Abstract: An interlocking device for locking a case includes first and second interlocking members. The first interlocking member is formed with a notch. The second interlocking member is formed with a button that is operable to rotate the second interlocking member from a first position, in which the first and second interlocking members engage each other and in which the button is received in the notch, to a second position, in which the first and second interlocking members disengage from each other and in which the button moves out of the notch.

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: An emergency-locking latch assembly (14) is provided for securing a vehicle door (12) in a closed position. Specifically, in one embodiment, the emergency-locking latch assembly (14) is intended to secure a first door fastener (16) to an opposing second door fastener (18) when the vehicle door (12) is subjected to a substantial acceleration. In this embodiment, the emergency-locking latch assembly (14) includes a release lever (26) coupled to the first door fastener (16). This release lever (26) is intended to selectively disengage the first door fastener (16) from the opposing second door fastener (18) thereby releasing the vehicle door (12) from its closed position. The emergency-locking latch assembly (14) further includes an inertia-actuated detent lever (38) that is intended to block a predetermined path of the release lever (26) and prevent the release lever (26) from unlatching the vehicle door (12) from its closed position.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in latching a pivotable access door of a cabinet includes a latch housing within which is rotatably mounted a catch member between latching and unlatching positions upon a carrier which, in turn, is rotatably supported in the latch housing. The carrier is biased into engagement with a cam pin which acts as a pivot stop for the carrier. A cross pin extends through a pair of laterally spaced slots formed in the latch housing and terminal ends of the cross pin are adapted to depress electronic switches through movement of the carrier when the latching mechanism assumes the latched position. The catch member is rotated to the latching position upon engagement with a latch striker and can be rotated to release the latch striker, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, either through the use of a handle or upon tugging on the access door.

Abstract: A system and method for safe and secure stowage of an on-board entertainment display utilizing at least one dual biased latch in the stowage compartment and a complementary recess in the display assembly such that the latch prohibits un-commanded display deployment, even in the absence of electrical power to the unit.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a window or door during severe storms. A panel, cut to fit in a window frame, is held in place by the action of the locking assemblies described herein. A rubber gasket can be used along on e side of the panel in place of some of the locking assemblies. Different embodiments of the assembly are described for mounting along the sides of the panel. A “clip-on” assembly is also described.

Abstract: A latching mechanism selectively maintains a first member and a second member in secured engagement by the interposition of a striker plate, mounted upon the second member, between spaced apart arms carried by a latching cam mounted on the first member for pivotal movement and locked in a latching position against such movement by a locking member, and moves the first member away from the second member upon selective release of the secured engagement by the actuation of a push-button assembly which unlocks the locking member and allows the latching cam to be moved out of the latching position by a biasing spring so that one of the spaced apart arms pushes against the strike plate to move the first member away from the second member.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for use on an enclosure which enclosure has an opening and a roll-up door to close the opening, automatically locks the door when it is closed. The arrangement includes a striker member mounted on one side of the door to define a striker path when the door is moved upwardly or downwardly. A lock mechanism includes a dog and means for biasing the dog to removably extend into the striker path. When the door is moved downwardly, the striker will force the dog out of the striker path to thereby permit the striker to pass over the dog and for the door to extend below the dog. When the striker is below the dog and the door is moved upwardly, the dog will engage the striker and prohibit upward movement of the striker and the door.

Abstract: Pressure equalization between the upper and lower compartments of an aircraft is provided through normally covered openings along the edges of the floor of the upper compartment. The covers each are comprised of a double-flap arrangement in which one flap is constructed as two hinged panels with locking features in order to hold the other flap in a clinging position. The space between the flaps participates in the air-conditioning circulation. In the case of a pressure drop in the lower compartment, the pressure differential tends to fold the winged panels, thereby releasing the locks so that air pressure can be equalized through uncovering of the openings.

Abstract: In a touch latch mechanism of the type adapted for use in latching a pair of members upon relative convergent movement thereof from a remote position into an adjacent position and for releasing the members from their adjacent position for relative divergent movement towards their remote position upon further movement of the members in the direction of converging movement beyond the adjacent position, the improvement wherein the latch mechanism includes a catch plate cooperating with a novel keeper mechanism characterized as having a resiliently deformable and pivotally supported keeper element.