Abstract: A hinge includes first and second leaves The first hinge leaf includes a hook having a hook opening that faces generally toward a mounting surface. The second hinge leaf includes an integral pin that is rotatably positioned within the hook, and the second hinge leaf defines a recess sized to receive the first hinge leaf when the hinge is closed. The mounting surface obstructs the opening in the hook, thereby preventing the pin from moving out of the hook when the hinge is mounted in place. The hook is preferably shaped to receive the pin in a snap fit to hold the two hinge leaves together prior to the time the hinge is mounted in place.

Abstract: A support arm includes first and second links that are interconnected at a pivot. A gas spring is mounted to the first and second links such that the gas spring is disposed between the links and it biases the links to an extended position. The support arm can be used to support the hinged lid for a pickup truck bed.

Abstract: A locking handle includes a base and a handle rotatably mounted to the base. A well is formed in the handle, and this well communicates with a key opening in a front portion of the handle and a loading opening in a rear portion of the handle. A shaft is mounted in the well via the loading opening to rotate with the handle, and this shaft forms a recess adjacent the key opening. A lock cylinder including a key receiving slot and a locking element is positioned in the recess to rotate in unison with the handle, with the key slot aligned with the key opening. The lock is dimensioned to pass through the loading opening, and the locking element passes outside of the shaft to releasably engage the base and thereby selectably lock the handle against rotation with respect to the base.

Abstract: A bar lock for securing a door in a closed position in a frame includes a bar that forms a first interlocking profile extending along its length. The bar is mounted for rotation in first and second hinges by first and second hinge elements. The first and second hinge elements define a second interlocking profile shaped to mate with the first interlocking profile to restrict the hinge elements to axial movement along the length of the bar. The interlocking profiles maintain alignment and facilitate welding of the hinge elements in place on the bar. A similar approach can be used to facilitate assembly of a handle bracket to the bar. An elastomeric strip is affixed in a groove extending along the length of the bar to cushion contact between the bar and the door.

Abstract: A window regulator includes a rotatable hub that is coupled to a traveller by a cable, such that rotation of the hub raises and lowers the traveller. The hub is mounted on a driven gear which is rotated by a drive gear. The hub and the driven gear are concentrically mounted around a post, which defines an outer surface that is frictionally engaged by a coil spring that is coupled both to the driven gear and to the hub. The coil spring brakes rotation of the hub when the traveller is pushed downwardly. The drive gear and its associated bushings are removably mounted on the window regulator to allow easy replacement.

Abstract: A window regulator includes a rotatable hub that is coupled to a traveller by a cable, such that rotation of the hub raises and lowers the traveller. The hub is mounted on a driven gear which is rotated by a drive gear. The hub and the driven gear are concentrically mounted around a post, which defines an outer surface that is frictionally engaged by a coil spring that is coupled both to the driven gear and to the hub. The coil spring brakes rotation of the hub when the traveller is pushed downwardly. The drive gear and its associated bushings are removably mounted on the window regulator to allow easy replacement.

Abstract: A latch includes a housing and first and second latch arms. Each latch arm defines a latching end, and the arms are pivotable between a latching position and a release position. A rotatable cam longitudinally shifts a latch arm follower, and the latch arms define bearing surfaces which engage the latch arm follower. The housing includes first and second housing parts that are formed with the same dies or molds.

Abstract: A latch includes a housing and first and second latch arms. Each latch arm defines a latching end, and the arms are pivotable between a latching position and a release position. A rotatable cam longitudinally shifts a latch arm follower, and the latch arms define bearing surfaces which engage the latch arm follower. The latch arms are configured such that movement of the latch arm follower toward the latching ends moves the bearing surfaces in a direction tending to move the latch arms to the release position.

Abstract: A tie down assembly includes a mounting plate and a cross bar. The cross bar defines an integral post and two opposed recesses which receive ends of a tie down bail. The integral post passes through a bearing washer and a central opening in the central panel and defines an enlarged head that secures the tie down assembly together.

Abstract: A rotatable cam disc has connected thereto linkage means for operating latch bolts. The cam disc has an arcuate cutout in the edge portion thereof defining a pair of end shoulders. A lock actuator plate is rotatable coaxially of the cam disc, and has secured thereto a post member movable within the cam disc cutout. Upon rotation of the lock plate actuator, the post member is engageable with an end shoulder of the cam disc for effecting rotation of the latter and actuation of the linkage means.