Abstract: Latch assembly which is free from unlocking accidents, enjoys smooth operations in locking of a wing element and in engaging of a latch arm with a socket member, and properly covers a gap between the wing element and a stationary frame. The gap is resulted from misalignment in assembling of the wing element and the stationary frame. In the assembly: a lever 3 has its base end pivoted to a base plate 1 through a pivot 4; a latch arm 5 has its base end pivoted to the lever 3 through a pivot 6; a locking plate 10 of the plate 1 has a locking socket 14 which is engaged with and disengaged from a front end of a stop member 13 fixed to a rotor 12 of a lock unit 11; a spring 15 has its coiled portion 16 mounted on the pivot 4 to bias the lever 3 upward; a support 30 carries the member 8 movable along a longitudinal direction of the arm 5; and, a spring 36 biases the member 8 away from the pivot 4.

Abstract: Latch assembly which is free from unlocking accidents even when some other articles hit against a front end of an operating lever 3 of the assembly in which: the lever 3 is pivoted to bearing plate portions 2 of a base plate 1 through a first pivot 4; a latch arm 5 is pivoted to the lever 3 through a second pivot 6; a projecting plate portions 12 of a lock plate 11 are inserted in slots 13 of guide plate portions 10 of the base plate 1; a socket-member plate 19 fixed to the lever 3 has a locking plate portions 20 in which locking notches 21 are provided; these notches 21 are engaged with the projecting plate portions 12 of the lock plate 11 and held in such engaging condition under the influence of a compression coil spring 18; and, a push plate 14 for releasing the notches 21, 21 from such engaging condition is disposed in a rear-surface side cavity portion 9 of the lever 3.

Abstract: A locking device for convertible tops has a four-joint construction with a support frame connected to the roof, a handle, a joint bracket and a lever. At the extended end of the lever, a locking hook, which can be swiveled around an axis, is fastened. This locking device is modified so that a precise control of the locking hook, and with that, a convenient course of operations during the closing of the top becomes possible and, moreover, accident safety is improved. For this purpose, a connecting-link guidance and a spring, which exerts a torque on the hook, are provided for the locking hook.

Abstract: An oven safety door latch has a pair of elongated latch arms pivotably connected to each other and to a base at a point intermediate their length. The arms project beyond the base and have end portions with opposed latching noses. A pawl is rotatably mounted on the base adjacent an end of the arms and has a blocking element engageable with the arms. A spring biases the latch arms and thereby the noses towards each other, and a stop element limits this movement of the noses towards each other. A thermally responsive element is operatively connected to the pawl to rotate it between a first position in which the blocking element is spaced from the arms, and a second position in which the blocking element is engaged with the end portions of the arms to limit their movement and thereby the movement of the noses away from each other to maintain the latch in engagement with the oven door.

Abstract: A variable angle latching mechanism is provided which readily permits adjustment of the deployment angle of a solar array mechanism or other spacecraft deployable. Latch engagement is possible over a wide angular range with virtually zero backlash. In one embodiment a movable portion (20) of the latching mechanism is pivotally mounted to a stationary portion (26) of the latching mechanism and carries a catch element (10) that is adapted to move into latching engagement with a latch element (30) pivotally mounted on the stationary element. The latch element is linearly positioned on the movable portion by a single shim element(30) to thereby establish the angle of deployment of the movable member and thus the deployable. The angle of deployment of the mechanism is set at assembly by selection of shim thickness. In a second embodiment of the invention, the catch arm is an integral part of a slider which is linearly positioned by a motor.

Abstract: An oven comprises a cooking chamber having a movable door (3) hinged on the forward surface (2) of said oven and provided with a hook (4) comprising a nose (5) and a catch (6). The hook enters an opening (9) in the forward surface to actuate a movable locking element (7). The locking element comprises a wheel (20) pivotally mounted on a plate (14) fixed to the forward inside surface of the oven. This wheel comprises a first surface (A) comprising two abutment lugs (22 and 23), a safety lock constituted by a blocking finger (25) fixed on the second surface (B) of the wheel and controlled by a safety spur (24) that projects through an opening (23') transversely to the first surface (A) and adapted, either to come into abutment with stop boss (26) of the plate, or to permit the rotation of the wheel. Application to all closure devices, particularly to a household microwave oven to prevent operation thereof by e.g. a child, when the door is open.

Abstract: An over center draw latch with lock bolt action which performs the functions of both a bolt type latch and a draw type latch. The latch comprises a housing mounted on one panel, a lever rotatably mounted on the housing, a spring rotatably mounted on the lever and a keeper mounted on another panel. When the latch is fastened, the spring engages the keeper to thereby draw the panels together. In addition, a portion of the lever engages the keeper to provide a lock bolt action. In the closed position, the latch prevents relative movement of the panels in all directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealed level latch for securing a door panel of a cabinet or the like in a closed position relative to the frame. The sealed lever latch is installed within an aperture formed in the door, and releasably retains the door against the frame when the door and the frame are latched together. The sealed lever latch includes a housing for mounting in the door, a handle assembly which is pivotally attached to the housing, and rotatable between an opened and closed position, and a fastening means. The fastening means retains the door, when the door is closed against the frame, by engaging the frame as the handle assembly is rotated to the closed position. The housing, handle assembly and fastening means form a integral solid structure for preventing the passage of matter through the latch itself.

Abstract: A latch incorporates a latch member in the form of a leaf spring which is connected by an overcenter operating lever mechanism to a case mounted to a door for latching engagement with a strike mounted to another door or frame member. The strike incorporates guide rails for guiding the latch member into engagement with the strike, and the case includes an upstanding part for receiving a part of a lock with another part of the lock extending through an opening in the lever mechanism.

Abstract: A tensile member connecting device includes a base assembly for an installation such as mounting on the sidewall of an open-top truck or trailer bed for connecting straps thereon to secure a tarpaulin or cover in place. A telescopic tube assembly is mounted on the base assembly and includes inner and outer telescopic tubular members interconnected by a spring for extending the inner tubular member. A lever assembly includes a lever bar with a proximate end pivotally mounted on an outer end of the inner tubular member and a distal end. A connection post extends laterally from the lever bar in spaced relation from the pivotal axis of the lever assembly. The lever assembly is swingable about its rotational axis between lock and release positions. An over-center geometry is provided for retaining the lever assembly in its lock position with the extension spring exerting a relatively constant tensile force on the tensile member.

Abstract: A locking device for a band or the like comprising a housing having one end fastened to a first portion of the band. The housing extends in the direction of the prevailing tensile force and is formed with a guide for guiding a link means. This comprises a fastening element fastened at its first end to the second portion of the band and at its second end journally connected to a second link at a distance from its first end. The second link is, at its first end, journaled around an axis provided in the housing transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The locking device also comprises a third link journaled at the first end of the housing and a dowel element which, l via the third link, is able to prevent the second link from being turned around the axis to a position where it is released from the axis so that the locking device is opened.

Abstract: A utility box (10) includes a base portion (13) and a cover portion (11) attached thereto as by hinges (12). The cover portion (11) includes a downwardly directed skirt (17) and the upper end of the base portion (13) is provided with a complementary skirt (27). At least one latch assembly (28) is recessed within the complementary skirts (17, 27) and includes a latch handle (30) having an outer contour matching the complementary skirts (17, 27). A lock receiving area (52) is also recessed within the complementary skirts (17, 27). Side handles (62) are formed in the base portion (13) and recessed beneath the cover portion (11). A top handle (66) is provided within a recess (67) in the top surface (14) of cover portion (11).

Abstract: A releasable fastening device, especially for attachments on convertibles, by means of which the attachment can be snapped reversibly without further aids to the convertible body. A hook part connected pivotably to the attachment via a tensioning device can be hooked at a body part bordering a receptacle on the convertible body and can be braced against the receptacle by means of the tensioning device, after which the fastening device is fixed in its end position by means of a beyond dead-center position of the tensioning device. Distance tolerances between the receptacle and attachment can be compensated by a change of length within the tensioning device. The tensioning device is formed only by a flexural spring which is pivotably mounted at one end on the hook part and at the other end on the attachment.

Abstract: Toggle clamps with bifurcated handle actuated to aligned toggle element clamping position with manually releasible latch lock lever pivotally mounted between handle sides resiliently engaging base mounted catch upon handle reaching toggle alignment.

Abstract: A latching mechanism employing a keeper and hook mechanism. The hook mechanism is mounted by means of an overcenter mechanism to a mounting pin. The mounting pin is arranged in a slot through the body of the hook. The mutual pivot axis of the overcenter mechanism also extends in a locked position to seats located on the body of the hook. There seats are recessed in a direction perpendicular to the mutual pivot axis.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for the split-ring tire cover of an automotive vehicle. The latching mechanism includes a latch handle pivotally connected to a hooked tongue that is engageable with one end of the tire cover to releasably secure the two ends of the tire cover together. A key-operated lock is interposed between the latch handle and the tongue.

Abstract: One side of the operation panel for audio equipment is supported by a projected strip of the audio equipment body and the other side is held by an engagement claw. The engagement claw is pivotally supported on a holder with a spring installed therebetween. The holder in turn is pivotally supported by the end of a first arm whose base end is rotatably mounted on the audio equipment body. The holder is also pivotally connected to a second arm, which is rotatably mounted on the audio equipment body. When the operation panel is moved between the installed position and the pop-up position, a change in the angle between the holder and the engagement claw is kept small by the action of the second arm, so that the spring force acting on the engagement claw does not increase greatly, permitting easy removal or installation of the operation panel.

Abstract: A tension clamp for releasably joining two components. The clamp is anchored on a first component 10 by a mounting element 18 and is hooked onto the second component 11. The mounting element 18 is inserted under resilient bias into securing elements 17 on the first component, and has a resilient portion which produces the tension forces for joining the two components 10 and 11. The locking hook 20, which hooks onto the second component 11, is connected to the mounting element 18 by an intermediate link 19 and is preferably a plastic injection molding.

Abstract: A suitcase (K) consists of two suitcase shells (1) and (2), which can be folded together, and includes castors and a pull handle (Z). The pull handle is on the narrow side (14) opposite the castors, and is swingably seated on a mounting plate (17) attached to the other suitcase shell (2). The suitcase shell (2) is adapted to be connected to the opposite suitcase shell (1) by at least one closure which extends over a fold joint (3) of the suitcase. This achieves a structurally advantageous configuration which is stable in use due to an interpenetration between hasp closure (I) and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A latch for securing the hinged back box of a pinball game to a horizontal playfield cabinet engages a self-contained secondary tab when not engaging a locking tab on the back box preventing damage to the locking mechanism of the latch when the game is prepared for shipment.

Abstract: Apparatus for latching a thrust reverser cowl to an engine includes a hooking mechanism which is attached to the thrust reverser cowl and a receiver mechanism which is attached to the engine fan case. When the thrust reverser cowl is inserted about the engine, a hook portion of the hooking mechanism engages a U-ring portion of the receiver mechanism to hold the clamshells of the thrust reverser cowl in place. The receiver mechanism includes a slotted base which supports a slidable bar therein. The slidable bar has the U-ring attached to one end and a threaded shaft attached to its opposite end. The position of the slidable bar along the base is maintained by the location of the nut on the shaft which engages a keeper mounted to the end of the base.

Abstract: A luggage latch secures a lid to a box. A hasp is mounted on the lid. A bolt and slide are mounted on the box with the bolt being resiliently mounted on the slide. When the lid is closed on the box, the bolt will resiliently snap into position to hold the lid on the box. The latch mechanism is recessed into the luggage so that its external surface is flush with the surface of the luggage.

Abstract: A latch assembly (12) is adapted for use with a container having a base portion (11) and a cover (10) affixable thereto by the latch assembly (12). The base portion (11) has projections (17) extending from its sidewall and the cover (10) has lugs (14) extending therefrom. A latch plate (19) has laterally spaced ribs (25) between which an upper lever bar (28) is pivotally connected to define an upper pivot point. Ribs (45) on the upper lever bar (28) are adapted to snap over the lugs (14) to attach the latch assembly (12) to the cover (10). The lower end of a lower lever bar (30) is also pivotally connected between the ribs (25) to define a lower pivot point. The upper edge of the lower lever bar (30) is hinge connected (33, 34) to the lower edge of the upper lever bar (28) with the centerline of the hinge (33, 34) being laterally offset from a plane defining both the upper and lower pivot points.

Abstract: A latch mechanism to secure a switch cover panel to a railroad track switch to cover the switch to avoid accumulations of ice and snow that would impede operation of the switch. An anchor bar is positioned beneath the housing of the cover panel. A linkage has a hook at a lower end that engages the anchor bar. The upper end of the linkage is connected to an over-center cam mechanism. A cam member is pivotally connected to a hinge plate secured to the upper surface of the switch cover panel housing. The upper end of the linkage is eccentrically connected to the cam member. A lever rotates the cam member on the hinge plate. Rotation of the cam member moves the upper end of the linkage from a relatively low position to a relatively elevated position to lift the hook for engagement with the anchor bar. Opposite rotation of the cam member releases the hook from the anchor bar.

Abstract: A closure for ovens is divulged, comprising a hook mounted for sliding in the oven body between a locked position, in which no lateral movement of the hook is possible and an engaged position in which the hook may move laterally against the retaining force of a spring for letting the door catch pass. A lever retains the hook in the locked position and must be actuated for unlocking and opening of the door.

Abstract: An improved latch with preload indicator for securing together a pair of hinged cowlings surrounding an aircraft engine. The latch comprises a hook which engages a keeper attached to one of the cowlings, a handle attached to the other cowling and mounted with the hook along a common pivot, and a hook-handle spreader spring with a free end that moves relative to and extends through the handle to provide indication of latch preload. The visual indication of the preload eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to measure the handle closing force during installation, rigging or maintenance of the cowlings.

Abstract: A latch handle assembly for securing a latch having a trigger pin includes a handle pivotally joined to the latch. A trigger latch is pivotally joined to the handle and includes an opening engageable onto the trigger pin. A cam is pivotally joined to the handle and is engageable onto the trigger pin to compensate for any clearances between the parts, and thereby prevent chattering and excessive wear within the handle assembly due to vibration.

Abstract: There is disclsed an improved clamping system for releaseably securing two external members (30) and (40) each to the other. The improved clamping system includes a hook member (3) which is fixedly secured to external member (40) and a chassis mechanism (2) which is fixedly secured to external member (30). The chassis mechanism (2) includes a U-shaped supporting frame (21) having a spring (22) passing therethrough. A clamping mechanism (1) is provided which includes a rotative displacement member (12) having an eccentric groove hole (124) formed in a lower disk member (121). A bridge plate member (13) having a central opening (131) encloses and provides a linear restraint for a sliding plate member (14) which includes a slot (141) passing therethrough. An insertion pin (15) passes through the slot (141), the central opening (131) and is insertable within the groove hole (124).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for cases, a large portion of which is contained for operation within a recess located in the lower portion of the case. The locking mechanism includes a latch member for engaging a keeper on the upper portion of the case. A lever length arrangement cooperates with a sliding plate to actuate the latch between locked and unlocked disposition. A spring is secured to the hinge between the latch and the sliding plate to bias the latch toward an unlocked position such that when the lever is moved to an unlocked position the latch will automatically disengage the keeper.

Abstract: A wiregate closer comprising an elongated handle welded to a pivot bar having a fulcrum pivotably attached to an anchor post and a second axis of rotation offset from the fulcrum about which a latching strap having a hook on the end rotates to open and close wiregates with significant mechanical advantage is disclosed.

Abstract: A door interlock arrangement for an appliance such as a self-cleaning electric oven has an operating lever manually movable in a limited arc to move a door bolt into and out of door latching position and provide further motion to close the door very securely, and has a lock arranged in a novel cooperative relationship with an electrical interlock unit to permit certain appliance operations only when the door is latched and to permit opening of the door after the end of those appliance operations only when a selected appliance zone has cooled to a safe temperature.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a top of a motor vehicle which is tightened against a fixed body, includes a support bracket arranged on the side of the top having an operating lever supported about a first transverse axis as well as a pivotal latching member which cooperates with a receiving device on the side of the body. For improving the operating comfort of the latching mechanism, the operating lever is connected with the latching member by way of a guide lever. Furthermore, the latching member cooperates with the support bracket and the receiving means by way of a positive control in such a manner that during the pivoting of the operating lever into its raised locking position, a defined upward movement of the latching member in the direction toward the receiving means and a following tightening movement inside of the receiving means take place.

Abstract: A gate latch for use in releaseably securing a moveable post of a gate to a stationary fence post includes a first ring member secured at a bottom end of the stationary fence post and dimensioned for insertion of a bottom end of the moveable gate post. A mounting bracket is secured on a vertically extending sidewall of the stationary post and a pair of spaced parallel horizontally extending support members extend laterally outwardly therefrom. The body portion of a latch bar is pivotally mounted between the support members. The latch bar includes an elongated lever extending from a first side of the body portion and a transverse leg member connected to an opposite side of the body portion. A first end of the transverse leg member is provided with a plurality of apertures and an elongated strut is pivotally secured at an opposite side of the transverse leg member. A second member is secured on a distal end of the elongated strut and is dimensioned to be received over a top end of the moveable gate post.

Abstract: A transformable passenger motor vehicle with lateral doors and a passenger space is provided with a one-piece form-rigid covering that extends approximately at the height of the belt line of the open body and with the exception of a longitudinal cut-out for the driver closes the entire passenger space, whereby at least a forward and lateral partial area of the cut-out is surrounded by a window shield having a slight height. In order that the covering exhibits a good functioning combined with a simple construction and permits a comfortable egress from and ingress into the passenger space, the covering made of plastic material is pivotally supported at the body under interposition of two four-jointed hinges. For fixing the covering in its closed position, disengageable latching mechanisms interacting with windshield wiper mounting shafts are provided between the covering and the body.

Abstract: A draw latch is provided, of the over-center type, in which the latch has a base, a lever and a catch. The base and lever are pivotally connected to each other, and the catch and lever are pivotally connected to each other. The catch preferably has a lip or hook at its end, for engagement with a member that is to be drawn toward engagement with another member upon which the base is mounted, for drawing those members together, as the lever is moved from an open position to a closed position, through which movements the over-center motion is effected. Dimples or detents are used to provide a resistance to relative motion between the base and the lever on the one hand, and the lever and the catch on the other, through most of the range of their relative movements, but the detents become aligned or nested in one position for assembly of the components under non-frictional conditions, with the detents effecting a spring-like function upon legs of the lever.

Abstract: A latch handle assembly for securing a latch having a trigger pin includes a handle pivotally joined to the latch. A trigger latch is pivotally joined to the handle and includes an opening engageable onto the trigger pin. A cam is pivotally joined to the handle and is engageable onto the trigger pin to compensate for any clearances between the parts, and thereby prevent chattering and excessive wear within the handle assembly due to vibration.

Abstract: A recessed latch mechanism for closing and maintaining closed a flexible covering across the side of truck bodies, truck trailer or the like. The latch mechanism has a gripping arm connected to a rotatable shaft through an intermediate curved member. When the shaft is rotated from an open position to a closed position, the curved member closely abuts the shaft along its entire curved portion. The gripping arm substantially encloses the other components of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A latch for an appliance door has a support member adapted to be mounted within the appliance, and a latch assembly movable on the support member between latching and unlatching positions. The latch assembly includes a bracket member, a pivotal mounting between the bracket member and the support, an elongated operating handle affixed to the bracket member, a latch arm for locking a door having a slot about the pivotal mounting whereby the latch arm may have rotational and translational motion with respect to the pivotal mounting. A toggle arm is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the bracket member and at the other end thereof to the latch arm, and a spring is connected between one end of the toggle arm and the support member whereby, upon operation of the handle from an unlatched to a latched position, the latch arm is moved to a position to latch the door and the spring holds the assembly in a stable condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile latch for joining two members of an aircraft having a keeper mounted upon one member. The latch is rotatably mounted about a mounting bushing at one end of a pair of compression links whose opposite end pivotally mounts a hook that engages the keeper. Mounted at the pivot point between the hook and compression links is a first part of a two part handle whose second part is attached from the first handle part to a pair of side plates that form a further linkage. The side plates rotate about the mounting bushing, while the opposite ends thereof are connected by control links to the hook. The further linkage formed by the cover, side plates, and control links stabilizes the handle and hook and provides a smooth, controlled movement of the hook as the handle is opened and closed.

Abstract: A latch for oven doors and the like includes a support, and a latch assembly movable on the support between latching and unlatching positions having a handle, a latching arm and a projecting arm. The handle is operative to move the latch arm between latching and unlatching positions. Also included are a locking pawl having an abutment thereon engagable by the projecting arm to block its movement from latching to unlatching position, a thermal element operatively connected to the locking pawl and responsive to elevated temperatures to move the pawl from a first position wherein the abutment is removed from the path of movement of the projecting arm from latching position to unlatching posiiton and to a second position wherein the abutment is disposed in the path of movement of the projecting arm to block its movement into unlatching position.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for doors carried on one or more tracks. The mechanism includes a first member for lodgement in the track, a second member for lodgement outside the track and linkage for drawing the first and second members toward each other to lock the track therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible draw latch for use in securing two closure members together comprises a keeper adapted to be affixed to one of the closure members, a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to the other closure member, a lever pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a locking member made of a flexible, resilient material pivotally connected to the lever wherein the locking member is detachably connected to the keeper and wherein the locking member is disposed in overlying relation to the keeper, the mounting bracket and the lever when the latch is in a closed, latched position and wherein the pivot connection between the lever and the locking member is closer to the closure member than the pivot connection between the lever and the mounting bracket when the latch is in a closed, latched position. A cross-pin is transversely disposed within the keeper-engageable portion of the locking member to prevent localized deformation and to relieve stress on the locking member.

Abstract: A case comprises a pair of sections, one of which carries a hasp and the other of which carries a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism includes a hasp-receiving zone for receiving the hasp in a first direction, and a closure element for engaging and retaining the hasp in a terminal position in the hasp-receiving zone. The closure element is rotatably mounted on a pivot axle, and the pivot axle is movable in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction. The closure element pivots on the pivot axle between a first position permitting the hasp to enter the zone, and a second position in which the hasp enters a recess in the closure element. By rotating an actuating lever, the closure element is moved to a third position retaining the hasp in a terminal position in the zone.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for convertible vehicles, detaches from the header by a manually-applied, moderate, releasing force applied in the downward direction. This detachment is further enhanced by a unique mechanical linkage that employs cam action between the engaging member and the releasing member. The latch mechanism is mounted in the side-rail of the foldable top of a convertible vehicle. The latch mechanism includes a stationary member, a release member, and an engaging member. The stationary member has a pedestal and a foot extending from the pedestal. The engaging member has a keeper which attaches to the header, and a lip opposite the keeper. The release member is rotatably mounted to the stationary member and pivotally mounted to the engaging member. To detach the latch mechanism from the header, the release member is actuated by applying a disengaging force to the release member in a downward direction.

Abstract: A flexible draw latch for use in securing two closure members together comprises a keeper adapted to be affixed to one of the closure members, a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to the other closure member, a lever pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a locking member made of a flexible, resilient material pivotally connected to the lever wherein the locking member is detachably connected to the keeper and wherein the locking member is disposed in overlying relation to the keeper, the mounting bracket and the lever when the latch is in a closed, latched position and wherein the pivot connection between the lever and the locking member is closer to the closure member than the pivot connection between the lever and the mounting bracket when the latch is in a closed, latched position.

Abstract: A connection device for releasably interconnecting two members (16, 18) preferably a receptacle and its lid, comprising an upper component (1, 101) which is provided with a hook (21, 102) and a lower component (2, 103) and a one- or two-armed lever (3, 104) which is articulated on said lower component and which is provided with a counterhook (15, 105). In order to avoid that the connection device springs open or disengages unintentionally, a snapper (5, 109) is pivotably attached to the end of the lever (3, 104) facing away from the counterhook (15, 105), said snapper being provided with a locking projection (13, 113) which is associated with a complementary, projecting locking member (14, 114) of the lower component (2, 103) and which is equipped with a spring (12, 115) holding the snapper (5, 109) in its locking position.

Abstract: A supplemental locking mechanism is provided for an overcenter tension latch assembly. The mechanism prevents the keeper engaging member or latch hook (50) from moving out of its toggle position whether or not under load with the keeper of the latch assembly. The mechanism may be a rigid impeding element (90) which is spring biased for direct actuation by the operator through the handle of the latch assembly. The impeding element (90) is arranged in the latch assembly such that it will bear upon a portion of the latch hook (50) at a position which will counteract forces applied to the assembly which forces would otherwise cause the latch assembly to move out-of-toggle.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a hook having an opening engageable to a keeper. A side plate having a straight slot and an angle slot is mounted to the hook via posts. A spring is provided to bias the plate so that it partially overlaps the opening. The plate prevents a latch handle from being moved into its closed position unless the hook is fully engaged onto a keeper.

Abstract: A retractable safety latch is disclosed and includes a base mounting member having perpendicular base walls, a draw bar guide attached to the mounting base member by a hinge, a draw bar having an arcuate hook on one end and an eccentrically positioned oblong hole on the other end slidably mounted on the draw bar guide, a rotatable shaft mounted on the draw bar guide and having an eccentrically mounted pin extending through the oblong hole for driving and retaining the draw bar in the draw bar guide, and a handle having a safety catch pivotably mounted on the rotatable shaft. Between the handle and the rotatable shaft is a spring for the purpose of biasing the handle in one direction with respect to the rotatable shaft so that when the latch is closed, the handle is in contact with the perpendicular base walls and the safety catch catches on one of the perpendicular base walls to prevent the rotatable shaft on which the handle is mounted from rotating and opening the latch.

Abstract: A low-profile, over-center tension latch assembly is provided which has a handle (20) which opens fully for inspection or adjustment of the assembly while under load, and which may be indexed into a position with a link mechanism (70) in order to act therewith for releasing a keeper engaging member (50) from engagement with a keeper assembly. The handle (70) is locked in a closed position in a manner which secures it to the link mechanism (70) while trapping the keeper engaging member (50) therebetween. The arrangement of the handle (20), keeper engaging member (50) and link mechanism (70) is such as to allow the assembly to be aerodynamically flush mounted with the surface of the structure in which it is installed. Both the handle (20) and the keeper engaging member (50) are pivotally mounted at an end of the link mechanism which is opposite that end which mounts the link mechanism to the aircraft structure.