Abstract: A lid striker assembly is configured to mate with a latching assembly having a pawl. The lid striker assembly includes a plate, and at least one spring beam extending from the plate. The spring beam(s) is integrally formed with the plate as a single unit and is configured to exert a resistive force into the latching assembly when the lid striker assembly is secured to the latch assembly.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a base mounted to a door and a latch bolt having a latch pivotably connected to the base. The latch bolt further includes a link pivotably connected to the latch and the base. A follower plate is pivotably connected to the link, allowing pivotal movement of the follower plate and the link relative to the base and allowing relative pivotal movement between the follower plate and the link. A linking rod is coupled with the follower plate to move therewith. When the linking rod moves in a vertical direction, the follower plate moves together with the linking rod to pivot the latch between a latching position and an unlatching position. The latch assembly can be utilized as a surfaced-type or concealed-type bottom latch. After adding some parts, the latch assembly can be converted into a surfaced-type or concealed-type top latch.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an engagement mechanism employed in a first assembly part and a cooperating second assembly part. The engagement mechanism comprises a pivot member assembled in the first assembly part; and an elastic member having a double-wedged surface at an endmost portion thereof which extends outwardly from the projecting portion of the first assembly part. The elastic member is employed to provide an elastic force of maintaining the projecting portion extending outwardly from the first assembly part to engage with the second assembly part. The present invention, via the design of the double-wedged surface of the projecting portion, facilitates easy engagement or disengagement of the engagement mechanism, and overcomes the problem of having to provide extra disengagement arrangement in the prior art.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking a window (5) or door in a closed position, consisting of a bolt (11) with a tap (7) and a driving mechanism (12) to shift the bolt (11) with the tap (7) in an axial direction between two positions corresponding to a locked and a non-locked position respectively of the window (5) or door, wherein the mechanism (1) is provided with a release which is possible to move the tap (7) from the locked position into its non-locked position without using the driving mechanism (12).

Abstract: A window vent stop for use in a sliding sash window assembly or a sliding door assembly. The vent stop has a housing adapted to be disposed in a recess in a non-movable sash member. This housing includes a cavity with a bottom plate therein. A tumbler has at least one pivot for pivotally securing the tumbler to the housing for movement between an extended position, to prevent movement of the sliding sash member and a retracted position, to allow movement of the sliding sash member. Also within the housing is a spring for biasing the tumbler toward the extended position. The tumbler has a first locking member that contacts a second locking member on a release member when the tumbler is in the retracted position and the first locking member does not contact the second locking member when the tumbler is in the extended position.

Abstract: A mine door system for closing a mine doorway comprises a door hinged adjacent the doorway for swinging relative to the stopping between a closed position and an open position swung outwardly away from the stopping. A keeper is mounted in fixed position relative to the doorway. The system further comprises a trigger-actuated latch mechanism including a detent engageable with the keeper for latching the door in its closed position and a trigger operably connected to the detent in a latched position. The mechanism is constructed and configured so that actuation of the trigger causes the detent to move from a latched position in which the detent engages the keeper for latching the door closed to an unlatched position in which the detent is disengaged from the keeper for allowing the door to be opened.

Abstract: An apparatus with a two-way hidden latch. A main body comprises a magnet disposed under a retainer, which fixes the two-way latch disposed in a cover portion. The cover portion can be placed on the main body with a first or second surface facing downward. The cover portion comprises a first and second opening and a two-way latch is disposed near the two openings. When the cover portion is open, the two-way latch is fixed at an original position and hidden in the cover portion. When the cover portion covers the main body with the first surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a first position, engaging the retainer. Moreover, when the cover portion covers the main body with the second surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a second position, engaging the retainer.

Abstract: A system for locking a first element with a second element, the system including a control member fitted on the first element and suitable for being actuated by a user in a direction that is substantially rectilinear and perpendicular to a pivot pin of a latch designed to co-operate with an anchor member fixed on the second element. The control member further includes a housing for receiving a finger of the latch while the latch is in the locked position so as to prevent the latch from pivoting about the pivot pin.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a motor vehicle provides the ability to securely control the size of an opening defined by the panel assembly. The panel assembly thus provides a theft deterrent by making it more difficult to get through a partially open window. The panel assembly comprises a fixed panel defining an opening, and a moveable panel for selectively covering the opening. A handle is attached to the moveable panel and includes a cam that is moveably mounted to the handle and extends through a slot defined in the handle. The cam is biased against the rail and is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A mullion assembly that is removably positioned within an opening. The invention includes a tube having telescoping members that fit together and are adjustable between a variety of lengths. The ends of the tube mount to first and second edges of the opening. A biasing mechanism positioned within the tube provides for adjusting the overall length of the tube. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is located within the tube to prevent the telescoping members from moving relative to each other thus preventing the tube from being reduced in length and removed from first and second mounting assemblies and removed from the opening.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a removable dirt separation system is disclosed. The latch assembly includes an actuator having an latch opening defined therethrough pivotally mounted to a lid of the dirt separation system. The latch assembly further includes a latch positioned beneath the actuator and having a latching surface which is operable to engage a catch on a vacuum cleaner housing. A latching surface of the latch extends through the latch opening. Moving the actuator in a first direction causes the actuator to disengage the latching surface of the latch from the catch and place the latch assembly in a disengaged position. Moving the latch in the first direction causes the latching surface of the latch to pass through a latch opening defined in the actuator to place the latch assembly in a return position. A method of operating a latch assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blowout latch is provided to latch a first panel to a second panel. The latch is coupled to the first panel and engaged with the second panel. The latch includes a biasing mechanism which is disengagable under pressure to move the first panel relative to the second panel. The latch may also be selectively disengaged with a lesser force than that required to overcome the biasing mechanism by bypassing the biasing mechanism. When manually disengaged, the latch maintains a biasing load on a bolt of the latch. A trigger of the latch is provided to bypass the biasing mechanism and disengage a roller assembly of the latch from the second panel.

Abstract: A swing cover door prop device for an electric coupler used on a passenger transit vehicle. Such swing door cover device includes an elongated door prop member having a first end and a second. There is a slot disposed adjacent such first end of the door prop member for engaging a latch bolt disposed on such swing cover. A mechanism is provided which is engageable with the second end of such door prop member for pivotally connecting such door prop member to a swing cover arm of such electric coupler. The final essential element is a spring disposed between such door prop member adjacent the second end thereof and such swing cover arm for a exerting a positive pressure on such door prop member.

Abstract: A removable mullion assembly comprises a fitting attached in the door opening for receiving an end of the mullion. The fitting houses a locking mechanism for selectively holding the mullion in place in the fitting. The locking mechanism comprises a latch bolt which in an extended position engages the end of the mullion and secures the mullion in the fitting. A key-operated mechanism, such as a cylinder lock, is operatively connected to the bolt for moving the latch bolt to the retracted position in response to turning the key in the cylinder. An actuating element is also provided which is activated by the end of the mullion as the mullion enters the retaining element for moving the bolt to the retracted position. The locking mechanism may further comprise a blocking element to block movement of the latch bolt from the extended position.

Abstract: A closing device, in particular for the trunk of a motor vehicle, having a closure bolt (2) arranged on a support (1) and guide elements (3) to receive a lock mechanism, the guide elements (3) being, movable on the support (1), in particular swingable around an axis of rotation (4).

Abstract: A closing device, in particular for the trunk of a motor vehicle, having a closure bolt (2) arranged on a support (1) and guide elements (3) to receive a lock mechanism, the guide elements (3) being, in accordance with the invention, movable on the support (1), in particular swingable around an axis of rotation (4).

Abstract: A battery operated power tool having a power tool housing, a battery pack and a battery latch mechanism. The power tool housing has a recess and a latching surface formed into the outer surface of the housing. The battery pack holds battery cells to power the tool. The battery latch mechanism removably attaches the battery pack to the power tool housing and includes a latching member and a spring to bias the latching member between an engaged position where the latching member is connected to the power tool housing and a release position when the latching member is disconnected from the power tool housing. The latching member includes an inner and an outer side with a latch flange on the inner side at one end. Towards an opposing end, the latching member includes a pushing surface on the outer side.

Abstract: A device for holding a vehicle sliding door at full-open position comprises a striker fixed to a vehicle body and a latch rotatably mounted on the sliding door. The latch has a U-shaped groove for engaging with the striker when the sliding door is fully opened. The latch is displaceable between a first position in which the U-shaped groove is disengaged with the striker and second position in which the U-shaped groove is engaged with the striker. A resilient member is disposed at a location between the latch and the sliding door for holding the latch in either one of the first position and the second position by resilient force thereof. The resilient member is always in contact with the latch directly.

Abstract: The invention concerns decompression locks releasing a flap or plate from their closed position in the event of overpressure. A decompression lock, employing the known principle of overcoming the retaining force of a spring (14) to achieve opening, employs a bolt (11) rotatably supported in a longitudinally displaceable support carriage (8). A detent spring (14) keeps the bolt (11) in the closed position and will release it at a predetermined overpressure. During assembly or in the event of forced opening, the decompression lock is moved into the closed position solely by closing the flap or plate.

Abstract: A retractable flush-mounted apparatus which is mounted in a floor or other flat mounting surface. The apparatus includes a housing with a flange plate which is mounted in an opening in the mounting surface. A retractable member is provided within the housing which alternates between a raise position and a lower position. By pressing downwardly on the top of the retractable member, a latching mechanism is released, allowing the spring biased retractable member to move to the raised position. The retractable member is lowered by applying a force sufficient to counteract the action of the spring and move the member into the housing, whereupon the latch mechanism re-engages the retractable member to retain it in the lower position. The apparatus can be adapted for use as a security door stop or as a pop-up utility outlet. When used as a security door stop, the risk of accidental lock-out is reduced through the use of a ratchet plate and camming surface.

Abstract: A push pad releasable exit device with continuous deadlocking for mounting near a door edge for engaging a lock strike includes a housing having first and second sidewalls upon which are mounted two end walls and an internal wall parallel to the end walls, each of the end walls and the internal wall having a hole, the holes being aligned on a common axis, the first sidewall having a wedge stop projecting inwardly therefrom toward the axis of the holes in the end walls and the internal wall; a tapered latch bolt mounted on a cylindrical shaft, the shaft extending through the holes and having a provision for urging the latch bolt toward the lock strike; a wedge plate having a hole providing clearance around the shaft and aligned with the holes in the end walls, having a tab pivotally resting in a slot of the second wall, and having a corner distal from the tab resting against the wedge stop when the door is in an open position; a provision for sensing when the door is in a closed position and for flipping the w

Abstract: A retractable flush-mounted apparatus which is mounted in a floor or other flat mounting surface. The apparatus includes a housing with a flange plate which is mounted in an opening in the mounting surface. A retractable member is provided within the housing which alternates between a raise position and a lower position. By pressing downwardly on the top of the retractable member, a latching mechanism is released, allowing the spring biased retractable member to move to the raised position. The retractable member is lowered by applying a force sufficient to counteract the action of the spring and move the member into the housing, whereupon the latch mechanism re-engages the retractable member to retain it in the lower position. The apparatus can be adapted for use as a security door stop or as a pop-up utility outlet. When used as a security door stop, the risk of accidental lock-out is reduced through the use of a ratchet plate and camming surface.

Abstract: A battery compartment latch mechanism holds a battery in either a fully loaded or a partially loaded position. The partially loaded position prevents the battery from slipping out of the battery compartment when the battery is being ejected. To hold the battery in the fully loaded position, a latch (66) at one end of a lever (60) is urged by a cantilever spring (72) into engagement with a battery recess (50). To disengage the latch from the recess, the lever is rotated manually by moving a handle (84) located at another end of the lever. As the battery is being withdrawn, a plunger (90) engages the battery recess to prevent the battery from slipping out. To fully remove the battery, the user forcibly urges the battery out of the compartment. Because the side walls (104) of the plunger are sloped, forcing the battery outward causes the plunger to be depressed, thereby disengaging the plunger from the battery recess.

Abstract: An accessory is retained in a computer by a latching mechanism having a sliding disengaging member which, when actuated, not only releases the accessory from a latching arm, but also pushes the accessory partially out of the computer housing.

Abstract: Environmentally employable in combination with a slidable-door type open-wall and for maintaining an angular-dog type slidable-door in tight opening-obstructed temperature-protective contact adjacently about the wall-opening of a said upright open-wall, a floor-mountable retractable roller device including a floor-mountable horizontal base-plate and including a pivotably mounted elongate rear-arm having a rotatable horizontal-roller springably urged toward the slidable-door underlying angular-dog to temperaturely-protectively urge the slidable-door in closure-condition about the wall-opening. The springably urged force between the slidable-door lower angular-dog and the device horizontal-roller can be empirically adjusted with an adjusting screw disclosed herein.

Abstract: A portable carrier module having a safety interconnect latch mechanism for securing the portable carrier module to a portable product. The portable carrier has a rail on one of its outer walls for engaging with a track on the portable product and for aligning the portable product to the portable carrier.

Abstract: A mullion assembly mountable in a door frame includes a bottom fitting attached to a floor and a top fitting attached to the door frame above the bottom fitting. The top fitting supports a latch engagement assembly for engaging a latch assembly positioned in a mullion cavity of a mullion. The latch assembly has a latch extendable from the mullion cavity to engage the latch engagement assembly supported by the top fitting and hold the mullion in a fixed position. Retraction of the latch is controlled by a key lock assembly connected to the latch assembly through an actuating link assembly. The key lock assembly permits key controlled disengagement of the latch from the latch engagement assembly, followed by temporary removal of the mullion from its position in the door frame.

Abstract: A variable angle latching mechanism is provided which readily permits adjustment of the deployment angle of a solar array mechanism or other spacecraft deployable. Latch engagement is possible over a wide angular range with virtually zero backlash. In one embodiment a movable portion (20) of the latching mechanism is pivotally mounted to a stationary portion (26) of the latching mechanism and carries a catch element (10) that is adapted to move into latching engagement with a latch element (30) pivotally mounted on the stationary element. The latch element is linearly positioned on the movable portion by a single shim element(30) to thereby establish the angle of deployment of the movable member and thus the deployable. The angle of deployment of the mechanism is set at assembly by selection of shim thickness. In a second embodiment of the invention, the catch arm is an integral part of a slider which is linearly positioned by a motor.

Abstract: In a push-open type storing device for use in an automobile which enables a storing box to be locked in the shut position inside a housing in spite of the biasing spring pressure owing to the operation of a cam member on the housing side and a pin member on the storing box side and further enables the storing box to be automatically moved in the opening direction out of the housing through the opening thereof in response to a further push given to the storing box, the storing device with a safety function produced by forming a locking part and an outlet mouth as separated with a distance from each other on one edge side defining a cam groove of the cam member, integrally forming a projecting stopper guide wall between the locking part and the outlet mouth on the other edge side opposite the one edge side mentioned above, and allowing the locking part for securing the pinmember to be positioned outwardly from the stopper guide wall, enables the pin member to collide against the outer edge of the stopper guide

Abstract: A toilet lid lock comprising a restraining arm removably coupled to a threaded rotatable lock rod mechanism. This mechanism has a first and second end. A repositioning handle and a lock bolt are located at the first end of the mechanism. A threaded portion of the second end of the mechanism receives a compression spring and an adjustable end cap. Two similarly shaped stanchions are further included in the Lid Lock, a first and second respectively, have one aperture each which passes through the stanchion for receiving the threaded rotatable lock rod mechanism. An additional aperture passes through the first stanchion for receiving the threaded rotatable lock rod mechanism lock bolt. The lock bolt is essentially a metal pin which is inserted or withdrawn from the aperture when the repositioning handle is rotated 90 degrees. Integral perpendicular flanges form the bases of the first and second stanchions with each flange having a plurality of screw holes passing through the flange for receiving mounting bolts.

Abstract: A coordinated door stop and latch includes a retractable stop, a sliding bolt latch, and a mechanism between the stop and latch. The sliding bolt is used to latch the door to preclude inward movement in a normal fashion. If emergency outward operation of the door is required, retraction of the stop causes ejection of the sliding bolt from its strike opening, thereby enabling resuce door operation.

Abstract: Contaminated waste containers having one or more internally disposed waste compression frames which are locked into position within the containers by resiliently biased hold-down mechanisms oriented within guide channels which extend along the side walls of the containers. Each of the frame guide channels is selectively provided with a supplemental guide member which extends above the upper edge of the box in order to guide the compression frames when in an elevated position with respect to the box and channel caps are also provided to prevent waste from being forced into the upper portion of the channels during use.

Abstract: A window having a fixed sash which can be easily removed and replaced for cleaning the transparent windowpane or for replacement of the windowpane in the event of breakage. The fixed sash of the window is usually associated with the upper portion of a window frame with a movable bottom vent being mounted in the window frame for vertical movement between a lowered closed position and a raised open position with a latch mechanism securing the movable vent in closed position.

Abstract: A railway car comprises a plurality of vertically disposed decks above the floor of the car. The first deck includes a rigid deck section having at opposite ends thereof hinged deck sections which may be moveable from a load carrying position upwardly to a raised position to facilitate loading of the car floor. The hinged deck sections are provided with counterbalancing means and a lock is provided for locking the sections either in the raised or lowered positions whereupon vehicles may be driven onto the deck sections.

Abstract: A vehicle carrying railway car comprises a plurality of vertically spaced decks, at least one of which consists of a rigid central section and at opposite ends hinged deck sections that are adapted to be raised for facilitating the loading of vehicles onto the car. The raised deck sections are counterbalanced by a biasing assembly and may be locked in raised or lowered positions.

Abstract: A railway car for transporting vehicles comprises a floor having a plurality of vertically spaced decks, one of said decks comprising a hinged deck section which may be raised above the floor of the car for facilitating loading. A counterbalancing mechanism is connected to the car structure and to the hinged deck and a locking device is provided for securing the hinged deck in both lowered or raised positions.