Abstract: A toilet system with a toilet base including a toilet bowl and a shroud for covering a plumbing riser located at a rear end of the toilet base that provides ligature-resistance for institutional applications. The shroud has a mating feature that joins with a corresponding feature at a rear portion of the toilet base to prevent formation of a gap between the base and a front of shroud in at least at a top side of the area of contact between the shroud and the back of the toilet base. The mating feature can be provided by forming a rectangular cross-section at the rear of the toilet base and providing a matching aperture through the shroud. A toilet seat, which may be bonded or bolted to toilet base has an outer edge that is chamfered to prevent ligature formation around a portion of toilet seat.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an internally exhausted toilet bowl which employs basic principles of fluid flow to provide reliable, more efficient, and more effective removal of noxious toilet odors while reducing energy consumption when compared to current art. This is accomplished during all conditions of normal operation. In case of toilet overflow or condensate buildup, the impact on the vent exhaust path from these upset conditions can be resolved easily, and normal operation can be restored without damage to any components. Additionally, this invention includes maintenance features that would provide means for back flushing the annulus vent line and orifices if clogging ever were to occur.

Abstract: The flush toilet includes a bowl that includes a drainage outlet portion in a bottom portion and a discharge port in an upper inner surface portion. The flush toilet is configured to wash an inner surface of the bowl by allowing washing water discharged from the discharge port to flow down while swirling along the inner surface of the bowl. The inner surface of the bowl includes a guide passage configured to control flow of the washing water that flows down.

Abstract: Mounting plate (1) for a lavatory body (2) of a washlet, comprising: a building-side installation surface (3); a front installation surface (4) for connecting to a lavatory body (2); at least one opening (23, 24) for leading through a flushing water supply and an outflow; means (29) for fastening the mounting plate (1) to a building wall; a first and a second supporting element (8, 9) which are designed as plug elements for pluggable mounting of a lavatory body (2) onto the mounting plate (1); an electrical plug connector (46) arranged on the front installation surface (4); and a water supply connection piece (43).

Abstract: A clamp for securing a toilet to a floor that includes a body having a convex outer surface, a floor engagement portion, a toilet engagement portion, and at least one hole for receiving a screw to secure the clamp and toilet to the floor, with the hole angled to draw the clamp downward and towards the toilet.

Abstract: A connection is provided between first and second building structural members, wherein a connector is made up of a stiffener and a connection element, and the stiffener nests within the connection element, and both the stiffener and the connection element are attached to the second building structural member with the same fastener or fasteners, and similarly, both the stiffener and the connection element are attached to the first building structural member with the same fastener or fasteners.

Abstract: A tornado shelter which meets the structural performance criteria of ICC, FEMA, ASCE, AISI, and ACI, produced from trapezoidal cold-formed steel panels.

Abstract: Wall structures and methods of manufacturing wall structures are described in this specification. The wall structures include a frame, a sheathing board attached to the frame, a penetration attachment panel, and a foam layer.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation product with improved thermal resistance and method of making it are provided. A plurality of base fibers (e.g. glass) are formed into an insulation product, which may be bindered or unbonded. At least one infrared opacifying agent, such as soot, carbon black or graphite, is applied to the fibrous insulation product such that the base fibers are substantially uniformly coated with opacifying agent. The opacifying agent may be applied, for example, from a fluid suspension or by pulling the fiber through a sooty flame. When opacifying agent applied via a suspension and a binder is desired, it is preferable to avoid binder dispersions that can dislocate the opacifying agent. Alternative binder applications may include co-mingling of base fibers with binder fibers, or other physical or mechanical distributions.

Abstract: A set of building components of a mechanically secured block building system for constructing structures include a plurality of trough blocks. Each trough block has an interior cavity characterized by a U-shaped cross section and a pair of oppositely disposed inner ledges recessed relative to top surfaces of opposing outer walls. A bottom of each trough block includes a plurality of apertures therethrough. In an assembled configuration of the trough blocks, the trough blocks are mechanically secured in an end-to-end arrangement and the interior cavities align to define a continuous pipe channel therethrough.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes a hinged expander mounted on an elongate base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of spaced apart teeth on each longitudinal end that define a notch between each pair of adjacent spaced teeth. The hinged expander included two leafs that are joined at an apex in a hinged relationship. Each leaf has an outer edge configured for receipt within a notch in the base plate. Apex is biased in a direction away from the base plate. The teeth prevent outward movement of the leaf edges while permitting inward movement. The base plate is securely fastened to a first building member. A fastener is longitudinally fixed relative to a second building member and the apex of the hinged expander but not fixed longitudinally relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a tile and support structure may include a plurality of tiles, which may be generally rectangular in shape, engaged with one or more support structures. The tile may be formed with four edges, wherein two opposing edges may be formed with grooves therein and the other two opposing edges may be formed with protrusions thereon. The support structure may be formed with a generally vertical spine having two rails extending outward from a distal end thereof. The support structure may also include two generally horizontally extending flanges, which may be formed with a trough therein. The trough may include a plurality of apertures formed therein. One side of the trough may be defined by a lip.

Abstract: A roof for a building comprises a ridge beam for defining an upper edge of the roof, and a first eaves beam for defining a lower edge of the roof. The roof further comprises a first panel connectable to both the ridge beam and the eaves beam, being capable of spanning the distance therebetween and extending over at least a first portion of the area of the roof. In addition, the roof comprises one or more retention structures positionable relative to the first panel and one of said beams and configured to clamp said panel against the other of said beams.

Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment conceals joints between adjoining ceiling panels to provide a monolithic ceiling appearance. The system includes the support structure and ceiling panels each having a top surface, bottom surface, and peripheral edges. In one embodiment, the peripheral edges of the panels may have a hybrid edge detail including a first edge profile and a second edge profile different than the first. A facing material, bonded to the bottom surfaces of ceiling panels after securement to the support structure, has a continuous uninterrupted extent to cover and conceal multiple panels and joints. The facing may be adhesively bonded to the panels.

Abstract: An arched island ceiling system comprising a pair of arcuate frame members, metal panels, and clips for supporting the panels on the frame members, the frame members having a generally rectangular cross-section, the clips having a saddle configuration including a seat and legs depending from opposite sides of the seat and being proportioned to straddle the frame member, lower ends of the legs having feet engageable with the underside of inwardly extending flanges of sides of the metal panels.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to building panel including an end portion along one perimeter side thereof and a dovetail configuration along the end portion. The disclosed subject matter also relates to joints formed between such building panel, electrical/telecommunications, plumbing and HVAC chases and conduits in the building panels and procedures for manufacturing the building panels.

Abstract: A modular beam structure consisting of one or more collapsible, lockable and interconnectable support structure modules, and any transition module to change longitudinal direction of the structure. In addition, it is possible to attach onto one or more support structure modules a collapsible platform and/or wall or fence. The structure is at an upstream end or start end attachable, via a module end element, onto an attachment device, e.g. a wall or attachment block, via a support frame which is fixedly attached to the attachment device.

Abstract: A reinforcing element for producing concrete components, a concrete component and corresponding production methods. The reinforcing element has a plurality of fibers and a plurality of holding elements which are connected to each other by the fibers so that the fibers can be stressed in their longitudinal direction by the holding elements. The fibers are fixed to the holding elements such that the fibers in the stressed state enter the holding elements in a substantially linear manner. This enables both a high degree of pretension and an efficient, reliable and thus cost-effective production of the concrete components.

Abstract: A gutter cover has a lip for attachment to a structure below the roof. An upper cover extends away from the lip at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees relative to the lip. A folded section extends towards the attachment lip at an angle between 0 and 180 degrees relative to the upper cover. A covering section extends substantially parallel with, and spaced apart from, said folded section and has a number of apertures therein configured to allow water to pass into the gutter. Exemplary embodiments may utilize a filtering mesh positioned in the space between the folded section and the covering section.

Abstract: There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory.

Abstract: An operating room ceiling system includes an air diffuser assembly, a raceway assembly, and a light assembly. The raceway assembly is positioned along an outer perimeter of the air diffuser assembly. The light assembly is positioned along an outer perimeter of the raceway assembly. The raceway assembly provides a raceway to facilitate cable routing.

Abstract: A building panel has an outer skin spaced from an inner skin, sandwiching an insulation material. A first end of the outer skin includes a step portion, an indented fastener receiving portion and a first flange. The first flange extends outwardly toward a surface of the outer skin. A seal is mounted on the first flange. The inner skin includes a first end. The inner skin first end includes a shelf and a second flange extending from the shelf. A second seal is positioned on the second flange. A second end of the outer skin includes a portion to receive an outer skin first end of an adjoining panel. A second end of the inner skin includes a portion to receive an inner skin first end of the adjoining panel.

Abstract: A flooring tile having a plurality of sides, at least a top layer, a core layer comprising a densified foam material, and an exposed portion that extends outwardly along one side with a textured surface that imitates a grout line. The top layer of the tile can include a top surface defined by a wear layer, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer having an optimal density and a dye or colorant(s), and a decorative layer. The exposed portion may be formed on the PVC layer below the top surface of the tile at a depth of about 0.9 millimeters (0.035 inches) to 2 millimeters (0.079 inches), or more, so as to extend into the core layer, and will have a width of generally between 2 millimeters (0.079 inches) to 5 millimeters (0.197 inches). The overall thickness of the tile ranges from 4 millimeters (0.157 inches) to 8 millimeters (0.315 inches).

Abstract: A floor panel includes male and female coupling means that are formed by at least one proximal groove that opens onto a lower face or upper face, respectively, of the panel and by a distal flexible tongue that extends from the end of the edge of the panel towards the lower face or upper face, respectively. The tongue has a proximal wall inclined at an angle with respect to a vertical plane towards the bottom and the outside of the panel and towards the top and the outside of the panel, respectively. The tongue of at least one of the male coupling means or female coupling means has a distal wall that includes, at least, a protrusion or a notch that is able to engage with a notch or a protrusion formed in or on a proximal wall of the proximal groove of the corresponding female coupling means or male coupling means so as to form an end stop, avoiding vertical movement of a panel with respect to an adjacent panel.

Abstract: A peripheral stabilizing system for elevated flooring surfaces that is configured to resist uplift forces acting against the elevated flooring surface thereby reducing the likelihood of dislodged surface tiles and the like. Broadly, the disclosed system includes a support structure disposed over a fixed surface (e.g., roof deck or the like), a plurality of surface tiles appropriately laid over the support structure, and one or more restraint apparatuses (e.g., support ledgers) that are positionable adjacent the outer periphery of the flooring surface. Each restraint apparatus includes a mounting portion that is securable to a wall (e.g., parapet) and a restraint portion positionable over a portion of the elevated flooring surface adjacent the outer periphery for restricting movement of the flooring surface in a direction away from the fixed surface.

Abstract: A system including at least one duct comprising a first portion defining a plurality of receiving members formed along a sidewall of the first portion and a second portion including an engaging member extending from a sidewall of the second portion, said engaging member being configured to selectively engage one receiving member of the plurality of receiving members to secure the first and second portions together with an opening of an adjustable size therebetween, and a connector to attach to an end of the duct, the connector having a first connector portion with an exterior surface defining a hole, a second connector portion including a housing defining a hole, and a fastener configured to pass through the hole in the exterior surface and the hole in the housing to secure the first and second connector portions together with an opening of an adjustable size therebetween corresponding to a respective size of the at least one duct.

Abstract: Sealing element for a waterproof sealing of junctions at structural elements of a building, the sealing element comprising a sealing tape (1) having a waterproof surface and a fabric layer (2) to which a sealing compound can adhere and which is fixed to the sealing tape (1) in a manner so that a portion of the fabric layer (2) projects outwardly from an outer edge (11) of the sealing tape (1), wherein the fabric layer (2) comprises a tear line portion (22; 221, 222) to allow for separating the outwardly projecting portion of the fabric layer (21) by tearing away the outwardly projecting portion of the fabric layer (21).

Abstract: Disclosed is a corner head drywall tool comprising a plurality of roller wings, each with a plurality of face rollers. Also disclosed are alignment rollers intersecting and overlapping the pivot axis of the roller wings. The device may further comprise shafts having an end pivotably attached to each roller wing; wherein each shaft is fitted to slide within a spring tube having a spring therein biasing the shaft toward the associated roller wing. Each spring tube optionally having a median portion pivotably attached to a support block. The device may comprise an adjustment system to adjust the spacing between the ends of the spring tubes opposite the roller wings. The drywall tool may be arranged wherein the adjustment comprises: an adjustment wheel fixed to rotate relative to the support block. Wherein the adjustment wheel rotates one or each spring tube about the relative pivot attachment to the support block.

Abstract: A articulating staging system includes a series of interconnected stage links each having a platform and a support frame. A fixed central stage link is provided to which intermediate stage links are attached. Additional intermediate stage links may be attached to adjacent intermediate stage links. End stage links may attach to adjacent stage links to provide an access point. The intermediate and end stage links articulate about one another and the central stage link to position and reposition the system around a structure for repair, assembly, and maintenance work. The central stage link has opposing concave ends to which convex ends of the intermediate stage links interface. The intermediate stage links have a concave end to which an adjacent intermediate stage link interfaces. The end stage link interfaces similarly. The stage links interface by way of the support frames which interconnected underneath the platforms of the stage links.

Abstract: A wire rope tension grid is a walking surface comprised of interwoven wire rope. The wire rope is supported by a framework of steel angle and tubing. The framework is supported by mounts that are hung from the support beams in the ceiling of a structure, often a performing art center, a television studio, a black box theater, museum dioramas, theme park scenes, live animal pens, or other entertainment venues. These grids are not intended for public usage, but rather are intended for operation staff. New improvements to these grids are listed in this document.

Abstract: Tree stand apparatuses are provided herein. An example tree stand assembly includes an anchor brace that is configured to interface with a portion of a tree, a rotating and pivoting assembly having a rotating sub-assembly and a pivoting sub-assembly, as well as a seat assembly. The rotating and pivoting assembly is configured to allow the seat assembly to be positioned level to a ground surface regardless of an orientation of the rotating and pivoting sub-assembly relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: Slidable barrier arrangements for a structure having a plurality of stories are described. A first retainer element can be operatively connected to the structure. The retainer element can span a plurality of stories of the structure. The retainer element can include a plurality of retainer segments, including an uppermost retainer segment and one or more lower retainer segments. The one or more lower retainer segments can include a lowermost retainer segment. A barrier and the first retainer element can be brought together such that a portion of the barrier is retainably engaged by the lower retainer segments of the first retainer element. The length of the barrier can substantially correspond to the length of the lower retainer segments. Thus, the uppermost retainer segment can extend vertically above an upper edge side of the barrier. The barrier can be selectively moved, such as by sliding, within the first retainer element.

Abstract: A barrier safety gate is provided which flexes and moves apart in order to receive the vertical path of motion of forks of a fork lift for loading and unloading from a raised platform. The barrier safety gate includes a first and a second pair of opening, flexible guidance members having a default, closed position and an opening, flexible path of motion. In particular, each pair of guidance members are laterally aligned to flex apart to receive the width of each respective fork of the fork lift which provides an opening force through their vertical paths of motion.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to using motor velocity (RPM) as feedback for controlling the extension or retraction of jacks for control of the angular orientation of a structure, or other means for accomplishing the same. Such includes a structure orientation control apparatus comprising one or more jacks configured to support a structure, one or more jack drive mechanisms coupled to at least one of the one or more jacks, the one or more jack drive mechanisms configured to extend or retract the one or more jacks, and a jack controller configured to cause the one or more jack drive mechanisms to extend or retract the one or more jacks based on a jack command. The jack controller monitors one or more jack velocities during extension or retraction.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an entrance to a theater of the type normally used to show motion pictures. The motion picture theater entrance has distinctive outer walls separating a vestibule from a lobby. The vestibule has a curved image projection wall located inside said vestibule and is connected to a viewing area by a curved walkway. The entrance also may include border lighting along the upper and or lower edges of its walls.

Abstract: A self-contained swimming pool for containment of water and generation of water currents therein for exercise, therapy and/or rehabilitation of a user comprising a rigid frame exteriorly located in relation to an inner water containment area. A set of water return channels in communication with the inner water containment area. A propulsion system in communication with the set of water return channels and the inner water containment area. A hydraulic system for driving the propulsion system using a hydraulic fluid to produce a current in the inner water containment area allowing positioning of a user in the current for exercise, therapy and or rehabilitation therein and wherein the hydraulic system is self-contained and mounted external of the rigid frame.

Abstract: A spa comprising a layer of copper-containing material, a layer of a cotton-containing material external to the layer of copper-containing material, wherein the layer of copper-containing material and the layer of cotton-containing material are at least partially located between outer spa frame studs, and a layer of at least one of a polyester or a polypropylene-containing material external to the layer of cotton-containing material. The layers of copper-containing material, cotton containing material, and at least one of a polyester or a polypropylene-containing material are located between a spa basin and a spa cabinet. The spa bottom may also have a layer of copper-containing material affixed thereon. In some embodiments, the spa may further comprise an insulated cover with a layer of copper-containing material therein.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a swimming pool water circulation system. A method may include sensing the electrical current supplied to a variable speed pump to determine when the pump changes speeds and selectively supplying water to one or more ancillary equipment such that the ancillary equipment maintains sufficient water flow to operate. A system may include a multi-speed pump that generates water flow above a first rate, a controller configured to sense a reduction in power drawn by the multi-speed pump below a setpoint, and responsively communicate to the ancillary equipment to suspend operation of the ancillary equipment.

Abstract: A pool cleaning device includes a debris collection member having a forward displacement unit connected thereto. The debris collection member includes a generally rectangular-shaped frame having a mesh net suspended therefrom. A pole receiver is positioned along the rear wall of the frame and interacts with a pole to receive a pushing and/or pulling force from a user. The forward displacement unit includes a leading edge member having a plurality of protrusions for disrupting debris located along a pool body. The leading edge member is suspended between a pair of extension arms which also are connected to the frame. A tensioning mechanism is positioned between each arm and the frame and secures the leading edge at a resting location that is above the frame and net.

Abstract: A robotic swimming pool tile cleaner having a bottom section, an upper section, a fore side, an opposite aft side, a port side and an opposite starboard side, the bottom section having a propeller housing adapted to house a plurality of thrusters being configured to provide forward thrust to the robotic tile cleaner, assist in turning the robotic tile cleaner in a corner of a swimming pool by providing a turning thrust to move the fore side of the robotic tile cleaner away from a swimming pool wall facing the fore side, and to provide side thrust to push the robotic tile cleaner against a swimming pool tile wall facing the port side, and a plurality of cleaning brushes mounted vertically on the port side of the upper section and being configured to touch the swimming pool tile wall and to move during operation of the robotic tile cleaner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a sweep tail for a pool cleaner including a hose, a connector coupled to a first end of the hose and connecting the hose to the pool cleaner, and a scrubber coupled to the hose near a second end of the hose. The scrubber can include a first bearing coupled to and positioned around the hose, a second bearing positioned around the first bearing, and a scrubbing element positioned around the second bearing. The second bearing is capable of rotating around the first bearing and the scrubbing element is capable of rotating with the second bearing around the first bearing.

Abstract: An anchoring device for supporting a post from a support surface. The anchoring device comprises a base, at least one stanchion extending from the base, and a plate attached to the stanchion opposite the base. A plurality of side supports is included with each side support attached to and extending from the base. The side supports are also attached to the plate and extend past the plate. First and second guides are included with each guide attached to the plate and each side support. Each guide extends away from the base.

Abstract: A snap-locking hinge joint includes a clevis member and a flange member. The clevis member has a clevis base from which extend a pair of parallel arms forming a gap therebetween. Each of the arms has a pivot side and an engagement face transversely opposite the pivot side, and each of the arms has a locking recess formed in the engagement face adjacent the clevis base. The flange member has a flange base from which extends a planar rib and a pair of locking fingers. The locking fingers each have an inwardly protruding locking tip. The rib is received in the gap of the clevis member. The arms are pivotally engaged with the rib thereby pivotally interconnecting the clevis and flange members. In a locked configuration, the locking tips of the locking fingers are captured in the locking recesses of the arms of the clevis member.

Abstract: A fence includes first elongated tubular members, each one of which is configured to extend vertically from ends of the first elongated tubular members positionable proximate to a support surface (e.g., the ground). The fence also includes second elongated tubular members extending between the first elongated tubular members, each of which is configured to extend parallel to the support surface. The fence further includes receivers defined by apertures formed in the first elongated tubular members, each of which extends outwardly from respective first elongated tubular members so that each one of the second elongated tubular members can be fixedly attached to corresponding ones of the first elongated tubular members. In some embodiments, one or more of the first elongated tubular members and/or the second elongated tubular members can have a circular cross-section. The second elongated tubular members can be fixedly attached the first elongated tubular members with and/or without welding.

Abstract: A rail fence retractor allowing removal of a fence rail engaged with a fence post comprising a blade having a first and second end. The first end of the blade is configured for insertion into a fence post slot having a rail inserted therein. The rail has self-locking tabs which must be depressed for removal of the rail from the fence post slot. The fence rail retractor also has a handle which is attached to the second end of the blade. The handle allows the application of force against handle to fix the position of the handle against the fence post during removal of the rail from the fence post slot. The handle is also useful in carrying the rail fence retractor when not in use. The handles of the rail fence retractor may be configured to allow integration with the blade. The handles may be also be configured to allow a pair of rail fence retractors to fit or snap together when not in use.

Abstract: A system for positioning post sleeves is provided including a plurality of post sleeve positioning devices and a spacing mechanism. Each post sleeve positioning device is configured to receive a respective post sleeve and to enable selective adjustment of a position and orientation of the respective post sleeve. The spacing mechanism is coupleable between the pair of post sleeve positioning devices to determine or control the position and orientation of the post sleeve received by one of the pair of post sleeves positioning devices relative to the post sleeve received by the other one of the pair of post sleeve positioning devices. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can include one or more labels, each label having an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia. The indicia receiving surface can provide a permanent, durable writing surface. A key for operating a mechanical lock can include one or more labels. The key can include a key main body and at least one label coupled to the key main body. The key main body comprises a head and an elongate body coupled to the head. The elongate body is configured to physically engage and operate a lock, such as a mechanical lock. The label can define an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia.

Abstract: A tamper resistant lock. A lock has a lock housing with housing indentation. A cylinder is rotatably housed within the housing. A locking pin is connected to the cylinder and is inserted into the housing indentation when the lock is in a locked position and the locking pin is clear of the housing indentation when the lock is in an unlocked position. An anti-tampering mechanism is positioned between the housing and the cylinder. The anti-tampering mechanism receives a user's key and also includes a relative motion hole. A key extension portion is rotatably inserted inside the anti-tampering mechanism body and includes a relative motion indentation. The key extension portion is keyed to the cylinder. A lock ball is inserted into the relative motion hole and the relative motion indention, thereby preventing relative motion between the anti-tampering mechanism body and the key extension portion.

Abstract: An electronic device sealing arrangement includes a housing, an access door, a sealing member sized and configured to be sealingly compressed between the access door and the housing, a latch in operable communication with the housing and the access door, the latch being configured to compress the sealing member between the access door and the housing when moved to a position that latches the access door in a closed position, and a resilient member in operable communication with the latch and at least one of the housing and the access door, the resilient member being configured to at least partially compress when the access door is latched in the closed position and the sealing member is compressed between the access door and the housing.

Abstract: A check strap assembly for a pickup truck tailgate may include a truck bed, a tailgate, and opposing side panels. The tailgate is mounted to the truck bed for pivotal movement. The opposing side panels are secured to the truck bed to partially define a truck box when the tailgate is in a closed position. The check strap assembly includes a member extending from a D-pillar of the truck box to the tailgate and a lock mechanism having a component with an overhang to prevent access to a fastener securing the member to the D-pillar or the tailgate. The D-pillar may include a flange defining an aperture and the member may be a rod having a first end sized for extending through the aperture and a second end with a striker for engagement with a latch mechanism of the tailgate.