Abstract: A hood latch assembly (10) has a housing (14) having a mouth (13). A ratchet (16) is pivotally mounted within the housing (14) to cooperate with the mouth (13) to pivot between an open, a secondary closed and a primary closed condition for receiving, engaging and cinching a keeper of a striker (80). The ratchet (16) is biased to the open condition. A pivotally mounted primary pawl (18) is biased for engagement with the ratchet (16) to releasably retain the ratchet (16) in the primary closed condition. A pivotally mounted secondary pawl (62) is biased for engagement with the ratchet (16) to releasably retain the ratchet (16) in the secondary closed condition. The secondary pawl (62) has a release lever (20) which rotates between a deployed position and a retracted position. As the ratchet (16) engages the striker (80), the ratchet (16) will rotate in a latching sense from the open condition to the secondary closed condition.

Abstract: A secondary release mechanism for a vehicle hood latch has a pivotally mounted secondary latch which is rotatable between a latching position and a unlatching position and biased towards the latching position. A pivotally mounted release arm is rotatable between a retracted position, a deployed position and a releasing position and biased to the standby position. A pivotally mounted release lever is rotatable between a release position, a standby position and a retract position. The release lever has a cam surface for engaging a hood of the vehicle as the hood moves between the fully latched condition and a secondary latched condition responsively rotating the release lever between the standby position and the retract position. The release lever operably engages the secondary latch as the release lever rotates from the standby position to the release position.

Abstract: A catch hook device for a front hood, or the like, on motor vehicles has a closure hoop and a catch hook, which can be fastened alternatively on the front end of the body of the car or on the front hood. The device holds the front hood in a slit-open position after the opening of the closure by mutual hook engagement. The hook engagement is detachable and can be obtained automatically upon the closing of the hood. In order to optimize the dependability of the closure and to prevent deformations, larger tolerance, etc.

Abstract: A tamper-proof locking mechanism for a vehicular engine compartment, the compartment having a (a) hood closure member with a striker secured within the compartment to the hood; (b) a latch mechanism having a movable latch for catching and holding the striker when such striker is brought into a predetermined position relative to compartment; (c) a bracket secured or connected to the other closure member having (i) walls secured to the latch mechanism for fixing such mechanism in a desired spatial position for receiving the striker, (ii) a saddle with spaced walls defining a track closed at one end by the saddle; and (d) a lock having a housing provided with (i) a tumbler body slidable in and along the track and nestable on the saddle for being secured in an operative position, (ii) housing flanges at opposite regions of the body that overlap the edges of both of the spaced saddle walls, each flange contacting the edges of the side walls at one end of the body to ride thereon and fit flush thereagainst as well

Abstract: An operating device for unlocking at least one swivellable lid of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, is arranged on the interior side of a side member and comprises a bearing housing and at least one swivellable operating grip. For achieving an operating device which can be manufactured and mounted in a simple manner and at reasonable cost and for achieving an effective protection against theft, it is provided that the bearing housing is constructed in one piece with an elongated interior side member panel and in that the at least one swivellable operating grip has a molded-on part on its free ends which points to the exterior side of the vehicle and which, when the vehicle door is closed, reaches in sections under an interior door covering such that a swivelling-up of the operating grip and thus an unlocking of the lid is prevented.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle having a hood covering an underhood area in a front portion of the vehicle and a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, a hood latch release system has a striker mounted in the underhood area, a primary latch mounted in the underhood area for latching to the striker to retain the hood in substantially flush relationship with the vehicle body, and a secondary latch mounted in the underhood area for latching to the striker when the primary latch is unlatched from the striker. The primary latch and the secondary latch are released from the striker by a cable-operated latch release lever.

Abstract: An object of an automotive hood structure of the present invention is to increase the hood strength and make it possible to decrease the sheet thickness of a hood inner 2 without the complicated shape of a hood inner 2 around a striker 3 or the increased size of the striker 3. A reinforcement 4, comprising a top flat portion 41 and flange portions 42, and the striker 3 are disposed between a hood outer 1 and the hood inner 2. A flange portion 31a of the striker 3 is lapped on the flange portion 42 of the reinforcement 4, and welded to the hood inner 2. The top flat portion 41 is fixedly bonded to the inside surface of the hood outer 1.

Abstract: A vehicle with a hood latch assembly includes a latch and latch catch having relative positions which are maintained as the hood closed position of the hood is adjusted to thereby maintain a substantially constant load on the latch assembly. The assembly may include a latch catch with a latch body having an upper hood engaging surface for engaging the hood and isolating hood vibrations. An upwardly projecting neck of the latch catch includes an enlarged head portion with a latch engaging pin. A latch mount incorporated into the latch catch is utilized for coupling the latch catch to a vehicle body. The latch mount may be slidably mounted to a flange of a mounting bracket which is fixedly mounted to the vehicle body. A stop mounted to the vehicle hood engages the upper surface of the latch catch when the hood is in the hood closed position. The latch includes a latch base, a handle pivoted thereto, and a latch hook having a pivot portion pivoted within a yoke of the handle and a hook.

Abstract: A hood control apparatus comprises at least one counterbalancing spring engaged between a forward tilt hood and a top surface radiator frame mounted under the hood. The spring is chosen to have a spring rate such that, when the hood is opened, the spring supports the hood in an open equilibrium position less than fully open. A locking latch device is provided for latching the hood in the open position against unintended closure thereof.

Abstract: An automotive hood latch includes a striker carried by the hood latch and two separate latching members carried by the vehicle for alternate engagement with the striker, one of the latching members serving as a safety. The separate latching members are sequentially operated in the unlatching direction by double reciprocation of a remote cable operator. The motorist can release the hood from both latching members without leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-adjusting stopper for dampening movable parts, in particular for lids, hoods or the like in automotive vehicles, and comprises a stop element, a casing, a clamping element and a coupling element in cooperative relationship. Initially the stop element projects a maximum distance out of the casing. By closing the part which has to be dampened, for example the hood of an automotive vehicle, the stop element becomes displaced into the casing. After opening the lid, the clamping element is locked to the stop element by rotating the coupling element to axially adjust the stop element within the casing. A further adjustment is not required. According to the invention, the stop element will be automatically adjusted in a proper axial position by just closing and opening the lid.

Abstract: An overcenter latch for securing a closure to a body panel includes a panel bracket disposed opposite a closure striker block with a rubber link pivotally connecting the bracket and an operating handle. The block has spaced apart outwardly opening recesses each having a transverse raceway providing opposed inboard and outboard pivot sockets. A pair of depending handle prongs, each terminating in an arcuate cam, are adapted to snap overcenter on an associated raceway for pivotal reception between respective inboard and outboard pairs of sockets. The cams are readily positioned in their associated inboard sockets without the link being tensed. During latching, the handle cams are initially rotated about an inboard socket axis to an overcenter point, wherein the link is tensed to a predetermined dimension less than the links theoretical latching overcenter length.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes a latch assembly including a completely symmetrical metal frame and a polymeric isolation plate mounted between the frame and levers. The polymeric isolation plate is not symmetrical but serves as a templet to assure that only the proper holes are being used on the metal frame for either right-hand or left-hand drive latch assemblies. The polymeric isolation plate also includes integral cylindrical bushings. Detent and fork-bolt levers are trapped onto the respective bushings by metal rivets so that the levers actually rotate on the low friction bushings and not on the metal rivets. The isolator plate includes an integral flange which is interposed between the striker of the vehicle and the throat of the frame to avoid rubbing metal-to-metal contact, to protect the throat, frame and striker and for quieter operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus which automatically locks the hood of a vehicle in a position which allows access to the engine. The invention includes a swing arm which is spring loaded and pivotally connected to the support structure of the vehicle, like the vehicle frame, near the hood hinge and away from the engine. When the hood is opened and the hood hinge pivots, the swing arm automatically follows the hood hinge until the swing arm reaches a position which prevents the hood hinge from pivoting in a direction which would result in the hood closing. In this way the invention automatically locks the hood to prevent premature hood closure which could injure the driver or maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A system is configured to hold a pivotable hatch of a vehicle in a partially open position and to close a switch indicating that the pivotable hatch is open. The system includes a one piece latch extender including a base configured to engage a locking mechanism of the vehicle and coupling member formed on the latch extender. The coupling member is configured to apply a spring force to a hasp on the hatch of the vehicle to couple the latch extender to the hasp and to position the base a predetermined distance from the hasp so that the pivotable hatch remains in a partially open position upon engagement of the base with the locking mechanism. The system also includes an auxiliary post configured to be attached to a post coupled to the hatch of the vehicle to engage and close the switch when the pivotable hatch is in the partially open position.

Abstract: A rearwardly pivotable hood for enclosing a tractor engine is disclosed wherein a latching mechanism selectively retains the hood in a closed position. The latching mechanism includes a releasable clasp member mounted on the subframe structure supporting the air intake apparatus for the engine along a longitudinally extending centerline of the chassis forwardly of said hinge axis. The latching mechanism further includes a centrally positioned latch pin supported from the hood in alignable with the clasp member. A remote release mechanism, including a pivoted handle and a connecting linkage transferring pivotal motion of the handle to the clasp member for actuation thereof, is operable to effect actuation of the latching mechanism from a location along a transverse side of the hood. The pivoted handle can be access through the opening of the daily access door to initiate the raising of the hood for full access to the engine.

Abstract: An automobile with a body passenger compartment open at the top has two tilting hoods located at a distance from one another, with each hood being provided with a lock that is connected by a connecting element with an operating handle of an operating device. Both hoods are unlockable from the passenger compartment. Provision is made such that both operating handles are associated with a common operating device, which comprises a bearing housing with a central cylinder lock. Molded notches on both operating handles cooperate with outside walls of the lock housing of the cylinder lock.

Abstract: According to the invention, a vehicle body has a latch assembly for latching and unlatching a pivotally movable closure panel carrying a striker. The latch assembly has first and second throats for alternately receiving the striker and a latching means adapted for alternate assembly to capture the striker in the first throat and alternately in the second throat. In accordance with the invention, a forkbolt lever is pivotally supported on a housing and is adapted for alternate assembly being mountable for rotation to capture the striker either in the first throat or alternately in the second throat. The detent lever is pivotally supported on a housing and is adapted for alternate assembly being mountable for rotation to selectively engage the forkbolt lever for capturing the striker either in the first throat or alternately in the second throat.

Abstract: A latching mechanism includes a latch member pivotally connected with a mounting bracket for movement between latched and released positions, together with a spring clutch device that normally permits pivotal movement of the latch member toward the latched position. The latch member includes a cam surface that is operable by a striker member to displace the latch member from the released position to the latched position as the striker member is displaced toward the mounting bracket (for example, during the closure movement of a hood component to which the striker member is attached). A release device serves to operate the spring clutch to a released condition, whereupon the latch member is spring-biased toward the released position, thereby to unlock the striker member from the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A locking-aid device is disclosed for a lock, especially for a vehicle door lock or flap lock, in which a pneumatic single-acting locking-aid drive is provided for displacing an abutment for a rotary latch out of a catch position into a locking position, in which the abutment is secured positively by means of a detent pawl. According to the invention the detent pawl can be lifted out, during the opening of the lock, independently of a movement of the locking-aid drive by means of an operative connection. This can be brought about purely mechanically or by means of a separate drive for lifting out the detent pawl during the opening of the lock, so that the abutment can always jump into its catch position immediately during or after the opening of the lock and thus also allows a successive multiple activation of the locking-aid assistance.

Abstract: A device is provided for locking a compartment lid such as the hood of a motor vehicle. The device comprises an element adapted to sit on a portion of the hood and a portion of an adjacent fender surface, a strap attached to the element and extending through a gap between the hood and fender into the compartment interior, a hook on the strap to attach the strap to the vehicle in the compartment, and a mechanism such as a reel to remove slack from the strap and hold the element securely against the hood and adjacent fender surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle security device preventing unauthorized entry into a vehicle compartment includes a locking reel mounted in the compartment and a cable between the locking reel and compartment closure. The unwinding of the cable from the locking reel to release the compartment closure is remotely controlled. An emergency mounting release and release circuit are provided for respectively dismounting the locking reel and deactivating the security device and thus allowing access to the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: A hood prop rod assembly 16 which includes a secondary latching assembly 30 mounted upon the housing 32 of a primary hood latch assembly 24. The housing 32 of the hood latch assembly 24 is utilized to pivotally mount a jaw-type latch member 70 for engaging a catcher 28 mounted on a prop rod 26, which extends through the latch housing 32. The primary latch housing 32 is simply modified to provide for passage of the rod 26 through the housing for supporting the rod in the hood open position and for guiding its movement between that position and the closed position.

Abstract: A locking device for a flap or door of a motor vehicle contains, in addition to the conventional flap or door lock which is unlockable and lockable by a lock cylinder, an additional bolt acting in parallel with the lock on a closing member of the same flap or door. The bolt is prestressed by a spring in the direction of its securing position and is movable mechanically in the direction of its release position by the lock cylinder via a linkage with a free-play connection.

Abstract: A vehicle closure latch mechanism that prohibits relative movement between a latch bolt and a latch assembly so as to prohibit the creation of noise during random vibration caused by the operation of the vehicle. The closure latch mechanism restrains the latch bolt from moving in any lateral direction relative to its longitudinal axis and also restrains axial movement outwardly toward the open position, as well as resisting axial movement inwardly toward the closed position.

Abstract: A motor veicle compartment closure lock with a locking wedge (2) attached on the closure, and lock elements attached on an opening frame for the closure. The locking wedge (2) can be retracted, in a powered way, from an extended, open position into a pushed-in, locked position and, for this purpose, is coupled by a lever mechanism (3) to a power transmission element (5) with a powered drive. The powered drive can be built especially small and light because the drive is made as a drive that operates only in one direction (locking direction) and returns automatically in the opposite direction. Power transmission element (5) is slaved or can be slaved to the locking wedge (2) in the locking direction and moves freely in the opposite direction. A shifting lever (6) is provided that is carried by the power transmission element (5) in the locking direction and is spring-loaded in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A latch assembly for latching and unlatching a pivotally movable closure panel of an automotive vehicle. A locking lever is pivotally supported by the vehicle for movement between a latched position in which an engaging portion thereof is latched to the striker on the closure panel to hold the latter in its closed position and an unlatched position in which the engaging portion releases the striker to allow the closure panel to be moved toward an open position. A detent lever is pivotally supported by the vehicle for movement between an engaged position in which a stepped portion thereof engages the locking lever to retain the latter in its latched position and a released position in which the first portion thereof releases the locking lever to allow the latter to be moved to its unlatched position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a securing device for swivelling components of vehicles, in particular for engine hoods of motor vehicles. A securing hook which, after the release of the swivelling component, initially maintains a catch connection between this swivelling component and a fixed location mating component until the securing hook is pivoted into a release position by means of a manipulator. The manipulator, which is recessed when the swivelling component is locked, is automatically transferred into an accessible operating position by utilization of a forced advancement of the swivelling component relative to the mating component initiated by the release procedure. A control edge effectively connected to the manipulator and supported on the mating component is moved in the opening direction of the securing hook by sliding along the mating component.

Abstract: A locking device for a closable box-shaped hood provided in an industrial vehicle. The hood has a recess on its lateral surface, a rotatable locking unit having a lever is provided in the recess, and a hood catch for engaging with a key-shaped section of the locking unit is provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: A hood latch engages a striker for latching a hood panel movable between open and closed positions relative to a body panel. The striker is mounted on one of the panels. A housing is mounted on the other panel. A pop-up lever is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between lowered and raised positions. A pop-up spring bias the pop-up lever to the raised position. A latch lever has a hook for latching engagement with the striker. The latch lever is pivotally mounted to the pop-up lever for movement between latched and unlatched positions and has a handle for manually moving the latch lever. A latch spring acts between the pop-up lever and the latch lever to rotate the latch lever towards the latched position. A detent lever pivotally mounts to the housing for releasably engaging and retaining the pop-up lever in the lowered position and preventing rotation to the raised position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle closure panel hingedly mounts to a vehicle body panel and latches the closure panel in a closed position. A striker post is rotatably connected to one panel. A handle is mounted to the striker post and allows the striker post to be manually rotated, when the handle extends outwardly in an extended position. A striker guide is mounted on the other panel and has an open ended slot therein engaged by the striker post upon closing movement of the closure panel. The slot is angularly disposed to rotate the striker post from the extended position upon movement of the closure panel toward the closed position. A primary latch engages the striker post to hold the closure panel in the closed position and is releasable to allow movement of the closure panel from the closed position toward an opened position. A pop-up spring moves the closure panel from the closed position toward the open position so that the slot rotates the striker post toward the extended position.

Abstract: A secondary hood latch is rotatably mounted on a body panel of a vehicle body and engageable by a striker mounted on a hood panel upon partial opening movement from a fully closed position to retain the hood against full opening movement subsequent to release of a primary latch. A cam member is rotatably mounted on the latch and has an interengagement with the striker so that the cam member is rotated in one direction during closing movement of the hood to the fully closed position and rotated in the other direction during opening movement of the hood from the fully closed position. A handle is carried by the cam member so that the handle is rotated therewith and estabilished in a retracted position concealed within the vehicle body when the cam member is rotated in one direction during closing movement of the hood and established in an extended occupant accessible position projecting out of the vehicle body when the cam member is rotated in the other direction during opening movement of the hood.

Abstract: A pop-up and release handle mechanism has a pop-up support rod slideably connected to a vehicle body panel for movement between a retracted position and an extended position as a vehicle closure panel moves from a closed position toward an opened position. A pop-up spring is anchored between the vehicle body panel and the pop-up support rod for urging the pop-up support rod from the retracted position to the extended position and for urging the vehicle closure panel towards the opened position. A secondary latch handle, carried by a self-presenting bracket, is connected to the secondary latch by a flexible push-pull cable for releasing the secondary latch allowing movement of the vehicle closure panel to the opened position.

Abstract: A lock for a window on a topper cap found on pickup trucks and the like. The lock comprises an inner housing having a rotating geared pinion engaging two racks. The racks are attached to deadbolts that can extend and engage the frame tubing on opposite sides of the pinion gear. An outer housing surrounds the inner housing and the deadbolts. A handle shaft is disposed through the outer and inner housings to attach to the pinion gear. Turning the handle turns retracts or extends the deadbolts. The whole assembly can be easily installed by attaching the outer housing to the window inside surface. The housings make it difficult for intruders to open the window by tampering with the mechanical components.

Abstract: A compact vehicle hood latch and pop-up device can be pressembled as a unit and mounted to a vehicle and cooperate with a single striker on the hood to effect latching, pop-up and unlatching of the hood. It includes a pivotal primary latch, a detent lever cooperable with the primary latch, a pop-up lever extending across the path of the striker to effect movement of the latter to a pop-up position when the primary latch is released and a secondary latch to release the striker from its pop-up position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism including: a mounting plate carrying a slot having a bottom and mouth, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from it, the pawl having a bottom arm portion, and a follower mechanism for positioning the pawl with respect to the slot of the mounting plate, the pawl mechanism having a primary pivot about which it normally pivots or rotates and a secondary safety pivot about which the pawl is able to rotate if the primary pivot breaks and which secondary safety pivot does not interfere with any normal operation motion, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having a mouth and control mechanism for controlling the position of the pawl mechanism with respect to the slot when the control mechanism of the ratchet engages the follower mechanism of the pawl, the latch mechanism having disposed therewith

Abstract: A hood latch assembly for latching and unlatching a hood for an automotive vehicle comprises a housing for receiving a striker on the hood, a locking lever spring biased toward an unlatched position in which it releases the striker, but movable to a latched position in reponse to the hood being closed, a detent lever for holding the locking lever in its latched position, a cable release and a release lever disposed between the detent lever and locking lever. The release lever is connected to the cable release and engages the detent lever to provide a high mechanical advantage to the detent lever, when actuated to release the hood, to reduce hood opening effort and the locking lever automatically returns the release lever and cable release to their original positions when moved to its unlatched position whereby no spring return for the cable release is required.

Abstract: A compact, relatively simple hood latch assembly for latching and unlatching a hood of an automotive vehicle is provided in which all the components can be housed in a single housing and which includes only a single pivotal latching lever for providing both a primary latch and a secondary latch.

Abstract: A lock, particularly for trunk, hatch or engine compartments of automotive vehicles or doors or the like, having a mating closure part adapted to be arranged on a hinged part and to be brought into a closed position by means of an external force, comprising a force accumulator which forms the external force charging by displacement of the hinged part. One end of the force accumulator cooperates with a lock part which grips the mating closure part, the other end of the force accumulator acting upon a swingably mounted charging lever adapted to be released before the force accumulator is charged.

Abstract: A push lock actuable anti-theft vehicle device for a vehicle having a hood. A hood coupling member for coupling the hood to the vehicle is secured within an engine compartment of the vehicle and has a first locked position and a second unlocked position. The hood coupling member is operable by a keyed push lock member through a cable. An electrical contact is opened or closed by an engagement member of the push lock member upon actuation of the coupling member. The push lock member is manually operable to lock the coupling member and is operable by a restricted distribution key to unlock the coupling member.

Abstract: A latch mechanism comprising:(a) a mounting plate carrying a slot having a bottom and mouth,(b) a pivotably biased pawl mechanism comprising a top arm portion for pivoting from a position over the slot to a position spaced from it, a bottom arm portion and follower apparatus,(c) a ratchet mechanism biased for rotation and carrying a notch having a mouth and control apparatus for controlling the follower apparatus of the pawl mechanism, and(d) stop means for stopping rotation of the ratchet mechanism with the mouth of the notch proximate the mouth of the slot both directed towards the top arm portion of the pawl, the top arm portion normally positioned over the slot and being precluded from movement away from the slot unless the mouth of the notch and mouth of the slot are both directed towards the top arm portion.

Abstract: An anti-theft hood lock release blocker assembly for preventing the release of a vehicle hood latch activated by a connecting sheathed cable. A bared portion of the cable is secured by a cable connector matingly engaged to a protruding member of a platform jounaled for rotation along a limited arc required to effect release of the hood latch. A remotely controlled electromagnetically operated lever is provided for interfering with the rotation of the platform the full length of the limited arc to prevent release of the hood latch. The assembly is provided with cable clamping apparatus to facilitate the retrofit installation of the assembly into existing hood latch/cable mechanisms.

Abstract: A two piece tubular front end support structure which is adapted to be readily attached to the upper and lower tie bars of a vehicle frame means. The two piece support structures comprises a generally U-shaped support member having a pair of horizontally spaced legs to which a pair of headlamp assemblies are respectively secured and a cross brace member welded to the legs of the main member and to which a hood latch assembly is adapted to be secured.

Abstract: The invention concerns a power-assisted lock for doors, hatches hoods or hard tops of vehicles and the like. In addition to a known pivotal latch and a catch for a releasable engagement with the pivotal latch there is a control disc pivotally mounted in the housing of the lock. A manual or power actuated drive means is attached to the control disc for the closing and opening operation. The pivotal latch and the control disc have a drive connection providing for limited play. The arrangement together with the catch leads to a locking of the control disc before a closing operation and an unlocking of the control disc by turning the pivotal latch during the closing operation of the lock. The pivotal latch has the usual pre-lock position.

Abstract: A latch for releaseably securing one body portion, such as a hood, to another body portion, such as a cowl, of a semi-tractor or the like. One of the body portions has a hook member mounted thereon and the other carrys a securing device. The latch is of one-piece molded construction comprising an elongate elastomeric member having a handle at one end, an opening therein adjacent the handle and a tongue in the opening extending from the handle toward the other end, the handle and tongue being integral with the elongate member. The free end of the tongue is adapted for engaging the hook member, and an opening is provided at the other end of the elongate member for connection to the securing device. The free end of the tongue is spaced from the opening a distance less than the distance the hook member is spaced from the securing device when the two body portions are adjacent one another and the elongate member is untensioned.

Abstract: A latch assembly for vehicles is disclosed for securing engine hoods, trunk lids, or other pivotal members to fixed portions of a vehicle. The assembly includes a primary latch preferably releasable from a remote position within the vehicle, and a secondary latch to hold the pivotal member only partially open after release of the primary latch. A secondary latch release handle is mounted for automatic movement into the gap between the partially opened pivotal member and the fixed vehicle portion for easy, convenient access outside the pivotal member to release the secondary latch to fully open the pivotal member. A safety retaining arm is included to hold the pivotal member partially closed even if the fasteners for the latch assembly loosen or fail.

Abstract: A remotely controlled hood lock release blocker assembly for preventing the release of a vehicle hood latch which includes a cable coupled to the hood release. The cable is secured to a platform journaled for rotation along the full length of a limited arc required to effect release of the hood latch and one of an electromagnetically controlled lever and mechanical dead bolt is provided for interfering with the rotation of the platform the full length of the limited arc preventing completion thereof whereby to prevent release of the hood. A control device in the form of a key operated energizing device for the electromagnet or a key operated control for withdrawing the lever and dead bolt respectively, is provided remote from the blocker assembly for changing the condition of the lever and dead bolt from interferent to non-interferent condition respectively.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine equipped with an auxiliary fan, which is adapted to be selectively engaged and is arranged inside of a space adapted to be closed by means of a lid (engine hood); the fan is controlled in dependence on the position of this lid. Especially with an open engine hood, a sudden and unexpectedly occurring re-starting of the fan is avoided having been turned-off so that injuries to limbs of a servicing person who works in direct proximity of the fan is practically precluded.

Abstract: A solenoid activated locking system primarily for hood and trunk manual release systems for vehicles. The solenoid is connected to a cable tied to the latch of a conventional hood or trunk release system. Unless activated, the solenoid prevents manual release of the trunk or hood lids to prevent access to the truck or engine compartment to someone who has obtained unauthorized access to the vehicle interior. The solenoid is automatically actuated for a preselected period of time whenever the ignition is turned on or off or when a reset switch is closed for more than a minimum and less than a maximum period of time. In addition, the solenoid is activated automatically during closure of the hood or trunk lid to permit secure engagement of the corresponding latch mechanism. An emergency release cable, hidden in an obscure location external of the vehicle, is provided for enabling manual release of the solenoid in the event of vehicle battery failure or other otherwise disabling event.

Abstract: A lock assembly is disclosed for locking pivotable hoods, flaps or the like of motor vehicles, which lock assembly has a displaceable closing cylinder, a handle key, a detent pawl and a rotary latch. To ensure that a closure of this type is adjusted quickly and accurately during assembly, the closing cylinder and handle key on the one hand and the detent pawl and rotary latch on the other hand are arranged in separate housings, and the two housings have guides in which they are displaceable relative to one another on overcoming a frictional force.