Abstract: An automated sash lock for locking a window sash comprises a linearly depressible trigger, a cam-style locking element normally biased towards a locked position, a rotatable detent actuated by the trigger, a pivotable transfer element between the detent and the locking element, and an actuator for manually operating the lock mechanism to unlock the lock when the window is in a closed and locked position. The detent is normally biased in the direction of the locking element and a portion of the detent engages a body portion of the locking element to maintain the locking element in a retracted position when the window is open. Upon actuation of the trigger by a closing window, the trigger translates linearly into the lock housing and rotates the detent into the disengaged position, pulling the detent away from the locking element and allowing the locking element to fire out of the lock housing and into an opening in a strike in the adjacent sash to prevent the sashes from relative sliding movement.

Abstract: A vehicle body lower part structure includes: a floor panel; and a vehicle body frame member including a frame body, an inner side wall, a joint flange projecting inward in a vehicle width direction from an inner surface of the inner side wall in the vehicle width direction, and having a joining surface on which an end of the floor panel in the vehicle width direction is stacked and to which the end of the floor panel in the vehicle width direction is joined, and a recess provided to the frame body, recessed outward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the inner side wall in the vehicle width direction, and having a surface that is continuous and flush with the joining surface of the joint flange.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant sash window lock includes a housing, a shaft, a cam, and a lever member. An interior surface of the housing wall that defines a cavity. A portion of the interior surface of the housing wall is curved about a hole in the housing, with a distal end of the wall portion formed into a lock surface. The shaft is rotatably mounted in the hole, and a hub of the cam is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The cam has a cantilevered arm with a lock surface and an engagement surface. The lever member is fixedly secured to the shaft, for a first side thereof to engage and drive the cam hub in a first rotational direction into a lock position when the shaft is actuated in the first rotational direction, so the lock surface of the cantilevered arm engages the lock surface of the housing preventing forced entry.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dead-latching slam bolt lock that includes a rotating dead-latching slam bolt which prevents attempts at breaking in without actuating the lock mechanism. A tongue or toggle acted on by the door jamb engages the bolt and initiates rotation thereof in the door closing direction, but is passive in the opening direction. The locking mechanism may be manual or electronic, and controls the position of a blocking element which alternately prevents and permits unlocking (rotation) of the rotating bolt. In a forward or blocking position, the blocking element prevents rotation of the bolt from a locked position, while in a retracted position the blocking element permits rotation of the bolt to an unlocked position. A spring detent plunger holds the rotating bolt in either its locked or unlocked positions.

Abstract: First and second fins extending toward a second-closing door are provided at an upper end of a side-edge seal of a first-closing door of a double door of a vehicle. When the first-closing door is closed, the first fin overlaps the body-side seal, and the second fin overlaps an outer surface of the vehicle body outside the body-side seal. When the second-closing door is closed, an inner surface of the second-closing door abuts on the body-side seal and extends along the side-edge seal. A seal portion of the second-closing door abuts on the outer surface of the vehicle body outside the body-side seal and extends along the side-edge seal. The first and second fins are deformed independently from each other.

Abstract: A closure for a pressure vessel that includes a neck with a groove defined in the inner diameter, and a door assembly that pivots between opened and closed positions. The door assembly includes a door portion sized to be received in an opening of the neck, a guide plate connected to the door portion and rotatable between locked and unlocked positions, a first lock ring segment positioned radially outwardly of the guide plate and a handle. The guide plate includes a first cam path defined therein that receives a cam member of a first lug assembly that extends inwardly from the first lock ring segment. Rotation of the handle (and guide plate) from the unlocked to the locked position moves the first lock ring segment from a locked to an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first lock ring segment is received in the groove of the neck.

Abstract: A sash limiter assembly includes a limiter housing configured for installation in a sash or a window frame of a window. A sash stop is movably coupled with the limiter housing, and the sash stop is movable between engaging and retained positions. A reset is movably coupled with the limiter housing, and the reset is movable into a resetting position. The sash limiter assembly is configured for positioning between a sash limiting configuration and a resetting configuration. In the sash limiting configuration the sash stop is in the engaging position and positioned in a translation path of the sash. In the resetting configuration the sash stop is held in the retained position by the reset in the resetting position. In the retained position the sash stop is out of alignment with the translation path, and in the resetting position the reset is positioned within the translation path.

Abstract: A door-closing device for a domestic electrical appliance comprises a frame with an aperture for the introduction of a keeper. A closing unit is arranged on the frame such that when in a closing position, the closing unit holds the keeper for the purposed of keeping the door closed and, in an open position, releases said keeper for the purposed of opening the door, said closing unit, in the course of its transfer from the open position into the closing position, draws the keeper along with it. A closing spring arrangement acts upon the closing unit to draw the keeper along with said unit. A blocking element that is movable relative to the frame to block and unblock the movement of the closing unit.

Abstract: A window lock with an automatic latch retention mechanism and an associated method of securing adjustable frame members of a window are provided. The lock generally includes a housing that can be secured to a first window frame member, a latch member slidably mounted in the housing, a rotatably handle configured to actuate the latch member, and a retention mechanism configured to automatically retain the latch member in the retracted position until the first and second window frame members are relatively adjusted to a closed configuration. The lock can automatically adjust to a locked configuration when the window is closed and remain in an unlocked configuration while being adjusted. The rotatable handle, which can be used to retract the latch member, is configured to provide an indication of the configuration of the lock so that a user can easily identify whether the lock is locked or unlocked.

Abstract: A window latch assembly for locking first and second windows together includes a cover member coupled to the first window, and a handle pivotably coupled to the cover member. A lock member is fixedly coupled to the handle and has a lock portion adapted to protrude beyond a planar extent of the cover into a locked position, wherein the lock portion engages a lock keeper coupled to the second window, and an unlocked position, wherein the lock keeper is retracted inside the cover member. A mechanical finger is movable between a first position allowing the lock portion to be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, and a second position preventing the lock portion from being moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby preventing damage of the first and second windows.

Abstract: A latch for use in a window, the latch including a faceplate, a pair of opposed sidewalls, each sidewall defining a pawl mounting recess, a bottom wall extending between the sidewalls, an aperture defined by the faceplate that opens into a first cavity defined by the housing, and a pair of mounting arms disposed within the first cavity. Each mounting arm has a distal end extending both toward the face plate and inwardly toward a longitudinal center plane of the housing. A pawl is pivotably received in the first recess, the pawl including a top surface, an engagement surface, and a pair of mounting pins pivotally received in the pawl mounting recesses. The distal ends of the mounting arms engage the pawl adjacent a respective mounting pin such that the mounting pins are pivotably secured in the pawl mounting recesses.

Abstract: A vending machine cabinet is retained in a closed position by a hook that is engaged by a vertically moveable latch bar that can be latched closed without requiring a solenoid. The latch bar is moved by means of a cam attached to one of the hooks. Prior to engaging the hook, an angled surface of the cam engages a surface defined by the opening in the latch bar. As the door is closed, the cam rotates through an angle thereby lifting the latch bar until the upwardly extending finger of the hook can move through the opening of the latch bar. When the door is fully closed, the surface of the cam is moved from beneath the edge of the opening in the latch bar thereby allowing the latch bar to drop behind the hook, latching the door closed.

Abstract: A water resistant floor box cover assembly including a flange including an opening therethrough adapted to permit access to electrical connectors and a cover securable to the flange. The cover is movable between a closed position wherein the opening is covered and an open position wherein the opening is uncovered to permit access to the outlet box. The flange also includes an inner wall and an outer wall extending about the opening. The inner and the outer walls define a channel disposed therebetween. The outer wall including a slot formed therein providing a path out of the channel. The slot permits water in the channel to exit therefrom away from the opening.

Abstract: A tubular lock includes an inside assembly having an inside rose and an inside rose liner, an outside assembly having an outside rose and an outside rose liner, a latch mechanism including a latch, at least one of the inside assembly and the outside assembly having a spindle operably connected to the latch for retracting the latch and a handle connected to the spindle to turn therewith, and a fireproof cover having a longitudinal through-hole through which the spindle extends. The fireproof cover is mounted outside the outside rose liner and thus covers the outside rose liner. The inside rose liner, the outside rose liner, and the fireproof cover are engaged together.

Abstract: A window fastener for controlling the locking and unlocking of a window is disclosed. The fastener provides an unlocking feature that is manually activated by the user and a locking feature that is automatically activated as the window is moved substantially proximate to the closed position. The unlocking feature disengages the fastener from the window and maintains disengagement so that further manipulation of the fastener is not required to facilitate window opening. The fastener also provides a positive confirmation feature that informs the user that the window is either closed and locked or open and unlocked.

Abstract: A vehicular slide door apparatus includes a movable slide door, inside and outside door handles operable to initiate opening and closing movement of the door, a drive device that assists the slide door movement, and a remote control device that includes a door lock device and a switch. An open lever is operatively associated with the inside door handle to transmit operation of the inside door handle to the lock device, and a child-proof lever is operable to prevent operation of the inside door handle from being transmitted to the open lever. The switch is engageable by the open lever and is operatively associated with the drive device such that operation of the inside door handle produces selective actuation and non-actuation of the switch depending upon the position of the child-proof lever, with the actuation of the switch effecting driving operation of the drive device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a latching assembly for securing a gate having a bolt extending therefrom. The latching assembly is provided with a housing and a bolt retaining member pivotally connected to the housing. The bolt retaining member has a retaining portion. The bolt retaining member has open and closed positions with the bolt retaining member being biased in the closed position. The latching assembly is further provided with a trigger connected to the housing. The trigger has locked and unlocked positions with the trigger being biased in the locked position. The trigger has a contact portion sized and configured to contact a bolt when the trigger mechanism is in the locked position. The trigger further has a locking portion sized and configured to engage the bolt retaining member when the bolt retaining member is in the open position and the trigger is in the locked position.

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 trunk lid latch device comprises a latch unit and a striker. The latch unit has a latch engageable with the striker, a ratchet for keeping engagement between the latch and the striker, and an open lever for releasing the ratchet from the latch. An emergency knob formed of a luminous material is coupled to the open lever and accessible from inside the trunk room. The emergency knob is disposed inside a frame member of a trunk lid or a vehicle body so as not to protrude into the trunk room. The emergency knob comprises a printed symbol that suggests an opening of the trunk lid.

Abstract: An improved sliding door latch comprising a recess formed in the leading edge of a sliding door, a latchplate covering said recess and formed with an opening to allow engagement by a latch member, a housing mountable in a recess formed in a door jamb, a latch member pivotally mounted in said housing and movable into and out of a position engaging said latchplate, lever means actuable to move said latch member, and privacy latch engageable with said lever means to prevent undesired actuation of said lever means.

Abstract: A locking mechanism which is mountable in a door assembly including a door and a frame. The locking mechanism includes a latch belt assembly, a drive motor and a cam assembly connected to the latch bolt assembly and the drive motor by a linkage assembly. The cam assembly is driven by the motor and provides a mechanical advantage in operating the linkage assembly and the connected latch bolt. The lock mechanism includes a mechanical latch back feature which retains the latch bolt in a retracted position until the door is closed relative to the frame. Also included are switches coupled to the motor for use in controlling the motor based on the position of the cam.

Abstract: A door locking handle assembly in which: a pivot 13 through which a button 7 is pivoted to a casing 1 is prevented from deflecting to ensure a smooth swinging action of the button 7; a leg 8 of the button 7 extends from a rear surface of the button 7 and has a hole 9 through which the pivot 13 passes; the pivot 13 also passes a hole 12 of a bearing portion 11 of a base plate 10 of a button unit 6, so that the button 7 is pivoted to the base plate 10 through the pivot 13 and biased forward by a spring 14; and, the unit 6 is received in a lower space 15 of the casing 1, and has the base plate 10 fixed to a bottom wall 4 of the casing 1 and has opposite ends of the pivot 13 abut on inner surfaces of side wall portions 5 of the casing 1 to prevent the pivot 13 from dropping from the unit 6.

Abstract: A door locking handle assembly of pull-out and side-swinging lever-action type, in which the entire length of a casing 1 is minimized while an effective length of a handle 18 is obtained sufficiently to improve the assembly in operability. A catch plate 36 is fixed to a locking shaft 11 mounted in a cylindrical portion 2 of the casing 1. The handle 18 received in a front concave 3 of the casing 1 is pivoted to the shaft 11 through a first pivot 37, and swingably urged by a spring 38 to project outwardly. In the front concave portion 3 of the casing 1, a push button 30 is pivoted to a button casing 24 through a second pivot 39, and urged by a position-keeping spring 40 to have its engaging-hook portion 31 engaged with an engaging projection 25 of the button casing 24. A rotor 42 of a lock unit 41 fixedly embedded in the handle 18 is interlocked with a lock plate 45 engaging with an engaging projection 26 of the button casing 24.

Abstract: A door stop wedge is mounted into a receptacle recessed in the floor inside an inwardly-opening door. A detent keeps the wedge normally in an inoperative position within the receptacle and releasable by downward foot pressure on a tab connected to the locking arm for such detent. The wedge is spring-loaded to pop up into operating position when the detent is released. Foot pressure on the back of the wedge will cause it to retract into the receptacle and the detent to spring back into locking position.

Abstract: A latch for releasably securing the trunk lid of a vehicle which may be actuated by a person inside the trunk in emergency situations. The device includes a latch assembly operable by both a conventional exterior lock assembly and a release assembly positioned within the trunk compartment. The release assembly utilizes a flexible cable coupled to a detent lever within the latch in which the cable may be pulled by a person inside the trunk to open the trunk lid. Alternatively or additionally, the release assembly may utilize a spring loaded button which engages the detent lever to release the lid upon actuation. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a luminescent coating on the release assembly.

Abstract: A locking/release mechanism for a pivot bolt of a closed-circuit door opener with a safety catch for the pivot bolt, which is controlled by an electromagnet. In order to reliably ensure release of the pivot bolt, even if a person has exerted strong pressure thereon prior to the cutting out or interruption of the magnet current, a locking lever is positioned between the electromagnet and the safety catch. The locking lever has a two-armed construction, one arm being provided with a stop member for engaging with the safety catch and the other arm being in the form of the electromagnet armature. The effective contact surface between the safety catch and the stop member is constructed in such a way that there is a wedge-like displacement action on the stop member through the safety catch.

Abstract: A tremor actuated cabinet door latch has a spring loaded arm held back by a weighted trip pin. The pin releases the arm in response to shaking of the cabinet, allowing the arm to engage a catch mounted on the cabinet door, to keep the door from swinging open during an earth tremor.

Abstract: A magnetically operated latch including a pivotally attached magnetic latching means engageable with an aubtment, but disengageable when brought into magnetic contact with a key magnet. A pivotably movable lock is provided to prevent reengagement with the abutment when the key magnet is disengaged from magnetic contact with the magnetic latching means.

Abstract: A locking device for lock components, for example on vehicles, with two rotary closures which are arranged at a distance from one another and are connected by means of a mechanical transmission element to form a synchronously rotating closure unit and which interact with two catch bolts assigned to the two rotary closures, each located in a housing having an orifice adapted to receive the catch bolts. The two rotary closures of the closure unit, in their release position, are each blocked by means of an associated control member against rotation into locking engagement with the associated catch bolt. The control members are movable into an unblocked position in response to penetration of the catch bolts into the orifice of the housing, and the locking advance of the rotary closures is permitted only after both catch bolts have penetrated fully into the orifice in the housing.

Abstract: A latch device is disclosed which latches an inclinable back rest cushion to a seatback when the cushion is snugly received in a tunnel formed in the seatback.

Abstract: A hopper vehicle has a hopper door movable between open and closed positions and carrying a door latch movable between latching and unlatching configurations with respect to a keeper on the hopper vehicle. A secondary latch on the door is pivotally movable between a latched condition engageable with a keeper on the door latch for holding it in its unlatching configuration and an unlatched condition accommodating movement of the door latch between its latching and unlatching configurations. A spring urges the secondary latch toward its latched condition and an actuator plate on the hopper vehicle drives the secondary latch to its unlatched condition in response to movement of the door to its closed position. Thus, the door latch is held in its unlatching configuration except when the door is closed.

Abstract: Anti-pilferage device for box car doors of both the sliding and plug type in which the device is toward the top of the door out of reach of a person standing on the ground and only accessible to release the latch from the top, by a person standing on a loading dock. The latch cooperates with a keeper and both the keeper and latch are enclosed so access cannot be had to the latch to release the latch by a pole or elongated tool and the like.A pivoted release member is provided for the latch which extends above the latch plates forming a housing for the latch toward the rear ends of said latch plates and is transversely pivoted thereto and is inwardly of the sides of said latch plates to prevent access to said release member by a pole or other tool. The release member has camming engagement with the latch and is operable by hand to cam the latch out of engagement with the keeper and accommodate opening of the door.

Abstract: Pilferage deterrent device for box car, container or trailer doors of the type in which the device is toward the top of the door out of reach of a person standing on the ground, and only accessible to release the latch from the top, by a person standing on a loading dock or elevated platform. The latch cooperates with a keeper and both the keeper and latch are enclosed so access cannot be had to the latch to release the latch by a pole or elongated tool.A pivoted release member termed a trigger extends above a housing for the latch and is transversely pivoted to the housing and protected by the housing to prevent access to said release member from the ground. The release member has camming engagement with the latch and is operable by hand to cam the latch out of engagement with the keeper and accommodate opening of the door.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure which can provide a wider passenger compartment than conventional sedan-type vehicles. The vehicle has a substantially flat floor which provides extra space and a single integral door opening on each side. The door opening is closed by a front swinging door and a rear sliding door. The rear sliding door support mechanism is adapted to allow the floor to be positioned lower than in conventional van-type vehicles. The front swinging door has upper and lower door lock mechanisms for locking the front door when closed. The rear sliding door support mechanism includes upper and lower guide rails which are respectively adapted to reinforce a roof side rail and a side sill comprising part of a vehicle framework to provide sufficient resistance to bending stresses applied to the framework, thus allowing a center-pillarless body structure.

Abstract: A locking device, particularly for a spare wheel cradle 12 mounted to pivot under the floor 14 of an automobile, the cradle being able to be released from inside the automobile by a control mechanism 28-34 connected to a locking mechanism 16 including a housing 18 mounted under the floor, a retaining hook 36 for retaining the cradle 12 and a safety hook 38, the cradle causing being automatically locked by the retaining hook when the cradle is put in place under the floor. The locking mechanism 16 includes a mechanism for retaining the safety hook in a retracted position when the cradle is in the released position, release of the retaining mechanism 100 being controlled by the automatic locking of the cradle 42 by the retaining hook 36.

Abstract: Mounting structure for mounting a door to a cabinet for selectively closing an access opening. The mounting structure permits the door to be swung open outwardly from either of the sides of the opening. The mounting structure includes latch members which are retained in the opened disposition by a spring-biased interlock and which are urged toward a hinge-engaging disposition by a biasing spring and connecting rod upon disengagement of the interlock. In the illustrated embodiment, the interlock is mounted to the latch structure.

Abstract: A plug-fastener for safety belts in motor vehicles, which comprises a tongue-like plug part and a receiving part for receiving and retaining the tongue-like plug part. The plug part is provided with at least one recess, undercut, or a shoulder. The receiving part comprises at least one locking member which engages the recess, undercut or shoulder of the plug part, and, after the plug part has been received by the receiving part, is operable to retain these parts until the parts are separated deliberately. In the receiving part in the path of movement of the plug part there is movably arranged a holding member one end or extension of which is adapted to engage the locking member in its unlocked position and to prevent the latter from moving into its locking position until the plug part has contacted the holding member and has moved it out of engagement with the locking member.

Abstract: A door latch has a latch bolt for being pivotally mounted on a door for 90.degree. angular movement between latched and unlatched positions, a retractable stop member pivotally mounted on the door and being spring biased for being engaged by the latch bolt for blocking the same in its unlatched position while the door is open. Upon closure of the door, the stop member engages an abutment adapted to be fixedly mounted on a doorframe and is thereby pivoted to a retracted position against the bias of the spring, so that the latch bolt is free to be moved between the latched and the unlatched positions only when the door is closed.

Abstract: A turnbutton latch has an improved male part comprising a hollow stud supting a turnbutton at one end of the stud. A bolt is fixed to the turnbutton within the stud, and a turnbutton spring biases the turnbutton to a closed position, at which the bolt depresses a trigger against the bias of a trigger spring. When the turnbutton is manually turned to open the latch, the trigger moves toward the turnbutton, blocking the bolt and preventing the turnbutton from closing the latch until the trigger is depressed. A female part placed over the turnbutton and the stud when the latch is open depresses the trigger to close the latch.

Abstract: An automatically operable window sash lock having a gravity-biased latch plate locking element. The latch plate is biased to a locking position wherein the latch plate is engaged with a catch. The latch structure may be mounted on one window member and the catch may be mounted on an adjacent window member. The latch structure is arranged to cause the latch plate to move to the locked position automatically as the result of the window members being moved to a closed position. The latch structure is further arranged to be retained in a retracted position when it is desired to move the window members to an open position.

Abstract: A door latch having an over-center latching mechanism, which can be tripped by the dishwasher timer to allow the door to open slightly during the drying cycle of the dishwasher. The latch can also be opened by operating a handle on the exterior of the dishwasher.