Abstract: A system and method for creating a storage enclosure in a vehicle having a cargo area defined by a floor a pair of spaced apart side panels and a tailgate is disclosed. The system includes a forward bushing that is mounted from the top panel and an aft bushing that is also mounted from the top panel at a distance from the forward bushing. The system the tailgate and a locking mechanism to create a lockable, secure space. The locking mechanism includes a forward plate having a forward aperture having sides adapted for accepting the forward bushing, and an aft plate that is connected to the forward plate. The aft plate having an aft aperture adapted for accepting the aft bushing and having a stop that allows the forward bushing to travel along the forward aperture until the stop prevents the aft bushing from advancing towards the forward plate, thereby preventing the forward bushing from advancing forward and out of the forward aperture.

Abstract: A rotary latch mechanism that includes at least one support plate that pivotally supports both a latch fork and a lock cam is disclosed. The lock cam is movable from a first position where the lock cam prevents rotation of the latch fork to a second position where the lock cam does not interfere with the movement of the latch fork. A spring is attached to the latch fork and the lock cam and extends between the latch fork and the lock cam, so that the spring biases the lock cam towards the first position while biasing the latch fork to a release position.

Abstract: A shielded pushbutton lock that includes housing that supports a lock cylinder connected to a key operated pushbutton. The pushbutton is shielded by way of a rotatable collar that extends over the pushbutton and shields the pushbutton, so that a thief may not defeat the pushbutton lock mechanism by attempting to rotate the pushbutton in order to allow operation of the latch mechanism.