Abstract: A connecting clip for connecting two members to each other at apertures through the two members. The connecting clip includes a first section connected to a second section by a living hinge. The first section includes a general ring shaped portion forming a hole, a first stationary projection extending away from the general ring shaped portion at a rear side of the general ring shaped portion, and a movably second projection connected to the general ring shaped portion by another living hinge. The second projection is movable to a deployed position extending out of the hole with an end of the second projection extending in a direction different from the first projection. The second section includes a pushing portion adapted to push against the second projection when the second section is moved from an open position to a closed position to thereby move the second projection to the deployed position.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a gate having first and second ends, a first fulcrum point intermediate the first and second ends and a first rotational axis proximate the second end, the safety mechanism including a first force resisting means intermediate the first fulcrum point and the first rotational axis, wherein a force applied to the first end is transmitted toward the first rotational axis via the first fulcrum point and the first force resisting means prevents transmission of the force to the first rotational axis. The present invention also comprises a safety mechanism for a gate having first and second ends, a locking means and a first rotational axis proximate said second end, wherein a force applied to the first end is transmitted toward the first rotational axis via the locking means, the safety mechanism including a first force resisting means intermediate the first rotational axis and the force, wherein the first force resisting means prevents transmission of the force to the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A latch apparatus has a latch base, a latch frame, and at least one flexible bracket connecting the latch frame to the latch base. Connectors are used to connect the flexible bracket to the latch frame and connect the flexible bracket to the latch base. The connectors prevent the outer surface of the flexible bracket from moving along the surface of the latch frame or the surface of the latch base. A biasing member is connected to the latch base and the latch frame. The flexible bracket maintains a gap between the latch base and the latch frame and prevents the latch base from contacting or sliding along the latch frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for disengaging a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. The present invention includes an automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod striking member. The drive rod striking member can be positioned adjacent the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod is disengaged from the door handle and/or the latching system through inertia, the drive rod striking member impacting the drive rod, or any other means. The drive rod striking member prevents the drive rod from re-engaging with the latching system. The disengagement of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker, either through deformation of the door, or through actuations by the door handle.

Abstract: A vacuum latch structure and a clam type electronic device are provided. The clam type electronic device includes a first case, a second case and the vacuum latch structure. The second case is pivotally connected to the first case to cover the first case. The vacuum latch structure has a driving element and a sucker. The driving element is movably disposed on the first case. The sucker includes a suction cup for attaching to the second case and a pulling rod that is connected to both the suction cup and the driving element. The suction cup is lifted by the pulling rod when the pulling rod is driven by the driving element.

Abstract: A lock has a body for extending through the sash and frame of a closed window. A head attached to a first end of the body bears on the outside of the sash. A movable abutment attached to a second end of the body may be positioned (a) so as to bear against the inside of the frame when the window is latched or locked or (b) so as to be able to pass through a hole in the frame to allow the window to be opened. Optionally, the body may have a variable length. Optionally, a plug or seal may be provided in the frame to close a hole in the frame when the window is open. Optionally, the abutment may slide and rotate on a pin in a slot at the second end of the body. Optionally, the abutment may slide and rotate on a pin in a slot at the second end of the body. Optionally, a spring may be provided over the body which, in an extended position, extends across a portion of the abutment.

Abstract: A door lock for locking a door to an underlying structure. A machine element disposed in connection to a through opening in the underlying structure is arranged so as to engage a bolt that is insertable into a through opening in the door. The machine element is inserted through the opening in the underlying structure to a position at which the openings in the door and the underlying structure form, together with the part of the machine element that extends outside of the underlying structure, a length that is longer than the bolt length, while at the same time an internal thread on the machine element extends sufficiently far through the underlying structure that, with the joint mounted, it engages the bolt to create the joint. Also, a method for manufacturing the door lock.

Abstract: Provided is an opening-and-closing mechanism that can be latched at a predetermined opening angle, wherein the latching can be disengaged with a small force in the opening direction whereas the latching is gradually disengaged in the closing direction.

Abstract: An exemplary fixing apparatus is provided for holding a data storage device defining a pair of holes in a sidewall thereof. The fixing apparatus includes a bracket, a sliding member, a rotating member, a pair of latch members, and a resilient member. The bracket includes a side panel defining a pair through holes therein. The sliding member is slidably attached to the side panel. The rotating member is rotatably attached to the sliding member. The resilient member is disposed between the sliding member and the rotating member. The latch members are pivotably attached to the rotating member and movably extend through the through hole of the bracket to engage in the holes of the data storage device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a body, a cover, and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured for latching the cover to the body, and unlatching the cover from the body. The latch mechanism includes a fastening portion, and a latching portion. The fastening portion and the latching portion are installed in the cover and the body correspondingly. The fastening portion is operatively engageable with the latching portion for cooperatively latching the cover to the body. When the cover is latched to the body, the latching portion extends out of the cover and engages with the fastening portion, and when the cover is unlatched from the body, the latching portion disengages with the fastening portion and is retracted in the cover.

Abstract: A locking/unlocking device usable with a door operator having a tapered shaft including a first element possessing a surface with a recess. A second element also includes a surface such that a fastener removably holds the first element to the second element to form a unit. The unit includes an aperture formed by the recess to at least partially circumscribe the tapered shaft of the door opener. A moveable foot located on the unit is driven against the door to allow the door operator to be positioned between a locked and unlocked orientation.

Abstract: A display control device and a computer host having the display control device are disclosed. The display control device is disposed in a host case of the computer host, and it includes a body including a control circuit electronically connected to the computer host, a control panel electrically connected to the control circuit, and a pivot unit connected to the body and the control panel to change the surface of the control panel between a close state and an open state relative to the host case. In addition, the computer host is controlled via an operating unit on the control panel.

Abstract: A cover and method for covering openings an particularly openings initially intended to cover door knob openings and lock set openings of a modified door which are required to be covered for aesthetic and security reasons. In one embodiment, the cover for a door knob hole is an integral stack of disks wherein the largest outermost disk covers the opening when centered by the second disk that fits snugly inside the opening. A bridge fits inside the lock-set cavity to which a cover over the lock cavity is bolted.

Abstract: Snap hook assemblies in which additional components have been incorporated are detailed. The assemblies maintain the general shapes of carabiners rather than those of conventional versions of the incorporated components. Included among the incorporated components may be light sources, knife blades, compasses, can or bottle openers, and watches, for example, although other components may be incorporated instead.

Abstract: A latching element includes a main section having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, a connecting portion formed on the edge of the first end, a locking portion formed on the second end; and a shaft spaced from the main section. The present disclosure also discloses a method of manufacturing the latching element and a portable electronic device having the latching element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved spindle arrangement for a latch bolt mechanism for a hinged door, and in particular, to a latch bolt mechanism actuated by spring-loaded push-pull spindles. The latch bolt mechanism includes a bolt with an inclined surface, a housing, at least one push-pull spindle with an inclined surface, and a spring mounted on the spindle for biasing the spindle in an extended position. The bolt is slidably mounted within the housing for movement between an extended position (extended outward from the housing) and a retracted position (positioned within the housing). The spindle slidably extends through an opening in the housing and bolt, transversely aligned with respect to the line of travel of the bolt. As the spindle is pushed towards or pulled away from the housing, the inclined surface of the spindle engages the inclined surface of the bolt to actuate movement of the bolt between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A hook shaft balance connection structure includes an operating element, a balance rod, and a connecting part. The operating element moves into a shell along the direction of the imposed force. The operating element includes a protrusion toward the direction of the force. The balance rod includes two axial parts and an eccentric part. The axial parts are on both ends of the balance rod, pivotally connected with the shell. The axes of them are on the same extension line. The eccentric part is disposed between the two axial parts, deviating from the axial parts by a predetermined distance. Its axis is parallel to those of the two axial parts. The eccentric part includes a first eccentric part in contact with the protrusion of the operating element and a second eccentric part by the first eccentric part. The connecting part includes a pushing part and two coupling parts. The pushing part is connected with the second eccentric part. The two coupling parts are connected to both ends of the connecting part.

Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.

Abstract: A window vent stop for use in a sliding sash window assembly or a sliding door assembly. The vent stop has a housing adapted to be disposed in a recess in the non-movable sash member. This housing includes a cavity with a bottom plate therein. The tumbler has at least one pivot for pivotally securing the tumbler to the housing for movement between an extended position, to prevent movement of the sliding member and a retracted position, to allow movement of the sliding member. Also within the housing is a spring for biasing the tumbler. The housing has one or more flexible members extending from the end walls of the housing that secure the housing to an opening in a window sash when a portion of the window sash is positioned between the underside of a lip on said housing and the flexible member.

Abstract: The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and collapse the shelter without risking injury.

Abstract: A latch is provided for engagement between the closure member of an enclosure and the frame of the enclosure, the latch comprising a member with a first portion, including a hook portion to engage the frame and prevent the closure member frame from fully opening. The first portion and a complementary second portion each may include buttressing wall sections, one of which must be deflected from alignment with the other to allow the hook portion to be deflected and clear the frame. The latch may be useful as a childproof device to prevent unwanted entry into the enclosure. In addition, a pin may extend from the hook portion and engage a hole in the frame to provide a third feature which must be actuated in order to fully open the closure member.

Abstract: A latch apparatus for a cover and a housing is mounted on at least one side in a front of the housing. The latch apparatus includes a bracket rotatably attached to at least one outer side in a front of the housing and a linkage coupled to the bracket. When the bracket is rotated in a first direction, the linkage applies a force on the cover relative to the housing for detachment of the cover from the housing.

Abstract: A hook shaft balance connection structure includes an operating element, a balance rod, and a connecting part. The operating element moves into a shell along the direction of the imposed force. The operating element includes a protrusion toward the direction of the force. The balance rod includes two axial parts and an eccentric part. The axial parts are on both ends of the balance rod, pivotally connected with the shell. The axes of them are on the same extension line. The eccentric part is disposed between the two axial parts, deviating from the axial parts by a predetermined distance. Its axis is parallel to those of the two axial parts. The eccentric part includes a first eccentric part in contact with the protrusion of the operating element and a second eccentric part by the first eccentric part. The connecting part includes a pushing part and two coupling parts. The pushing part is connected with the second eccentric part. The two coupling parts are connected to both ends of the connecting part.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: An adjustable closure hinge assembly, includes a first hinge portion having a first aperture, a second hinge portion having a second aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, a hinge member disposed in the first and second apertures for joining the first and second hinge portions, wherein the hinge member further comprises a spacer intermediate walls defining the first and second apertures and the hinge member, wherein the spacer comprises an active material, and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in at least one property of the active material, wherein the change in the at least one property is effective to provide up to six degrees of freedom to the hinge member and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal.

Abstract: An add-on safety lock that blocks lever rotation by bracing the lever against a fulcrum point at the handle shaft and nearby door structure.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a gate having first and second ends, a first fulcrum point intermediate the first and second ends and a first rotational axis proximate the second end, the safety mechanism including a first force resisting means intermediate the first fulcrum point and the first rotational axis, wherein a force applied to the first end is transmitted toward the first rotational axis via the first fulcrum point and the first force resisting means prevents transmission of the force to the first rotational axis. The present invention also comprises a safety mechanism for a gate having first and second ends, a locking means and a first rotational axis proximate said second end, wherein a force applied to the first end is transmitted toward the first rotational axis via the locking means, the safety mechanism including a first force resisting means intermediate the first rotational axis and the force, wherein the first force resisting means prevents transmission of the force to the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A door guard for hotel/motel doors comprises two articles, one article to be attached to a door, and another article to be attached to a door frame. One article is attached to the door, including a hook element adapted to receive a latch member of the door guard and attached to an inside surface of the door; and a damping element, composed of a sound dampening material, attached to an outside surface of the door. Another article is attached to the door frame, including a hinge element for connecting the article to the door frame; and a latch member pivotally connected to the hinge element. Another sound damping element, also composed of a sound dampening material, is disposed between the hinge element and the latch member. When the door guard is released and the door closes, the attached articles reduce the sound and/or vibrations, which are disturbing to hotel/motel guests, that occur when the closing door impacts the door guard and door frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for locking a door of a tray for a vehicle which can prevent the door of the tray from being unexpectedly opened by a strong impact. A device for locking a door of a tray for a vehicle includes a locking device connected integrally to the door of the tray via a link device and can positioned at the receiving hole which is formed at the rear of the main body housing.

Abstract: A dummy conversion bracket is used with a lockset having an interior assembly, an exterior assembly, and a thumbpiece. The thumbpiece is pivotally coupled to the exterior assembly and includes a tab that extends through the exterior assembly. The bracket comprises a blocking member disposed between the interior assembly and the exterior assembly. The blocking member is coupled to the exterior assembly and includes an aperture for receiving the tab. The aperture is configured to prevent the thumbpiece from pivoting relative to the exterior assembly.

Abstract: A scissor apparatus for a latch assembly, which includes a spring comprising a plurality of fingers for controlling the motion one or more sliders associated with the latch assembly, and wherein the spring comprises a spring control independent of the actuation of such sliders. The fingers are generally integrated with the spring. Such a one-piece spring can be implemented as a stamped component with 2-off, 3-off or 6-off fingers to control the motion of the sliders. The stamped spring can clip onto existing latch assembly components in order to promote retention, and overcome friction with the latch assembly and return the sliders to a neutral position thereof.

Abstract: A closure system for a door opening includes a striker having a support plate and a striker wire, and a lock having a bolt actuated by a detent pawl and adapted to retain the striker wire in the door opening. The lock and the striker each have at least one attachment feature that is complementary and separate from the bolt and the striker wire. The striker is thus secured to the lock during the installation of the closure system on the vehicle.

Abstract: A child safety lock for a lever door handle is rotatably mounted on a first side of a door and is biased in a first position. The child safety lock has a holder adapted to engage the door handle so that rotating the door handle rotates the holder. A cover is pivotally mounted on the holder and is shaped to cover the holder. A lock assembly is disposed in a vicinity of the door handle. The lock assembly selectively engages the cover for preventing rotation of the cover.

Abstract: A cancel lever device is disclosed for a door handle mechanism of a motor vehicle. The device includes a cancelling portion having a first and a second side, the cancelling portion being pivotally secured relative to the door handle mechanism about a pivotal axis. The cancelling portion defines a leading edge and a biasing device is provided for biasing the leading edge such that in a first pivotal location thereof, the door handle mechanism is operable and in a second pivotal location of the leading edge, movement of the door handle mechanism is inhibited. The leading edge defines a channel and a bumper is disposed within the channel for cushioning movement of the cancelling portion when the leading edge moves from the second to the first location. The bumper includes a retaining protrusion which cooperates with the channel for retaining the bumper within the channel.

Abstract: A dampened slide for a wedge assembly includes a slide housing having perimeter walls. First and second alignment members connect to the perimeter walls, each having a deflectable portion. The deflectable portions extend opposite to each other and transverse to a centerline of the housing.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: A lock joins two bodies together. The first body has a first hole and the second body has a second hole, and the lock includes a rail on the first body adjacent to the first hole, two spaced-apart cradles movable on the rail, a spring between and attached to the two cradles that urges the two cradles toward each other, a plunger that moves perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spring through the first hole, where the plunger has a locking end that moves into the second hole to join the bodies together. The lock has two levels that are each hinged to a different one of the cradles and to the plunger and that cause the locking end of the plunger to retreat from the second hole to unlock the bodies when the cradles move toward each other.

Abstract: A handle rotation restraint and method includes a tether that has an upper end and a lower end. A coupler is attached to the upper end of the tether. The coupler is adapted for removably attaching the upper end to an upper edge of a door having a handle coupled thereto. The coupler is attached to the upper edge of the door. A primary loop is attached to the lower end. A lever grip of the handle is extended through the primary loop so that an end of the lever grip is prevented from is rotated down.

Abstract: Snap hook assemblies in which additional components have been incorporated are detailed. The assemblies maintain the general shapes of carabiners rather than those of conventional versions of the incorporated components. Included among the incorporated components may be light sources, knife blades, compasses, can or bottle openers, and watches, for example, although other components may be incorporated instead.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a vehicle door latch, comprising a rheological fluid in operable connection with an output and an input, the fluid acting so as to in a first state prevent actuation of the output upon actuation of the input and in a second state permit such actuation.

Abstract: A locking arrangement is for a receptacle and cover with overlapping parts and aligned holes through the overlapping part. A bolt extends into at least one of the holes with a handle at one end of the bolt for pulling the bolt out of the aligned holes in a withdrawing direction. An expansion mechanism at an opposite end of the bolt expands to prevent withdrawing the bolt. The mechanism has a contracted geometry for allowing withdrawing of the bolt. An actuator mounted for movement to the bolt is pushed to contract and unlock the mechanism. A spring biases the expansion mechanism toward the expanded geometry so that when the actuator is not being pushed, the expansion mechanism is in the expanded geometry to lock the cover to the receptacle.

Abstract: A cord lock device for releasably securing a hinged object in a closed position includes a first cord loop projecting from a first side of a hinged object and a second cord loop projecting from a second side of a hinged object, the first and second cord loops projecting generally towards one another. The second cord loop includes an engagement loop section temporarily formed therein, the engagement loop section being extended through the first side of a hinged object adjacent one end of the first cord loop. The engagement loop section engages one end of the first cord loop, the one end of the first cord loop passing through the engagement loop section such that the first cord loop is intertwined with the second cord loop and thus the first and second cord loops cooperate to generally prevent access to the interior of a hinged object on which the first and second cord loops are mounted.

Abstract: A lift gate latch is used in connection with a lift gate and a handrail on a boat. The handrail has a jamb, and the lift gate has at least one stile. The lift gate latch has left and right side walls spaced apart and disposed adjacent the deck of the boat. Reinforcing ribs extend along both side walls, which straddle the jamb and the stile. A transverse member and a base member extend between the side walls. A portion of the right side wall has a height lower than the left side wall height, so that the stile can pass easily over it when opening and closing the gate. Fasteners pass through holes in the side walls and attach to the deck. Bosses are juxtaposed with the holes. The fasteners and bosses strengthen the side wall adjacent each hole.

Abstract: A lever lock system has a lever handle with a shaft and arm and a securing mechanism. The shaft passes through an aperture in a mounting plate coupled to a door. A support member has a closed rear face, an open front face and an internal region with a hollow cylinder with a hollow center extending to a central bore in the closed rear face of the support member. The central bore has a retaining lip adjacent to the open front face. The rear face is adapted to couple with the mounting plate. A push button has an open back face, closed front plate and a hollow shaft adapted to telescope over the support member with the hollow shaft adapted to telescope over the hollow cylinder. A screw couples the support member within the push button. A spring is retained over the hollow shaft of the push button.

Abstract: The present invention is a temporary latch for use in an installed door until the permanent latch for the door can be installed. The temporary latch consists of two pieces, i.e. a handle portion with tabs and a tongue portion with slots. The two pieces removably secure together within a door latch opening provided in the door by rotating the tongue portion so that the tabs of the handle portion are reversibly locked in the slots of the handle portion. The handle portion is provided with a ring for grasping and a compressible arm that retracts causing the tongue portion to be withdrawn into the door latch opening as the door is being closed and when the door is being unlocked from its door frame.

Abstract: An astragal boot provides a substantially weatherproof seal at a lower end of a vertically elongated astragal installed on the free side edge or stile of a semi-active door in a double door entry set or the like. The astragal boot includes at least one and preferably multiple compliant fins for engaging an underlying threshold, when the semi-active door is in a closed position, to provide an effective barrier against penetration of wind and water. In the preferred form, the astragal boot further supports and retains adjacent ends of complaint weatherstripping mounted on the astragal and/or the bottom edge of the door. The astragal boot may be provided in a non-handed configuration for reversible mounting on a left-hand or right-hand installed semi-active door.

Abstract: A link rod flexibly connecting an exterior door handle of a motor vehicle and a door latching mechanism to prevent actuation of the door latching mechanism as the result of a lateral collision, the link rod comprising: a first section connected to the vehicle door handle; a second section operatively connected to the door latching mechanism; and a lateral connector operatively connecting the first section to the second section. The lateral connector may be a laterally flexible spring, laterally flexible synthetic material, or a hinge point.

Abstract: A plug for closing an aperture in a plug receiving member has a main body with a screw thread on an end portion thereof operable to cooperate with a screw thread adjacent to the aperture in the plug receiving member to secure the plug thereto in an aperture closing manner, and a series of peripherally spaced laterally resilient fingers extending from the end portion of the main body in a direction away from the main body. The fingers having free end portions remote from the end portion of the main body with laterally outer surfaces shaped to resiliently engage the periphery of the aperture in the plug receiving member to retain the plug in assembly therewith when the plug security means is not engaged with the plug receiving member. The laterally outer surfaces of the fingers are also shaped to resiliently engage the periphery of the aperture in the plug receiving member to retain the plug in an open position whereby liquid can pass through the aperture and between the fingers.

Abstract: An unlocking device for a supplemental door lock of the ball hook and U-shaped catch type is disclosed. The unlocking device consists of a thin elongated resilient member. The resilient member is designed to engage the perpendicular corner formed by the standard door stop and associated door jamb. The resilient member has a resilient integral compression recoil arm that exerts force on the U-shaped catch as the door is closed. Upon closing the door, the resilient member causes the U-shaped catch to release the ball hook.

Abstract: A mobile telephone battery cover locking mechanism includes at least one latching member and at least one spring loaded locking member adapted to securely engage the latching member at one end when the latching member is fully inserted in at least one spacing provided at that end. The latching member forces the spring loaded locking member to move against its spring bias when the latching member is being inserted in the spacing with the spring loaded locking member having moved under its spring bias when the latching member is fully inserted in the spacing. The spring loaded locking member may be moved against its spring bias to allow the fully inserted latching member to disengage from the spring loaded locking member.