Abstract: A versatile slam capable latch mechanism that can be operated by one or more adjacent and/or remotely located operating devices to release a striker from latched engagement; that can be directly attached to an operating device such as a flush-mountable paddle handle assembly to provide a “stand alone” latch; that can be connected by one or more rod-like links to one or more remotely located operating devices such as push button assemblies; that can be connected by rod-like links to other similar latch mechanisms each arranged to be slammed into engagement with a different striker to provide a “plural point” latching system; and wherein one of the various types of operating devices that may be connected to a latch system that includes one or more of the latch mechanisms can be provided with a key operated lock to “lock” the system.

Abstract: A flush mountable operating assembly has paddle-type handle nested in a housing-defined recess for pivoting between non-operated and operated positions. An operating linkage for drivingly connecting the paddle handle to one or a plurality of adjacent or remotely located latch assemblies includes overlying first and second arm that are connected to the housing for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis. A lock cylinder is carried by the housing and is coupled to a connecting element for positioning the connecting element at selected locations along the lengths of aligned slots that are formed through the first and second arms. The position of the connecting element in the slots, and the configuration and orientation of the slots determine whether the arms are drivingly connected or disconnected. When connected, the arms pivot in the unison when the handle is moved to its operated position to cause the latch operation.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical body of a device such as a cam lock is provided with a snap-in mount that enables the body to be mounted from one side of and through mounting holes formed in support panels of distinctly different thicknesses. The body has a shoulder that faces in one direction toward one side of a support panel, and carries sets of movable arms that define engagement surfaces located at different distances from the shoulder that snap outwardly after being inserted through a panel mounting hole to face toward the opposite side of the support panel. The body can be mounted on panels having three different thicknesses if three sets of arms are provided that each define engagement surfaces located at a different distance from the shoulder. More panel thicknesses can be accommodated if one or more of the sets of arms define two or more sets of engagement surfaces each located at a distinctly different distance from the shoulder.

Abstract: A handle operating mechanism that may be lockable includes a housing that defines a forwardly facing recess for receiving a handle that is movable from a nested non-operated position to an extended operated position. A connection plate located behind the housing is pivotally supported by the housing for limited angular movement from a non-operated orientation to an operated orientation in response to movement of the handle from the non-operated position to the operated position. The connection plate is provided with a plurality of connection formations arrayed in a novel way about the pivot axis of the connection plate to ensure that pairs of lengthy, oppositely directed links coupled to the connection formations move concurrently and substantially equidistantly to operate various arrangements of remotely located latches including pairs of latches situated on opposite sides of the handle operating mechanism.

Abstract: A folding foot step of the type used on vehicles has an improved anti-skid, friction grip, stand-on surface with a clover-leaflet-shaped perimeter. The stand-on surface is interrupted by three elongate openings that are spaced inwardly from the perimeter and arrayed to extend about an uninterrupted central region of the stand-on surface. An upwardly-opening recess is defined by a narrow upstanding rim that runs along and defines the perimeter of the stand-on surface, and by narrow upstanding rims that encircle the three openings.

Abstract: A rotary latch employs at least one rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl. Housing side plates sandwich the rotary jaw, the rotary pawl and one or more torsion coil springs that bias the rotary jaw from an unlatched position toward a latched position, and the rotary pawl from a jaw-releasing position toward a jaw-retaining position. Improvements that enhance service longevity include the use of C-shaped hook formations defined by reaches of spring material that extend from torsion spring coils located alongside one or both of the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl to engage convexly shaped C-shaped formations of the rotary jaw and/or the rotary pawl that are located in the same plane as the torsion spring coils to provide long-lived connections between the torsion spring or springs and one or both of the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl.