Abstract: A latch assembly comprises a backplate, a lock lever, and a latch member. The lock lever is operable by a user to unlock the latch assembly such that the latch member is free to rotate relative to the backplate and allow a gate to be opened. The lock lever is attached to the backplate and is free to move relative to the backplate for operation of the latch assembly. The latch member is attached to the backplate and is free to move relative to the backplate while the latch assembly is in an unlocked configuration, but is prohibited from to moving relative to the backplate by the lock lever while the latch assembly is in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for use in securing a pivotably mounted lid of a refuse container includes a clamp assembly rotatably mounted to the container's handle and having a fork member, an arm coupled to the clamp assembly and in contact with the lid, a ring slidably mounted to the arm and clamp assembly, a mounting bracket coupled to the container's handle and connected to the clamp assembly by at least one spring, the mounting bracket having a base plate and an upper portion of the mounting bracket having at least one bumper, a rod fastener coupled to the base plate and fork member, and a rod member slidably mounted to the rod fastener. The rod member adjusts to permit the clamp assembly and arm to rotate such that the bumper releases the ring from the arm and clamp assembly upon contact, thereby enabling the container's lid to open.

Abstract: A childproof gate latch for an enclosure such as a fence is provided with a latching member attached to a gate. The latching member is received through a lock opening in a fence support as the gate is closed. A latching sleeve is moveable into engagement with the latching member as the latching member enters the lock opening. Thereafter, as the latching sleeve is raised and the latching member released from engagement, a pawl moves to a lowered position supporting the latching sleeve in a ready to engage arrangement.

Abstract: A gravity actuated locking device for a container having a hinged lid, comprises a base unit adapted to be fixed to the container and a pivoting unit pivotally mounted to the base unit. The pivoting unit includes a locking mechanism mounted therein for rotation about the base unit. In turn, the locking mechanism comprises a circular rolling member that translates from a blocking position preventing relative movement between the pivoting unit and the base unit to a release position permitting relative movement between the pivoting unit and the base unit.

Abstract: A push/push latch designed to operate in high and low g-force situations, which may be mounted horizontally or vertically. The latch includes a latch body, a track, a housing surrounding the track and latch body, a follower with a pin that moves in the track to actuate the push/push latch. The invention also includes a hammer that repositions when a g-force is applied to the latch to stop the movement of the track body thus preventing the latch from opening during a g-force situation such as a vehicle crash. The hammer may be connected to the housing or to the latch body.

Abstract: A mechanical component attachment safety system is disclosed wherein a position of a blcoking rod is controlled by an over-center lever assembly having a drive lever connected to the blocking rod by a cable actuating system and a link rod. Movement of the drive lever between its over-center positions causes the blocking rod to extend or retract, accordingly. When extended, the blocking rod will prevent closure of a cowl or protective panel and when retracted, will permit closure of the panel or cowl. The drive lever is engaged by a fastener attaching a mechanical component to a frame so as to be retained in a position in which the blocking rod is retracted. If the mechanical component is not properly attached, the fastener will not engage the drive lever, which is biased to its opposite over-center position so as to cause the extension of the blocking rod and prevent closure of the panel or cowl.

Abstract: An automatically disengaging locking device is provided for use on a container having a hinged lid pivotable between open and closed positions. The locking device consists of a housing mounted to the side surface of the container, and a latch securable to the lid having a portion which extends through an opening in the housing when the lid is closed. The locking device further includes a keeper element disposed within the housing for engaging the lower portion of the latch to secure the lid in its closed position, a manual release mechanism comprising a plunger for allowing the selective disengagement of the keeper from the latch, and an automatic release mechanism operative to disengage the keeper from the latch when the container is moved for emptying. IN a first embodiment the automatic release mechanism comprises a pendulum, and in a second embodiment the automatic release mechanism comprises a rolling keeper pin.

Abstract: In order to reduce heat transfer from one side of a folding fire door lead post assembly to the other side, the lead post assembly includes a central lead post which forms the leading edge of the assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, wing panels extend from the sides of the central lead post and the receiving recess for the door when in closed condition is adapted to receive the central lead post and adjacent portions of the wing panels so that no portion of the central lead post is open to a room on either side of the door when the door is in closed condition. Heat transfer is from one wing panel to the central lead post to the other wing panel rather than directly from the fire to the central lead post. In a second embodiment of the invention, lead post side extensions are secured to the central lead post with heat insulating material therebetween.

Abstract: In order to reduce heat transfer from one side of a folding fire door lead post assembly to the other side, the lead post assembly includes a central lead post which forms the leading edge of the assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, wing panels extend from the sides of the central lead post and the receiving recess for the door when in closed condition is adapted to receive the central lead post and adjacent portions of the wing panels so that no portion of the central lead post is open to a room on either side of the door when the door is in closed condition. Heat transfer is from one wing panel to the central lead post to the other wing panel rather than directly from the fire to the central lead post. In a second embodiment of the invention, lead post side extensions are secured to the central lead post with heat insulating material therebetween.

Abstract: A gate latch suitable for sliding and swinging doors which includes a vertically sliding self-engaging bolt, and a manually positioned bolt blocking member. The latch is particularly applicable for installation in doors of animal pens.