Abstract: A side door of a motorized vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a latch mechanism adapted to cooperate with a latch member disposed at a door frame, an actuator for locking and/or unlocking the latch mechanism and a coupling means for mechanically coupling (i.e., a mechanical coupling) the actuator and the latch mechanism. A disengagement apparatus or means is adapted to mechanically disengage the coupling between the actuator and the latch mechanism in response to an external force effect.

Abstract: A lock unit (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a catch (2), a first pawl (3) having a pawl rotation axis (4), and a blocking lever (5), in which the catch (2) in a locked state of the lock unit (1) transfers a pivoting moment onto the first pawl (3) and in which the first pawl (3) is fixed by a blocking lever (5) and in which a second pawl (6) is provided that is mounted on the pawl rotation axis (4) and is engageable with the blocking lever (5) and the catch (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door lock for locking and closing doors of motor vehicles, particularly of doors of agricultural machines, such as tractors, having a rotary catch arrangement and a release mechanism, by means of which the rotary catch arrangement can be unlocked, wherein the rotary catch arrangement has a recess for a lock case having a locking stud, in which at least one, preferably two rotary catches are pivotally supported, wherein the rotary catch is drivably connected to a rotary catch spring, particularly in the rotary catch opening direction (D), and wherein in the lock case at least one pivotable pawl is disposed, by means of which the rotating movement of the rotary catch can be locked, and thus the rotary catch can be closed, wherein the release mechanism has a near controllable releasing unit and a remote controllable releasing unit having a transverse tube with remote control means disposed therein, a remote control button, and a cable pull mechanism operatively connected to rem

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gate assembly that can be configured to reduce the vulnerability of the gate to operation by a horse. In an embodiment, a lever operator is configured to extend above the head of a rider, such that a rider can reach up to operate the lever to open the gate. A configuration is illustrated wherein the operator lever moves relative to the gate as the gate opens and closes for providing full access through the gate area when the gate is open.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus, at both sides of a region interposing a second link lever therebetween, includes a sector lever shaft and an inside lever shaft that extend in parallel with a swinging shaft of the second link lever. The door lock apparatus also includes an inside handle lever swingably arranged about the inside lever shaft, and when an inside door handle arranged inside a vehicle is open-operated while the second link lever is disposed in a cancel position, moves the second link lever upwards by swinging about the center of the inside lever shaft, and when the inside door handle is open-operated while the second link lever is disposed in a non-cancel position, swings the sector lever in a locked position to an unlocked position about the center of the sector lever shaft, by swinging about the center of the inside lever shaft.

Abstract: A retaining element for the lid of a cabinet has a linkage in the form of an eccentric sliding crank drive with an arm (1) as a slider link of the sliding crank drive. The arms (1) can be fixed to a cabinet housing (27) and pivotably connected to the lid and is pivotable around a first arm axis (5) of a first joint (6) between an open position and a closed position. A lever (2) acts as a crank of the sliding crank drive. The lever (2) can be fixed to the cabinet housing (27) and is pivotable around a first lever axis (7) of a second joint (8). A slider element (3) acts as a slider of the sliding crank drive. The slider element (3) is guided at the arm (1) and is displaceable along a slider axis (12). The lever (2) is connected to the slider element (3) and is pivotable around a second lever axis (9). The slider axis (12) intersects the first arm axis (5) at a distance. A force element (14) is supported against the arm (1) and against the slider element (3).

Abstract: A mortise lock mechanism that includes a lock housing adapted for secure positioning within a mortise, first and second locking members positioned within the housing, each having a first end and a hooked second end, an actuator mounted for rotational movement within the housing and adapted for user directed rotational movement, and a motion translating linkage having a first end pivotally interconnected to the first end of the first locking member, a second end pivotally interconnected to the first end of the second locking member. The motion translating linkage is interconnected to the actuating member and adapted for corresponding movement when the actuator is moved. A first bias member interconnects the translating linkage to the housing, whereby the bias member retains the actuator and the translating linkage in a first position absent user force directed to the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for an opening panel. The invention consists of: a rotary bolt (1) comprising first (7) and second (4) locking notches; a strike which can be engaged in the bolt (1) in order to lock the opening panel; a retaining pawl (3) comprising at least one tooth (2) which co-operates with the locking notches (4, 7) of the bolt (1) in order to lock same in relation to the first (7) or second (4) locking notch; and a switch (8) which is controlled with a control lever (9), said switch having two states which indicate if the lock is open or closed. In addition, the switch comprises a mechanical means (11) which co-operates with the control lever (9) when the lock is closed, such that the switch (8) indicates that the lock is closed only when the tooth (2) of the retaining pawl (3) co-operates with the second locking notch (4) of the bolt (1).

Abstract: A rotary motion mechanism including a rotatable element geometrically lockable at two points (e.g., limits) of travel, and a linear motion element linked to the rotatable element, the linear motion element being adapted to move in response to a linear motion imparted thereto and to cause rotation of the rotatable element.

Abstract: A latch mechanism secures a computer component to a chassis; the mechanism includes a base that is attached to the computer component, a latch handle pivotably mounted on the base, the latch handle being capable of pivoting away from the base. An actuator arm is pivotably mounted to the latch handle so that when the latch is pivoted away from the base, the actuator arm will also move away from the base. A cam plate is also pivotably mounted on the base and is capable of rotating with respect to the base. The cam plate includes at least one notch adapted to cooperate with the chassis so that as the cam plate is rotated, the notch selectively engages and disengages with the chassis.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably securing a first structure to a second structure. The latch mechanism includes a housing adapted to be attached to the first structure and an actuator pivotally attached to the housing. Selective pivotal movement of the actuator pivots a bolt member between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch mechanism is sealed to prevent the flow of fluid through the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A door handle system for a door employing a plurality of door handles that operate in unison. Each door handle comprised of a lever with a perpendicular shaft, and the shaft extending through sequentially and securing together the following additional elements of the door handle to insure that the latch mechanism rotates together with the lever: a sealing washer, snap bushing, handle opening through the door, second bushing, collar and latch mechanism. An arm provided on each latch mechanism that attaches to a common bus bar. An outwardly extending tongue provided on each latch mechanism for engaging either a door facing or a tongue receiving bracket attached to the door facing to latch the door in a closed position. A lock bracket on the door with a lock opening to align with a lock opening provided the lever for padlocking the lever closed.

Abstract: A latch mechanism having an input member and an output member, the mechanism having a first condition at which the input and output members are coupled such that movement of the input member from its first position to its second position causes movement of the output member from its first position to its second position, the mechanism having a second condition at which the input member is not coupled to the output member, the mechanism further including a block member, which, with the mechanism in its second condition, further prevents at least one of the input and output member from moving to its respective second position.

Abstract: A door fastening device comprising a bolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position where at least part of the bolt extends, in use, to fasten the door, the bolt being linked to an abutment member, the part of the bolt being movable to its extended position in engagement, in use, of a bolt member of a lock or latch of the door with the abutment member, the abutment member being a cam which is adjustable to compensate for different clearances, in use, between the device and the door in its closed position, to ensure sufficient engagement of the abutment member by the bolt member to move the part of the bolt to its extended position, and the cam having a flat, first surface and a second surface on a nose part.

Abstract: A rotary storage unit includes a cabinet defining an interior within which a rotary storage member is located. A latch mechanism is mounted to the cabinet, and selectively engages the rotary storage member for maintaining the storage member in either an open position or a closed position. A motorized actuator arrangement is interconnected with the latch mechanism, for selectively moving the latch mechanism between a latching position and a release position. The motorized actuator arrangement includes a motor which imparts movement to an actuator rod interconnected with the latch mechanism, for moving the latch mechanism between its latching and release positions in response to axial movement of the actuator rod. The motor moves the actuator rod so as to return the latch mechanism to its latching position after expiration of a predetermined time delay.

Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking element for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking element has first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By way of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for a door which includes a rotatable latch which is rotated into and held in an open position to allow the door to open, and is released from the open position only when a sensing mechanism provided as a part of the latch mechanism, held in the door, senses the door frame upon a closing of the door. The latch is held in an over center engaged position which it is moved into due to a lost motion connection among some, but not all, elements of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A lock system is made in a combination of a rotatable latch and a release lever for restricting the turn of the latch in a disengaging direction. The lock system further includes a release lever disengagement maintaining mechanism which engages with the release lever to maintain it in its disengaging condition wherein the latch is disengaged from the release lever. The release lever disengagement maintaining mechanism is designed to release the release lever from its disengaging condition when the latch turns through a specified rotation angle. Lock mechanisms are provided for a lift open type window which can be housed by moving a movable window frame upward from a window closing upright position, being guided by a pair of guide rails. The lock mechanisms are respectively attached to both ends of a top part of the window frame, so as to be exterior to the window frame and interior to and under the guide rails.

Abstract: A lock for a motor vehicle gate or door including a lock latch having a main catch projection which is movable between an open position that disengages the gate or door lock and a catch position that engages the gate or door lock, a detent pawl which is movable between a lowered position maintaining the lock latch in the catch position and a raised position to place the lock latch in the open position, a catch lever which is being movable from a first position maintaining the detent pawl in the catch position and a second position placing the detent pawl in the open position, and a handle connected to the catch lever at a location in an interior area of the gate or door. The handle is movable to an actuating position which places the catch lever in the second position to thereby disengage the gate or door lock from the inside area of the gate or door.

Abstract: A watertight door apparatus includes a door, a door frame, a number of dogging elements, and an actuator mechanism for toggling the dogging elements between a latched condition and an unlatched condition. The dogging elements include roller elements for reducing friction between mating parts. A detent mechanism is provided to prevent inadvertent operation of the actuator mechanism. The dogging elements can be configured to rotate into and out of the latched condition, or they can be configured to slide into and out of the latched condition.

Abstract: A latch, lock and hinge system having components that are well suited for use with closures such as tonneau covers that close the upwardly opening rear cargo compartments of pickup trucks and the like, includes rotary latch assemblies that are mounted on hinges for releasably engaging latch strikers to provide cover mounting connections that permit the cover both to pivot between open and closed positions, and to be removed when desired. The hinges have pivotally connected arms that are biased to hold the hinge-carried latches adjacent the cover when the cover is removed. Also included are other rotary latch assemblies that are connected by flexible cables to a latch operator assembly having an elongate housing that defines near its opposite ends a pair of recesses wherein latch operators are nested that can be concurrently moved toward each other by the fingers of one hand to unlatch and pivot open the cover. The latch operator assembly is lockable to prevent the cover from being opened and/or removed.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in latching a pivotable access door of a cabinet includes a latch housing within which is rotatably mounted a catch member between latching and unlatching positions upon a carrier which, in turn, is rotatably supported in the latch housing. The carrier is biased into engagement with a cam pin which acts as a pivot stop for the carrier. A cross pin extends through a pair of laterally spaced slots formed in the latch housing and terminal ends of the cross pin are adapted to depress electronic switches through movement of the carrier when the latching mechanism assumes the latched position. The catch member is rotated to the latching position upon engagement with a latch striker and can be rotated to release the latch striker, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, either through the use of a handle or upon tugging on the access door.

Abstract: A dual rotary latch assembly installed in the door of an RV and comprising two rotary latches spaced apart along the free edge of the door and connected by a linkage embedded in the door to open the upper latch along with the lower latch but slightly in advance thereof. The linkage includes a slide mounted on the lower latch with a lost-motion connection and connected to the trip lever of the lower latch to be moved thereby, a spring-loaded adjustable connection between the slide and an elongated link, for adjusting the timing of the operation of the upper latch, and a pivotal connection between the link and the trip lever of the upper latch, to move this to the unlatching position during the movement of the trip lever of the lower latch toward its unlatching position. The spring for the linkage can be selected to resist 30 “G” dynamic forces.

Abstract: A multi-point sliding door latch adapted to be fitted in a single opening in the lock face of the stile of the sliding door and arranged for coaction with a keeper structure on an associated jamb and for coaction with a handle assembly mounted on the stile of the sliding door and including a tail member operated by a thumb turn or a key lock.

Abstract: A pivoting watertight door has at least one panel with two parallel bars mounted thereon by means of links. At least one link forms a catch for locking the door in a closed position. The links are mounted so as to pivot on the door panel and also on the parallel bars where the bars are connected together at their ends, in pairs, and facing each other. Two connecting links are mounted so as to pivot on the one hand on the panel and on the other hand on two facing ends of the bars.

Abstract: A door system for closing a doorway in a mine stopping includes a door hinged adjacent the doorway for swinging relative to the stopping between a closed position and an open position. A keeper is mounted in fixed position relative to the doorway. A latch mechanism is cooperable with the keeper for latching the door in its closed position. The latch mechanism has a detent portion and is operable to move the detent portion between a latching position in which the detent portion engages the keeper for latching the door closed, and an unlatching position in which the detent portion is disengaged from the keeper for allowing the door to be opened.

Abstract: A latch has a housing and an operating mechanism mounted on the housing. The operating mechanism has a latch arm pivotably mounted for movement relative to the housing between a latched position in which the latch arm is abuttable against a strike element and an unlatched position. The latch arm has a cam surface. The operating mechanism also has a lever pivotably mounted for movement relative to the housing between first and second operative positions. The lever has an edge which moves along the cam surface as the lever is moved from the second operative position to the first operative position to thereby move the latch arm from the unlatched position to the latched position.

Abstract: A closure for a passenger car cover which is stretched against a stationary frame of a vehicle body, comprises a housing which is arranged on the top side and has an operating element and comprises a swivellable locking hook which interacts with a connecting link mounted on the frame. In its locked position, while having an inconspicuous appearance, the lock does not project with respect to the adjoining top contour in the direction of the passenger compartment. During the opening operation, the operating element takes up a position advantageous for gripping by a user. In the locked position of the lock, a first and a second operating element are arranged in a sunk manner in a recess of the top frame. The two operating elements interact such that the second operating element will be moved into a lowered gripping position only after the operation of the first operating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and detaching a panel has a rotating plate rotatively installed in an escutcheon of a car audio. The rotating plate is secured to the escutcheon by fastening the fastened protrusion of the rotating plate with a locking portion installed in an upper side of one side of a rear face of the escutcheon. A detaching portion is secured to one side of the rear face of the rotating plate. A panel is secured to the rotating plate by fastening the rear face of the panel with the detaching portion. When the rotating plate is released from the escutcheon, an elastic portion secured to the lower one side of the rotating plate elastically opens the rotating plate. A speed reducing portion secured between the escutcheon and the rotating plate reduces the rotating speed of the rotating plate.

Abstract: A security system for cargo loading doors, comprising: a substantially narrow profile housing adapted to being connected to an inside of a cargo loading door; an actuator having a key receptacle, for moving a latch structure between a locked position and an unlocked position; the latch structure and the actuator being coupled by a linkage mechanism and plunger assembly, the latch structure is adapted to be at least partially received in a header of at least one of a cargo carrying enclosure, such as an ISO container, domestic container, semi-trailer and the like, when the latch structure is in the locked position and withdrawn from the header when the latch structure is in the unlocked position; and the linkage mechanism includes a distal section and a proximal section connected by a middle pivot pin, the distal section is coupled to the latch structure with an upper pivot pin and the proximal section is coupled with the plunger assembly, the proximal section is also pivotably connected to the housing with a

Abstract: A latch has a bolt mounted a trunk lid, a housing mounted on a motor-vehicle body and having a notch in which the bolt is receivable, and a fork pivotal on the housing about a main axis and displaceable between a closed and an open position. A plate pivoted on the housing at the main axis carries a pawl pivoted on the plate about a pawl axis offset from the main axis and displaceable between a holding position engaging the fork and, in the locked position of same, retaining the fork in the locked position and a releasing position clear of the fork and permitting same to pivot freely. An opening lever pivotal on the plate about a lever axis offset from the main axis is engageable with the pawl and formed with an actuating formation engageable with a formation of a link member displaceable relative to the housing.

Abstract: An improved sliding door latch comprising a recess formed in the leading edge of a sliding door, a latchplate covering said recess and formed with an opening to allow engagement by a latch member, a housing mountable in a recess formed in a door jamb, a latch member pivotally mounted in said housing and movable into and out of a position engaging said latchplate, lever means actuable to move said latch member, and privacy latch engageable with said lever means to prevent undesired actuation of said lever means.

Abstract: A latch control assembly for a vehicle sliding side door, mounted on the passenger side of the inside door panel. The assembly includes an outside handle latch release lever, an inside latch release lever, and a hold-open latch release lever, all pivotally mounted on one mounting pin and operatively interconnected. A locking lever, responsive to a key cylinder lock and an inside door lock, is mounted on a second mounting pin and is operatively connected to the other three levers. A child guard lever is pivotally mounted adjacent the three stacked levers, and is operatively connected thereto.

Abstract: A locking device, suitable for walk-in freezer doors, automatically locks when the door is closed, allows the door to be pulled open from the outside only when a proper key is inserted and rotated 90.degree., and always allows the door to be opened from the inside by pushing on a manual actuator. The locking device includes a strike mounted on the door frame, an outside plate assembly including a rigid handle and lock cylinder, and an inside plate assembly including a bracket supporting a spring loaded bolt, an enabling mechanism in the form of a collapsible linkage coupled to the bolt, a manual actuator, and a cover.

Abstract: A door latching and unlatching assembly comprising a carrier; a door latching bolt carried by the carrier to rotate between locking and unlocking positions; a door latching operating handle rotatable between open and closed positions; a rotor associated with and rotatable relative to the carrier, and two cams on the rotor and rotatable therewith, the rotor operatively connected with the handle, to be rotated in response to handle rotation; and structure operatively connected with the bolt and located to be displaced by one cam in response to rotation of the rotor in one direction for rotating the bolt to unlocking position, and to be displaced by the other cam in response to rotation of the rotor in the opposite direction for rotating the bolt to door locking position.

Abstract: A child-resistant latch release mechanism which requires operation of two control members which are separated by a distance greater than that which can be effectively spanned by a preschool child. The two control members must be operated first in a certain sequence and then simultaneously in order to permit operation of the latch release mechanism. Conventional self-latching upon closure is retained by the invention latch release mechanism.

Abstract: A toggle latch is shown which retains a structure, such as an aircraft door, latched against a second structure, such as the fuselage. The latch includes a housing having a latch actuator joined to the housing a first pivot point and a latch member joined to the housing at a second pivot point. A linkage joins the latch actuator and latch member at third and fourth pivot points. In the latched position, the fourth pivot point is positioned past a center line between the first and third pivot points to create the over-center, toggle effect of the latch. A safety catch is pivoted within the latch actuator which extends into a passage in the actuator. The safety catch also engages the housing when the toggle latch is in its latched position to lock the latch closed. Insertion of a tool into the passage engages the safety catch to remove it from its locking contact with the housing and free the latch actuator for opening the latch.

Abstract: A door latch and release apparatus is for moving a door into a finally closed condition with respect to a door frame and initially moving the door out of its closed condition to overcome the force of compressing or decompressing a continuous metallic gasket extending around the entire periphery between the door and the door frame. A handle on the door is linked to one end of a rocker arm which is pivotally mounted on the door. An antifriction rocker arm roller is rotatably mounted on the other end of the rocker arm in position to lie between a latch edge portion of the door frame and a latch plate finger fixedly supported with respect to the door frame latch edge portion. With the door handle in its open position, the door is closed until the roller contacts the door frame latch edge portion, and then the handle is manually moved to its closed position with the roller rolling on the finger to finally close the door with enough force to easily compress the metallic gasket between the door and the frame.

Abstract: A knob (3) capable of pivoting an actuating lever (4) of a latch and articulated to a case (1) which is open toward the exterior and capable of receiving the knob (3). The latter is laterally articulated to pivot, on one hand, about two pins (16, 17) fixed to the case (1) and, on the other hand, about two movable pins (14, 15) integral with the knob. All of the pins are within the case (1). Each pin (16, 17) fixed to the case is connected by a link (9, 11; 12, 13) to a movable pin (14, 15) and all the pins (14 to 17) are so positioned that straight lines (D1, D2) each passing through a fixed pin (16, 17) and through a movable pin (14, 15) interconnected by the same link intersect outside the case. This articulated mechanism permits mounting on the door the unit comprising the case (1) and the knob (3) by a simple succession of horizontal movements of translation which may also be effected by a robot of very simple design.

Abstract: A window lock assembly is provided for facilitated locking of a pane-carrying frame or sash in a closed position with respect to a window casement. The lock assembly comprises a handle unit in a recessed, substantially flush-mounted position on the casement and including a movable operator handle connected by a concealed rack or the like to at least one locking cam unit mounted on the casement at a remote position relative to the operator handle. The operator handle is accessible for manual movement to displace a locking cam of the cam unit into releasable locking engagement with a keeper mounted on the sash.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding cabinet is provided with a unique latch which does not require shielding. The latch includes a rotatable handle connected to a rotatable cam by a link. The rotatable cam includes a slot which engages a roller stud on a door to open and close the door. Conductive gaskets are provided on the cabinet walls and are engaged by wedges on the door, the rotation of the cam assisting in urging the wedge into or out of the space between flexible finger stock pieces. Because the latch is provided in a small recess in the side wall of the cabinet, no significant interior space of the cabinet is utilized.

Abstract: The locking device is provided with a jaw for receiving a swinging pin or trunnion, e.g. on the side or tail board of a truck or lorry, as well as with a bolt for the jaw opening. It also has a pivotably mounted claw movable by the bolt by means of a cotter gear and this claw grasps said pin as soon as it is in the pivoting region of the claw and forces it into the jaw. The bolt is advanced synchronously with the claw movement. The swinging pin is held by the bolt with supporting of the claw in the jaw.

Abstract: An anti-tamper fastening screw has an actuating head which can be accessed only by a special tool and can thus be used effectively in a locking system provided for use with removable automobile roof latching mechanisms. The threaded screw has a specially keyed and tooled head adjusted to be inserted through two holes and held in position by mating threads to retain a roof component in locked position. A special tool is provided which is operatively engageable with the keyed head of the fastening screw to prevent unauthorized removal of the detachable roof without utilizing the special tool.

Abstract: A safety lock comprises a lock housing, a pivotal bolt, bolt control means located in the housing to rotate the bolt from a locking to an unlocking position, key actuated means to operate the bolt control means and handle means adapted to operate the bolt control means in a manner such that the pivotal bolt rotates approximately 90.degree. from a locking position to an unlocking position by turning the handle means which is restricted to a turning movement of less than 180.degree.. The pivotal bolt extends outwardly from the housing when it is in a locking position. The key actuated means operates independently of the handle means and preferably rotates through an angle of at least 360.degree..

Abstract: A lock assembly for locking or unlocking the door of a truck or trailer body from a handle located inside the cab of the tractor. The tractor cab is fitted with a pivotable handle lever mounted on about fixed rachet gear engaged by a pivotable tooth on the handle lever, with the handle lever linked by a lock rod that extends under the floor of an attached truck or trailer body to a latch fixed on the door of the truck or trailer body. The lock rod may be fitted with coupling means for separation into a tractor section and a trailer section for use when the trailer section is detached from the tractor. The door latch is in the form of a bolt slidable axially through an eye member fixed to the truck door or alternately the bolt is bent at an angle to rotate about a fixed bracket on the door, with the bolt coupled to the lock rod by helical-slotted collar that translates reciprocal axial motion of the lock rod into rotary motion of the bolt.

Abstract: A two stage remotely actuated structural latch especially suitable for supporting an aircraft canopy during flight as well as on the ground. One single part of the latch carries all of the load and the latch can be locked or unlocked from a remote location by use of a rod, cable or tube to acruate only non-structurally loaded pins and links which have high mechanical advantage in the first stage unlocking movement. This arrangement permits emergency canopy release during flight by the application of average human leverage and provides maximum pull up capability at the time of maximum mechanical advantage. A self-aligning and floating hook pin concept eliminates the need for hook and mating pin alignment.

Abstract: The hatch is provided with a downturned lip engaging a flexible seal around the roof panel edge defining the escape hatch opening. Over center clamping means in conjunction with loose hinges, permits self alignment and complete sealing of the hatch when closed yet permits the hatch to be opened and hinged upwardly readily and easily when necessary.