Abstract: This invention provides a latch assembly in which the operation of a paddle-type recessed handle pivots an actuating member carried on a rear side of the latch assembly. As the latch assembly pivots, a contact member of the latch assembly engages and moves an operating member. As the operating member moves, a cylindrical keeper stud is rotated. One end of the keeper stud is adapted for engagement within a receiver mechanism and in a first locked position. Upon rotation of the keeper stud, the receiver and keeper are placed in a unlocked orientation whereby the receiving element may be disengaged from the keeper stud.

Abstract: A locking mechanism and closure assembly are provided including a housing, a latch rotatably mounted to the housing, a spring member for urging the latch from a first position toward a second position, and a control member mounted to the housing for selectively securing the latch against rotation from the first position toward the second position. The control member may be slidably mounted relative to the housing, and may selectively rotate the latch from the first position toward the second position upon failure of the spring member. The latch may be positionable in a third position between the first and second positions, and may have a recess for receiving a striker designed for holding the striker within the recess at some times and guiding the striker into or out of the recess at other times.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly is disclosed which includes a plastic guard rail that defines a central floor and spaced, parallel interior walls which cooperate to define a recess, a pair of beveled exterior surfaces disposed outside of the respective interior walls, and an array of slits in the floor. A clamp formed of a folded piece of sheet metal defines a sleeve section disposed in the recess and a shank section which passes through one of the slits in the floor. A tie-down ring is pivotably mounted in the sleeve section and is movable between a stowed position, in which no part of the clamp or tie-down member extends out of the recess, and a use position. Aligned openings are defined by the floor and the shank section of the clamp, and a single fastener can be positioned to pass through the aligned openings in order to secure the entire tie-down assembly in place.

Abstract: A two-way rotary lock is disclosed of a type suitable for use in locking a sliding door of an automative vehicle in either an open or closed position. This lock includes a lock body that defines first and second recesses positioned on opposed sides of the lock body to receive first and second strikers mounted to the side frames which define the door opening. A latch plate is rotatably mounted within the lock body, and this latch plate defines first and second tangs. Pivotal movement of the latch plate causes the first and second tangs to block the respective recesses and thereby capture the respective strikers in place. A single lock mechanism is used to secure the latch plate in position, and appropriate linkages allow either an inside handle or an outside handle to be used to release the latch plate and thereby release a captured one of the strikers from the lock body.