Abstract: A door closing system for locking and unlocking a door using a single actuator has a motor, a latch to be engaged with a door striker and a driving cam for driving the latch. An output shaft of the motor is disposed in parallel with a shaft which rotatably holds the latch and the driving cam, thereby reducing an installment space of the latch and the driving cam. Further, the actuator has plural reduction gears rotated by the motor, and a pattern is disposed on a surface of one of the reduction gears. First to third contacts are disposed to slide on the pattern, thereby producing detection signals of a rotation position of the reduction gear. An operation state of the door closing system is detected according to the detected rotation position of the reduction gear. Thus, the door closing system can be controlled accurately with a single detection sensor.

Abstract: A cable assembly secured inside the trunk compartment of a motor vehicle having dual actuator cables. The cable assembly includes a housing, a pulley member rotatably mounted to the housing and a slide lock member. A first actuator cable slidingly cooperates through the housing and pulley member with one end attached to a pull-strap inside the trunk compartment and the second end attached to a release latch. A second actuator cable has one end attached to a pull-strap located in the proximity of the driver's seat and the second end attached to the pulley member to rotate the pulley member upon pulling the pull-strap. Rotating the pulley member allows the pulley member to engage a ball slug on the first actuator cable to drive the second end and actuate the release latch. A slide lock member is capable of engaging the pulley member to prevent rotation, and therefore, prevent the pull strap in the passenger compartment from actuating the release latch.

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 tilt-up device tilts a rear end of a movable roof upwardly when the movable roof is moved from a normal position above the passenger's compartment of an automobile. The tilt-up device is mounted on a surface, which faces the passenger's compartment, of a fixed roof substantially centrally thereon in a transverse direction of the automobile body, and is positioned in front of a seal on the fixed roof. A trunk lid lifting and lowering device is mounted in a trunk and connected to an end of a trunk lid for selectively lifting the trunk lid away from a trunk and lowering the trunk lid toward the trunk. The trunk lid lifting and lowering device has a stopper device for inactivating the trunk lid lifting and lowering device when the trunk lid is locked by a lock device with the trunk lid lowered.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for securing a cargo compartment of a motor vehicle, the cargo compartment including a cargo compartment lid that moves away from the body of the motor vehicle to allow access to the interior of the cargo compartment, the cargo compartment lid having an interior surface within the cargo compartment, and the motor vehicle body having an interior surface within the interior of the cargo compartment, the locking apparatus including a first plate member for attachment to the interior surface of the cargo compartment lid, a first loop member, a mechanism for fixedly attaching the first loop member to the first plate member in at least two orientations, the at least two orientations being transverse with respect to one another, a second plate member for attachment to the interior surface of the motor vehicle body, a second loop member, and a mechanism for fixedly attaching the second loop member to the second plate member in at least two orientations, the at least two orientations being transver

Abstract: A lock has a keeper plate for attachment to a first relatively moveable part of the trunk, which keeper plate has a peripheral rim bounding a circular keeper opening and having a slot formed therein. An attachment plate is affixed to a second relatively moveable part of the trunk, while a hasp member is hingedly connected at one to the attachment plate and adapted at the other end to overlie the peripheral rim and the keeper opening when in a mated position. A hollow cylindrical bolt housing of cup-shaped configuration is fixed to and projects rearwardly of the hasp member. The bolt housing includes a cylindrical wall having a bolt opening therein positioned to align with the slot when the hasp member and the latching plate assume the mated position. A latching bolt is supported in the bolt housing for movement along an axis paralleling a diameter of the bolt housing, and has a free end portion aligned with the bolt opening.

Abstract: A luggage latch secures a lid to a box. A hasp is mounted on the lid. A bolt and slide are mounted on the box with the bolt being resiliently mounted on the slide. When the lid is closed on the box, the bolt will resiliently snap into position to hold the lid on the box. The latch mechanism is recessed into the luggage so that its external surface is flush with the surface of the luggage.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a linearly shiftable cable to a lock structure includes a plastic housing which mounts a plastic lever, one arm of which is connected to the cable. The other leg of the lever has an abutment for engaging a release lever of the lock structure when the lever is rotated to operated position. A coil torsion spring surrounds a hub of the lever and has its legs engaging anchors on the arms of the lever. After the desired length of the cable is established and the cable secured to the one arm of the lever, installation of the connector assembly, the anchor of the one leg of the spring to the arm of the lever is broken so that the one leg of the spring can engage the housing and bias the lever to non-operated position.

Abstract: A handle-latch mechanism is described for use in a portable carrying case of the type having an openable cover portion (e.g., a portable computer case). The handle is movable between extended and retracted positions. The latch for the case is releasable only when the handle is in its retracted position (e.g., latch actuators are movable only when the handle is in its retracted position). The handle and latch mechanism may be located in eithe the cover portion or the main body of the carrying case.

Abstract: A doubler channel is provided for the main top wall support frame in a carrying case. The doubler channel extends vertically a substantial distance for increasing the beam strength of the top walls of the carrying case. A latch mechanism is proivided wholly outside of the support frame of the top wall of the carrying case. The support frame and doubler channel are all easily assembled without the need for screws or nuts and bolts. The latch mechanism conceals and anchors the ends of the doubler channel.

Abstract: A case assembly kit for assembling a case of any chosen dimensions from a plurality of separate components includes a series of panels which are cut to chosen dimensions to form the bottom, side and end walls of a box-like, open top enclosure base and the top, side and end walls of a similar box-like lid. The kit further includes a series of angled corner strips for connecting adjacent edges of the bottom, side and end wall panels of the base and top, side and end wall panels of the lid, and mateable closure strips for securing along the opposed peripheral upper and lower edges, respectively, of the base and lid. Hinge devices are provided for hinging the lid along one edge to the base, and a latching mechanism is provided for releasably closing the lid. All the separate parts are securable together by bonding.

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: In order to make the contents of a case well accessible it has at least three case elements to wit a middle element and at least two side elements arranged one on each side of the former and being pivotable with respect to the middle element.

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.

Abstract: A carrying case such as an attache case or the like, in which one of its panels is foldable to provide access to its interior without having to open the entire panel. A clamp means secured to the side of the case swivels between two positions, one to hold the panel rigid and prevent it from folding, and the other to hold one portion of the panel closed and permit the other portion to fold open. The carrying case according to the present invention permits access to the interior of the case without having to open the case entirely, thereby significantly increasing its versatility over a standard carrying case.

Abstract: A container is for elongated playing devices and associated game items. It provides protection during storage, handling, and shipping by freight carriers against damage and it offers resistance to theft. Principal parts of the container are made of a plastic material. Its cavity is formed in one or more standardized tubular extrusions to which molded end caps are affixed. Accessories provide for hand and shoulder carrying and lockable hardware secures the cavity. Access to the container cavity is by removal of lockable end caps and in certain embodiments by separation at the unions between two or more tubular sections. The manufacture of the container is adaptable to the requirements of a multiplicity of sports and games.

Abstract: In an automobile having a rear opening adapted to be closed by a rear door, a locking device for the door which comprises a striker on the car body, a latch lever provided on the door for engagement with the striker, a claw lever provided on the door for releasably holding the latch lever in a locking position, an unlocking lever adapted for engagement with the claw lever, and a push button type actuating member for actuating the unlocking lever so that the latter drives the claw lever so as to let it release the latch lever for unlocking movement. The unlocking lever and the actuating member are both mounted on the outer panel of the door so that unlocking movement is not produced when the outer panel is deformed in a crash from behind.

Abstract: An automobile deck or trunk lid having a key operated lock for releasing a lid latch is provided with a lost motion drive connection in a shaft between the lock and latch and the inner end of the shaft has a knob accessible from within the trunk compartment for releasing the latch without turning the key operated lock. The shaft is readily detachable and attachable to the lock and latch so that it may be installed as a replacement for a conventional one-piece shaft in existing automobiles.

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic container base and cover portions formed of double wall construction are hinged together for movement between open and closed positions with respect to one another. A latch assembly is provided for positively locking the cover portion in a closed disposition. The latch assembly includes an elongated bolt means slidably mounted within a trough-shaped groove in the front of the cover portion. The cover and base further include formed portions which matingly engage with one another upon closing of the cover and which include aligned locking apertures. Upon closing of the cover portion, the bolt means may be slid axially into the aforesaid apertures to positively lock the cover and base together. The bolt means further includes a detent means extending radially outward and which may be rotated into a cut-out portion in the trough-shaped groove when the bolt is engaged within the locking apertures.