Abstract: A sliding-action slam latch includes an integrally molded rearwardly curving leaf spring for engaging the door panel in which the latch is mounted. A recess in the underside of the latch permits free travel of the leaf spring as the latch is opened.

Abstract: An improvement for a combination steamer and convection oven is described. The improvement includes double access doors in the front of the oven for controlling access to the cooking cavity within. The doors are cam actuated between a closed position, a first open position wherein the doors are cracked to release hot gases from within the cavity and a second open position wherein the doors are fully open. The admission of steam to the cavity is controlled by a positive displacement flapper valve and one or a pair of the ovens can be used, and if a pair is used a single steamer provides steam for either or both cooking cavities.

Abstract: An improved animal litter containment and filtering apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first and second container for holding particulate litter, a coupler for temporarily securing the first container to the second container, and a filter. The second container may be inverted and temporarily secured to the first container utilizing the the coupler with the filter temporarily secured between the first and second containers. The coupler includes a first part secured to an end wall of the first container and a second part secured to an end wall of the second container. The coupler is secured to only the first and second containers, and not to the filter. The first and second parts may be temporarily engaged to temporarily secure the first container to the second container. The filter includes a filter having opposing ends, and an edge engager attached to each of the opposing ends.

Abstract: An actuating assembly for a motor-vehicle door latch has a handle extending longitudinally on an outside of the panel and having one end coupled to the latch and another end projecting through the panel and provided with a fork having a longitudinally open seat. A backing plate on an inside of the panel is provided with a transversely extending pivot bar engaged in the seat of the fork. The handle is pivotal about an axis of the bar between a rest position relatively close to the door and an outer actuated position pulled out from the door. Interengaging formations on the bar and in the seat block longitudinal displacement of the handle relative to the backing plate except in the rest position of the handle so that when the handle is moved to or beyond the outer actuated position the formations prevent removal of the handle from the door.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a glove compartment is provided. The latch mechanism includes a plate mountable to the door of the glove compartment. A lever and a hook are interlocked to each other and pivotably mounted to the plate. The lever is movable between a closed position and an opened position such that movement of the lever from the closed position to the opened position pivots the hook and consequently unlatches the latch mechanism for the glove compartment. When the lever is in the closed position, the hook may be pivoted independent of the lever.

Abstract: A door lock having upper and lower vertically spaced actuator seats centered on respective vertically spaced upper and lower axes has a handle assembly having inner and outer mounting plates horizontally flanking the door lock. An upper stem fitted in the upper actuator seat and supported on the inner plate can rotate about the upper actuator axis and carries an inner handle. A lower stem fitted in the lower actuator seat and supported on the outer plate can rotate about the lower axis. An outer stem separate from the inner stem and supported on the outer plate can rotate about the upper axis coaxially with the inner stem and carries an outer handle. Gearing interconnects the outer and lower stems for rotation of the lower stem about the lower axis on rotation of the outer stem about the upper axis.

Abstract: A safety cable locking device for a knob-operated door mounted in a door frame including a framing stud. The device comprises an anchor member, a wire plastic covered cable, a lag bolt and a bushing. The anchor member contains the bushing and is fastened to a door frame framing stud by the lag bolt which passes through a hole in the anchor member and bushing into the framing stud. The cable ends pass the side of the anchor member through two holes which are located to cooperate with the bushing, causing the cable ends to be angled apart at 15 to 30 degrees. The cable loop is passed over the inside door knob. If the door is pushed open, tension force is put on the cable causing the edges of the anchor member holes to bite into the angled cable, locking the cable in place and preventing the door from being opened further.

Abstract: A vandalism-proof lever handle system for activating a locking or latching device has a U-shaped lever handle having first and second bent end portions with a central or intermediate portion therebetween. A second end portion is secured to a mounting surface and has an extended portion for engaging the lock or latching device for activating the same. The opposite first end portion is movably secured to move in an arc-like path within a curved retaining channel forming an arc segment of given arc length. The first end portion is entrained preferably by a shoulder bolt or collar having a widened end portion. The widened end portion or widened portion of the shoulder bolt is received in an interior of the channel. End portions of the retaining channel form abutments or stop points which limit further movement during rotation of the lever handle. The shoulder bolt or widened collarlike element limits rotational, lateral, vertical, and inward and outward forces placed on the lever handle.

Abstract: A handle device for use in imparting a movement to an automobile door about a hinge axis for the purpose of opening and closing the door without causing the user's hand to become dirty. The handle device includes a handle part and a support structure for pivotally supporting the handle for movement about an axis that is parallel to the hinge axis. The movement of the handle part is between a position wherein the handle part is exposed and a further position wherein the handle is received wholly within an opening in the door. Surface structure is provided on the door and surface structure is provided on an end plate on the handle which engage to prevent admittance of dirt and the like into the opening in the door.

Abstract: An improved material handling wire-mesh container having a bottom wall secured to a support frame, a rear and front wall hinged respectively to a rear and front edge of the bottom wall, and side walls hinged to a respective vertical end edge of the rear wall. Lock members are secured to the front wall adjacent opposed vertical edges thereof for locking the side walls and front wall in a vertical position with the rear wall disposed vertically. Each of the lock members has a latch secured to the front wall adjacent the vertical edge. The latch has a lock rod formed with a handle member and guidingly slidable in a keeper member so that the lock rod may be displaced axially. An arresting projection is secured to the lock rod for maintaining same in a lock position. Bolt receiving means is secured to each of the side walls for receiving a lock bolt end therein to secure the side walls to the front wall.

Abstract: An improved handle and latch assembly for a portable personal computer. The computer includes a cover. To open the cover, the user grasps the handle and pushes it a slight distance toward the computer. The handle is slideably coupled to the cover of the personal computer. A locking member is moveably disposed within the cover. A pair of locking hooks extend out of the cover and engage with slots in the keyboard section of the computer. When the handle is moved inward, it contacts the locking member and moves it, thereby releasing the hooks, and allowing the cover to be opened.

Abstract: The system for rapid mounting and removal of a carrier on and from a support frame comprises a handle which is accessible at the front of the carrier and the ends of which are joined to two side arms pivotally mounted on two shafts. The handle is locked in the top position by means of a blade-spring device. Two studs come into position within notched portions of the arms. Each stud is attached to a spring, the other end of which is attached to the support frame. The springs are stretched in order to bring the studs into an initial stop position. After mounting of the carrier, higher tension is exerted and has the effect of locking the carrier position.

Abstract: A combined closing and airing fixture or latch for a door (10) of a refrigerator cabinet comprises a handle (12) which can keep the door closed by means of a hook. An element (20) is arranged on the handle (12), which element is adjustable relative to the handle so that the element (20) can keep the door (10) ajar in an airing position by means of a hook (22).

Abstract: A security latch assembly for a door and window in which the door security latch assembly configuration will prevent the door from an unauthorized opening when the assembly is in a secured locked position. The window security latch assembly configuration will prevent the upper and lower sashes of a window from an unauthorized opening when the assembly is in a second locked position.

Abstract: A latch apparatus and a cover member for releasably closing an access opening in a grain bin. The latch apparatus includes a continuous bar which has a gripping section for grasping while opening and closing the cover member, a section for engaging a stud which protrudes from the frame around the perimeter of the opening, and a section on which the bar pivots. The pivot section of the bar rotates within a pivot receptacle which is secured to the cover member.

Abstract: A latch device for a hinged door including a resiliently flexible latch bar secured to the door and having a free portion extending along the inside of the door to an end portion, near the door edge, which engages a catch by means of the bending and straightening of the latch bar. Preferred embodiments include a stop bar similar to the latch bar, but extending beyond the opposite door edge to engage another catch to hold the door open. The latch and stop bars are preferably a single bar with two free portions at its opposite ends. The catches have bearing surfaces which distort the bar as the door swings to prepare it to snap into locking engagement with the catches. Access to the latch bar, to allow unlatching, is provided through the door.

Abstract: A window latch that includes a handle portion secured to the window and a generally U-shaped latch member that is secured to the frame. The U-shaped latch member defines a projection in engagement with the handle to retain the window in the closed position. To open the latch, the legs of the U are moved toward each other to disengage the projection from the handle to permit the window to be moved to the open position.

Abstract: This mounting and protection plate for door lock handles is applicable notably as an ornamental fitting to the doors of private houses. The plate (5) comprises a back recess (9) in which a spiral return spring (10) is disposed. The inner turn of the spring has a square configuration engaged by the square-sectioned handle-bar of the door lock which interconnects the handle and the lock mechanism, and the outer turn of the spring is anchored to the plate by engaging a groove formed therein, the spiral spring constantly urging the handle to its normal, inoperative position, independently of the lock spring.

Abstract: The lock button on a door latch is slidable in a horizontal direction between a retracted unlocking position and an extended locking position wherein it blocks a latch hook release member from unlatching the latch, prevents inadvertent locking of the door and extends alongside a strike shoulder on the associated door jamb to provide a secondary latch.

Abstract: A latching assembly particularly well suited for being mounted on the outside of an insulated door without having to disturb or reduce the insulating material, and which is concealed from view by a channel-like handle used for opening the door. The latching assembly includes a helical cam that rotates as the handle pivots and further includes a follower that is driven by the helical cam parallel to the axis of rotation. The latch bolt is attached to this follower, whereby pivoting motion of the handle is converted into translational motion of the latch bolt.

Abstract: A cam lock has a housing with a locking lever extending through an opening in said housing and being pivotally mounted thereon. The housing has a shoulder on an interior surface thereof surrounding said opening and the lever is surrounded by an abutment. In a closed position, the abutment forms a line of contact with the shoulder so that the opening is completely closed.

Abstract: A deflectable unitary latch (10) of plastic material is disclosed for securing a pivoting window (12) or the like to a frame (14) having a striker member (28) thereon. The latch (10) has a base (30), a handle (32) and a spring-like arm (34) extending from the base (30), with the arm (34) having a proximal hinge portion (36), a support strut (38), a latch portion (40) and a press bar (42). The hinge portion (36) and the support strut (38) are constructed to allow the arm (34) to be deflected primarily about the hinge portion (36) as the press bar (42) is urged toward the handle (32) for release of the latch.

Abstract: This invention is a unique method and apparatus for securing doors, windows, and the like, from unwarranted entry so that limited opening of the door, or the like, can be accomplished. The invention further provides for the emergency release of the securement device by a person from the inside of the locked room. Methods and apparatus for adapting and installing the securement device is unique and the unwarranted entry is further accomplished by means of unique design for preventing jarring or vibrating the securement device out of position of proper operation. Additional features include the allowing of entry into the room from the outside authorized persons by means of undetectable access features.

Abstract: There is described in the specification an adjustable mounting (1), described in detail in conjunction with a vehicle door handle assembly. The mounting includes a main part (5) and a foot (6), the foot being a planar component provided with snap-engaging means to secure it on one side of an apertured panel (37), the side of the foot remote from the panel being formed with a series of teeth (19). The main part of the mounting includes abutment surfaces (8,12) to engage the side of the panel remote from the foot in areas (40,41) adjacent to the aperture, the abutment surfaces being so positioned and configured as to allow sliding motion of the main part in one direction relative to the panel. The main part further includes a series of teeth (20) complementary to the teeth of the foot, the two complementary series of teeth interlocking when the abutment surfaces of the main part engage the panel to prevent relative motion between the main part and the foot.

Abstract: A door locking apparatus has a grip bar mounted on the main handle for operating a door locking bolt. The grip bar is movable forward and rearward. A pair of links are located within the handle, facing the grip bar and forming therewith an isoceles triangle, the base of which is the grip bar. The intermediate portion of each link is pivotally attached to the handle. These links are interconnected to each other at their forward end portions, and are connected at their base end portions to the grip bar, for relative movement therebetween. Consequently, the grip bar can be given a parallel motion even when the same is gripped at any portion.

Abstract: A portable article carrying case has a container with a pair of opposing upright sidewalls and a pair of opposing upright end panels extending from the bottom of the container. A pair of spaced rods are each mounted within the container alongside the upper edge of a different one of the end panels. A plurality of apertured dividers extend between the rods. The rods slidably retain the dividers by means of their apertures. The case also has a flexible sheet material foldably extending downwardly from at least two adjacent dividers to form a pocket for retaining articles.

Abstract: A manually operable latching device for use in securing a truck door in the open position during the loading and unloading process. The latching device comprises a cantilevered latching plate affixed to a truck trailer door and a pinning assembly secured to the frame of the truck at a location substantially adjacent the plate when the door is in the open position. The pinning assembly comprises a bushing bracket, a U-shaped rod moveably mounted within the bracket, a safety stop plate, and a spring attached to one end of the rod for exerting a compressive force between the rod and the bracket when the rod is moved relative to the bracket. The other end of the rod positively engages the plate to secure the door in the open position.

Abstract: Over-center closure apparatus comprising an elongate element configured to define a central region having a first length; first and second intermediate regions arranged in a first plane having respective third and fourth lengths and being angularly disposed with respect to the central region; and first and second end regions adapted to be rotatably secured to a member and forming respective first and second vertices with the outer ends of the first and second intermediate regions and having respective fourth and fifth lengths and being disposed at an acute angle with respect to the axis joining said first and second vertices.

Abstract: The latching apparatus has an external housing which contains a recess, an internal activating mechanism and a biased locking bolt for engagement with an associated striker plate. The operation of the latch is accomplished by inserting the hand into the recess and sliding a therein positioned handle cup. The movement of the cup causes, inside of the activating mechanism, the spreading of two levers which are geared to one another and are connected to the spring biased locking bolt. The levers will upon movement make contact with a pivot point and the resulted leverage action will pull the bolt to a retracted or unlatched position. Release of the handle cup automatically reverses the operation and moves the bolt in the latching position.

Abstract: A jamb latch for a sliding door utilizes a pivotally mounted operating arm which in one position is used to pull the door in tightly against the jamb and to latch the door in place and which in a second position extends across the edge of the door to hold it in an open position.

Abstract: A door and handle latch for apparatus enclosures includes a recessed handle latch on the door which serves to immovably secure the door to the enclosure structure by engaging a portion of the enclosure when the handle latch is in the closed position. A bolt means is provided in the lower portion of the handle latch to secure the handle latch to the door in a closed position, thus, preventing opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: A container with hinged doors is provided with an improved locking bar arrangement including square and rectangular locking bars. The locking bars are rotated between open and locked positions by a locking pin or hinged handle which is removable from a bar interlock position to selectively engage apertured tubular gathering members provided on the bars for rotating them into the positions selected. Slide bolt assemblies also are movable into locking engaging position with the bars. The bars include camming means and keeper members are provided on the container which facilitate the opening and closing of the doors and which with the associated structure contributes to the total strength of the door assembly and in the stabilization of the container.

Abstract: A plastic privacy lock for recreation vehicles and the like includes an outside handle portion for the outside of a door and an inside portion for the inside of a door. The outside portion includes an outside handle having a rotatable outside latch lever to operate a bolt on the inside portion. The inside portion includes a handle and a housing with the bolt in the housing. The bolt and an inside bolt actuator are formed as a single integral molded plastic part positioned within the housing. To move the bolt out of engagement with a strike from the inside, manual operation of the molded plastic bolt against the force of a biasing spring is required. A locking bar or dog having a locked and unlocked detent position is also provided in the housing. The locking bar is accessible from the inside portion of the lock. In locked position, the locking bar holds a bolt shifter connected to the outside latch lever to prevent rotation and operation of the lock.