Abstract: An input component of a computing device disclosed herein includes a magnet located along an internal chassis of the input component, a biasing mechanism located between the magnet and a ledge of the internal chassis, and a fastening mechanism configured to attach the biasing mechanism to the ledge of the internal chassis such that the magnet is removably or non-permanently attached to the internal chassis. In one implementation, the magnet is glued to the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: Timber frame structures comprising timber support posts and timber support beams. Improved joint assemblies are utilized for interconnecting the timber support posts and the timber support beams. In particular, each of the joint assemblies includes a tail having a wedge-shaped outer face and a complementary socket configured and dimensioned for receiving the tail. The tails may extend from the terminal faces of the support beams and the sockets may be formed in the sidewalls of the timber support posts. The tails may be installed into the sockets through a drop-in-place procedure. The timber frame structures may be packaged as kits for modular assembly at the desired location.

Abstract: An adapter for releasably attaching a cable end having an end fitting to a frame of a hoist apparatus at an attachment opening of the frame includes a pair of longitudinal arms connected by a transverse bridge, an attachment portion coupled to the pair of arms and spaced longitudinally from the bridge, and a gate member. The bridge has inner and outer faces connected by a side face, a longitudinal cable passageway through the inner and outer faces, and a cable insertion slot communicating with the cable passageway, wherein the insertion slot is open through the inner, outer, and side faces. The gate member is received by the insertion slot, and is selectively removable from the slot to permit transversely directed insertion of a portion of the cable end through the slot into the cable passageway such that the end fitting is opposed by the inner face of the bridge.

Abstract: A wheel attachment structure includes: multiple lug nut and bolts that each include a nut portion that couples to a wheel stud of a vehicle; multiple lug nut spacers, each lug nut spacer having a nut portion that couples to a bolt portion of the lug nut and bolt; a mounting plate with a set of through holes that allow a bolt portion of the lug nut spacer to extend through the mounting plate; and multiple end caps, each end cap having a nut portion that couples to a bolt portion of the lug nut spacer and secures the mounting plate to the lug nut spacers. A combination lug nut and extension bolt includes: a first threaded cavity able to be secured to a wheel stud; and a first protruding threaded bolt.

Abstract: A pivotable vehicle component is usable as a load or pass-through in a vehicle seat and include a pivotable latch which prevents the pivotable component from being unlatched from a force being applied by luggage (or other objects) during rapid decelerations such as in a crash.

Abstract: An adjustable stop is adapted to limit travel of a sliding sash window/door, and can be installed upon the window/door master frame during initial manufacturing of the product, or may be an after-market option added at some time after manufacturing was completed. The stop may even be installed upon sash windows/doors currently in service in a building. The stop is intended to limit sash travel between a closed position and a safe position, where the safe position is a position significantly less than a full-open position. The safety stop may be comprised of a housing and a tumbler being pivotally mounted within a cavity in the housing, with a spring to bias the tumbler out of an opening in the housing. Mounting is by a flange extending from the housing, with spacers of varying thickness that are capable of removably attaching thereon to accommodate sash to master frame height differences.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle armrest has a base fixed on the vehicle and defining an axis and an armrest part pivotal on the base about the axis and having a first concave surface turned radially inward toward a second convex surface of the base. A wedge-shaped sprag is slidable between the surfaces generally angularly of the axis between a locking position in which the armrest part is arrested relative to the base and a release position in which pivoting of the armrest part with respect to the base is possible. The sprag has a first contact face cooperating with the first surface of the armrest part and a second nonparallel contact face cooperating with the second surface of the base. The sprag is biased into the locking position and can be moved into the release position.

Abstract: An adjustable position blocking device for sliding closures that firmly attaches to a glass pane of a closure and limits the sliding translation of the sliding panels of the closure. One embodiment comprises an elongated track (30) which adheres to a glass pane with very high bonding double-sided tape (40). The one embodiment also comprises a blocking slider (10) that adjustably attaches to track (30) at a plurality of track positions and is substantially tall to block the sliding translation of the sliding panels. Slider (10) comprises a modular attachment means that permits the slider (10) to be customized with blocking modules (22, 86, 96) of different form and function. In addition, one embodiment comprises a blocking module (96) which integrates an electronic device to detect the opening of a sliding closure and alert a user, a remote device or a remote system.

Abstract: The present invention is a restraining assembly which prevents a potential burglar from lifting an outward swing door from its respective doorframe after removing the exposed hinge pins. A female bushing is provided which is recessed into the hinge side door edge and expands to interlock within the door at the door edge as a male pin is fully engage within said female member. A head portion of the male member is left protruding and extending beyond the hinge side door edge allowing said protrusion to enter an opposing recess cavity in the adjoining doorframe upon the door being rotated to a closed position. Whereas one restraining assembly itself will prevent an outward swing door from being removed, it is understood that two or more assemblies may be utilized for added durability should a burglar exert a more vigorous force in an effort to pry out the door.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a battery cover, and a latching module. The battery cover has at least one protrusion. The latching module includes an elastic positioning element attached to the housing and a resisting element attached to the elastic positioning element. The at least one protrusion of the battery cover impels the resisting element to deform the elastic positioning element during assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: A bar guide for guiding locking bars on sheet metal cabinet doors, or the like, comprises a carrier which can be secured, e.g., spot welded, to the inside surface of the door leaf and a guide element which can be mounted on the carrier and which has a guide surface whose distance from the inside surface of the door leaf is adjustable. According to the invention, the carrier which is spot welded to the door leaf is a pin with a circumferential thread, and an adjusting screw or adjusting nut can be screwed, or is screwed, on this pin. The guide element is a housing which encloses the adjusting screw and which has a guide channel forming the guide surface for the locking bar.

Abstract: A door latching system for a vehicle and method of latching are provided. The system includes a carrier and a receiver each connected to one of a door and a door interface. The latching system, when non-actuated, does not substantially protrude from the latching faces of the door and door interface into an opening therebetween. The latching system is adaptable to a vehicle defining a continuous access opening closed by independently openable and closeable doors. The latching member is actuated to move from a retracted position to a protracted position in response to a triggering event, which may be defined by a sensor. In the protracted position, the latching member engages the receiver and the carrier to operatively latch the door and door interface portion. A latching feature defined by the latching member may be selectively engageable with a retaining member when the latching member is in the protracted position.

Abstract: An electronic device and its push-lock and push-release type of latch structure are provided in the invention. The latch structure includes a platform, an elastic restorable element connected to the platform, and two side bases respectively disposed on two opposite edges of the platform. Each of the side bases has a base body having a loop track with a stopper, a driven element movably disposed on the base body and movable with the platform, and a “U” type rod pivotally connected to the driven element at one end thereof and extending into the loop track at another end thereof.

Abstract: A storm and hurricane shutter quick release mechanism for permitting quick egress from a building that has storm shutters attached to the doors and windows to allow someone inside the building to leave the building quickly. The system includes a quick release housing mounted at the base of each shutter panel attached to the building that includes removable studs that are actuated by a cam mechanism from the inside of the building that release the attaching studs that hold the shutters in place from the quick release housing thereby releasing the shutter fasteners at the base allowing the shutters to be quickly removed by actuating the cam mechanism from inside the building.

Abstract: In the case of a stand for an information sign (2), the support (1) used for the information sign (2) is an L-shaped metal strip which is releasably connected to a base part, ensuring the stability of the stand, and, at its top end, has a pivot pin (14) and coupling discs (22, 23) which are provided with locking protrusions (20) and locking recesses (21), by means of which the information sign (2) can be arrested in different positions.

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 locking system for a computer device comprising a display member coupled to a base member to enable positioning of the display member relative to the base member in a open position, a closed position and a tablet position. The system comprises a first locking mechanism adapted to restrict rotational movement between the base and display members in a direction about a first axis. The system also comprises a second locking mechanism adapted to restrict rotational movement between the base and display members in a direction about a second axis.

Abstract: A container comprising a snap-in closure disposed between an upper part and a lower part of the container, the snap-in closure having a relatively strong holding or locking force and able to be opened relatively easily. The snap-in closure comprises a snap-in tab constructed out of the wall of one part of the container and detached along three sides, with a snap-in key disposed at the upper free end of the said snap-in closure and able to engage in a coordinated snap-in slit at the opposite container part.

Abstract: An anti-effraction safety system for a door or window frame comprising a fixed frame and a mobile frame, in which the mobile frame comprises at least one sectional element with a longitudinal groove with two undercut portions set on opposite sides of a longitudinal central opening and in which at least one transmission rod slidably engages said groove and can be displaced in a longitudinal direction by means of a control handle. Fixed to the transmission rod is at least one closing element co-operating with a complementary detent fixed to the fixed frame. The transmission rod has two through openings both open on respective longitudinal edges of the rod. The closing element comprises two separate complementary parts fixed to one another, in which each of said separate parts engages a respective through opening of the transmission rod and has a respective tenon that slidably engages in a longitudinal direction a respective undercut portion of the groove.

Abstract: A latch structure is disclosed, including a base, a first element disposed on the base and having a first guiding portion with a driving surface thereon, a second element having a second guiding portion, and a latching element driven by the second element. The first element disposed on the base moves between a first reference position and a second reference position with respect to a first axis. The driving surface of the first guiding portion is extended along a reference axis passing through the first axis. The second element moves between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position with respect to a second axis. The second guiding portion of the second element guided by the first guiding portion of the first element is movably contacted by the driving surface thereon. The latching element driven by the second element is moved between a latching position and an unlatching position.

Abstract: A gate latch mechanism is provided on a round baler to pull a gate into a closed position and to lock it during baling operation. Bearings of an actuator on the gate and on the latch are located such that during the closing movement of the gate by means of the actuator, said actuator experiences a movement away from the bearing of the gate thereby allowing a locking pin to move over the latch and to overcome an early interference with the latter.

Abstract: A child safety lock to selectively secure cabinet drawers and doors by using tie-wraps to mount a horizontally oriented base standoff onto the front rail of the cabinetry in a manner that won't hinder opening and closing the related doors and drawers. At least one spring-loaded latch member is pivotally disposed on the base standoff above a notched out section. The latch member stays frictionally engaged in the horizontal position due to the bias provided by spring-loaded pivot point when access is desired. To restrict access therein, the adult simply turns the latch member to the vertical position to block the door/drawer wherein the spring bias pulls it into the notched out section thereby necessitating the more complex action of simultaneously pulling and turning the latch member to allow access thereto.

Abstract: An antislip drawer-chucking structure includes a cabinet body, at least one drawer and a chucking unit. The drawer can be slid and drawn out of and pushed into the cabinet body. The chucking unit includes a shift member, a first engaging section and a second engaging section. The shift member is disposed on outer face of the front board of the drawer, including a handle section and a shift section. The handle section is fixed on the drawer. The shift section is positioned between the handle section and the drawer and movable between a first position and a second position. The first engaging section is arranged at one end of the shift section. The second engaging section is arranged on the cabinet body corresponding to the first engaging section. When the drawer is fully pushed into the cabinet and the shift section is positioned in the first position, the first and second engaging sections are engaged with each other.

Abstract: A door lock for frontally loading a washing machine, a drier or similar devices, which is mounted on the machine front wall, wherein said door lock comprises a stop knob and a locking segment provided with an undercut, the front wall comprises an aperture and a stop opening, the locking segment, in the operating position thereof, is connected by behind to the opposite edges of the aperture and the undercut, and the stop knob is inserted into the stop opening. The peripheral contour of the undercut is at least partially rounded, thereby enabling the locking segment to be rotatable in the aperture.

Abstract: A push-to-open latch is selectively moveable between latched and unlatched positions. The push-to-open latch comprises a latch assembly that is reciprocatable relative to a catch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch housing having a housing bore extending to a housing bottom wall. A pin rod shaft extends upwardly from the housing bottom wall and has a pin rod dowel extending outwardly therefrom. The catch assembly includes a catch housing with an inner and outer cam rotatably disposed therewithin and having mating ends that collectively define a cam interior. The inner and outer cam mating ends have cam bores and inner and outer cam mating end ramps that cooperate to alternately engage and release the pin rod dowel from the cam interior such that the push-to-open latch is respectively placed in the latched and unlatched positions during reciprocation of the pin rod shaft through the cam bore.

Abstract: Latch device composed of a container (51) in which there is a slider (52), inserted in a guide (60), controlled in translation by a spring (53) and comprising a hook (68) to catch a hooking element (59) placed on a door. A track (40), with the bottom defining the profile of a cam on one side of the guide (60), is travelled along by a ball (73) placed on the slider (52) and held pressed by a spring (72) against the bottom of the track (40) to determine the four open, closed, released and locked positions of the door according to the position of the ball in the track.

Abstract: Fasteners are provided with an anchor and a cooperating locking element for quick operation on hurricane shutters and the like. The anchor has a slot which receives a locking element with arcuate edges designed for a mechanical advantage in manually inserting the element. Keyhole slots and a keeper provide for removal of the anchor for aesthetic reasons.

Abstract: A lift gate latch is used with a lift gate and a handrail on a boat having a deck. The handrail has a jamb with a hollow interior having a predetermined width and breadth. The lift gate has a stile and a sliding hinge. The lift gate latch comprises a cup inserted in the deck, to receive the stile. A flange extends outward from the cup upper end, to mount against the boat deck. A tongue extends outward from the flange. A block extends upward from the tongue. The block is slidingly received in the jamb. The block has a breadth less than the jamb interior breadth, to allow adjustment of the clearance between the jamb and the stile. The flange and the tongue each present a low profile on the deck.

Abstract: A lock for locking a lid to a receptacle has a bolt extending into aligned holes in overlapping parts thereof. A handle is detachably connected to an outer end of the bolt for pulling the bolt. An expansion mechanism in the form of wedges, a chain or other mechanisms, expands to an expanded geometry larger than the aligned holes to prevent withdrawing the bolt, and contracts to a contracted geometry which is at most equal to the dimension of the aligned holes for allowing withdrawing of the bolt. An actuator mounted in the bolt engages the expansion mechanism for moving it from the expanded geometry to the contracted geometry when the actuator is pushed. A biasing spring engaged to the actuator biases it in the withdrawing direction.

Abstract: A locking device for locking an opening-and-closing moving body in a stopped position includes a striker body disposed on one of a striking part of the opening-and-closing moving body and a struck part of a non-moving body hitting against the striking part of the moving body in the stopped position, and a catcher body disposed on the other of the striking part of the moving body and the struck part of the non-moving body. The catcher body includes an inner part with a receiving part for receiving the striker body, an outer part for holding the inner part, a forcing device for urging the inner part, and a damping device for damping the inner part. The forcing device urges the inner part to engage the outer part and stop when the inner part is situated in a forward position.

Abstract: A push-to-open latch is selectively moveable between latched and unlatched positions. The push-to-open latch comprises a latch assembly that is reciprocatable relative to a catch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch housing having a housing bore extending to a housing bottom wall. A pin rod shaft extends upwardly from the housing bottom wall and has a pin rod dowel extending outwardly therefrom. The catch assembly includes a catch housing with an inner and outer cam rotatably disposed therewithin and having mating ends that collectively define a cam interior. The inner and outer cam mating ends have cam bores and inner and outer cam mating end ramps that cooperate to alternately engage and release the pin rod dowel from the cam interior such that the latch is respectively placed in the latched and unlatched positions during reciprocation of the pin rod shaft through the cam bore.

Abstract: A slam latch and strike assembly for latching together a pair of generally parallel relatively laterally displaceable support members, including a body adapted for connection with one of the support members, a latch member mounted for axial displacement between extended and retracted positions in a transverse opening contained in the body member, a spring biasing the latch member toward the extended position, and a strike member mounted on the other support member adjacent the free end of the latch member when the latch member is in the extended position, the strike and latch members carrying sets of strike teeth and latch teeth that are normally in engagement when the latch is in its extended position, the tips and valleys of the teeth of at least one of the latch and strike teeth sets having curved and convex transverse profiles, thereby to compensate for minor misalignment between the strike and latch members.

Abstract: A hollow aluminum pole has access to its interior through a hand hole frame having an access aperture which can be blocked by a cover having a lower end pivotally attached to the hand hole frame by a pivot pin. The pivot pin is biased inwardly by a coil spring which permits outward movement of the cover to a position in which it can be rotated downwardly out of alignment with the access opening.

Abstract: A magnetic latch mechanism and related process for easily and reliably performing a latch operation by moving a magnetically attractive catch plate into and out of engagement with a magnetic field. When in engagement, the latch is secured. When the catch plate is moved away from engagement, the latch can be opened. A magnetic latch for a marking system, particularly for panels covering paper path and jam clearance mechanisms.

Abstract: A system is provided for releasable engagement between two structures. The system includes a stud extending outwardly from one of the structures along an axis. The system also includes a resilient member positioned adjacent a surface of the other one of the structures. The resilient member is configured to expand radially outwardly to permit passage of the stud, yet the surface of the structure contacting the outer surface of the resilient member prevents movement of the outer surface radially outwardly. The resilient member is configured to engage the stud for releasable engagement, thereby providing releasable engagement between the structures.

Abstract: A double door assembly having an active door and a passive door includes an astragal that is formed of a composite of aluminum and wood. The astragal is formed of an aluminum rail with a U-shaped cross section that receives a wooden insert. The astragal is mounted to a passive door such that the U-shaped cross section opens to the active door and the wooden insert presents a mounting surface for hardware.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a drawer slidable into a pocket. A push-to-latch, push-to-unlatch latch mechanism is provided on the drawer and pocket.

Abstract: A switchgear cabinet includes a plurality of securing apparatuses that are mounted on a vertical flange of the switchgear cabinet, with the securing apparatuses each being formed with a locking hole that is engageable by a pin of a locking mechanism on a door member. Each securing apparatus includes an anchor plate connected with a first bracket and a second bracket, with the first and second brackets being mounted on the flange of the switchgear cabinet. The locking hole is formed in the anchor plate, and the anchor plate is substantially planar and free of bends. The anchor plate further is generally U-shaped and is configured to extend generally around at least a portion of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting element for releasably connecting a first (10) and a second component (20) particularly a lever with another lever or a brake pedal with the plunger rod in a motor vehicle. The connecting element comprises a connecting means (40, 60) which is attached to or part of a second component (20) and a dome shaped sledge (50) attached to a first component (10) wherein the dome shaped sledge (50) is latched in the connecting means (40, 60) by sliding from an assembling in a fastening position. Additionally, a connecting element is provided comprising preferred a two-piece connecting means (40, 60) attached to a pedal (20) and a modulator (10), respectively, wherein a sledge frame (60) is releasable latched in a housing (40). The connecting element enables a load transmission parallel to the assembling direction.

Abstract: A latch includes an attaching part rotationally attached to an attached part, a base plate connected to the attaching part to rotate together with the attaching part on the attached part, and a push-push type cam part connected to the base plate on a side opposite to the attaching part. Elastic pieces are formed to cooperate with the base plate for locating the base plate to a predetermined position while allowing the base plate to rotate together with the attaching part.

Abstract: Plastic window and doors are effectively latched to surrounding plastic frames by a distributed series of latches that are carried on a common carrier for simultaneous shifting between latched and unlatched conditions from a single point. A series of latch pins mates with an opposing series of cammed apertures that engage the pins when relatively shifted by a single turn of one actuator.

Abstract: A lock component comprises a mounting plate (50). An intermediate resilient element (56) is mounted on the plate and has a peg (59) engaging a recess (53) on the plate to prevent rotation of the intermediate element. The intermediate element presents a collar (60) and projection (61) having an outer periphery configured to snugly engage an aperture (64) in an arm (62) which carries a lockable element (68). A connecting element (74) has a shaft (76) passing through a central aperture in the intermediate element (56), thus also extending through the aperture (64) in the arm (62). The shaft is connected to an aperture (55) formed in the mounting plate (50). The lockable element (68) has at least one degree of freedom of movement, which may be a rotational movement about the axis of the connecting element (74), or which may be a lateral movement. When the lockable element (68) is engaged within the locking arrangement, the intermediate element (56) is deformed.

Abstract: Improved housings for computing devices are disclosed. One improvement pertains to a multi-axis ventilation system. Another improvement pertains to a push button latch for a portable computer. Still another improvement pertains to a media bay ejection system provided with a dampener. These improvements can be provided separately or in any combination in a given computing device.

Abstract: A label holder including a transparent cover member overlying a label-receiving pocket with complementary male and female locking elements snappingly engageable with each other to selectively secure the pocket, and a release element to disengage the locking elements.

Abstract: A device for preventing removal of a lid from a container. The device has a cover with a top which is adapted to fit over a lid of a container and an engagement means consisting of an upper continuous cylindrical wall and a lower section of integral and flexible leg segments. Each leg segment has a lateral portion or rib for engaging a neck part of the container to prevent removal of the cover from the container. Retaining means in the form of three independently rotatable locking rings prevent disengagement of the engagement means from the container. The deice is used on a typical drinking bottle with a screw on cap to prevent removal of the cap thereby maintaining hygiene and safety aspects of the liquid contents.

Abstract: A latch includes an attaching part rotationally attached to an attached part, a base plate connected to the attaching part to rotate together with the attaching part on the attached part, and a push-push type cam part connected to the base plate on a side opposite to the attaching part. Elastic pieces are formed to cooperate with the base plate for locating the base plate to a predetermined position while allowing the base plate to rotate together with the attaching part.

Abstract: A device for interlocking two disc-like parts (2, 3) comprises a locking element (4), which presents first locking means (5) for fixing the locking element to a first one (3) of the parts, and second locking means (6) for fixing the second one (3) of the parts in relation to the locking element, and thereby in relation to the first part (2) as the latter and the locking element are interconnected. The first locking means (5) of the locking element and the first part (2) comprise a first set of first and second locking members (6′, 7) engaging each other. These first and second locking members are designed as a projection (6′) and a recess (7), respectively. These are mobile into engagement with each other in a direction (R1) which forms an angle that is preferably generally perpendicular in relation to the plane (3) of the first part (2).

Abstract: A continuation in part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,890 the fastener device portion of the patent. Another version of the fastening device comprises an actuating lever rotatably secured to one flap of a shoe and where hinged onto actuating lever is a tie element extending substantially in alignment therewith, and comprising a substantially planar undersurface with a series of hook element projecting therefrom where any of the hook elements are engageable with a catch element secured to the opposing flap of shoe. Another version of the device has a tie element comprising a substantially planar and rectangular component defining a series of rung like members where each rung like member is engageable to said catch element. Like the first embodiment described in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: In a locking device for a sliding door, window or the like, an operating rod is slidingly surface-mounted on the leading edge of the door, window or the like. An entrainment member for the operating rod moves with the rod and bears on the back and the rims of a groove on the leading edge of the door, window or the like to guide the rod inside a passage on the leading edge of the door, window or the like. The entrainment member has a matching opening through which the body of a main bolt can pass so that the main bolt entrains the entrainment member when it is moved by an actuator mechanism of the device.

Abstract: A fastener for coupling two members together is provided with a rotatable core carried by a first member and a protruding elbow for insertion through an elongated slot in the second member. By rotating the core, the elbow is caused to swing over the outer surface of the second member, adjacent the slot, coupling the two members together. The inner, member-engaging surface of the elbow is tapered to form a ramp-like surface that, with rotation, draws the two members together and frictionally fixes the elbow in its engaged position. The latch core when installed in a tubular first member may be provided with resiliently based, expanding locking members positioned adjacent to the core to secure the latch within the hollow core of the tubular first member.