Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover moveable relative to a base and a latch mechanism to provide an unlatched state for the cover and a latched state when actuated by an external/inertia force (e.g. in an event such as a rollover). The latch mechanism may comprise a latch/member extending through an opening in the cover into the base when the cover is closed and retracted into the cover when the cover is open. When the cover is closed, the latch mechanism may provide an unlatched state with the latch in an intermediate position (for an occupant's ordinary use) and a latched state with the latch fully extended to engage a catch in the base (upon the event providing the external force to prevent the cover opening). The component may comprise a console providing a storage compartment or an armrest.

Abstract: An exemplary locking mechanism includes a plunger, a lock control member adjacent the plunger, a roller captured between the plunger and the lock control member, a driver operably connected with the lock control member, and a control assembly operable to control the driver to move the lock control member between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking mechanism has a locking state in which the lock control member is in the locking position, and interference between the roller and the lock control member prevents movement of the plunger in a retracting direction. The locking mechanism has an unlocking state in which the plunger is in the unlocking position such that the roller is operable to move into a pocket formed in the lock control member, thereby enabling movement of the plunger in the retracting direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating an emergency exit path upon detection of a fire in a building structure. The systems and methods may include detecting a signal indicating presence of the fire in the building structure and determining an evacuation situation is present based on a risk assessment. In response to determining the evacuation situation is present, the systems and methods may include mapping the emergency exit path out of the building structure based on an identified location of the fire and an identified location of a person in the building structure, and operating a plurality of lighting devices in the building structure to indicate the emergency exit path out of the building structure.

Abstract: An inertia locking mechanism for a bin having a bin lid and subjectable to an applied force resulting in an acceleration includes a housing attachable to the bin, a bracket attachable to the bin lid and having a locking feature, a locking pin, a biasing member, and a trigger. The locking pin is linearly moveable in the housing. The trigger has a triggering mass and is connected to the housing via a trigger pivot. The triggering mass is offset from the trigger pivot such that the triggering mass applies a torque to the trigger when the acceleration occurs in each of the front, rear, left, and right directions. The trigger is configured to release the locking pin when the acceleration exceeds a threshold acceleration such that the biasing member urges the locking pin into the locking feature of the bracket to lock the bin lid in a closed position.

Abstract: Bonded or slide on sleeve and cover devices, and replacement gate latches and methods for preventing injury with oar, fork and U-shaped gate latches that are pivotally attached to fixed support post next to an opening in a fence. The sleeves and covers and replacement oar, fork and U-shaped gate latches have enlarged blunt tips that can include bulbous, dome and ball shapes that prevent injury from children or adults that come into contact with the gate latches.

Abstract: A combination key lock box comprising a body housing has a storage compartment which has holes to receive the toe of a shackle and the heel of the shackle. The heel or long-leg of the shackle remains inside of the body housing and the toe or short-leg can be moved away from the body to a lock releasing position. The shackle can be released from the body from the locked position to the open position by pushing down on the shackle to turn the dials to a correct combination. The heel of the shackle engages with the hole of the storage compartment cover to prevent the storage compartment from unlocking until the shackle has been released.

Abstract: A propellant flow actuated piezoelectric igniter device using one or more hammer balls retained by one or more magnets, or other retaining method, until sufficient fluid pressure is achieved to release and accelerate the hammer ball, such that it impacts a piezoelectric crystal to produce an ignition spark. Certain preferred embodiments provide a means for repetitively capturing and releasing the hammer ball after it impacts one or more piezoelectric crystals, thereby oscillating and producing multiple, repetitive ignition sparks. Furthermore, an embodiment is presented for which oscillation of the hammer ball and repetitive impact to the piezoelectric crystal is maintained without the need for a magnet or other retaining mechanism to achieve this oscillating impact process.

Abstract: A lock device comprising a lock mechanism configured to be mounted on a door, the lock mechanism including a locking member having extended and refracted positions relative to the door for releasably securing the door relative to an adjacent structure, and the lock mechanism including a pivoting member operably connected to the locking member such that pivotal movement of the pivoting member about an axis moves the locking member between the extended and retracted positions, and an assembly including a handle manually pivotable about the axis, and a clutch mechanism connecting the handle to the pivoting member, the clutch mechanism at all times transmitting a torque below a predetermined value from the handle to the pivoting member, and the clutch mechanism at all times allowing the handle to pivot relative to the pivoting member when the torque exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A latch lock out assembly for use with an armrest of a vehicle is disclosed. The latch lock out assembly comprises a flexible body secured to the armrest on an end of the body. The latch lock out assembly also comprises a generally cylindrically shaped blocking member arranged on an end of the body. The blocking member will be used to block the disengagement of a latch from a locking surface when the armrest is in a generally vertical or seat back position but flex or bend to a secondary or disengaged position when the armrest is in a generally horizontal position within the vehicle.

Abstract: An animal-resistant container includes a body and a lid. The body has an interior volume in which refuse may be placed. At least one latch mechanism is secured in the body and at least one latch receptacle is secured in the lid. The latch mechanism is engaged with the latch receptacle to secure the lid to the body and prevent access to the interior volume. The latch mechanism can be actuated by a gripping arm of a refuse pickup vehicle to release the latch mechanism from the latch receptacle so that contents of the container can be emptied during automated collection. A tilt sensor detects tilting movement of the container, and the latch mechanism is prevented from actuation following detection of the tilting movement so that an animal intruder cannot tip over the container and gain entry into the container.

Abstract: A T-handle actuator has one or more retractable ball bearings for selectively engaging a socket to operate a latch mechanism. The ball bearings are allowed to retract using a pushbutton for removal of the actuator from the socket. A latch mechanism is operated by rotationally moving a drive plug. The drive plug can be a socket that can be engaged by the T-handle actuator.

Abstract: A detent assembly—namely of pairs of sub-assemblies of which the individual ones comprise spatially directly associated surfaces at which projecting elements cooperate with engaging elements in prestressed manner—comprises at least one detent element within a detent sub-assembly, said detent element being retained prestressed within an obliquely directed guide in a manner that it projects beyond a detent sub-assembly outer surface and that it enters an aperture sub-assembly while being obliquely prestressed into a recess of an opposite aperture outer surface and rests only unilaterally and point-wise against associated rim sites of the mutually associated interlocking zones. A preferred application relates to a handle being supported rotatably but in axially fixed position by a stop fitted with a disk connected to a handle extension and comprising circumferential interlocking recesses, for instance notches.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic mechanism comprises a spring-operated rod (1) having a recess (1a) and a latching member (2) engageable in the recess to block motion of the rod. A release member (4) retains the latching member engaged in the recess (1a) in a first position of the release member and allows the latching member to be disengaged from the recess in a second position of the release member (4). A magnet (5) retains the release member in the first position and the mechanism includes an element such as a spring (7) for urging the release member (4) to the second position. A coil (8) is arranged to demagnetize the magnet (5) at least such that the release member moves to the second position, the latching member (2) is disengaged from the recess (1a) and the rod (1) moves axially by spring force.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is described allowing controlled access to the area secured by the latch mechanism, wherein the latch element is captured and released by the latch mechanism only upon slow, steady pressure overriding a dampening element. Sudden movement of the latch element is resisted in relationship to the force applied.

Abstract: A locker structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a housing, latch, bolt, sliding member triggering rod, positioned within the housing, wherein the sliding member has a bottom edge provided with a slot holding a spring and a steel bead such that the sliding member moves to urge at the bolt or disconnected from the bolt form a locking state and the handle cannot be opened, or open the locker via an external handle, the sliding member is provided with a securing hole to lock with a body plate having a vertical long slot, and a spring and steel beads are provided between the plate body and the sliding member such that the plate body can be triggered to slide up and down by means of the long hole so as to change the urging position of the triggering rod and the triangular latch can change into different position adaptable to door opening at the left and right side.

Abstract: A method of attaching a ball lock pin. A bushing assembly is inserted in a first object such that an outer surface of the bushing assembly is received within the first object. A plurality of locking balls disposed on a shaft of the ball lock pin is inserted into the bushing assembly. The plurality of locking balls is outwardly urged to engage a first engagement portion of an inner surface of the bushing assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary retaining assembly for a ball lock pin includes a bushing assembly configured to attachably engage an object. The bushing assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an engagement portion configured to receive locking balls urged therein in engagement. The outer surface is configured to be received within the object. The bushing assembly can include any suitable bushing member as desired, such as a press fit bushing, a serrated press fit bushing, a diamond knurl bushing, a key insert bushing, a template bushing, and the like. The bushing assembly can be a lock bushing configured to receive therein a lock ring. The lock ring can be inserted into the lock bushing and around a tapered portion of a shaft of a ball lock pin to help prevent the ball lock pin from being removed from the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A releasable locking device has a housing and an elongated member extending from the housing. The elongated member has an opening extending therethrough. A shaft extends through the opening of the elongated member. An actuator member extends from an end of the shaft and is positioned within an opening of the housing. A biasing member is positioned between the actuator member and a wall of the housing and is completely within an opening of the housing and not in the elongated member.

Abstract: The door locking device, in particular for insulating glass doors of cold rooms, refrigeration cabinets and domestic refrigerators (1/2), uses the predetermined door systems which have a plate (3) at the lower hinge-like attachment to the door and also have a plate on the doorframe. A further plate (5) is attached, with an exact fit, to the frame plate, said further plate having, in a cylindrical formation (6), a ball (7) on which the plate of the door (3) rests in the closed state and, in the open state, locks the door, wherein the ball (7) is located in a lubricant reservoir (8).

Abstract: A shutter assembly for mounting in a building fabric or window opening and having a rectangular frame and a latch mechanism and a catch plate to allow locking and unlocking of the shutter assembly in the window, in which the catch plate has a transverse groove receiving the latch mechanism, and a stop wall at a rearward end and a ramp at the forward end, and retaining pins for securing the catch plate in the window, all formed in one piece integrally.

Abstract: A case for an information handling system, the case comprising a front bezel, a side panel, a lock mounted in the front bezel and operable to restrict removal of the front bezel from the case, a latch mounted within the case operable to restrict removal of the side panel from the case, and a link connecting the lock and the latch such that operation of the lock to restrict removal of the front bezel from the case also restricts removal of the side panel from the case.

Abstract: The description relates to a snap fastening for fixing a thin wall, such as a housing wall, door leaf, or shutter, which is provided with an opening, to a wall support such as a housing frame, door frame, or wall opening edge, which is likewise provided with an opening, with a base part that can be arranged at the wall support in its opening, with a head part which extends away from this base part and which has a diameter that initially increases and then decreases again in its longitudinal section from the end of the head part in direction of the base part, which head part is a male plug-in part which, by overcoming a spring force acting radially outward in direction of the diameter, can be received by an undercut female plug-in part that is formed or carried by the opening of the thin wall.

Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.

Abstract: A non-contact apparatus removes translational energy (slows movement) of a first magnetic assembly when it is moved through the magnetic field of a second magnet. The first magnetic assembly contains a magnet that can rotate, such as a diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnet in a cylindrical cavity. Rotation of the first magnet does work against a predetermined drag. The apparatus also forms a non-contact magnetic coupling that holds a predetermined relative position. The apparatus can be used as a door catch that slows down and quietly stops a door at a predetermined position.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide system includes an inflatable evacuation slide stored in a packboard compartment the cover panel of which is retained by a plurality of frangible pneumatic latches. The frangible pneumatic latches each comprise a tension member one end of which is attached to the packboard housing and the other end of which is releasably attached to the cover panel. In normal operation, a pneumatic signal operating on an actuator piston withdraws the piston to allow the latch mechanism to release the cover panel. In the event of a failure of the release mechanism, since the releasable latch secures the cover panel to the frangible tension member rather than to the packboard directly, the force of the inflating evacuation slide breaks the frangible member allowing the cover panel to drop away with only a brief delay in slide deployment.

Abstract: A keybolt assembly has a body and a latching element. The body has a recess and a detent assembly. The recess is defined in the body and has an inner surface and a notch formed longitudinally in the inner surface of the recess. The detent assembly is mounted in the notch to position the latching element. The latching element is mounted rotatably in the recess of the body, is elongated and has multiple detents. The detents are formed in a side surface of the latching element along a major axis and a minor axis of the latching element to selectively engage with the detent assembly to keep the latching element in a lock position.

Abstract: A door catch includes a back plate having two laterally symmetric sleeves formed on a front face thereof. An elastic check member is mounted in a rear end of each sleeve to replace a conventional screw to confine a steel ball and a spring in the sleeve, so that the spring normally pushes the steel ball forward to partially project from a front open end of the sleeve and the elastic check member backward to firmly close the rear end of the sleeve. The steel balls projected from the two sleeves of the back plate together firmly clamp between them a stop post correspondingly mounted on a movable door leaf.

Abstract: A power actuator assembly for a latch includes first and second articulated levers. The first lever includes cam follower surfaces and the second lever includes at least one stop member which pivots between first and second positions as each lever travels between first and second positions. A motor-driven cam having driving members and stop members drives the first lever. More particularly, each driving member has a path of travel that engages one of the cam follower surfaces for a portion of the travel path to drive the first and second levers and is in disengaging alignment with the cam follower for another portion of travel. The cam stop members abut the stop member of the second lever when the cam driving members are in the non-aligned position, whereby the levers may be activated without driving the cam. The assembly can be employed, inter alia, in a lock application or a power release application so as to preclude the necessity of having to backdrive the power actuator.

Abstract: A door catch includes a back plate having two laterally symmetric sleeves formed on a front face thereof. A slot is provided on the back plate behind each of the sleeves at a predetermined position to communicate with an inner space of the sleeve, and an insert plate is inserted from a back face of the back plate into the sleeve via the slot to confine a steel ball and a spring in the sleeve, such that the springs not only normally push the steel balls forward to partially project from front open ends of the sleeves for tightly clamping a corresponding stop post between the balls, but also tightly push against the insert plates to hold the latter in place. The insert plates are held down in place in the sleeves by a wall when the back plate is mounted on the wall with fastening elements.

Abstract: A booster actuator 10 may be positioned between the solenoid 12 and a valve 14, and increases the energy output from the solenoid to activate the valve. The booster actuator 10 may include a force input member 28 and a force output member 30 each linearly movable with respect to a body 20 from an initial position to an activated position. A coil spring 46 biases the input member to the initial input position, while a plurality of disk springs 48 bias the output member 30 to the activated output position. A plurality of linking members 32 each pivotable with respect to the body normally retain the force output member in the initial position, but upon movement of the input member to the activated position release the force output member in response to the disk springs.

Abstract: A door handle spring assembly for biasing a catch releasably coupling a door handle to a sleeve. The spring assembly includes a first arm engaged with the catch, a second arm extending outwardly from the sleeve, and a loop portion formed between the first and second arms. The first arm and the loop portion are retained within the sleeve. The spring assembly further functions to exert a radial biasing force between the handle and the sleeve to minimize play therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating repeatable closure of a volume measurement chamber are provided. More particularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a dual articulating hinge is used to affix a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber, providing repeatable closure of a chamber door. In another embodiment of the invention, a laterally compliant magnetic latch is used to fasten a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber. In a third embodiment, a chamber door lid is mounted to a hinge bar via a ball joint, allowing the chamber door lid to self center about the chamber opening.

Abstract: A security device includes a case for retaining an information storage device in the space between a front case and a rear case, plurality of locking sleeves protruding from the front case and the rear case, the locking sleeves is formed to engage each other in the manner that the holes of the locking sleeves are aligned in a closed position of the case, and a locking mechanism for latching the case, the locking mechanism inserted into the aligned holes of said locking sleeves in closed position of the case. The locking mechanism includes a housing, a hook which is selectively locked to the protrusion formed on the locking sleeve and released from it by extruding from the case and pulling back into the case, a moving member which is mounted on the slope and moves up and down the slope by magnetic force, while contacting with the side surface of the hook. The hook moves to the locking position or releasing position as the moving member goes up and down the slope.

Abstract: A lock for earthquakes that securely holds a door closed when an earthquake strikes, but it otherwise out of the way during normal use. It consists of a steel ball that is positioned at the top of an angled ramp. A magnet is embedded on the inside surface of the door, where it is invisible under normal use. When an earthquake strikes, the steel ball drops and contacts the magnet. At this point, the door is effectively locked. The system is designed so that the magnet is strong enough to securely hold the door closed, but can be easily overcome to open the door after the event is over. Once the event is over, the system can be reset by pulling the door open with enough force to overcome the magnet and placing the ball back up into its ready position. When closed, the cabinets appear to be perfectly normal.

Abstract: A push button lock. The push button lock has a main housing with an aperture formed therethrough, a plunger which is axially moveable in the aperture of the main housing, and a ball retainer positioned in the aperture of the main housing. The ball retainer has a central aperture formed therein through which the plunger extends and a protrusion. Balls are placed on the ball retainer. An actuator is located in the main housing aperture above the ball retainer and is rotatable to an open position, wherein the actuator is in position to be pushed down to prevent the balls from moving away from the plunger shaft and thereby prevent the plunger shaft from moving relative to the ball retainer, and a locked position, wherein the balls are not retained against the plunger shaft and the plunger shaft can move relative to the balls retainer. A lock button having a lock housing and a lock cylinder is provided, with the lock cylinder being adapted to turn the actuator from the opened position to the locked position.

Abstract: An article surveillance includes a pair of components that are detachably connected together having a releasably grasping device engaging with an article intended to be protected. The device is coupled between the two components with a selected one of the components having an elongated prong insertably received within the other component and is held thereto by a ball clutch mechanism. The mechanism includes a tapered housing with an internal tapered wall surface enclosing a plug member having at least two balls carried in opposing grooves. The tapered housing and the plug member include a coaxial passageway for insertably receiving the elongated prong from the first component. The plug member is resiliently biased to a first position by an expansion spring causing the balls to bear against the tapered inner wall of the housing, restricting the passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device (20) for hinged windows (21) comprising, as components, a base body (25), a control element (26), an actuating lever (27), and a connecting bracket (28). These elements are connected to one another in twos and in an articulated manner by means of a hinged joint. The base body (25) is fastened with one end thereof to a body part (22). The connecting bracket is fastened with one end thereof to the hinged window (21). A detent device is preferably provided on the hinged joint (32) between the control element (26) and the actuating lever (27) and comprises a detent body and a detent notch. The detent body Is guided in a displaceable manner inside a longitudinal guide of the actuating lever (27) and is pressed, via a spring plate, against the control element (26) by means of a pressure spring. The control arm is provided with one or more detent notches.

Abstract: In an electric door lock, a spindle with a manually operable rotary knob is connected operably to a deadbolt, and has a spindle coupling ring sleeved co-rotatably thereon, and a rotary seat sleeved rotatably thereon. The rotary seat has a clutch portion surrounded by a stationary seat and provided with angularly displaced resilient locking units that normally engage the stationary seat, and is disengaged from the stationary seat to permit operation of the rotary knob to rotate the spindle. An electric driving motor has a transmission shaft coupled to the rotary seat. The locking units are disengaged from the stationary seat and engage the spindle coupling ring when the motor is operated to rotate the rotary seat, thereby resulting in co-rotation of the spindle. The locking units include ball members which move rollingly out of locking grooves in the stationary seat when the rotary seat is rotated.

Abstract: A three point pivoting 360° articulable pinchless hinge connects two members which may pivot 360° with respect to each other. The hinge has two opposing couplers, each having a toothed semicircular portion meshed with the opposing coupler toothed semicircular portion. Each coupler is adapted to be connected to one of the members to be pivoted with respect to each other. A pin is in each coupler extending along an axis of the semicircular portion thereof. A link connects each pin to maintain the meshed engagement of the couplers through 360° of coupler pivotal rotation with respect to each other. The link has a sufficient width substantially that of the width of the coupler body as to block and prevent the meshed semicircular portions from pinching an individual's finger or object. The hinge may also have a locking mechanism or detent which locks the two members at 180° from each other.

Abstract: A closing device of a hinged door, wherein a locking body (38) is disposed upward-movably at an opening (36) with a flange part (38b) larger than the opening (36) positioned inside a case (33) installed on a storing device main body (31), a spherical body (37) is stored in each moving space (34) in the case (33), and an elastic piece (43) which forms a locking path (42) at the tip of a supporting body (41) on a hinged door (32) side, forms an ascending sloped surface (43a), and has a tip side having an upward elastic force larger than the weight of a locking body (38) is formed integrally in front of the locking part (42) of the supporting body (41), whereby at least one spherical body (37) is put on the upper surface of flange part (38b) so as to stop the locking body (38) from moving upward at the time of earthquake, and the locking body (38) pushes down the elastic piece (43) so as to enable it to be locked to the locking part (42) to control the hinged door (32) to a degree that it can be opened slightly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blowout latch for releasably securing an aircraft panel to an aircraft structure. The blowout latch includes a housing, a bolt, and a handle. The housing includes a bias section that has a plate, a block adjacent the plate, at least one coil spring having opposing ends, a roller mount, and a roller pin. The roller mount has a roller mount base. One end of the coil spring contacts the roller mount base. The opposing end of the coil spring contacts the block. The roller pin is rotatably mounted to the roller mount. The bolt is rotatably mounted to the housing and is used to engage the aircraft structure. The bolt has a secured position. The bolt is held in its secured position by the coil spring which biases the roller pin against the bolt. The handle is rotatably mounted to the bolt and is moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position, without the use of a tool. The handle provides an indicator when the blowout latch is in an open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking a part (3; 21; 31) that is to be secured, arranged so that it can move on a motor vehicle, a securing part (11; 26; 36) engaging in a slot-shaped cavity (7; 28; 38) of the part (3; 21; 31) that is to be secured under the effect of the acceleration forces that occur when the corresponding vehicle coincides with an obstacle. To allow the device to be fitted simply and in a non-bulky way and to reliably prevent unintentional opening of the door of the vehicle when acceleration forces from different directions are applied on the part that is to be secured, the invention proposes that the securing part (11; 26; 36) be controlled by a control element (10; 22; 32) of spherical shape, the control element (10; 22; 32) resting on a guide (8; 23; 33) via domed or conical control surfaces (9).

Abstract: The ball anchoring device consists of a lock body (10) comprising an annular wall (14) featuring radial holes (15) to accommodate radially mobile balls (16), and a locking piston (20) that slides axially within the body bore between a released position and a locked position.

Abstract: A seal and lock mechanism employs a cable and a mechanism for securing a free end of the cable to the seal by a wedging action within a tapered housing bore employing wedging means such as balls and the like. The wedging action is enhanced by roughening the surface of the wedging means or otherwise improving their resistance to displacement with respect to the surface of the cable.

Abstract: A lockable enclosure including a safe, a suitcase, a briefcase, and the like has an interior sized to receive articles and an electronic key assembly actuating a cam mechanism upon entry of a preprogrammed entry code. The cam mechanism has a cam that depresses a release lever of the a latch assembly to a position, wherein the latch assembly disengages from the lockable enclosure to allow a door to swing in an open position so as to enable access to the interior of the lockable enclosure.

Abstract: A door knob assembly (10) attachable to a door (24), the door knob assembly (10) having an inner door knob (12I) having an inner door knob threaded opening (12IA) positioned on an inner door (24I). The door knob assembly (10) further comprises a door latch (20) positioned within a door side (24S). The door latch (20) further has a door latch engager (20B) which has a door latch engager cylinder (20BA) containing a door latch engager member biasing means (20BCA) positioned against a door latch engager member (20BC). The door latch engager member (20BC) frictionally engages a door plate (24A). An upper fastener (22U) is positioned through the door latch engager plate upper opening (20BBU) and the door latch upper housing lip opening (20AUAA) and securely attached to the door side (24S).

Abstract: A multifunction door knob assembly for allowing for a door to be opened easily without being forced to turn a door knob. The inventive device includes an engagement mechanism is disposed within the side opening of the door. The engagement mechanism includes a cylindrical casing having open opposed ends. One of the opposed ends has a ball bearing slidably disposed therein. The ball bearing engages a door casing in a closed orientation. Opposed from the ball bearing in the opposed open end of the casing is a pressure block. The pressure block is slidably disposed within the casing. The pressure block has a pair of tabs disposed thereon to preclude disengagement from the casing. A spring is disposed between interior ends of the ball bearing and the pressure block. A swing arm is disposed within the side opening of the door inwardly of the engagement mechanism. The swing arm has an outer portion and an inner portion. An inner end of the inner portion is pivotally coupled within the side opening of the door.

Abstract: A window-screen combination wherein the screen is concealed when not in use but is readily accessible for servicing or replacement. The window-screen assembly includes a window frame circumscribing a window opening and including a peripheral outer frame portion providing an elongated header recess facing into the opening. The frame also includes a plurality of elongated inner frame members separable from the outer frame portion and disposed along the periphery of the opening. A first of the frame members, a header member, is positioned over the recess so that a passageway remains between the recess and the opening. The other of the frame members, jamb members, extend downwardly from the header member and form opposed vertical guideways adjacent to the window opening and aligned with the passageway.

Abstract: A push button panel fastener including a female portion disposed within an opening in a fixed surface. A male portion is secured to a movable panel and is adapted for removably coupling with the female portion for temporarily securing the movable panel to the fixed surface.

Abstract: A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like.