Abstract: A base is provided for stationary mounting from a door and includes an elongated upright guide for positioning against the surface of the door which faces in the direction in which the door is moved toward the open position and with the guide located adjacent the lower marginal edge portion of the door near the free swinging edge thereof. A vertically elongated prop member is pivotally mounted at its upper end from an upper portion of the guide for oscillation about a horizontal axis generally paralleling the door surface and 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 novel pivot joint connector for a strut assembly which utilizes a pivot ball and socket construction in conjunction with a clip to insure a smooth operating environment and ease of assembly.

Abstract: A door-stop for handicapped people and particularly people in wheel chairs which permits the person to push a self-closing door open and lock it in an open position before passing through the doorway. The door-stop is comprised of a pivoted cross bar mounted at a convenient height traverse to the door connected by means of a lever to a door-stop at the corner of the door. The door can thus be pushed open and the cross bar moved downward to lock the door-stop. After the person passes through the door, he can simply lift the cross bar to release the door-stop allowing the door to close.

Abstract: The grill breather device of the present invention is used on an outdoor grill to prop open the hinged lid of the grill so as to provide oxygen to the interior of the grill when food is being cooked thereon. Additional oxygen prevents flame flare-up caused by the dripping of excess fat from the meat. The device generally comprises an arm having perpendicular legs secured along the length thereof and a knob for controlling the position of the arm. The lid of the grill is supported by any one of the legs so that it is open to the desired height.

Abstract: A vertical angle adjusting mechanism for use in a display device and other devices, including a support on which an object whose vertical angle is to be adjusted is mounted, the support being pivotable upward and downward, the support being provided with an engagement slot formed with a plurality of recesses; a lock element pivotally attached to the object and engaged with the engagement slot in the support; and a slide member attached to the support and engaged with the lock element for selectively exposing or covering the recesses of the engagement slot in the support for engagement, or for preventing engagement, with the lock element according to the direction of the movement of the lock element.

Abstract: A prop for bracing against a door, so as to prevent opening by an intruder, the present patent application including two designs of the invention, each design including a channel secured to a door under the door knob and a brace pivotably supported from the channel, and in order that a lower end of the brace reaches the floor for bracing thereagainst, one design includes slots in the channel along which a pivoted end of the brace is slidable while the other design has the brace made telescopic.

Abstract: A door securing apparatus, particularly for securing a garage door, including a first member for securing to a structural member of the garage, a second member for selectively engaging a portion of the garage door, and a bar connected between the first and second members for bracing the second member against the garage door portion. A cable assembly is provided for conveniently selectively moving the apparatus between a locked position wherein the second member engages and is braced against the garage door portion and an unlocked position wherein the second member is spaced from the door to permit unobstructed opening and closing of same.

Abstract: A door-operating mechanism is disclosed which is particularly suited for use with hingedly mounted swinging glass doors of a refrigerated display cabinet. The door operating mechanism includes an extensible gas spring biased toward an extended condition, and a linkage arrangement operatively interconnecting the gas spring with the door. A portion of the gas spring is movably disposed within a slot defined by the linkage arrangement such that in one position of the gas spring the door is biased toward its closed position, and in another position of the gas spring the door may be maintained in an opened position such as for stocking or maintenance of the display cabinet.

Abstract: A closure panel arrangement for a vehicle hatchback opening includes a pair of hinges which mount a glass panel on the vehicle body for movement between positions opening and closing the opening. A tail member is mounted on the end of the glass panel opposite the hinges and mounts a latch element for latching the glass panel in the closed position. A pair of telescoping struts act between the vehicle body and the tail member to bias the glass panel and tail member to the pivotally raised open position. A decorative molding extends around the edge of the glass panel from the tail member to the hinges so that the telescoping struts and the decorative molding cooperate to hold the tail member at the pivotally raised position in the event of breakage of the glass panel in the open position. A rotation-limiting device is provided in the connection between the telescoping struts and the tail member so that downward rotation of the tail member about its point of attachment with the struts is prevented.

Abstract: A locking device for maintaining a sliding door in one of a number of locked positions along the length of its track. The locking device includes a spring-biased and pivotal lever having a toothed end urged toward a biting frictional contact with the track. The device is preferably mounted on the leading edge of the sliding door near its upper end for cooperative locking engagement with the upper track. The lever further includes a pair of bumpers mounted proximate its forward and rearward edges for providing a yieldable limit to the opening movement of the sliding glass door.

Abstract: A device is provided for use on vehicles having the gas tank inlet opening located behind a license plate, to hold the license plate open for access to the gas tank inlet opening. The device has a clip which is attached to a backing plate to which the license plate is attached. A second portion of the device is rotatably attached to said clip and is spring-biased with respect to the clip. When the license plate is in the open position, the second portion of this device has an arm which can be positioned to engage an adjacent surface of the bumper, or another adjacent surface of the vehicle. When the lever is placed in this position, the force of the spring will hold the license plate and backing plate in the open position. The second portion also includes a wire member, comprised of a single piece of wire, having its ends wrapped around the clip.

Abstract: A stop member is hingedly mounted to a base member which clips onto a vehicle license plate of the type which is pivotably mounted to a vehicle and functions as an external cover which hides the usual fuel tank cap and fill port. After the license plate has been swung into an open position the stop member can be pivoted from an inoperative position, wherein it lies parallel to the rear face of the license plate, to an operative position wherein it lies in a plane perpendicular to that of the license plate and abuts the rear wall of the vehicle to hold the plate in a open position.

Abstract: The security device of the present invention is mounted in the floor of a building adjacent the hinge side of a door to be made secure. The security device has elements which can be elevated from their storage position to engage against the inner face of the door to prevent the door from being opened beyond a minimum amount. A lock is provided for holding the elements in their elevated position.

Abstract: A door security device for preventing opening from the outside of a hinged door adjacent and normal to a wall wherein an elongate support rod has its opposite ends rotatably connected by hinges to the door. An elongate stop rod is rigidly secured at one end to the support rod at an acute angle and is adapted at its free end to engage the wall. A spacing rod is rigidly secured at its first end to the support rod and is rigidly secured at its other end to the stop rod. The door security device allows unrestricted opening of the door from either side of the door when the device is rotated to lie in a plane parallel to the door. When the device is rotated about the axis of the support rod to lie in a plane normal to the door, opening of the door from the outside is prevented by the force of the free end of the stop rod against the wall and the force against the door of the end of the support rod to which the stop rod is secured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock to lock open the speed brake doors of an aircraft to facilitate servicing the brake mechanism. The lock cooperates with lightening holes in the internal stiffening structure of the speed brake. The lock is adjustable to provide different amounts of brake opening. Surfaces of the lock that contact the aircraft speed brake structure are fabricated of resilient material to protect the aircraft.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a locking mechanism which prevents removal of a key unless the cabinet door is properly closed and a prescribed item is properly positioned and stored within the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet door assembly includes a hinge which is slotted so as to accept a rotatable cam of the locking mechanism to prevent hinge movement in the locked position. The stored item has a magnet secured thereto which, when properly positioned in the cabinet, pulls a spring biased magnetized bar into a position wherein a slotted extension of the bar permits the cam to pass into the hinge slot. With the item improperly positioned or removed, the slotted bar extension prevents rotation of the lock by blocking passage of the cam into the hinge slot. The key and lock combination are standard items of the type which prevent key removal from the lock unless the lock is turned to the locked position.

Abstract: A prop assembly including an elongated prop leg is provided having one end pivotally mounted to an associated vehicle dump bed for swinging movement between a first generally horizontal retracted position when the dump bed is in its lowered position and a second depending operative position with one end of the leg inclined downwardly when the load bed is in a raised inclined dumping position. Structure is provided for limiting swinging movement of the leg toward its lowered operative position with the leg angularly displaced relative to the bed less than that angular displacement from the retracted position of the leg which would allow the leg to depend vertically downwardly from the bed.

Abstract: A security device for use on inwardly opening doors, having a holding plate mountable beneath the knob of the door on which a bar is mounted, and a foot member, pivotally mounted on the lower end of the bar, is adapted to move inwardly a preselected distance from the door, and will direct a force upwardly against the door casing when an inward pressure is applied to the door.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an extension mechanism adapted to be interposed between the fixed strike plate of an automobile trunk and the lock elements of the trunk lid. The device enables the trunk lid to be locked at any of a series of partially ajar positions whereby cargoes of a variety of sizes may be readily transported with safety and security.

Abstract: A prop means for use in association with a vehicle of the type having a cover-like member formed of the vehicle license plate and a license plate carrying bracket and which is normally closed and conceals the intake end of the filler conduit for fueling the vehicle, and which is operable to hold open such cover-like member to provide ready access to the intake end of the filler conduit when fueling the vehicle.

Abstract: A retainer plate is pivotally mounted on a panelboard cabinet door lock housing, which carries a latch for locking the door. A detent on the plate engages in a rabbet opening to enable limited opening movement of the door in response to the pressure developed by arc gases generated by fault currents passing through a tripped circuit breaker in the panelboard cabinet. For ordinary opening movement, the lock latch is manually operated to pivot the retainer plate and disengage the detent from the rabbet opening.

Abstract: In combination with a license plate holder, spring-hinged gasoline fill cover of the type used in conjunction with center gasoline fill openings provided at the rear of motor vehicles, a hinged device for holding the cover in its horizontal, or refueling position. The device consists of a base plate rigidly secured to the vehicle chassis, and pivotally attached to a holding arm wherein, once the cover is pivoted to its horizontal position, the holding arm is free to pivot in a horizontal plane above the fill cover, from a normal resting position to a substantially perpendicular holding position to hold the fill cover horizontally against spring force.

Abstract: A spring latch mechanism for releasably retaining longitudinally slidable members in preselected relationships includes an elongated strip of semi-rigid resilient material having a pair of longitudinally spaced protuberances extending away from opposite faces of the strip. The strip is of flat V-shaped longitudinal cross-section and has a pivot location so that the protuberances are resiliently urged into openings in the slidable members to lock the members into preselected relationships. At least one of the protuberances can be depressed in a manner such that the other protuberance is moved out of the opening in which it was received to allow the members to slide longitudinally into another desired relationship. The strip is adapted to be disposed in a space between the longitudinally slidable members in a concealed location.

Abstract: An improved hatch adjuster has a telescopic arm rotatably connected to a hatch cover at one end and the other end pivotably connected to a hatch coaming wherein the pivotable member includes an open end socket in which a ball member is pivotably seated and retained therein by a retaining screw to comprise a ball and socket joint adapted to support in adjustable alignment a raised hatch cover.

Abstract: A spring biased prop for use with a pivot member, such as a window, hinged to a support member. The prop includes sliding tubular telescopic members each carrying a pivoted arm part for attachment to the pivot member or support member. A sleeve formed of generally friction free material, such as nylon or Teflon, is fitted between the tubular members to accommodate sliding movement of the members relative to each other.

Abstract: A heat-insulated rotatable handle extends through an opening in the cover side wall of a barbecue grill to interconnect with a generally L-shaped lever arm located inside the cover. By the handle alone, the cover may be raised or lowered, and, at the same time, rotation of the L-shaped lever arm permits selectively locating an end portion of the arm within any one of a plurality of slots in the grill fire bed wall to achieve a corresponding opening relation.

Abstract: A friction support device adapted to support two members in variable positions relative to one another, through the utilization of friction, until an external force is applied to bring the two members together. The friction support device comprises a slide rod inserted into the aperture in a slide holder. As the slide rod is pulled through the slide holder the frictional forces increase, causing the two members connected thereto to remain apart until an external force is applied to bring them together.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in counterbalancing the weight of a lid or closure incident to movements thereof between closed and open portions is in the form of a spring pressurized, hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement. The mechanism preferably includes means providing hydraulic damping characteristics for both the fully extended and contracted conditions of the mechanism.

Abstract: A composite rigid rod for holding a door in closed position from inside a room by reaction with the room floor includes first and second telescopically connected metal tubes with the upper end of the uppermost rod being of Y-shape and being connected by a metal band to the door knob shaft which prevents the falling or other removal of the rod from the door knob shaft. Additionally, the metal tubes are adjustably connected to achieve a desired composite rod length and a retainer clamp is mounted on the inner surface of the door so that the rod can be swung about the axis of the knob shaft to position its lower end in the retainer clamp to hold the rod in an inoperative stored position.

Abstract: An animal trap has an elongated hollow box-like housing including side walls, a bottom wall and an end wall and an open end portion; a movable closure member is mounted on a pivot shaft in one end of the housing for pivotal movement between a closed position blocking the open end of the housing and an open position to permit the passage of a rat into the interior of the housing. A latch rod is mounted in slots in the side walls for movement between an unlatching position permitting opening movement of the closure panel and a latching position preventing movement of the closure panel from its closed position so that movement of the closure member to the open position followed by return movement to its closed position by movement of a rat into the housing causes the latch rod to move to its latching position to prevent subsequent opening of the closure member.

Abstract: An occupant safeguarding door stop for use on the interior surface of the lower edge portion of a sliding door or window or vertically hinged inwardly openable door has a base securely mountable on the interior surface of the door in a portion thereof adjacent to but above the level of a sliding door or window, or a lower edge portion of the vertically hinged door. A rigid leg member aligned with the base is pivotally joined to the base, and has a foot portion arrangeable for being forcibly pressed and readily actuated toward a gripping portion engaging the overhead frame of a sliding door or window, or a floor associated with the door by foot or hand applied pressure.

Abstract: A door brace is provided for use in conjunction with a door having a door knob, the rotation of which permits the door to open. The door brace comprises a first elongated member having its upper end mounted to the door knob and a second elongated member telescopically received within the first member and movable between an extended, ground engaging position and a retracted, inoperative position. A spring under tension is connected between the first and second members and urges the second member from its extended to its retracted position. A lock retains the second member in its extended position and is connected to the door knob so that upon rotation of the knob, the lock is released thus permitting the second member to move from its extended to its retracted position.

Abstract: A door support bracket includes a slide member telescopically inserted in a housing bracket member. The housing bracket member is attached to a horizontal hung door by means of a swivel bracket. The free end of the slide member is pivotally attached to the frame for the door. The housing bracket member is formed from an elastic material and cooperates with cam members on the slide member to hold the door in an open position.

Abstract: A door securing device comprising a combination of conventional hardware items which, when combined, produce a convenient assembly. The standard items include a hinge securable by one element to either the door frame or the door itself according to the opening direction of the door and a conduit hanger attached to the secured element of the hinge. A plurality of threaded bolts inserted in the other hinge element form the latching detent. The conduit hanger can then be positioned to either oppose the unlatching motion of the free hinge element, retain the hinge in unlatched state or totally out of the way to thereby permit self-latching engagement.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring having a cylinder and a piston rod biased axially outward of the cylinder by compressed gas in the cylinder cavity may be stopped in an axially intermediate position of the rod by engagement of respective radial faces on an abutment member mounted on the rod for axial movement and on a rigid abutment member fixedly mounted on the cylinder and projecting into the normal axial path of the other abutment member which may be deflected manually from its normal path for release of the rod.

Abstract: A security device for a door comprising first and second support brackets which are secured to the door and the door casing or the like at opposite sides of the door. Each of the support brackets comprises a vertical portion which is secured to the casing and a horizontal portion which is secured to the floor. A diagonally extending brace member extends between the vertical and horizontal bracket portions and cooperates with the vertical portion to define a channel. The length adjustable bar is adapted to have its opposite ends received by the channels in the brackets to prevent the opening of the door as desired.

Abstract: A strut for holding a door in closed position, the strut comprising a tube and a rod threaded together so that the length of the strut is adjustable. The strut connects to a door bracket at two spaced locations whereby the strut is held in a fixed angular position relative to the door when in operating position. There is also a lock nut for locking the rod and tube to the adjusted length, a floor engaging pad swivelly connected to the tube, and one of the connections to the door bracket can be disengaged to permit swinging of the strut into a stored position against the door.

Abstract: A door security guard device having a main adjustable telescoping body with a finer adjusting means consisting of screw-threaded mechanism for attachment between a doorknob and the adjacent flooring. A third point hook-up between the lower floor-engaging portion and the doorjamb is also provided.

Abstract: A device comprising a securing means and a latching means for latching a door in a pre-determined position of rotation relative to a frame associated with said door when rotating the door in one direction. Means is securely attached to the door and arranged to coact with the door at its upper horizontal edge surface. The latching means extends from the securing means in the form of a horizontally or substantially horizontally extending portion. The securing means and the latching means are pivotally arranged relative to each other and exhibit locking means, which are adapted to co-act with each other so that the latching means is able to adopt one of two position of rotation relative to the securing means. A first position of rotation in which closing of the door 1 is prevented and a second position of rotation in which the door is free to close. The securing means and the latching means are formed integrally of a plastics material.

Abstract: A prop assembly for vehicle doors hung from the top and adapted to swing upwardly and outwardly, in which the prop assembly has a cylinder with an axial reciprocating rod connected to the door and to the door frame along the side thereof, and a spring in the cylinder urging the rod outwardly through the end of the cylinder to open the door and hold the door in open position. A fixture is pivotally connected to the end of the cylinder and another fixture is connected to the outer end of the rod, the latter fixture being secured to the door and the other fixture to the door frame. One of the fixtures consists of a base plate having an upstanding stem pivotally connected thereto for rotation on the base plate as the door is opened and closed.

Abstract: A vehicle cab is provided with a structure which includes a pivotal rod that serves as a grab handle for aiding an operator in mounting the vehicle and cooperates with a guide bracket fixed to the cab door so as to resist movement of the door from an open position toward a closed position.

Abstract: A brace for rigidly locking a casket cap in its open position to positively preclude movement of the cap about its pivotal connection with the casket body in either direction. The brace includes an elongated member pivotally mounted in a support bracket carried by the casket body and transversely displaced from the hinge for the casket cap. This elongated member then extends generally upward through an elongated slot in the casket cap which telescopes outwardly over the member as the cap is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. When the cap reaches the open position, cooperating locking means on the cap and the end of the elongated member engage to lock the cap in the open position. The locking means precludes further pivotal movement of the cap in either direction until the locking means is released. Resilient biasing means maintain the locking engagement and facilitate its release.

Abstract: A vehicle dash assembly is provided with pivoting mount means which allows for greater accessibility to the dash mounted instrument and associated control members. A latching mechanism permits the dash assembly to be supported in the open position for servicing operations.

Abstract: An adjustable lightweight hassock comprising a cushion-like upper seat portion pivotally mounted on a unitary tubular base for angular displacement. The upper seat portion is provided with a movable brace element having a multiplicity of teeth for releasably retaining the seat in a tilted position and including an elongated slot so that when the seat is lowered to a horizontal position, the brace element will become horizontally disposed in an inconspicuous position beneath the seat.