlocking the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A fencing system which utilizes coated steel to simulate wrought iron fencing and which comprises prefabricated sections of fence comprised of steel, the length of which can vary, ground or floor-anchored post members to which the fence sections attach using novel connectors. An ornament adorns each top vertical member of each fence section. Novel fence gate structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lid lock apparatus is comprised of a lid pivotally mounted to a vehicle-body for opening/closing an opening formed therein and movable between an opening position and a closing position, a locking mechanism which is in engagement with the lid in order to hold the lid at its closing position, a first driving mechanism associated with the locking mechanism for releasing the lid from the locking mechanism, a second driving mechanism associated with the locking mechanism for releasing the lid from the locking mechanism, and a device for assuring operations of the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism which are independent of the second driving mechanism and the first driving mechanism, respectively.

Abstract: An air bag deployment door in an instrument panel has a sliding bolt engaging an aperture in the panel to latch the door closed. A pivoted linkage connected to the bolt is engaged by the air bag upon initial inflation to withdraw the bolt to release the door. Alternatively, a flexible plastic sheet covering a recess in the inner side of the door has a movable margin portion which engages a slot in the instrument panel opening to latch the door closed. The air bag, upon initial inflation, pushes the sheet into the recess causing the margin portion to pull out of the slot to release the door.

Abstract: A striker for a lid of a fuel inlet chamber, which is remotely controllable through a control cable. The striker comprises a lock pin, a spring and an inner cable of the control cable. The lock pin is movable in the axial direction thereof and rotatable around a rotational axis, and the rotation of the lock pin can be locked to an aimed position. The lock pin is urged to be projected inside the fuel inlet chamber by the spring. The inner cable is used for withdrawing the lock pin backward.

Abstract: A fuel filler door release system comprising a spring loaded fuel filler door, a latch normally holding the door closed, and a fuel filler door release device including a first strand connected at one end to a remote manually operated lever and releasably connected at the other end to a spring loaded plunger of the release device. A second strand is releasably connected to the plunger and extends to the latch of the fuel filler door. A third strand is connected to the plunger and extends to a pull tab within the vehicle for providing auxiliary release for the fuel filler door.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthopedic chair which may be used to assist an invalid to easily sit therein or to rise therefrom. The orthopedic chair includes a frame and a seat which is pivotally coupled to the frame at the front thereof, a back which is mechanically coupled to the frame, a right arm-rest and a left arm-rest both of which are mechanically coupled to the frame. The orthopedic chair also includes a spring tensioning mechanism which resiliently biases the seat, when it is in its first position, toward its second position and a releasing mechanism which releases the seat so that the spring tensioning mechanism moves the seat from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A door-bolt assembly for a door set has a stud having a pair of arms which engage respective eccentric rods coupling the doorknobs together so that one of these arms is effective to retract the door bolt in one sense of rotation of the doorknobs while the other arm is rendered ineffective and vice versa.

Abstract: A handle-latch mechanism is described for use in a portable carrying case of the type having an openable cover portion (e.g., a portable computer case). The handle is movable between extended and retracted positions. The latch for the case is releasable only when the handle is in its retracted position (e.g., latch actuators are movable only when the handle is in its retracted position). The handle and latch mechanism may be located in eithe the cover portion or the main body of the carrying case.

Abstract: An improved latch assembly having a latch body adapted to be coupled to a generally fixed support, such as a chassis unit, wall or post. The latch body has a groove for removably receiving a retained pin which is adapted to be mounted on a movable structural member to be latched, such as a door, support arm, gate or the like. The latch body further includes a latch pin which is spring biased into engagement with the retained pin when the retained pin is received in the groove of the latch body. The inter-engagement of the retained pin and latch pin is such that the retained pin is restricted against movement in three mutually perpendicular directions, namely the x, y and z directions. The retained pin has a pair of spaced, cylindrical parts on opposite sides of a pair of beveled parts which converge toward each other to an annular junction therebetween. The latch pin has a conical end portion for engaging the beveled parts of the retained pin to resist axial movement of the retained pin in the z direction.

Abstract: A fail-secure lock apparatus includes a normally pneumatically actuated locking bolt that can be manually operated to withdraw the same in the event of a power failure. The apparatus incorporates a standard key operated lockset connected to operate the pneumatic power drive means or, in the event of a power failure, is connected to rotate a cable reel mechanically to effect movement of the locking bolt to the unlocked position.

Abstract: An internal door brake having a friction member biased downwardly by a spring to engage the floor beneath the door at any location thereof, the friction member being retractable by the rotation of the doorknob, to which the member is connected by a cable, and the provision of a pin extendable through the wall of the door and displaceable for engagement in a recess formed in the friction member when the member is in a retracted position for maintaining the member in a retracted position out of engagement with the floor, so that the door can be freely swung.

Abstract: A decorative housing for a fire extinguisher. A five sided box forms a cavity to receive and hold a fire extinguisher. A door or decorative cover is slidably mounted to the box adjacent the cavity and is movable from an up position closing the cavity and concealing the fire extinguisher to a down position revealing the fire extinguisher. A heat and smoke detector mounted to a clock frame above the box is connected to a source of electrical energy and in turn to a solenoid. The plunger of the solenoid normally extends into the door locking the door in the closed position. Activation of the detector withdraws the plunger allowing the door to slide downwardly. An audio alarm and light within the box cavity activate simultaneously upon the withdrawal of the plunger. A cord is connected to the plunger to allow manual withdrawal of the plunger and opening of the door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lid lock structure for a hinged lid of a recess which is made in a car body to conceal a fueling port. The lid lock structure includes a latch housing containing a bolt and having a plate spring at its head. The bolt catches a catch leg extending from the back of the hinged lid when closed, whereas the plate spring is yieldingly bent to constantly apply pressure to the lid while it is closed. When the bolt is retracted, the lid is unlatched to snap open. The built-in spring structure facilitates assembly work.

Abstract: A lid locking device of a simple construction is fastened strongly to a panel by a simple procedure comprising the steps of setting a stopper energized with a spring in a cylindrical case provided with a contact flange formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder surrounding an opening thereof, inserting the cylindrical case into an opening formed in a panel containing an inlet to the gasoline tank in an automobile and bringing the contact flange against the rear side of the panel, and fastening a cap to the flange on the front side of the panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating and securing an object in first and second end positions between which it is movable comprising two parallel pivot arms which support the object for movement between its end positions and fittings at the end positions on both sides of the object. The fittings are provided with inclined guide surfaces and latching holes adapted for receiving latching pins on the object under spring pressure when the object is at the end positions. Located around the latching pins are guide nuts adapted for cooperating with the inclined guide surfaces in order to position the object as it approaches and occupies its end positions. The inclined guide surfaces of the fittings face one another and converge in the direction of entry of the object between the fittings. The fittings also have guide surfaces extending perpendicular to the inclined guide surfaces whereby the guide nuts are guided along their end faces and along circumferential guide surfaces.