Abstract: An improved latch housing comprising a striker receiving slot or recess opening through the latch housing for receiving a striker, (the latch housing for mounting a ratchet pivotable from an open position for receiving the striker to a closed position and a pawl for locking the ratchet in the closed (locked) position, the slot or recess having a mouth and two ends and being tapered from a broader portion (near the mouth) to a narrower portion (remote the mouth) intermediate its ends, the end of the recess proximate the broader tapered portion comprising a pair of parallel spaced walls extending towards the mouth from proximate the broader portion and the end of the recess proximate the narrower portion (remote the mouth) comprising a pair of spaced walls which are parallel to one another when the striker is secured in the striker receiving recess of the latch housing. The latch housing is for use with a tapered striker.

Abstract: A connector comprising two components, a male component and a female component, the female component comprising securing element for securing the male component to a member and comprising at least a pair of arms spaced from one another and moveable towards one another and carrying fastening elements on the surfaces of the arms closest the other arm (i.e. between the arms) and a male component comprising a projection having a leading and rearward end carrying complementary fastening elements on the outer surface of the projection proximate the leading end for mating with the fastening elements of the two arms when the projection is pushed between the arms and the arms are clamped over the projection, the rearward end of the male component carrying slideable bushing means for riding over the two arms when they are clamped over the projection thereby providing a secure connection between the two, and connecting the rearward end to the other member to which the member is connected.

Abstract: An improved latch mechanism, components therefor and processes of manufacture of the components are disclosed. The improved latch mechanism comprises a ratchet, pawl, at least one release lever for releasing the pawl for releasing the ratchet and a locking lever for precluding the at least one release lever from releasing the pawl, the pivot point of the pawl and the at least one release lever being the same. The ratchet and pawl may abut one another along the center line of the striker receiving opening in a latch housing when the ratchet is in its locked position. A child proof safety lever is disclosed as is a one-piece method of manufacturing plastic housing carrying soft silencers, noise reducers, sealing portions and bumpers.