Abstract: A method of making a knob and ferrule for a captive screw is disclosed, the knob integrally attached to the screw, the ferrule attachable to a panel. The method of making the knob includes providing an aluminum alloy base metal for the knob, pressing by cold-forming the base material into a generally cylindrical cup-shaped article using at least one pressing operation, the cup having a generally cylindrical side wall, removing any base material situated outside the perimeter of the cup-shaped cylindrical article, and providing a hole in the bottom of the cup, coaxial with the hollow cylindrical walls of the cup, thereby forming the knob.

Abstract: A locking slide latch comprises components that are easily assembled without the need for separate fasteners or adhesives. A presently preferred latch comprises a housing, a pawl received within the housing and an actuating member associated with and slidable relative to the housing for displacing the pawl from an extended position to a retracted position. These components are assembled together without the use of separate fasteners or adhesives, thereby simplifying assembly and allowing for interchangeability of parts to meet varying latch requirements. The latches are preferably manufactured from corrosion resistant materials such as plastics, composites and corrosion resistant metals, and are highly suitable for use in automotive, recreational vehicle and marine applications.

Abstract: A method of making a knob and ferrule for a captive screw is disclosed, the knob integrally attached to the screw, the ferrule attachable to a panel. The method of making the knob includes providing an aluminum alloy base metal for the knob, pressing by cold-forming the base material into a generally cylindrical cup-shaped article using at least one pressing operation, the cup having a generally cylindrical side wall, removing any base material situated outside the perimeter of the cup-shaped cylindrical article, and providing a hole in the bottom of the cup, coaxial with the hollow cylindrical walls of the cup, thereby forming the knob.

Abstract: A captive screw attachable an upper panel, for attaching the upper panel to a lower surface, the lower surface having a threaded hole, the captive screw having a screw, a ferrule that attaches to the upper panel, a thin-walled, cylindrical hollow knob and protrusions integral to the outer perimeter of the head portion of the screw to rigidly secure the perimeter of the head of the screw to the inner surface of the knob, the protrusions providing a press-fit of the screw to the inner surface of the knob where the screw is pressed into the knob from the underside of the knob.

Abstract: A latch assembly is mounted in an aperture formed in a first member for releasably retaining the first member against a corresponding second member and in a latched position. The latch assembly includes a handle which is adapted for pivotal rotation. A shaft is included which is connected with the handle. The handle is adapted to facilitate axial movement of the shaft as the handle is pivotally rotated between open and closed positions. A latch is provided on the shaft which is adapted for axial movement corresponding with movement of the shaft. The latch is adapted to releasably retain the second member in engagement with the first member when the handle is in its closed position. A retaining member is also included in connection with the shaft which is adapted for securing the latch in its mounted position on the shaft.

Abstract: A latch assembly is mounted in an aperture formed in a first member. The latch assembly includes a housing which is received within the aperture of the first member and includes an aperture extending therethrough. A slide is included which is received through the aperture of the housing. A pawl is also provided on the slide. A handle is pivotally attached to the slide for facilitating movement of the slide and pawl axially as the handle is pivoted between closed and opened positions. The pawl engages a second member in a latched position when the handle is pivoted to its closed position. The handle is also adapted for movement in a direction generally along a longitudinal axis thereof upon the closing and the opening of the handle which enables a first end of the handle to be positioned proximate to the housing when the handle is in its closed position.

Abstract: A swell latch assembly is mounted in an aperture formed in a first member for releasably retaining the first member against a corresponding second member and in a latched position. The swell latch assembly includes a handle which is adapted for pivotal rotation. A shaft is included comprising a unitary member which is connected with the handle. The handle is adapted to facilitate axial movement of the shaft as the handle is pivotally rotated between open and closed positions. A bushing is provided on the shaft which is adapted for axial movement corresponding with movement of the shaft. The bushing is adapted to releasably retain the second member in engagement with the first member when the handle is in its closed position. A retaining member is also included in connection with the shaft which is adapted for securing the bushing in its mounted position on the shaft.

Abstract: A latch assembly mounts in an aperture formed in a door to releasably secure the door against the frame. The latch assembly includes a cap which is received over a support base for moving an elongated shaft so that a latching pawl connected to the shaft will engage the inside of the frame in a latched position.