Abstract: A multipoint locking system includes a body having an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein. An upper latch pawl is disposed in the upper aperture and is pivotable about a first vertical axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position. A lower latch pawl is disposed in the lower aperture and is pivotable about a second vertical axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position. At least one actuator is configured to move the upper and lower latch pawls between their retracted and extended positions. The body can be an astragal, a vertical frame member, or the like.

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: 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 attachment device includes a first holding member configured to be fixed to a board and engage a first end part of a device to be attached to the board to hold the first end part; a second holding member configured to be attached to the board and engage a second end part of the device to be attached to hold the second end part; and a positioning mechanism configured to adjust the attachment position of the second holding member relative to the board.

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 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 mechanism for gates and the like for readily latching a slide bar to a locking unit. The locking unit has a block with a front and back plate that are fixedly attached to each other about portions of peripheries of the front and back plates that define an opening with a side slot and at least one adjacent top or bottom slot. Positioned within at least one top or bottom slot is at least one pivoting release lever having a first leg and a second leg movable about a pivot. One of the legs has a portion configured to engage a portion of a slide bar when restraining movement of the slide bar relative to the block. The other leg abuts and aids in dislodging the slide from the block when a force is applied to the pivoting lever. The latch mechanism further includes a slide bar guide.

Abstract: A gaming machine door latch comprises a slide having one or more associated catches, and lock or latch strikes. The slide may be mounted to the gaming machine housing for vertical movement. The catches are mounted to the slide and may be configured to pivot. The strikes are mounted to the door. When the gaming machine door is closed, the catches automatically engage the strikes, thus latching the door. The door may be opened by raising the slide, causing the catches to move out of engagement with the strikes. The latch may include a lock which locks and unlocks the slide.

Abstract: Dual function door lock plate with built-in lock opening(s) is a door lock plate which has built-in lock opening(s). It is to be fastened onto door jamb to guide door lock pin to slide smoothly into lock hole and its lock opening(s) can be locked by lock piece(s) to prevent door from being opened outside.

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 provides a striker assembly for a vehicle which is locked to or unlocked from a latch assembly of a trunk lid. The striker assembly to be locked to or unlocked from a latch assembly of a trunk lid for a vehicle, may include a housing mounted to a vehicle body, a striker base, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the striker base includes a striker corresponding to the latch assembly, an actuator mounted to a stationary member, a power transmission unit to convert an actuating force of the actuator into a reciprocating motion of the striker base with respect to the one end of the striker base, and a controller to apply an operating signal to the actuator.

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: A striker bar assembly for use with a gate latch assembly includes a handle for ease of opening and closing the gate. The striker bar assembly includes a striker bar which cooperates with a latching tongue on the gate latch assembly to selectively maintain a gate in a closed position. The handle on the striker bar assembly is integrally formed therewith and extends outward toward the operator for easy grasping.

Abstract: An apparatus generally includes a latch and a keeper. The latch has a latching surface and is movable between at least a closed position and an opened position. The keeper has a keeper surface configured for engagement with the latching surface. The latch is movably coupled to supporting structure relative to the latching surface such that the moment created by a load applied to the latching surface while engaged with the keeper surface biases the latch towards the closed position.

Abstract: A positioning member is coupled to a mounting plate, which defines a plurality of holes for receiving screws for connection with an end of an external object. An upper adjustment nut sets a distance between a roller seat and the mounting plate and to provide a securing function by cooperating with a roller seat nut and a roller seat bolt. The mounting plate forms in a central portion thereof an elongate slot for slidably receiving a neck of the axle therein. The positioning member includes a plate-like body forming a straight slot and an inclined slot for leading the neck therein and is provided with a rivet or a resilient fork-like fastener at one side of the inclined slot opposite to the straight slot to be fit into the a positioning hole defined beside the elongate slot for serving as a rotational axis of the positioning member.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a decklid latch with a SMA actuator. The actuator includes a latch plate with a ratchet rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a released position and an engaged position operable to retain a striker. A pawl is rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a an engaged position operable to retain the ratchet, and a release position operable to allow the ratchet to pivot. An selectively-contractible wire is connected to the pawl by a lost motion connection and is operable to move the pawl to the release position when contracted to actuate the latch. Portions of the selectively contractible wire have been annealed to reduce brittleness. Multiple material crimps are used to further reduce strain on the selectively contractible wire.

Abstract: A household appliance comprises a cabinet, a door and a door block/release device. In normal conditions, the device is actuated by electrically powered actuator means whilst in case of need the device can be actuated by means of a release system. The device comprises an actuation element, preferably made of shape memory material, inserted within a movable body. The device is capable of passing from the condition of blocking to that of releasing the door both by means of a movement of the actuation element caused by the electrical power supply control of the actuator means and by means of a manual actuation, using the housing body as an element of manual mechanical transmission.

Abstract: A striker driving assembly for a motor vehicle lock that includes a striker carrier, a striker located on the striker carrier, two cams and a driving means. The striker carrier and the striker can be moved linearly by means of the cams from a pre-locking position into a main locking position. The driving means is controlled by a control which is located in the motor vehicle or on the driving assembly. The driving means also has a motor and gearing, where the cams are driven by the motor, and the application of force by the two cams to the striker carrier takes place on opposite sides of a linear axis of movement of the striker so as to move the striker carrier and striker along the linear axis of movement.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing strike assembly for a lock on a closure such as a gate. A strike plate is mounted in spaced relationship from a mounting plate. A bolt having a head extends slidably through a bore in the mounting plate and is attached to the strike plate. A primary compression spring is disposed between the mounting plate and the strike plate, and a secondary compression spring is positioned on the bolt between the head and the rear of the mounting plate. Upon closure, the momentum of the gate causes the primary spring between the strike plate and the mounting plate to be compressed, absorbing the energy of the impact. In another embodiment, an impact-absorbing strike assembly includes a latch component such as a clevis-style strike for use with a mechanical or electromechanical locking device.

Abstract: A double latch assembly for a motor vehicle having two pivotably mounted closure members is disclosed in which a sequencing lever is used to release first and second pawls used to hold first and second rotatable claws in respective latched positions. A single actuator A1 is used to release both of the pawls but because of the use of a disengageable coupling between the sequencing lever and the second pawl it is ensured that the first pawl is always released before the second pawl. Only a single actuator A1 is required to release both pawls and no sensors are required to control the sequencing of the pawls.

Abstract: A childproof gate latch for an enclosure such as a fence is provided with a latching member attached to a gate. The latching member is received through a lock opening in a fence support as the gate is closed. A latching sleeve is moveable into engagement with the latching member as the latching member enters the lock opening. Thereafter, as the latching sleeve is raised and the latching member released from engagement, a pawl moves to a lowered position supporting the latching sleeve in a ready to engage arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for an active/inactive door system wherein an inactive door lock prevents the locking of an active door lock unless the inactive door lock is first engaged in a locking position. The active door lock includes a dead bolt and a lever for extensible locking engagement with a strike plate on the inactive door. The inactive door lock includes an upper and lower shoot bolt lock, each shoot bolt include a spring lever. Each spring lever is selectably biased against a back side of the strike plate in a first or second detent. The first detent is positioned on the strike plate such that when the corresponding spring lever is biased against in the first detent against a back side of the strike plate the corresponding dead bolt or latch bolt cannot be extended into engagement with the strike plate in a locking position.

Abstract: A latch device is provided for an electrical enclosure. The latch device includes a latch plate which is movable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the latch plate allows a door to be secured over an opening in the enclosure. In the retracted position, the latch plate permits unencumbered access to components and mounting structures within the enclosure, such as for removal of a mounting unit. The latching mechanism may bias the enclosure door to a closed position, while permitting movement of the door, without unlatching of the mechanism, during fault conditions within the enclosure, such as to permit the escape of hot gasses.

Abstract: A door locking system has a lock latch which is movable between a locked position projecting beyond a door lock cuff and a unlocked position retracted in the direction of the door lock cuff, and has a lock latch blocking device, movable between a blocking position and a release position, which fixes the lock latch in the locked position in the blocking position retracted toward the door lock, and releases the lock latch in the release position, which is extended in relation to the blocking position, in such a way that the lock latch is displaceable between the locked position and the unlocked position. The door locking system has a driver control mechanism.

Abstract: An electric door strike for installation in residential wood frame door frames permits “hands-free” home access. An installation jig used to form an aperture in the door frame and a cavity in the underlying stud in which the door strike is mounted. A remote control circuit transmitter actuates the door strike to an unlatched position and a time delay circuit returns the door strike to a latched position after a predetermined delay time period. The transmitter can be used to interrupt the predetermined delay time period and immediately return the door strike to the latched position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking arrangement by means of which two parts can be locked to each other, such as locking a door to its frame construction. The locking arrangement comprises a first locking element fastened to the lock unit, a second locking element fastened to the counter part and an acting element being preferably a part of the lock unit. The first and second locking elements are gripping brackets, forming a hooked grip with each other when the lock unit and the counter part are against each other, when, for example, the door is locked in its opening. The gripping brackets are essentially in the direction of the movement of the door. The task of the acting element is to keep the gripping brackets in an overlapping position when the locking arrangement is locked. The position of the acting can be changed, and the current state of the locking arrangement depends on the position.

Abstract: An aircraft vent door system includes a vent door for a vent on an aircraft door. A cam, having a groove, is disposed on the vent door. The system also includes a movement assembly, which includes a roller disposed within the groove, and a lever coupled to the movement assembly. A portion of the lever extends beyond and proximate to the perimeter of the vent door. A second lever may also be attached to the aircraft door. The first lever pivots in response to the movement of the movement assembly, and urges the second lever to pivot. The second lever, in turn, urges the vent door open, thereby overcoming the sticking effect of, for example, built up ice or other obstructions.

Abstract: A door and door frame assembly having a door closing mechanism adapted to provide sufficient closing force to the door so that the door engages and sufficiently compresses a gasket between the door and the door frame to prevent electromagnetic interference, such as environmental radio frequencies, from passing between the door and door frame. The door closing mechanism moves a strike plate relative to the door frame to close the door once it is latched to the strike plate. The strike plate is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the door frame. In the extended position, the gasket is not sufficiently compressed between the door and door frame even though the door is latched. In the retracted position, the gasket is sufficiently compressed between the door and the door frame to attenuate the passage of electromagnetic interference between the door and door frame.

Abstract: In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door.

Abstract: In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door.

Abstract: A mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is pivotally mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.

Abstract: An electronic tongue strike mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The electronic tongue strike mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.

Abstract: A gate lock is composed of a lock base, a lock core with a slot defined therein, a latch member and a bolt assembly. A gate is mounted in a frame, which can be mounted in a doorway. The gate lock is mounted on the gate and the bolt assembly of the gate lock is mounted on the frame. When the gate is closed, the bolt is engaged in the slot in the lock core. The lock core is then rotated 90 degrees. The bolt will not slide out of the slot, and the gate is locked. To unlock the gate, the lock core is rotated 90 degrees in the opposite direction. The gate is then lifted upward allowing the bolt to slide out of the slot, thus enabling the gate to swing open.

Abstract: A lock mechanism holds a moving member on a main body immovably in a locked state and allows movement in an unlocked state. The lock mechanism includes a circulating cam groove formed on the main body or the moving member, and a trace member having an angle bracket shape with one and the other trace parts to sway on the main body or moving member. The one trace part circulates along the circulating cam groove in each approaching and moving away operation of the moving member, and locks the moving member in a state having coupled with the coupling part. A wall surface is formed on the main body or moving member to be disposed in a different position from the circulating cam groove so that the other trace part of the trace member is operable to contact the wall surface only in the locked state of the moving member.

Abstract: A storage cabinet comprises: a container having a floor, upright side walls and a rear wall attached to and extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to the side walls and rear wall, the floor, side walls, rear wall, and ceiling defining a storage cavity; a vertical support member extending upwardly from the floor; at least one door pivotally attached to one of the side walls and movable between an open position, in which the cavity is accessible from a position forward thereof, and a closed position, in which the door contacts the support member and prevents access to the cavity from a position forward thereof; and a latching mechanism attached to the support member. The latching mechanism includes two release members protruding forwardly from the support member, wherein an upper one of the release members is positioned above a lower one of the release members.

Abstract: A striker driving assembly for a motor vehicle lock that includes a striker carrier, a striker located on the striker carrier, two cams and a driving means. The striker carrier and the striker can be moved linearly by means of the cams from a pre-locking position into a main locking position. The driving means is controlled by a control which is located in the motor vehicle or on the driving assembly. The driving means also has a motor and gearing, where the cams are driven by the motor, and the application of force by the two cams to the striker carrier takes place symmetrically to the axis of movement of the striker.

Abstract: A press-type latch device for establishing latched and unlatched states with a hook includes: a press member having a press portion and connection portions extending from the press portion; and a spring member having a bottom portion and first and second latch arms extending from the bottom portion. A latch space is formed between the first and second latch arms to allow the hook to enter into the latch space and engage with at least one of the latch arms. The spring member has insertion holes formed on the first latch arm to allow the connection portions to pass through and abut against the second latch arm, when pressing the press portion, the second latch arm is pushed away from the first latch arm by the abutting connection portions, thereby unlatching the hook from the latch space.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fastener with lateral fastening mechanism, including an outer case, a slide block, a claw-shaped head, and a flexible member. The outer case is a hollow tubular member. A swing lever is pivotally connected inside the outer case. The slide block can move freely to a first position where the slide block is hidden inside the outer case, and to a second position where the slide block sticks out of the outer case. One end of the slide block is pivotally connected to the claw-shaped head, and the flexible member can constantly provide force for pushing the claw-shaped head and the slide block. A guide area of the slide block can interact with the swing end of the swing lever, and in the state of interaction, the position of the slide block can be decided to be either at the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A striker assembly reduces a force of a latch required to latch and unlatch a side door over a door opening of a motor vehicle. The door opening includes a striker opening which is disposed adjacent the door opening. The striker assembly includes a frame fixedly secured to the motor vehicle over the striker opening. The base includes a base opening. A striker assembly also includes a striker slidably secured to the frame allowing the striker to move outboard during the unlatching of the side door and inboard during the latching of the side door.

Abstract: A door latch actuator includes a housing, a latch bolt pin actuator, and a spring latch bolt actuator. The housing includes a strike plate defining a latch opening. The latch bolt pin actuator is mounted for movement in the housing between a first extended position and a second retracted position. The spring latch bolt actuator is mounted for movement in the housing between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: An electrically controlled door lock (11) provided with a blocking member (21) and a detent (20), the blocking member being in contract with an electrically controlled actuator (24) such as a piezo-electric member which is used to control movement of the blocking member which in turn causes either the release of a locking member (12) from a door to allow the door to be opened or the engagement of the locking member to prevent the door from being opened.

Abstract: A liftgate component module mountable on a pivotal liftgate window provides a unitary mounting platform for a plurality of components including a window wiper drive motor and a window latch. A unitary bracket carries the wiper drive apparatus and the window latch apparatus. A handle, which may include an electrical switch, is also mounted on the window. The electrical connections between the handle switch and a controller carried on the window as part of the motor enables instantaneous response of the latch to activation of the handle switch. The same controller can also control a liftgate latch and a liftgate electrical switch handle.

Abstract: An positionable door strike is attached to a door jamb and receives a corresponding door latch located on a swinging door. The positionable door strike has a base plate and a strike plate that is capable of horizontally sliding within a pair of channels located on the base plate. The base plate is secured to the jamb by passing screws through appropriate openings located on the base plate while the strike plate is held secure when it is slid to its desired position by passing one or more set screws through screw openings located on the strike plate, the set screws engaging the door jamb.

Abstract: A multi-stage button switch includes a body, an elastic element and a compression element. The compression element has an integrated flexible harness arm. The body has a track zone and a harness portion which is formed with a selected geometric shape to define the moving path of the compression element that includes a start position, a first stage compression position, a compressed position and a second stage compression position in this order. The button switch thus formed consists of fewer elements, is simply structured and can be fabricated and assembled easily.

Abstract: A retracting locking mechanism for an openable unit includes a striker attached to one of the openable unit and a fixed unit, and a catcher attached to the other of the openable unit and the fixed unit. The catcher includes an inner part, and an outer part for housing the inner part. A coil spring is disposed between the inner and outer parts for biasing the inner part in a retreating direction to pull into the outer part. A dampening device provides dampening force to the retreating movement of the inner part caused by the coil spring.

Abstract: A magnetic lock is disclosed to include a latch for locking, a movable holder member supported on a spring and carrying solenoid, which has a plunger and a stop block fastened to the plunger for controlling the retraction of the latch, and an adjustment device selectively positioned in one of two positioning grooves of different depths in a locating block and stopped at one end of the holder member against the spring for controlling the movable holder member between a first position where the magnetic lock is locked when electrically connected and a second position where the magnetic lock is unlocked when electrically connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and/or closing a dryer door wherein the door is opened and/or closed more simply and swiftly. The present invention includes a hook provided at one side of the dryer door wherein a hanging portion is formed at both sides of one end of the hook. A latch body is provided to one side of a front panel having the door installed thereon, and the hanging portion is inserted in an insertion hole formed in the latch body. A pair of holders is provided to confront each other in the latch body to hold the hanging portion, and a pair of springs is provided in the rear of the holders, respectively.

Abstract: A striker assembly is provided for use with a lock assembly in latching a first body and a second body together and allowing at least one of the first and second bodies to pivotally move relative to the other of the first and second bodies. The lock assembly is mounted to the first body. The striker assembly includes a striker rotatably mounted to the second body and configured so that an associated latch of the lock assembly is selectively lockable to the striker to latch the first body to the second body. A lever extends from the striker and is engageable with the lock body so that the striker rotates when said at least one of the first and second bodies is pivotally moved relative to the other of the first and second bodies.

Abstract: An electric strike includes a housing and a two-position mode selector for selecting a mode of the electric strike. Specifically, the two-position mode selector is operable from outside the housing, and the two-position mode selector is configured to allow the electric strike to selectively operate in a first mode, such as a fail-secure mode, or a second mode, such as a fail-safe mode.