Abstract: The present invention relates to a door striker unit for a vehicle. The door striker unit for a vehicle includes a retainer connected to a rear side of the vehicle's side outer panel, a engaging plate connected to a rear surface of the retainer, and a striker connected to the engaging plate and positioned on a front side of the vehicle's side outer panel, wherein the engaging plate includes a welding portion welded to the retainer, an engaging portion having an integral bolt engaging portion for connection with the striker, and a connecting portion integrally connecting the welding portion and the engaging portion, wherein the connecting portion comprises a protruding curved portion.

Abstract: A latch striker may be used in a vehicle to hingedly attach a door, such as a glove box door to an instrument panel of a vehicle such that the door may be selectively opened and closed. The latch striker of the present embodiment may comprise a body, a latch bar attached to the body at an end of the body. The latch bar is capable of removably securing to a catch mechanism of the vehicle. The latch striker may further comprise a mounting device formed in a portion of the body substantially opposite the end of the body, the mounting device is capable of attaching to the vehicle, and a light mechanism secured to the body.

Abstract: The door lock and jamb strike plates may be stamped or otherwise formed of metal plate of conventional thickness, but include screw passages and receptacles for the screw heads having axes defining oblique angles between the planes of the plates and the screw axes. In the case of the door lock or deadbolt mortise plates, the screw head receptacles and passages are angled away from one another, with their axes oriented away from the knob and latch mechanism therebetween. In the case of the jamb strike plate or jamb deadbolt plate, the screw head receptacles and passages are oriented to pass into the center of the wood structure behind the plate to provide additional strength. The plates may be provided individually or as a kit, with or without screws.

Abstract: An unlocking device for a control device (10) includes an actuating magnet (12) in a coil base (14) and/or in housing elements of the actuating magnet. An actuating element (16) can be displaced along a first axis (20) and releases, in an actuation position, a swivel path (22) for a control unit (24) arranged to swivel about a second axis (26). The control unit (24) has a locking element (30) which, when unlocked by the actuating element (16) via the control element (24), releases the trajectory (32) for the control device (10) to be actuated. The unlocking device also has a swiveling lever (34) guided in a housing part (28) to swivel. The second axis (26) is parallel to the first axis (20). The swiveling lever (34), at its free end and when the actuating magnet (12) is not actuated, contacts the actuating element (16). The locking element (30) is disposed on the other end of the swiveling lever (34) and maintains the control device (10) in the locked position.

Abstract: A surface mounted electric strike for use with an exit device such as a rim panic exit device. The electric strike has a housing with at least one keeper pivotally mounted to the housing. Each keeper has an associated cam with a detent. Release pawls engage detents on the cam in the locked position. A solenoid-operated unlock bar has stops, the position of which establishes whether the keepers are in a locked or unlocked position. The electric strike can be installed in either a fail safe or fail secure mode by locating the stops when the solenoid is de-energized in either a position which blocks or releases the release pawls. Other arrangements for establishing a selected operational mode include use of dual solenoids, use of dual locking bars and reversible release pawls.

Abstract: A striker assembly includes a plate configured for attachment to a vehicle and a striker attached to the plate. The striker is configured for securing a latch assembly of the vehicle in a first position. The striker assembly also includes a first resilient member configured for contacting the latch assembly in the first position and a second resilient member configured for cooperating with the first resilient member to move the latch assembly to a second position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock for gates and similar applications having a latch assembly and a strike assembly. The strike assembly has a strike which is self-adjusting to accommodate misalignment to guide the strike roller into proper engagement in the latch assembly. The latch assembly has a latch which is operably connected to a solenoid by a trigger and transfer mechanism which provides pre-load capability.

Abstract: A laundry dryer comprising a housing and a rotatably mounted laundry drum. A carbon contact holder assembly including a supporting part and includes a receptacle having a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle ? with respect to a perpendicular cross sectional plane of the laundry drum. The supporting part includes an integrally supporting arm extending in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The supporting arm includes an attachment section configured to attach to the housing and a clamp strap configured to hold cables. A carbon contact is disposed in the receptacle and movable against a spring force along the longitudinal axis in a radial direction of the laundry drum. The dryer includes a latching receptacle disposed on the supporting part that includes a plug-in contact connected to the carbon contact by a flexible lead.

Abstract: A tamper inhibiting device is provided for adapting to a lock for a door. The lock has a housing configured to attach to the door. The lock also has a locking component being receivable in the housing. The housing has a lip extending from an edge of the housing. The tamper inhibiting device includes a first portion being substantially planar and having a first edge and a second opposing edge between two distal ends. The first portion has an elongate opening between the first and second distal ends. The tamper inhibiting device also includes a second portion being substantially planar and extending substantially perpendicular to the first portion from the first edge of the first portion. The opening is adjacent the first edge of the first portion such that the lip of the housing juxtaposes the second portion when the tamper inhibiting device attaches to the lock.

Abstract: An improved integrated interbox connector to permit vertical stacking of cargo containers using no manual labor and includes an automatic pivoting engagement lock, a latch, a lip/end stop. The connecting corner can be retrofitted to existing containers by welding or the like.

Abstract: A cabin door device having a cabin frame, comprises: a door mounted to a side part of the cabin frame so as to be moveable between a fully closed position and a fully open position; and a main striker supported by the cabin frame, wherein the door has a lock device, and the door is held in the fully closed position by the lock device engaging the striker; and an auxiliary striker that is supported by the cabin frame and whose position can be changed between a held posture, in which the door is held at an intermediate position between the fully closed position and the fully open position by coupling with the lock device, and a retracted position in which the lock device of the door is allowed to engage with the striker.

Abstract: The receptacle for a gate drop rod includes a buried plastic canister having an open bottom for drainage. The open top of the canister is covered, and at least one gate rod opening is formed through the plastic cover. Preferably two such openings are formed to provide for different drop rod diameters. A plastic receptacle pipe of appropriate diameter is installed in the appropriate opening, and the unused passage is plugged. The canister is placed on a bed of drainage stone in the bottom of the hole, the top of the canister preferably about two inches below grade. The hole is filled with gravel and stone around the canister, and the top is covered with concrete to grade. A high visibility disc is preferably installed about the top of the protruding pipe to facilitate locating the drop rod receptacle in poor light or at night.

Abstract: A universal box lock for securing a meter box including a first clamping means, a second clamping means operatively connected to the first clamping means. The second clamping means being movable relative to the first clamping means. The box lock also includes a biasing means for urging the second clamping means toward the first clamping means to secure the box lock to a wall of a meter box placed between the first and second clamping means. Moreover, the box lock includes a body portion, which selectively engages and secures the first and second clamping means to a meter box wall. The first clamping means includes an aperture configured to allow a portion of the second clamping means to extend through the aperture facilitating the attachment of the inventive box lock to a side wall or a bottom wall of a meter box.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing door jambs to prevent forced entry through the doorway by strengthening the composite materials of the door jamb with the addition of the apparatus, which is attached with threaded fasteners that go through the door jamb and are anchored into the framing studs. The device is made of 14 gauge ASTM, A-36, Mild Steel with holes through which the latching and locking mechanisms of the door may pass, as well as smaller beveled holes to pass screws through to attach the device to the door jamb and framing studs. The device is also formed so as to facilitate latching mechanism closure. This device can also be used to assist in the repair of damaged door jambs by holding together the damaged portions once they are placed back in position.

Abstract: An improved lockable container, which is configured to resist being pried open or being otherwise successfully attacked within predetermined time and tool set limits. Also, methods for manufacturing and/or assembling embodiments of the lockable container.

Abstract: An engagement fitting comprises a hook that is integrally formed from a metal rod member. The rod member is bent into a generally U-shaped configuration. Bases then can be bent at approximately right angles at base ends of a pair of legs of the generally U-shaped hook. The bases extend to opposite sides from one another across a plane that is generally defined by the U-shaped configuration. The base is formed at least partially flat and can be provided with attachments such that the engagement fitting can be mounted on other members.

Abstract: An integrated latch system is described. The integrated latch system including at least a latch, a keeper, and a discrete actuator. In a closed state, the actuator is in direct contact with the keeper and applies a first force to the keeper, the latch applies a second force to the keeper, the first and the second force cooperating to engage the latch and the keeper. In transitioning from the closed state to the open state, a releasing force is applied to the latch, the latch moving at least a predetermined distance in response to the releasing force thereby causing the latch and the keeper to disengage. The actuator applies an ejection force onto the keeper and the keeper moves to an open position in response to the ejection force.

Abstract: A striker apparatus for a vehicle includes a striker adapted to be engaged with a locking member secured at an engaging object and having a pair of base portions, a base member having a pair of attaching holes, a reinforcement member placed on the base member and including a pair of insertion holes opening to face the pair of attaching holes respectively, and a pair of flanges formed at each of base portions being inserted into each of the pair of the attaching holes and each of the insertion holes for holding the base member and the reinforcement member therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door opener system having a door opener, which comprises a pivot latch pivotable into the door opener having a stop, having a striker plate, and having a lock latch guide running diagonally inward into the door opener for guiding the lock latch, an adapter part being provided, on which the lock latch guide is implemented and which is situated between the door opener and the striker plate. In order to obtain a flexibly usable and simultaneously reliably functioning door opener system, the lock latch guide is implemented as a slide face, which runs continuously over the stop width and is situated on the door side next to the stop of the pivot latch and adjoining thereto.

Abstract: A cover structure for portable electronic device includes a rotating member, a cover, a retaining member and a main housing. The rotating member includes a head portion, a column and two wings projecting from the column. The cover defines a through hole allowing the column and the wings to extend through. The retaining member clasps the column to preventing the rotating member from getting away from the cover. The main housing defines a receiving hole. Two blocks and two slopes are formed in the receiving hole. The wings of the rotating member respectively rotate along the slopes to be locked by the blocks when the cover is attached to the main housing.

Abstract: A door frame for a door assembly of a household appliance including a housing having an opening, a tub disposed inside the housing, the door assembly having a see-through portion, being pivotably coupled to the housing and movable between an open and a closed position, and including a front ring and inner ring, wherein the door frame includes a front face having an outside edge and inside edge, wherein the inside edge defines an opening in the front face that substantially corresponds to a shape of the opening of the housing, a rear face on an opposite side of the door frame from the front face, a plurality of first fastening points spaced around the door frame for coupling the door frame to the inner ring, and a plurality of second fastening points spaced around the door frame for separately coupling the door frame to the front ring.

Abstract: The present apparatus relates to a gate latch mechanism. The gate latch comprises at least two housings wherein the first housing is mountable to a stationary object such as an existing fence or structure and the second housing is mountable to a moveable object such as a gate. In some cases it may useful to mount the first housing to the moveable object and likewise mount the second housing to the stationary object. In one embodiment, the first housing comprises a back plate hingedly connected to two front plates angled outwardly from the back plate and the second housing comprises a latchable mechanism comprising a rod.

Abstract: An engagement fitting comprises a hook that is integrally formed from a metal rod member. The rod member is bent into a generally U-shaped configuration. Bases then can be bent at approximately right angles at base ends of a pair of legs of the generally U-shaped hook. The bases extend to opposite sides from one another across a plane that is generally defined by the U-shaped configuration. The base is formed at least partially flat and can be provided with attachments such that the engagement fitting can be mounted on other members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immobilization device for locking a furniture part that is movably supported in or on a piece of furniture, particularly a drawer, in a closed end position, comprising at least one locking unit, which has a receiving element for an engagement element and a blocking mechanism for the releasable fixation of the receiving element in a position that locks the engagement element when the movable furniture part is in the closed end position, wherein the receiving element or the engagement element is disposed on the furniture and the other element is disposed on the moved furniture part, wherein the locking unit has an overload safety mechanism, which comprises at least two parts connected movably to each other and allows damage-free opening of the movable furniture part even if the receiving element is fixed in a position that locks the engagement element by means of the blocking mechanism.

Abstract: A locking device for an aircraft door in a fuselage section of an aircraft includes at least one fuselage fitting disposed in a region of a sill of the fuselage section and at least one door fitting disposed in a region of a lower edge of the aircraft door and corresponding in number to the at least one fuselage fitting. The at least one fuselage fitting and the at least one door fitting are each configured to transfer at least one of a circumferential load and a radial load.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing door jambs to prevent forced entry through the doorway by strengthening the composite materials of the door jamb with the addition of the apparatus, which is attached with threaded fasteners that go through the door jamb and are anchored into the framing studs. The device is made of 14 gauge ASTM, A-36, Mild Steel with holes through which the latching and locking mechanisms of the door may pass, as well as smaller beveled holes to pass screws through to attach the device to the door jamb and framing studs. The device is also formed so as to facilitate latching mechanism closure. This device can also be used to assist in the repair of damaged door jambs by holding together the damaged portions once they are placed back in position.

Abstract: A single piece striker for a latch formed from stock, comprising a mounting plate with an integral striker bar. The striker bar extends out from the mounting plate via a neck portion. The engagement area of the striker bar has a greater diameter than the thickness of the mounting plate. The striker is formed using a progressive die. The striker bar is formed by compressing a portion of the stock to a greater thickness than the rest of the striker. Compressing a portion of the stock also provides a rounded engagement area across the length of the strike bar. Compression occurs over a series of dies that provide a progressively rounder shape. Locator channels within the dies help retain the striker bar during compression.

Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a gate or door to a doorframe or post that comprises a keeper and a latch. The latch comprises a base member, first and second extension guides, first and second extension locks, a sliding bolt and a handle member. The handle member has a handle base having a first portion with one side attached to the sliding bolt and a wide tapering portion extending away from the opposite side of the handle base and defining an elongated slot, and a horseshoe shaped grip member having one end attached to the wide tapering portion and an opposite grip portion. The handle base and the wide tapering portion are sized and shaped so as to provide the grip portion closed to the sliding bolt to assure a smooth sliding movement of the sliding bolt.

Abstract: A hood lock assembly affording effective support in the closing direction of a vehicle hood is provided with flexibility, such that under a predefined overload, the hood is capable of additional movement in the closing direction beyond the normal closed position.

Abstract: A prehung door jamb assembly is provided that includes a strike plate mounting assembly configured to fasten to a door jamb. The strike plate mounting assembly includes a longitudinal extending support plate, a longitudinal extending second plate, first and second strike plate supports, a spacer, at least one adjustment fastener, and at least one fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a bi-directional displacement of a means or a connecting element, along a guide, which can be reversibly moved between at least two positions along the guide, with a means for driving that can be engaged with the means or connecting element, which is capable along the guide to displace the means or connecting element in a direction while being subjected to force and an actuator engaged with the means or connecting element, which is capable of displacing the means or connecting element in the opposite direction along the guide while being subjected to the force and wherein the actuator is actuatable by a converter material.

Abstract: The releasable locking arrangement for two components consists of a hook-connecting element arranged on a first component (10) and a spring-loaded locking hook (26) with swivelling axis (22) arranged on a second component (20). The locking hook (21) and the hook-connecting element can be connected with one another to form the lock. The hook-connecting element on the first component (10) is a retaining rod (11) whose ends are movable in a guide track (12, 12?). The swivelling axis (22) of the locking hook (21) on the second component (20) is connected with a holder (27). The holder (27) has a sliding bevel (24-S, 25-S) for the retaining rod (11). When the two components (10, 20) approach one another, the retaining rod (11) slides upwards on the sliding bevel (24-S, 25-S) of the holder. This causes the retaining rod to move in its guide track (12, 12?) at the same time.

Abstract: An aircraft door mechanism includes a solenoid connected to a support assembly. The solenoid displaces the latch pin between a solenoid energized and a solenoid de-energized position. A catch assembly rotatably connected to the support assembly is positioned to engage a 3½ degree or less taper portion of the latch pin in the solenoid energized position. When the latch pin moves to the solenoid de-energized position, a latch bolt supported by the door rotates the catch assembly. The latch bolt includes a distal bulbous end which multiplies the force applied to the door to rotate the catch assembly. If the latch pin is extended, a substantially greater force is required to force the latch pin to the solenoid de-energized position owing to the reduced taper of the latch pin. Authorized door entry is therefore easier and unauthorized door entry is made more difficult.

Abstract: An adjustable striker bolt assembly includes a mount having a first slot oriented along a first axis and a second slot oriented along a second axis. The second axis is disposed at a predetermined angle to the first axis. The adjustable striker bolt assembly further includes a striker bolt supported in the second slot of the mount.

Abstract: A glove box hinge mechanism may include a plurality of linkages pivotally attaching a glove box to a vehicle dashboard structure. The linkages may be configured to pivot and translate the glove box upwards and outwards, limiting downward travel of the glove box. At least one torque tube may extend between the plurality of linkages to coordinate movement of the linkages. The torque tube may rotate with the plurality of linkages. A striker may be affixed to the torque tube so that the striker rotates towards a latch when the glove box is closed and so that the striker rotates to provide unobstructed access to the glove box in the open position.

Abstract: A system of locking a door is disclosed. The system according to the present invention comprises a releasable keeper that secures a door locking mechanism to keep a door secured to an enclosure in a locked position. A release mechanism that is operated from the interior of the enclosure releases the releasable keeper from the enclosure and enable the door to be opened and prevents people from becoming trapped within the enclosure by a locked door. In an exemplary embodiment, the release mechanism is operated by a lever that operates a pulley system to disengage the release mechanism from the releasable keeper.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a striker in a rotary pawl latch. The latch assembly includes a housing, a rotary pawl, and an actuator. The housing can have one sidewall having a notch for receiving the striker. A trigger can be pivotally attached to the housing such that the actuator releases the rotary pawl thus opening the latch.

Abstract: A striker assembly for use with a vehicle door latch is disclosed. The striker assembly may include a U-shaped strap that mounts to vehicle body structure, and a striker pin that is mounted to the strap. The striker pin may include a neck that is peened to form a head and neck that fills a countersunk pocket in a pin support arm of the strap. The strap may also have a base plate that mounts to vehicle structure and includes one or more water drain channels and a coined edge to better control water drainage and intrusion.

Abstract: An strike door keeper assembly having first and second bodies matable to form an assembly body, a keeper subassembly disposed within said assembly body, and an actuator member such as an electric solenoid disposed within said assembly body the actuating member terminating in a blocker, wherein said keeper subassembly includes an axle journaled in at least one of said first and second interlocking bodies, a keeper flange pivotable on an axis of said axle and protruding through an opening in one of said first and second interlocking bodies, and a tang extending into interfering relationship with said blocker to fix said keeper flange in a locking position when said solenoid is in one of an energized and a de-energized state. In one aspect of the invention, the assembly includes a faceplate assembly having flanges and keys for mounting and preventing rotation of the door keeper assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for increasing the security of a door latch that uses a striker plate having a striker plate housing with a side plate connected to the striker plate housing and extends generally parallel to the striker plate housing and at least one opening, one or more pins positioned slidably and toward an opening in the striker plate housing and a biasing mechanism in contact with the one or more pins for biasing each of the one or more pins toward the opening to conform to the shape of a throw bolt inserted into the opening.

Abstract: Shims are provided to be placed behind a door jamb strike plate in order to reduce the distance between the door edge and the strike plate. Decreasing the distance between the strike plate and the door permits the dead latch or the locking arm of a door latch to more fully engage a hole in the strike plate so that the door may be held shut. The shims may have various thicknesses and may be used in combination to achieve a desired overall adjustment. The shims are typically plastic which is provided in the shape of the strike plate or cut to a desired shape. The shims may be placed either at the time of a door installation, or at a later date when the door or jamb may have settled, or expanded slightly.

Abstract: An electrically-operable strike for locking and unlocking doors. The strike is mounted on a face plate which in turn is mounted on a door jamb. The face plate is provided with mounting apertures which receive adjustment inserts each having an offset aperture for a mounting screw for mounting the strike on the face plate. The face plate also has a tongue extending distally from a lip and a break-off portion at the distal end of the tongue. The strike is first mounted with the offset apertures in a distal position. If the strike does not function properly due to preload, the strike is remounted with the offset apertures in a proximal position and the break-off portion is removed.

Abstract: A striker reinforcement plate is configured for installation into the interior of a closed section, hydroformed tubular automotive frame member. The striker reinforcement plate is formed with an enlarged mounting tab at one end and a weld tab at the opposing end. The striker reinforcement plate is inserted through a slot formed into the wall of the tubular frame member, against which the enlarged mounting tab prevents the striker reinforcement plate from falling through the slot, and the weld tab is inserted through a special formed opening to receive the weld tab. The weld tab can then be welded to the exterior surface of the tubular frame member, which combined with the enlarged mounting tab secured against the slot holds the striker reinforcement plate in place for final assembly of the striker. The striker can then be bolted to the reinforcement plate and be positionally adjusted in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a movable panel in a locked condition relative to an adjacent stationary frame, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes a first plate defining a pair of first receiving apertures and being constructed and arranged with a first mounting portion having a substantially planar mounting surface for being attached to the movable panel, a second plate defining a pair of second receiving apertures and being constructed and arranged with a second mounting portion having a substantially planar mounting surface for being attached to the stationary frame, a pair of locking members constructed and arranged for insertion through a corresponding pair of the first and second receiving apertures when the movable panel is closed relative to the stationary frame and wherein the substantially planar mounting surface of the first mounting portion is substantially parallel with and facing the substantially planar mounting surface of the second mounting portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a striker with a box clip feature. The striker may be mounted to a support structure for engagement with a latch mechanism. The striker may include a body for mounting to a support structure, such as an instrument panel in a vehicle. The striker may include a latch bar capable of engaging the latch mechanism. The striker may also include a locating feature that may aid in alignment within the support structure for quick assembly. The box clip feature may include an aperture that is capable of connecting said body to the support structure.

Abstract: A latch assembly for locking one or more bi-fold doors in a frame which has a bracket for pivotably securing the latch assembly in a selected position relative to the doors and frame; and the latch assembly has a stepped bar having an intermediate section pivotally arranged in the bracket, a latching leg extending outwardly from the bracket perpendicular to the intermediate section and a handle leg extending outwardly from said bracket perpendicular to the intermediate section remote from the latching leg, whereby pivotal manipulation of the handle leg causes the latching leg to latch or unlatch the door in the frame.

Abstract: A door latching system according to the invention is substantially conventional save in having a circular face plate (and corresponding striker plate) rather than the conventional rectangular form. A counterbore 34 of diameter D2 and depth T is drilled in the stile 10 of the door to receive the (circular) face plate. A bore 32 of diameter D1 and length L is drilled in the stile 10, concentric with the counterbore 34, to accommodate the body of the latch. Thus the latch is fitted with little or no chisel work.

Abstract: A striker apparatus for mounting to a support structure of a vehicle and for engagement with a corresponding latching mechanism can include a striker, and a base plate for supporting the striker extending outwardly from a first surface. A second surface opposite from the first surface of the base plate can include at least one radius of curvature defining a generally concave profile on the second surface or through the entire base plate. The base plate includes sufficient flexure to be substantially positioned in mating contact with a support structure of the vehicle when attached by one or more fasteners.

Abstract: A multi-point locking assembly is configured for use with a door mounted within a frame, and includes a lock mechanism mounted in the door. The lock mechanism has a moveable actuator. An extension bolt assembly is removably connected to the actuator, and includes an extension bolt that is moveable by movement of the actuator between an extended position and a retracted position. A guide assembly is adapted to be mounted in the door adjacent the frame. The guide assembly has a passage therethrough. The extension bolt extends through the passage in the guide assembly and the extension bolt is rotatable within the passage.

Abstract: A latching system and method are provided for facilitating an easier and/or smoother latching of a locking mechanism, such as a latching and catching mechanism for use with the closing of doors. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary latching system comprises a catch device and a latch handle configured for maintaining closure of a door. To reduce or prevent any undesirable “kick-back” of the latch handle during closure of the door, the catch device can comprise a catch spring mechanism configured to facilitate engagement with the latch handle. To provide for a substantially even balance against the catch device and/or to provide for a substantially even pressure against a door gasket, the latch handle can comprise a latch spring mechanism configured to allow engagement of the latch handle to the catch device as well as facilitate engagement of the door during closure.