Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: One illustrative haptic output device disclosed herein includes a connector configured to couple the haptic output device to a modular computing device. The modular computing device includes an outer housing configured to mechanically and electrically couple with one or more external electronic modules. The haptic output device also includes a receiver configured to receive a haptic signal from a processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal; determine a haptic effect based in part on the signal; generate the haptic signal based on the haptic effect; and transmit the haptic signal. The haptic output device is configured to output the haptic effect responsive to receiving the haptic signal.

Abstract: An assembly can include a first component; a second component; and an interconnection mechanism for pivotable interconnection of the first component and the second component about a pivot axis where the interconnection mechanism includes a latch mechanism to latch the second component to the interconnection mechanism, an actuator to unlatch the latch mechanism, an obstruction to obstruct actuation of the actuator, and a sliding bar slidable in a first direction to move the obstruction to an obstructing position that obstructs actuation of the actuator and slidable in a second direction to move the obstruction to an unobstructing position that permits actuation of the actuator. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing several stages of closure of a luggage case (2), including an open stage, a pre-close stage in which one or more latching mechanisms are engaged, and a secure stage in which a drawing action pulls both shells of the luggage case (2) further together. Also disclosed is a method and system for automatically ensuring proper latching of the multiple latching mechanisms around the perimeter of a luggage case (2). The latching mechanisms may be aligned by use of a single operative mechanism (16). The present invention comprises a low-friction, durable system. The present invention ensures security of a user's belongings by providing the extra measurement of closure. The user enjoys a single operative mechanism (16), and needs to exert only a minimal amount of pressure to latch the case (2), thanks to a clever design of the single operative mechanism (16). The user needs not worry about their suitcase (2) popping open due to a failed latching mechanism.

Abstract: A lock 10 for a sliding door or window. The lock 10 includes a hollow body 11 within which there is pivotally mounted a pair of hook tongues 14 and 15. The tongues are driven by rack gears 54 which are operated by a lock cylinder 19. The rack gears 54 move linearly in opposite directions to cause angular movement of the tongues 14 and 15 in opposite rotational directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch having a button pawl shaft for attaching two panels together at two different points. The shaft of the latch has bezels in which the shaft rotates connected to one of the panels. The shaft has pawls at both ends which engage a keeper on a second panel and disengage and clear the keeper when a force is applied to the button on the shaft thereby rotating the shaft. A precompressed torsion spring provides a force on the button at all times. When a user presses on the button thereby rotating the shaft such that the pawls disengage with keepers the spring will rotate the shaft and button back to the same position as that prior to the user applying a force on the button.

Abstract: With the advent of this new and unique spring-loaded slot door latching bar the individuals involved in the operation of removing the contents of the moneyboxes and the like will have at their disposal a device that by inserting and pushing down on the bar handgrip, the latching mechanism will be set and then, by turning the three separate keys the latches will be relocated in place holding the door mechanism. This rapid and safe operation will easily speed up the operation and eliminate a lot of skinned knuckles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling structure between a lock and a latch in a vehicular tail gate locking system. The coupling structure of the invention comprises a key lever rotated depending on displacement of a first rod coupled to the lock and a remote lever rotated depending on rotation of the key lever to shift the position of the second rod. A control latch is further provided which allows the second rod to maintain its position as the lock is further rotated by any angle while the lock is in a locked position so that the further rotational force of the lock lever caused by a user is not transmitted to the latch.

Abstract: A multi-point lock and method for locking with two remote mortise locks operated by a central actuator to which they are mechanically linked. The mortise locks are mounted with opposite orientation so that they simultaneously engage separate keepers from opposite directions. A housing of the multi-point lock is adapted to allow the placement of mounting screws along the entire length of the lock.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for receiving a boat bow U-bolt includes a frame member with a receiving channel for receipt of the U-bolt. A pair of spring-biased latching members are attached to the frame member and arranged in a normally-closed condition and therein narrow the width of the receiving channel at an entrance location. The latching members are pivotally moveable to an open condition by the action of the U-bolt pushing against the latching members until the U-bolt enters the receiving channel. A release slide is included as part of the latching mechanism to allow the U-bolt to be released. The release slide is spring biased for movement from a load-launch orientation to a stowed orientation. The latching mechanism is designed to attach to a winch stand and includes two separate mounting connections for this purpose.

Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking element for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking element has first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By way of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.

Abstract: A quick release lock for a cover is provided. The cover may be a manhole cover for closing onto a manhole ring having a radially extended flange. The quick release lock mainly includes several angularly equal-spaced cross-shaped slots provided on the cover to communicate with through holes below them, and catch elements, push elements, and cotters in the same number as that of the cross-shaped slots. The catch element each is pivotally connected to and between two fixing plates provided at two opposite sides of each through hole. The cotter each is positioned in one cross-shaped slot and extended down into she through hole. The push element each is screwed on a bar portion of the cotter below the cover. When the cotter is depressed, the push element radially pushes the catch element outward to engage with a lower edge of the flange on the ring member and thereby firmly locks the cover to the ring member.

Abstract: In a locking mechanism for a portable computer having a main base panel and a display panel pivotally mounted on the base panel, a latch frame is installed to be capable of moving inside the display panel, a plurality of latches are formed on the latch frame at a predetermined interval and one end portion thereof protrudes from the front surface of the display panel, and a latch slide knob operatively connected to the latch frame for concurrently operating the latches. The latches insert into and are locked by latch grooves formed at positions corresponding to the latches on the upper surface of the base panel. Since a plurality of latches are provided and elastic forces are applied by double springs, the display panel of the portable computer is kept stable with respect to the main base panel and is not easily opened by external impacts.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for coupling an accessory device to a back face of a handheld computer while electrically connecting to the handheld computer through a communications or output port. In one embodiment, the accessory device "piggy-backs" on the handheld computer so that the accessory device and handheld computer form a portable combination. An insertion coupling may be used to detachably secure the accessory device with the handheld computer. The insertion coupling used with embodiments of the invention is preferably a snap-in coupling having one or more biased members. The biased members may be contracted to engage an aperture on a back face of the handled computer. When released, the biased members secure the accessory device to the handheld computer.

Abstract: A connecting device for a fastening element with a through bore has a housing and a first pulling member slidably connected within the housing. The pulling member comprises a hook for penetrating the through opening and engaging an edge of the through opening from behind. An actuator is connected within the housing for moving the pulling member from an initial position into a clamping position. In the clamping position, the hook exerts a force directed toward the housing onto the edge. At least one pressurizing member is slidably connected within the housing so as to be movable into the clamping position. The pressurizing member has at least one section resting at the fastening element in the clamping position. The pulling member is clamped between the pressurizing member with the fastening element interposed. A device for securing the hook against displacement relative to the through opening of the fastening element is provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a securing device for swivelling components of vehicles, in particular for engine hoods of motor vehicles. A securing hook which, after the release of the swivelling component, initially maintains a catch connection between this swivelling component and a fixed location mating component until the securing hook is pivoted into a release position by means of a manipulator. The manipulator, which is recessed when the swivelling component is locked, is automatically transferred into an accessible operating position by utilization of a forced advancement of the swivelling component relative to the mating component initiated by the release procedure. A control edge effectively connected to the manipulator and supported on the mating component is moved in the opening direction of the securing hook by sliding along the mating component.

Abstract: A cover locking apparatus for a record medium player having two covers movably attached to the player under a bias which includes a lock assembly including a first lock member correspondingly to one cover and a second lock member correspondingly to the other cover, an engaging portion on each cover for interacting with the first and second lock members, respectively, for engaging the covers in a closed positions wherein the covers are held against the bias and a lock release mechanism including only a single manual release button for releasing both the covers from the closed position.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a cabinet door of a microwave range is provided with a pivotal hook member of the cabinet door, which member is engaged with a dog projection of a hook housing mounted in a door-opening frame of a main body of the microwave range. On a peripheral portion of a cooking cabinet contained in the main body is fixedly mounted a door-opening frame on which is pivotally mounted a hook-operating lever in a lower-end portion of which is slidably mounted one end of a hook-operating rod the other end of which is brought into contact with the pivotal hook member of the cabinet door, the hook-operating rod being normally biased at its retracted position by a spring means. An upper-end portion of the hook-operating lever is brought into contact with a push pin portion of a push button which is mounted in a control panel of the microwave range in a retractable manner.

Abstract: A table attaching construction for nursing chairs has longitudinally extending right- and left-hand table support frames, a table disposed on these table support frames, and right- and left-hand operating levers. The right- and left-hand operating levers are adapted to be turned between first locking and second release positions. When the operating levers are each in the first position, they are in engagement with the outer lateral portions and lower portions of the table support frames. When the operating levers are each in the second position, such engagement is canceled. The table attaching construction for nursing chairs further includes right- and left-hand slide members, and springs for urging these slide members to slide inwardly. Each slide member has an opening for the associated operating lever to extend vertically therethrough. Under the action of the springs, the wall surfaces of the openings in the slide members press the operating levers to maintain the latter in the first locking position.

Abstract: Latching system hardware for luggage articles such as attache cases and the like includes an elongated latch console for attachment interiorly to one section of the article, an actuator assembly for manually operating the console latches, and a lock assembly for selectively locking the latches. The hardware can be assembled in different configurations and operating modes and the console can be used with different types of lock and actuator assemblies so that diverse latching systems can be developed from the same basic console components.

Abstract: A container-locking mechanism for locking two perforated overlapping sections of a carbon or the like. An outer tubular member is fitted into the aligned holes in the sections and formed at one end with a radially outwardly extending flange. An inner tubular member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced tapered portions. The inner tubular member is locked in a position when fully inserted in the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member has a plurality of arms arranged to be engaged and forced radially outwardly beyond the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular member, by the tapered portions, when the inner tubular member is inserted into the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A locking device for use on suitcases comprising two keepers, each having a lateral notch and with an outermost surface inclined to form a cam, two lock-staples inside of which are engaged the keepers, latch hooks pivotally mounted in the lock-staples, which hooks are adapted to engage in the notches provided in the keepers under the action of elastic members when the suitcase is in its closed position, the latch hooks being connected to an opening control bar and to a locking bar, both bars being mounted for axial sliding movement inside a housing of the suitcase.