Abstract: Provided is a retracting device comprising a main arm and a sub-arm wherein appearance can be improved. An arm (5) has a main arm (7) and a sub-arm (8) such that an acceptance portion (25) for accepting a receiving part (reception part) (6) is formed between these. The main arm (7) and the sub-arm (8) are configured so that the main arm (7) and the sub-arm (8) rotate by way of: the acceptance portion (25) being closed in a hold position; the acceptance portion (25) opening by the receiving part (reception part) (6) coming into contact with the main arm (7) in the hold position; and an end portion (21) of the main arm (7) and an end portion (24) of the sub-arm (8) coming into contact while the acceptance portion (25) is opened.

Abstract: A closing device for a furniture part having a carrier connected to the movable furniture part or the body part, and a closing lever which is impinged upon by a closing spring, the closing lever having a guide track for the carrier and being pivotable by the carrier when the movable furniture part is opened between a hold-closed position and a standby position, in which the carrier uncouples from the closing lever or which is stationary with respect to the movable furniture part for the carrier connected to the body part. A closing force is exerted by the closing lever onto the carrier as of a use position assumed by the carrier in the guide track. The distance of the carrier in the use position from the lever pivoting axis of the is at least 1.5 times the distance of the carrier in the closed position from the pivoting axis.

Abstract: A door latch system for a heating system is provided. The door latch system may be installed with a fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove, or other suitable system. The door latch system comprises a handle, a handle head and a catch. The handle head may be configured to engage the catch. Moreover, the catch may be configured with a self adjusting tension system, such that when the handle head engages the catch, the catch is configured to exert a tension force on the handle head. This tension force also causes the handle head to compress the seal of a fireplace door where the door latch system is installed.

Abstract: Device for pulling a door panel or a window casement toward a frame, comprising a traction device arranged in the rabbet of the door panel or the frame, wherein the traction device can be engaged with a retracting block arranged in the rabbet of the frame or the door panel, wherein the traction device comprises a traction element that is loaded by a spring that can be moved in vertical direction, wherein the retracting block comprises an inclined retracting structure, and wherein the traction device comprises means for engaging the traction element with the inclined retracting structure, wherein tension from the spring when engaging with the inclined retracting structure moves the traction element along the inclined retracting structure.

Abstract: A latch and catch assembly is provided to secure two or more components together in a locked or closed position. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a catch and a tensile member connected to a latch, wherein the assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The catch includes a lip configured to engage a recess formed in the latch when the assembly is in the closed configuration. In a further embodiment, the latch includes a pull-tab extending from the latch, wherein the pull-tab is configured to enable the user to move the assembly between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the catch has a wider proximal portion which tapers to a narrower distal portion, such that the catch has a “V”-shaped planform.

Abstract: A latching system including a latch assembly and a keeper is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a grabber catch attached to a cup-like housing. In the illustrated embodiment the latch assembly also includes a rectilinearly moving pawl that is actuated by a handle pivotally attached to the cup-like housing. The pawl of the grabber catch and the rectilinearly moving pawl both engage the keeper when the keeper is secured to the latch assembly.

Abstract: A window fastener having a mounting base (21), a latching flap (12) moveably coupled thereto, a handle (14) and a latching tongue (15). the handle (14) is movable between first and second positions and is coupled to the latching tongue (15) so that the latching tongue moves the latching flap (18) when the handle (14) moves to a latching position. A movement inducing mechanism (34, 41) operable by the handle (14) causes movement of the flap (12) to occur when the handle is moved from the latching position to a non-latching position.

Abstract: An over-center toggle latch comprises a latch for securing two members together having a latch housing affixed to one of the members and a keeper having a projecting member affixed to the other of the members. Inside the housing is a toggle, mounted within the housing for pivotal movement between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the projecting member of the keeper is retained within the housing. In the first position, the projecting member of the keeper is released from the housing. A retaining means disposed within the housing is in pivotal contact with the housing and the toggle for retaining the toggle in either of the first or second positions. A protruding tab is disposed on the retaining means. A switch having a two-position push button actuator is located in the housing such that when the toggle is in a first position, the push button actuator is in a first position, and when the toggle is in the second position, the push button actuator is in a second position.

Abstract: A single-door security rural mailbox having a front closure that can be accessed by the rural mail carrier and the owner of the mailbox from the same opening. The mailbox has a key operated locking mechanism for locking the closure. The owner of the mailbox locks and sets the closure in a set position allowing the mail carrier to open the closure once. The mail carrier then closes the closure with sufficient force so that the locking mechanism passes the set position and engages in a locked position. Thereafter, the closure can only be unlocked by the owner with a key who then sets the lock and closure for the next mail delivery where again the mail carrier can open and then shut the closure.

Abstract: An automatic pull-in mechanism for drawer guides consists of a guide rail and a runner rail, which are made longitudinally displaceable relative to one another by rolling bodies. On the guide rail there is disposed a component that can toggle between two end positions and is biased bistably toward the toggle end positions by a spring system, and has an open-ended slot for a projection projecting downward from the runner rail. The projection and the toggling component are so disposed relative to one another that upon a displacement of the runner rail from the drawer-open position to the drawer-closed position, as the projection approaches the latter it enters into the slot and then, after passing over the dead center of the toggling component, it is carried resiliently by the slot into the drawer-closed position.

Abstract: A device for holding a drawer closed includes a fork-like member which is pivotable between an inoperative position and an operative position. When the drawer is open, the fork-like member is normally in the inoperative position. As the drawer is closed, a pin on the drawer engages a first tine of the fork-like member to thereby pivot the latter to the operative position in which the pin is engaged by a second tine of the fork-like member. The second tine biases the pin under the action of a spring so as to hold the drawer closed. A returning member is integral with the fork-like member and serves to return the fork-like member to the inoperative position if the fork-like member is unintentionally pivoted to the operative position while the drawer is open. The returning member is provided with a channel having a first open end adjacent to the fork-like member and a second open end which faces the pin when the drawer is open and the fork-like member is in the operative position.

Abstract: An explosion vent installation for a closed space comprising a door swingably mounted for outward movement. An elongated pressure collapsible pin is supported at one end, by an arm end portion overlying the door edge portion opposite its hinges and in the direction of the door opening movement. The other end of the arm is pivotally connected with a pin supported body mounted on a door jam. The pin is supported at its other end by a pin support bolt in the pin support body. The arm is moved in a pin collapsing direction by the door opening in response to excess pressure above a predetermined value in the space monitored.

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

Abstract: A door latch assembly for use in a microwave oven comprises a latch pawl secured to the inside of the door, a revolving plate having integrally molded therewith a push projection, a hook-shaped projection having a stop surface formed thereon, a projected bar and a U-shaped spring support member having a panel spring positioned longitudinally therein. The stop surface of the hook-shaped projection prevents further rotation of the revolving plate by abutting the surface of the spring support member.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory assembly is disclosed for mounting on an interior panel, such as on a visor, for example, and includes an accessory device, such as a vanity mirror assembly, interconnected with the visor or other vehicle panel at a generally fixed location thereon. A preferred top-hinged accessory door is pivotally interconnected with the visor or other interior panel for selective pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a closed position wherein the accessory device is substantially covered and an open position wherein the accessory device is substantially exposed. A resilient biasing device is provided for resiliently biasing the accessory door toward the open position, and an overrideable latch apparatus is adapted for retaining the accessory door in the closed position.

Abstract: A hold down apparatus for a tippable structure of a vehicle has a clamping catch which is rotatable about a transverse axis. The catch has a fork formed by two projecting prongs on one side of the transverse axis and, on the other side of the transverse axis, is acted upon by a spring device which holds the clamping catch with an over-center action either against a stop, in which position the opening of the fork faces the structure, or urges the clamping catch with spring action into a second position in which the fork is held in an essentially horizontal position in which the structure is clamped down.

Abstract: An over center toggle latch for holding a door closed against a surface of a receiving structure comprises a latch housing adapted to be mounted on the receiving structure, a toggle member pivotally mounted within the housing for pivotal movement between a latched and unlatched position, a keeper mounted on the door having a dog projection adapted to be received within the housing when the toggle member is in the unlatched position and retained therein when the toggle member is in the latched position, and a pair of guide members in sliding telescopic arrangement, outwardly urged apart by a spring, for retaining the toggle member in the latched or unlatched positions, and for holding the door closed by a predetermined amount of force.

Abstract: A slide door locking device for vehicles during feeding of fuel to a fuel tank positioned near a slide door, wherein a stopper lever is so pivotally mounted inside a panel of a body, the panel defining the rear end of a door opening, that the front end of the stopper lever may project into the door opening beyond the front end of the panel and engage with a stop member attached to the slide door, and an actuating lever is pivotally disposed to the panel, projecting into a hollow formed in the panel, for a fuel supply inlet, and is coupled to the rear end of the stopper lever via a link member. When the actuating lever is operated during feeding of fuel to a fuel tank, the front end of the stopper lever engages with the stop member of the slide door to prevent it from opening when it is opened.

Abstract: An electric door lock having a return means comprising a pair of locking members, a return member, rod guides, and leaf springs which eliminates the disadvantages of roller type pivot member locks. The lock is thinner to provide improved appearance. The locking members and return member may be connected to each other to ensure more reliable operation. A biasing force is applied to the locking members in the same direction as the pivotal movement of the locking members, and the engaging surface of the locking members does not apply force to the locking levers thereby making it possible to disengage the locking lever from the locking members using only a minimum of magnetic force and consuming only a small amount of electric power which can be conveniently supplied by a small DC battery.

Abstract: A latch assembly which releases when a predetermined force is applied to it includes a latch and a handle pivotally mounted on a closure member for pivoting movement about parallel axes. The handle includes a projection which extends into a groove in the latch, and the projection and groove lie generally along the line which joins the pivot axes. When the handle is pivoted, the projection pivots the latch. The latch includes a pivot portion, a latching portion, and a connecting portion which connects the latching portion to the pivot portion. The connecting portion is flexible and permits the latching portion to release if a predetermined force is applied to the latching portion.

Abstract: A door locking device for a microwave oven of the present invention has an engaging member arranged inwardly of the cooking chamber of the housing. An arm is arranged at the rear surface side of a door and is biased clockwise by a spring, such that its horizontal state is kept by a stopper and the arm may be pivoted counterclockwise. A locking eccentric cam having a notched engaging portion is mounted at the distal end of the arm so as to be pivotal about a shaft. As the door is opened/closed, the notched engaging portion of the locking eccentric cam is engaged with the engaging member at the side of the housing to eccentrically pivot the locking eccentric cam, thereby locking/unlocking the door.

Abstract: Structure for mounting a door to a cabinet for selective opening of the door from either side of an access opening provided in the cabinet. The door mounting structure includes hub portions which are removably associated with the hinge pins mounted on the cabinet. Positive locking structure is provided for positively maintaining the hub structures associated with the hinge pins about which the door is swung to prevent complete separation of the door from the cabinet. The positive locking structure includes a rigid element which is urged into interfering relationship with the hub structure associated with the cabinet hinge pin about which the door is being swung to prevent repositioning of that hub structure from a closed pin-engaging disposition to an open disposition wherein the pin is released. Overcenter detent structure is provided for maintaining the separable portions of the hub structure selectively in the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A locking device for vertically movable sliding gates and the like mounted in a gate frame is disclosed. A lock mechanism arranged within the frame comprises a locking bar for locking engagement with the gate. The locking bar is journaled on a bearing for rotational movement between a locking and an unlocking position. A pawl for selectively blocking the locking bar in the locking position is also provided. A cam plate senses whether the gate is open or closed and is adapted to detain the blocking action of the pawl when the gate is in the open position.

Abstract: A door locking arrangement for a railway car hopper includes a latch element and keeper assembly having camming surfaces which during gravitational opening of the door lift the latch element to a disengaged position. The locking is controlled by a longitudinal actuating bar which controls the latch element. A spring biasing device urges the latch element to its locked position.

Abstract: A pivotably mounted door stop linkage has a resilient member acting on the linkage to maintain the door stop in position for conventional door operation while allowing rotation of the stop to release the door in reaction to a pressure differential acting across the door.

Abstract: A device for holding a door firmly closed includes a bracket for attachment to a door and a bistable assembly for attachment to the door jamb. A spring-biased piston within the bistable assembly presses one arm of a rotatable bell-crank against the tip of the bracket to hold the door firmly closed against the door jamb. Opening the door against the urging of the spring-biased piston rotates the bell crank to a standby position in which it is held stably by the spring-biased piston.In a preferred embodiment, a solenoid within the housing of the bistable assembly rotates the bell crank from engaged position to standby position in response to an external signal, thereby moving the door away from the door jamb automatically.

Abstract: A closure, particularly for industrial freezer doors is disclosed as comprising two elements, a box-like body having a top portion provided with a spring-loaded lever pivoted thereto, and a second element which is comprised of a suitably shaped latch pivoted to a mounting plate, said second element being snap insertable in the first element and retained by the latter by means of a "nose" element, thus providing a perfect closure.

Abstract: A door hinged in a frame at one edge has a pivotal locking element along its other edge, with a longitudinal groove cooperatively receiving a counter-locking projection on the frame. The locking element includes a rotation stop to prevent the rotation of the door beyond closed position. The locking element is sufficiently rotatable about its pivotal mounting that its groove is disengaged from the locking projection for opening the door. A spring interconnects the locking element and the door for biasing the locking element in open or closed position. Grips are fastened respectively on one side of the door and to the locking element on the other side of the door. The rotation stop has an angularly arranged plate extending into an opening in the door with a projection on its free edge registerable with a corresponding projection on the door to limit opening pivotal movements of the locking element.

Abstract: A pivoting latch and lock for a door hinged in a frame having a strike aperture has a detent latch that can be moved out of the strike opening merely by pulling the door open unless the detent latch is specially blocked against such movement. In one embodiment a frame is installed on the door and presents an edge opening. Normally spring-projected partly through the edge opening is a detent latch having a central body carrying one or more pivot lugs guiding rotation of the detent latch about one or more axes located within the frame and alongside the detent latch. The detent latch has a surface associated with each axis so shaped as to clear the frame opening when the latch is rotated about that axis. A lever is pivoted on the frame to move into and out of a position blocking rotation of the detent latch. The lever may be operated by a solenoid or electromagnet. If desired, the same electrical device can move the two levers of duplicate pivoting latches.