Abstract: A locking mechanism that allows a live bolt lock plate and a primary vertical lock plate to move relative to one another irrespective of the plates connection with a drive mechanism is provided. The drive mechanism includes first and second gears and is used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The live bolt lock plate has a slot defined therein and is engaged with the first gear of the drive mechanism. The primary lock plate is engaged with the second gear of the drive mechanism and has a guide pin mounted thereon. The guide pin is positioned within the slot to slidingly couple the live bolt lock plate and the primary lock plate, in addition to their connection with the drive mechanism. A tumbler stack is associated with the primary lock plate for selectively allowing the primary locking plate to be moved to the unlocked position.

Abstract: This system allows a lock to be snap fit into an escutcheon plate in a secure mount that holds the lock irremovability in place in a proper position so that it cannot rotate or slide axially inward or outward. The lock socket has a pair of alignment flats to receive the lock in a proper orientation and an opposed pair of resilient snap locks. The resilient snap locks are free to move radially in and out. The lock barrel has a cam surface leading up to the diameter that fits in the lock socket. The diameter includes a pair of alignment flats and an opposed pair of snap lock flats. As the lock is inserted, the cam surface spreads open the resilient snap locks. These pass over the retainer lip and snap into the snap lock flats where the snap locks retain the lock barrel against axial movement.

Abstract: This support arm assembly for connection between a safe's lid and base includes a bracket for connection to the base and a linear support arm that connects between the bracket and lid. The bracket includes a side face adapted for connection to the inside of the base. An upward facing side of the bracket includes a linear slot that is parallel to the side of the safe when the bracket is mounted. The support arm has a generally flat planar configuration that is adapted for placement through the slot transverse to the upward facing side of the bracket. The support arm has an upper end pivotally connected to the lid and a lower end having a bend that prevents it from being withdrawn from the slot. The lower end also has an abrupt notch adjacent the bend that is adapted to interlock with the slot to hold the lid open.

Abstract: This lockable latch with catch for use with briefcase type fireproof safes allows the user to carry the safe by its handle (briefcase style) without the lid being locked to the body. It has both a latch and a catch that can pivot or move away from their engagement positions in a plane parallel to, and within, the body of the safe. A release button pivots the latch away from its engagement position and thereby unlatches the latch. Alternatively, a locking member can be interposed so as to prevent the latch from pivoting away from its position of engagement with the catch when the safe is locked. When the locking member is engaged and the latch is thereby locked into engagement position, the ability of the catch to temporarily pivot or move out of the way of the latch still allows the safe lid to snap shut.