Abstract: A hood prop or support tubes two or more telescoping tubular members which are locked together by means of a plate retained within the larger diameter tubular member that is biased by one of the bearing supports for the inner tubular member, and which may be manually released by pushing the plate by the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A transport modification for a vehicle such as a van having a rearmost seat means pivotally mounted a position proximate one forward edge portion thereof to the vehicle floor and pivotal over a storage space located normally substantially underneath the seat, the modification including a tote deck adapted to overlie the space and providing a substantially flat and generally horizontal support surface for baggage or the like, a foot member affixed to each end portion of the tote deck for spanning the space and adapted to rest on the floor for maintaining the support surface of the deck above the space and substantially parallel to the floor, and at least one removable prop adapted for rigidly connecting the floor to the other edge portion of the seat to maintain the seat in a pivoted position with respect to the tote deck during the period that accessibility to the storage space is desired.

Abstract: A telescopic support arm includes an outside arm and an inside arm which are designed to slide freely each other, the outside arm having a slot and an abutting piece inside thereof, and the inside arm having a slot and rotatable stopping piece inside thereof. The stopping piece is rotated by the engagement with the end portions of the slots and the abutting piece so as to be projected out of or sink into the slots, and by its rotation the outside arm and the inside arm are free to slide each other in both the extending and contracting directions. The stopping piece is provided with a buffer mechanism which comprises a holding piece of the stopping piece, a spring for pulling the holding piece in the contracting direction of the telescopic support arm, and a slot for slidably supporting a support shaft of the stopping piece. A rack with a tooth part is disposed in the outside arm along its longitudinal direction, while a locking piece with a pawl part is provided in the inside arm.

Abstract: A door security system has a floor contacting foot pivoted on a prop, itself pivoted on a locking system attached to a door support. A bracket with opposed spaced apart face walls joined by edge wall to receive a door corner may be used to attach the door support. A hand releasable locking system has saw teeth engaging saw teeth on the door support. Prop mountings on both foot and locking system restrict the floor prop angle, which may be from 60.degree. to 70.degree., and conveniently 65.degree. to 70.degree., especially 69.degree.. The device may be installed permanently or temporarily, on a door, it is far more effective than a door chain. A ratchet may be incorporated to tighten the prop, and a release lever to `break` the prop. A floor plate with a hole may be used to fix the foot to the floor by a pin passing through a similar hole in the foot.

Abstract: A range with a lift-up cooktop is provided with an integrally formed non-metallic combination cooktop locator and support rod race member to position the cooktop relative to the rang body when the lift-up cooktop is in its lowered position and to provide a non-metallic bearing surface for the support rod to slide against when the lift-up cooktop is raised and lowered.

Abstract: In general, latch devices for sliding patio doors are complicated and/or intended to lock a door fully closed. A simple device for latching a sliding door or window partly or fully open or fully closed includes a track for mounting on a frame opposite the side edge of a movable door or window panel; a slide for slidable mounting on the track; a bracket for mounting on the edge of the panel at the bottom thereof; a rod pivotally connected to the slide and to the bracket; a bolt slidable in a recess in the slide body which contains a spring for biasing the bolt outwardly against teeth on the track, the teeth normally permitting movement of the slide in one direction on the track so that the door can be closed but not opened; and a pin for insertion through the slide into the bolt to hold the bolt retracted in the slide, so that the door can move freely between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A door security system has a floor contacting foot pivoted on a prop itself pivoted on a locking system adjustably attached to a door support removably mountable on a door by a detachable bracket. The system is simple to install. A door so equipped can be opened a slit for conversation but insufficient for entry, then locked in position. The bracket has opposed spaced apart face walls joined by edge wall to receive a door corner, the door support is attachable to the bracket by a wingnut. The hand releasable locking system has saw teeth engaging saw teeth on the door support. Prop mountings on both foot and locking system restrict the angle of the prop to the floor. This angle may be from 60 to 70, and conveniently is 65. The device may be installed permanently or temporarily, on a door, it is far more effective than a door chain. Both bracket and door support can be permanently fastened to the door by screws.

Abstract: A door holding device which includes a rail, a slide mounted on the rail, and a holding rod connected to the slide. When the door is opened, a pivotable latch device is swung to a latching position by means of an abutment member provided on the slide. The door is released by displacing the slide against the action of a spring and the latching device is swung to a release position upon return movement of the slide.

Abstract: A door and window supplemental security device prevents unauthorized entry through a closed or partly open door or window by bracing the door or window against a floor or window casement. The device is rapidly and easily released in the event of a fire or other emergency. It may be folded in half for transport to hotels. The device includes an axially translatable rod actuated by a manually operated over center mechanism disposed at one end of the rod to lock the rod in an axially extended position. Brace means is disposed at the other end of the rod for frictionally engaging a fixed surface upon axially extension of the rod. The brace means includes a pivotally attached component which pivots upon extension to effect the frictional contact.

Abstract: The rear horizontal gate or tailgate of a truck is locked in a vertical or horizontal position by a pivoting horizontal bar. Fingers extend fixedly outward from the rear of the bed of a truck. The bar hinges are slit so that in the horizontal position they swing down over and grasp the fingers, holding the tailgate in a locked downward position. The tailgate is placed into an upward position by swinging the bar outward, freeing it from the fingers and raising the gate vertically. The weight of the horizontal bar swings down and the bar latches against the upper surface of the support fingers, holding the tailgate in a locked upward position. The tailgate thus can be locked in one of the two positions, up or down, while the truck is in motion without requiring the use of lock pins, simply by manipulation of the weighted horizontal bar and hinge member.

Abstract: A security bar lock for entry doors which includes an elongated rod member having one end which is selectively braced against a floor and an opposite end which is removably mounted within and slidably retained by a door mounted keeper so that a limited opening of the door is permitted when the lock is installed and wherein the elongated rod member may be selectively detached from the keeper when the lock is not in use.

Abstract: A doorstay comprising a stay having a determined length retraction, and being formed by two members in telescopic relationship. The stay is pivotally mountable at the distal end of one member to a first bracket to be secured to a surface, such as a wall against which the door is openable, and at the distal end of the other member is locatable into a second bracket secured to the inside of the door. The doorstay is provided with an audible or visual warning signal, of both an audible and visual warning signal, actuated when attempt is made from the other side of the door to open the door.

Abstract: A security device to protect a door from forced entry consisting of two brackets, a rigid form and one or more male protrusions. The brackets are securely attached to both sides of a door jamb and secured adjacent and perpendicular to the center line of the keyed lock of the door. The form slides into the brackets, buttressed in place with the male protrusions when the door is closed. An optional embodiment utilizes a plate placed over and blocking access to the locking device of the door.

Abstract: A hold-open for a refrigerator display case door having two slotted elongated members which are connected for linear sliding engaging on their respective inside surfaces. The inside surfaces of each elongated member is provided with a raised impediment which contact and ride over each other when the door is opened a sufficient amount, and thus place the door in a hold-open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for a door intended, in conjunction with the closing of same, to prevent injury by crushing between the door leaf (4) and the case (2). The arrangement (1) comprises a body component (5) with a plane surface (7) intended to be mounted against the door leaf (4). A longitudinal locking component (6) is pivotally mounted in the body component (5). A spring (9) acts between the aforementioned body and locking components (5, 6), which have devices which define a relative angular position. This means essentially that the direction of longitudinal extension of the locking component (6) forms a normal to the plane surface (7) of the body component (5). The spring (9) forces the components (5, 6) to adopt the aforementioned angular position.

Abstract: A door opening limiting bar having an elongated rigid member mountable between a first bracket attached to the inner face of a hinged door and a second bracket attached to a wall confronting the inner face of the door at approximately the same height as the first bracket and with the bar extending diagonally between the brackets. The bar is axially expandable and contractable for adjusting the position of the door relative to its frame.

Abstract: A gas spring is provided in an illustrational example between a framework and a trunk cover of a motor vehicle for compensating for the weight of the trunk cover during movement of said trunk cover. The gas spring is hinged to the framework and to the trunk cover. For eliminating the spring force action on the hinge between the trunk cover and the gas spring in the closed position of the trunk cover, the part of the gas spring hinged to the trunk cover is supported on the framework, when the trunk cover is in its closed position. Alternately, the gas spring is locked when the trunk cover is in its closed position.

Abstract: A completely mechanical hold open device for a swingably mounted vehicle closure includes a pair of telescoping members pivotally connected to the closure and vehicle body and a releasable latching means for automatically holding the telescoping members in an extended position and hence the closure in its open position. The latching means is constructed such that it can be automatically released by merely exerting a downward force in excess of a predetermined magnitude on the closure to move the latter to its closed position.

Abstract: A support arm for a pivoted window to hold the window open until such time as the locking mechanism for the window is manually released. The support arm has a sequencing latch mounted on one of a pair of sliders that are telescopically mounted relative to each other and a pivoted lock lever is pivoted on the other slider. In moving the sequencing latch to an active latch or lock position, the lock lever is pivoted from an active to an inactive position and is not effective to remove the sequencing latch in response to any movement of the sliders relative to each other until such time as the lock lever is manually moved from the inactive position to an active position wherein, upon relative movement between the sliders, the lock lever can engage and move the sequencing latch from the latch position to an unlatch position.

Abstract: A safety device for sliding windows or doors comprising a hydraulic cylinder assembly including a piston and piston rod wherein the piston rod is pivotally secured at its lower end and is made adjustable so that the sliding window or door may be moved from a fully closed position to variable open positions.

Abstract: A completely mechanical hold open device for a swingably mounted vehicle closure includes a pair of telescoping members pivotally connected to the closure and vehicle body and a releasable latching means for automatically holding the telescoping members in an extended position and hence the closure in its open position. The latching means is constructed such that it can be automatically released by merely exerting a downward force in excess of a predetermined magnitude on the closure to move the latter to its closed position.

Abstract: A security lock for a double-hung sash window assembly which is to be mounted on a stile of one of the sash frames to limit movement of the second sash frame relative to the one sash. The lock includes a casing adapted to be mounted within a recess formed in one of the sash frames, a faceplate of the casing having an opening therein communicating with an interior casing cavity. A tumbler pivots in the cavity and is spring biased to normally project through the opening to engage the second sash. A leaf spring is mounted completely within the casing cavity normally to bias the tumbler into its locking position, but permitting the tumbler to be retracted into the casing. The lock can be supplied as an assembled unit for installation.

Abstract: The lid of a barbecue grill is supported in selected open angles by a positioner arm having notches with acutely angled bumper walls for being struck by the lid when it is raised to push away the arm. The arm has a lower end that bears directly on the barbecue base or is retained by a pivoted clip, with bearing contact through the clip to avoid weighting the pivot point.

Abstract: A holder for connecting a cover of a suitcase to its bottom is formed of two pivotable arms connected to each other by a joint which includes a washer of plastic material interposed between two arms to reduce friction therebetween and a pin extending through the arms and the washer to hold them in assembly.

Abstract: A door opening limiting bar having an elongated rigid member mountable between a first bracket attached to the inner face of a hinged door and a second bracket attached to a wall confronting the inner face of the door at approximately the same height as the first bracket and with the bar extending diagonally between the brackets. The bar is axially expandable and contractable for adjusting the position of the door relative to its frame.

Abstract: A protective device for a printing press having a hinged protective cover with an automatic mechanical interlocking mechanism, which includes a fixed pawl on the press frame and a cooperating interlocking element which, by shifting its center of gravity, automatically engages in and disengages from a recess in the pawl as the cover is successively raised and lowered with respect to a latched open position.

Abstract: A skylight, having a wing actuated by pneumatic springs, can be moved to an emergency opening position thereby substantially exposing the opening area of the skylight case. The skylight also acts as a residential ceiling or attic skylight which has, in the normal open position, a considerably smaller opening than in the emergency open position. A locking device is provided to restrict the long extension stroke of the piston rod of the pneumatic springs to a partial stroke. This partial stroke allows an opening which essentially corresponds to the standard opening of the wing in a residential skylight. The locking device, located on the cylinder of the pneumatic spring, includes a specially designed latch which, in order to effect partial stroke restriction of the piston rod, lockingly engages a stop located on the side of the case by means of a catch pin.

Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for securing and locking sliding panels such as doors or windows of the type in which the opening and closing movement of a sliding panel occurs in a plane adjacent and generally perpendicular to a fixed surface which is substantially parallel to a side edge of the sliding panel. The system comprises first and second locking bars of predetermined fixed length for being positioned between one side edge of a sliding panel and one fixed surface opposite that side edge. First bracket means are mounted either upon the one side edge or upon the opposite fixed surface, and support one respective end of each of the first and second locking bars adjacent one another, and thereby maintain the ends against the side edge or the fixed surface. Second bracket means are mounted upon the other of the side edge or the opposite fixed surface, and support the other respective end of each of the locking bars in spaced relationship to one another.

Abstract: A security lock for a double-hung sash window assembly which is to be mounted on a stile of one of the sash frames to limit movement of the second sash frame relative to the one sash. The lock includes a casing adapted to be mounted within one of the sash frames, a faceplate of the casing having an opening therein communicating with an interior casing cavity. A tumbler pivots in the cavity and is spring biased to normally project through the opening to engage the second sash. A leaf spring is mounted within the casing cavity normally to bias the tumbler into its locking position, but permitting the tumbler to be retracted into the casing. The lock can be supplied as an assembled unit for installation.

Abstract: An add-on mechanical support assembly is used for supporting failed gas struts or as a safety device in combination with operational gas struts. The support assembly includes a generally tubular support having a slot extending lengthwise. The tubular support has different lengths on different sides. An upper end on a shorter side is used for engaging part of the cylinder of a gas strut in order to block the gas strut from retraction. An upper end of the longer side provides a thumb tab area such that one may push the support out of its blocking position without placing ones hand or fingers in a position where one might be pinched by the retraction of the piston rod of the gas strut to within the gas cylinder. A slotted tab extends downwardly from the bottom of the support and allows a screw to attach a locking block or collar with split ends to the piston rod of the gas strut. Breakaway sections are used on the support to allow adjustment for different lengths.

Abstract: A door security guard device having adjustable telescoping elongated members permanently mounted on the door and being spring urged towards the surface of said door for storage when said device is not in use and for assuring a secure locking engagement when said device is in operation.

Abstract: A latching mechanism provides a locking support for an article which periodically requires to be moved from a rest position to a stable elevated position. The latching mechanism comprises an assembly attached to the article and movable therewith, the assembly containing a guide mechanism which cooperates with a cam pawl device mounted on a fixed assembly. The cam/guide mechanism interaction provides for a 180.degree. cam rotation driving a sequence of article movements from a rest to elevated/locked to rest position.

Abstract: A telescopic stay for two objects which can be folded relative to one another, particularly for supporting a work surface which can be folded in relation to a frame structure. The stay includes two tubes 6, 7 which can be telescoped one within the other and which are intended for pivotal connection at mutually opposite ends thereof to a respective one of said objects, and further includes an inner guide tube 8 arranged in the telescopic tubes, a tension spring 15 which extends axially through all tubes, and a locking means 9 for releasably locking the telescopic tubes in a given working position relative to one another. To facilitate mounting of the stay, the inner guide tube is fixed axially in relation to one telescopic tube and accompanies the movement of this tube in relation to the other telescopic tube.

Abstract: In the illustrative embodiment of the invention as described an engine bonnet is articulated to the framework of a motor car. A gas spring is articulated to both the framework and the bonnet. The gas spring balances part of the weight of the bonnet when the bonnet is to be opened by hand. In case of an accident the framework and/or the bonnet may be crushed in longitudinal direction of the car. In such case the piston rod of the gas spring is pushed inward of the cylinder beyond the normal innermost operational position and a retaining device becomes effective so as to prevent the piston rod from returning towards its outermost operational position.

Abstract: A door security apparatus for preventing undesired opening of a door includes a rockshaft journaled for pivotal movement at the bottom edge of the door and having at least one stop arm extending therefrom is disclosed. An operating device is connected to the rockshaft or to a stop arm for pivoting the rockshaft to move the stop arm into and out of door bracing engagement with the floor proximate the door.

Abstract: A device for supporting the hinged cover of a barbecue brazier partially open in any one of a plurality of selected positions comprises an elongated planar support member having a plurality of upwardly orientated cover hooks along its length for selectively engaging the rim of the partially opened cover, and a downwardly facing mounting member or hook adjacent one of its ends for mounting the support member vertically on the rim of the brazier. A handle member is permanently or removably attached to the support member for handling the support member when it has become hot through use. The handle member in one embodiment is secured to the support member by means of a screw threaded projection on the handle member which engages a screw threaded bore in the support member.

Abstract: A portable, selectively lockable door stop having a pair of telescopingly fitted rods with door brace linkage engaging channels is disclosed. The invention provides an adjustable door stop that coacts with existing door brace linkage to prop the door open at any desired width. The channels are pivotally attached to the ends of the rods in a clevis fashion. A method of keeping a door open is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting and maintaining a predetermined projected relation of a piston rod of a gas strut or like device with reference to the cylinder unit of which it forms a part having particular application to the support of a hatchback or rear deck closure panel, trunk lid or hood of an automotive vehicle in its open condition comprises a generally L-shaped structure formed to be firm and resistant to deformation save for the longer leg thereof and a limited portion of its shorter leg being provided with a limited capability of lateral flexing. The longer leg of this structure is normally inclined inwardly to and slightly over the shorter leg thereof.

Abstract: An auxiliary locking mechanism for a bag or a case especially an attache case, a cupboard etc. having a rigid body and lid for opening and closing the body. The auxiliary locking mechanism provided restricts or limits the opening of the lid at a position particularly when the case is vertical so as to prevent spilling of articles contained in the case due to inadvertent opening of the lid. However, the auxiliary locking mechanism releases the lid when the case is in the horizontal position to allow the lid to open completely.

Abstract: A non-key operated lock for the door of an occupied room comprising a vertically elongated prop member pivotally mounted to a guide member at its upper end for oscillation about a horizontal axis for movement between a first inoperative downwardly and outwardly inclined position with the lower end of the prop member spaced above the lower marginal edge of the door and a second operative position with the lower end of the prop member swung toward the door and projecting at least slightly below the door lower marginal edge for engagement with a horizontal surface, such as a floor, over which the lower marginal edge moves when the door is moved toward the open position thereof.

Abstract: A door security apparatus for preventing unauthorized opening of a door includes a rockshaft journalled for pivot movement at the bottom edge of the door and having at least one stop arm extending therefrom. An operating device is connected to the rockshaft for pivoting the rockshaft to move the stop arm into and out of door bracing engagement with the floor proximate the door.

Abstract: The locking bar assembly of the present invention is adapted to lock horizontally slidable, overlapping window doors, such as patio doors, in closed position. One end of a locking bar is pivoted to a bracket, or pivotal member, for movement in between a stored vertical position and a horizontal locking position. A clasping member, carried by the bracket, resiliently retains the locking bar either in the vertical position, or against upward pivoting from its horizontal position. The bracket is so constructed that it can be secured to the sash or to the handle flange of one door when the two doors can be opened, or to the door opening frame when only one door can be opened.

Abstract: A hold-up device for holding a hinged structure, particularly the rear door of a hatchback automobile, in an open position relative to a frame, such as the frame of the door, against the force of gravity, wherein a hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to either the structure or the frame and a cylinder rod is pivotally connected to the other of the structure and the frame. The hold-up device is for use when the cylinder fails to function properly and comprises a body having first and second opposite ends and a straight elongate contoured alcove extending between the first and second ends for removably receiving the rod therein when the structure is in its open position.

Abstract: A latching device for overhead-type doors mounted for movement between a closed position and a raised position with respect to an opening defined by a frame. The latching mechanism includes a pivotable arm having a pivot end and an engagement end. The pivot end of the pivotable arm is mounted above the opening for pivotable movement about a substantially horizontal axis between a first position and a second raised position. The engagement end of the arm is adapted to engage a first latch portion associated with the door when the door is in a closed position and the arm is in the first position, and also adapted to engage a second latch portion associated with the door when the door is in the raised position and the arm is in an intermediate position between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A hood door assembly including a first door which swings about a generally horizontally disposed axis and a second door which swings about a generally vertical axis for providing access to an engine compartment for servicing of an engine. A rod is provided for holding the first door both in its open and closed positions. One end of the rod is pivotally attached to the hood while a free end of the rod is engageable within a slot in a retainer plate when the first door is closed. The rod includes a bent handle portion adjacent its free end which is rotated for engaging or releasing the free end of the rod within the retainer plate slot when the first door is closed. Further, when the first door is swung open about its generally horizontal axis, the free end of the rod is inserted through an opening in a bracket on the first door such that the bent handle portion engages the bracket for supporting the first door in an open position.

Abstract: A security device for mounting to a door, the device having a floor-contacting member to prevent the door from being forced open when the device is engaged. The device is slidably and pivotably mounted to the face of the door so as to be engageable and disengageable with one hand without excessive bending or stooping. When not in use, the device stores flush against the lower portion of the door.

Abstract: An apparatus, for retaining a sash in a desired open position in a projected window, comprises at least one retaining unit adapted to be mounted on an outer frame, and at least one transforming unit adapted to be mounted within an inner frame. The retaining unit includes a tube-like member adapted to be pivotally connected to the outer frame, and a rod turnably and telescopically received in the tube-like member. The transforming unit is operatively connected to a handle (on the inner frame) and the rod for, in response to angular movement of the handle, turning the rod between a first position in which the rod is prevented from being longitudinally or axially moved relative to the tube-like member and a second position in which the rod is allowed to be longitudinally or axially moved relative to the tube-like member.

Abstract: In a structure for removably mounting a support rod for an openable closure member such as engine hood, trunk lid or the like of a motor vehicle, a retainer member of a plastic material is mounted on at least one end of the support rod, and an anchor member of a plastic material which is adapted for engagement with the retainer member, is mounted in a mounting aperture formed either in the vehicle's body or the openable closure member. By virtue of the engagement between the retainer member and the anchor member, the support rod is removably retained with respect to either the vehicle's body or the openable closure member, thereby supporting the openable closure member at its open position.

Abstract: A device for use in supporting the hinged cover of a barbecue brazier partially open at a selected position. An elongated planar support member mounts vertically on the rim of the brazier and is held in place by a mounting bracket formed adjacent its lower end. A plurality of upwardly oriented cover hooks are formed in the support member along its length and project therefrom to support the rim of the partially opened cover on a selected hook. The support member has a slot therethrough for receiving the end of a tool used for positioning the support member with safety when the support member has become hot through use. Two embodiments of the device are disclosed with differing support member mounting bracket designs.

Abstract: The holding device comprises a part provided at each of its ends with a lug, each lug being caught between the walls of a groove of elongated shape formed in a casing and capable of having a translational and rotational motion, each groove having adjacent at least one of its ends a zone of narrowed cross-section with elastic walls, and each casing being intended for securement to the corresponding element of the jointed assembly to which the device of the invention is applied.