Abstract: A latch release system for a vehicle includes a primary and a secondary latch securing a front hood. An emergency handle within a compartment is covered by the front hood, linked to the primary latch and movable to actuate a switch. An actuator is arranged to release the secondary latch. A controller is configured to trigger the actuator to release the secondary latch responsive to actuation of the switch. An emergency latch release system for front compartment of a motor vehicle and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window vent stop for use in a sliding sash window 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 the tumbler is formed with a plastic member for selectively 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 the housing and the flexible member.

Abstract: A flatbed scanning device of a paper feeding scanning equipment includes a device casing and a scanning module. The device casing includes a first glass plate, and a second glass plate spaced apart from the first glass plate and having a bottom surface. The scanning module is disposed in the device casing, and including a module body, a scanning assembly disposed in the module body, and at least one contact assembly disposed on the module body. When the scanning module is in an initial position, the scanning assembly is located below the first glass plate, and the at least one contact assembly abuttingly contacts the bottom surface of the second glass plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock comprising an actuation/locking lever mechanism, with a first lever and a second lever, both levers being couplable with each other in at least two different relative positions. At least the one, first lever comprises a detent spring connected thereto for engagement with at least one detent recess on the other, second lever.

Abstract: A door latch assembly for engagement in a mounted position at or adjacent to a side edge of a door which abuts a door frame stop upon a full closure of the door into a surrounding door frame. The device features an angled or biased latch member which employs an end to engage the door stop molding of a door jamb and thereby secure the door in a slightly open position and prevent a full opening of the door. The latch member is engaged to a side edge of the door using frictional engagement or mechanical engagement. The latch member is releasable from either side of the door without placing a user's fingers in between the door and jamb.

Abstract: A latching device for at least two housing parts, in which a snap-on connection as well as a latching connection between the housing parts is produced by a correspondingly designed rotary knob/pushbutton function. The actuating button preferably is respectively arranged on two opposing sidewalls of an upper housing part, wherein the actuating button respectively acts upon a spring lever that is arranged on the inner wall of the upper housing part. During assembly of the upper housing part and a lower housing part, a forced snap-on connection between the two housing parts is produced and can only be disengaged again by exerting pressure upon the actuating buttons on both sides.

Abstract: A cover latching mechanism (100) used in a portable electronic device is described including a latching base (20), a cover member (10), a latching member (40), and a releasing member (30). The cover member has a latching protrusion (14) arranged on it. The latching member is used to latch the cover member to the latching base and defines a latch space (464) and a release space (462). The cover member can be latched to the latching base by latching the latching protrusion into the latch space, and then be released from the latching base by the releasing member engaging into the release space.

Abstract: The invention is related to a computer enclosure. The computer enclosure includes a chassis, an expansion card, and a rotating member. The expansion card includes a shield plate which has a bent end formed thereon. The chassis includes a sidewall. A slot is defined in the sidewall. The sidewall forms a support plate at a side of the slot. The sidewall is capable of accepting the shield plate of the expansion card to shield the slot of the sidewall, and the support plate is configured to accepting the bent end of the expansion card. The rotating member includes an arm. The rotating member is capable of rotating on the sidewall to a locked position. In the locked position, the arm is capable of exerting force on the bent end of the expansion card located on the support plate, and the locked position is capable of securing the expansion card on the sidewall of the chassis.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism for fixing a PCI bracket having a fixing piece in a casing is provided. The fastening mechanism includes a first mating member and a second mating member. The first mating member is fixed to the casing and includes a carrying piece for carrying the fixing piece and a fastening piece bending toward one end of the carrying piece. The second mating member includes a pressing piece for pressing the fixing piece, a first clipping piece bending toward one end of the pressing piece and pivotally connecting with the casing, and a second clipping piece bending toward another end of the pressing piece and corresponding in position to the fastening piece. The second mating member is rotated to combine with the first mating member, thereby securing the fixing piece in place horizontally and vertically.

Abstract: A lock mechanism includes a torsion bar that prevents movement of a slide bar abutting a swing bolt. The torsion bar engages the swing bar in a direction transverse to sliding movement to prevent undesired movement away from abutting contact with the swing bolt.

Abstract: A sash lock (10) for a sash window assembly (12) is provided. The sash window assembly (12) includes an upper sash window (14) and a lower sash window (16), each of the sash windows (14), (16) mounted within opposed guide rails (18) on a master frame (20), wherein at least one of the sash windows (14), (16) is slidable within the frame (20) relative to the other sash window (14), (16). The sash lock (10) of the present invention includes a keeper (22) adapted for mounting on one of the sash windows (14), (16). The keeper (22) includes a keeper surface. The sash lock (10) also includes a locking assembly (24) adapted for mounting on the other of the sash windows (14), (16). The locking assembly (24) comprises a housing (30) having an aperture (33), an actuator arm (32) rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position and a cam (34) having a cam surface (40) for engaging the keeper surface.

Abstract: An enclosure securing apparatus including a handle housing disposed in a cover for an opening in an enclosure; a handle lever pivotably attached to the handle housing, the handle lever having first and second ends; a cam surface disposed at the first end of the handle lever for engagement with a lock housing; and a lock assembly integrated with the enclosure securing apparatus for locking the enclosure.

Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed. The storage unit includes a base having a rim, a cover movable between a closed position and an open position, and a latch configured to releasably couple the cover to the base. The latch includes a user interface configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, a post configured to be at least partially disposed in an aperture in the rim when the user interface is in the second position, and an attachment member that extends from the user interface and is configured to provide a fulcrum about which the user interface pivots.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a mechanism for pivotably coupling a notebook computer to its display, wherein a keyboard is received in a forward recess of a housing of the notebook computer, and a substantially rectangular pivot board is received in a rearward recess of the housing, the pivot board has a forward side hingedly coupled to the keyboard and a rearward side hingedly coupled to the display so that the display is adapted to pivot upward for adjusting height and position thereof relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure comprising a closing head (20) and a lock (10) which rest on the immobile or mobile part of a door, flap or such like. The closing head (20) has an undercut axial shoulder (26) which during coupling is engaged by a radially mobile blocking member (11) in the lock (10). The lock (10) further comprises a sensing member (12) and a restoring member (13) for the blocking member (11). To make the lock less prone to malfunctions the invention provides for the axially spring-loaded sensing member (12) to be used as a locking means for the radially spring-loaded blocking member (11). When the locking effect is actuated the blocking member (11) is held in a release position in relation to the closing head (20). When the closing head (20) is engaged the sensing member (12) carries out an axial movement which releases the lock so that the radial spring-loading can move the blocking member (11) into its blocked position.

Abstract: A device for securely engaging a display panel with a base in a closed position is provided for use with a portable computer that may be constructed of both a base and a display panel that is pivotally mounted on the base. The base and the display panel combine to form the chassis of the portable computer. The device for engaging the display panel and the base in a closed position prevents the display panel from being damaged when the portable computer is being moved, stored, or shipped. The device consists of a recess for mounting a latching assembly and a latching assembly. The latching assembly supports a latch that secures the display panel to the base when the cover is in a folded down, or closed or recessed, position. The latch assembly comprises a recess that is formed in the display panel that receives the latch assembly. There is also a seat formed on the base that corresponds to the opening on the cover.

Abstract: A buckling device of a scanning head is installed at an initial position of an optic module of the scanner. A slot is formed on the casing of a scanner for being positioned and inserted by a swingable piece. Two lateral surfaces of the swingable piece are pivotally installed to a pair of shaft grooves on the casing by respective projecting shafts. The swingable piece has an upper stopper for being inserted into an engaging hole of the optic module. The swingable piece is installed with a lower stopper and a sliding groove is installed on the casing. A gate is installed in the sliding groove. A hooking piece protrudes from one end of the sliding groove for hooking one end of the spring at one side of the gate; another end of the spring is connected to a hook portion at an end surface of the sliding rod passing through another end of the gate. A transverse piece and a straight piece are installed on the sliding rod. The straight piece is buckled to a resisting surface at a bottom of the optic module.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle latch assembly has a door latch displaceable between a locked and unlocked position, a housing forming a seat, a lever pivoted on the housing, and a linkage connected between the lever and the door latch for displacement of the latch between its positions by the lever. A lock cylinder can fit in the seat and with the lever and interengaging formations on the lever, housing, and cylinder retain the lever in a predetermined angular position on the housing except when the cylinder is fitted in the seat. The housing is centered on an axis and has an elastically deformable and axially rearwardly projecting tongue having a radially inwardly directed ramp surface. The lever projects radially from the housing and is formed with a radially outwardly open notch receiving the tongue in a predetermined angular position of the lever on the housing.

Abstract: A rolling toolbox is provided which has a generally rectangular frame. The frame forms an interior compartment and has a front plate, a rear plate and opposing end plates mounted thereon. The front plate has an opening therein. Mounted to the frame in pivotal relationship is at least one bin which has an end plate, a retaining plate and opposing side plates. Mounted to the retaining plate is a rearwardly extending latch. A drawer is slidingly received within the frame through the drawer opening. The drawer has a handle extending upwardly therefrom. The handle of the drawer matingly fits with the latch of the bin to hold the bin in a closed position during transport of the toolbox. The bin may be opened by pulling thereon, the latch releasing from the handle upon the application of an opening force on the bin.

Abstract: A chassis assembly for computers is disclosed. In the chassis assembly, the main chassis and bottom chassis are suitable for being manually assembled and disassembled, thus allowing a user to easily handle the assembly with improved work efficiency while repairing or upgrading a computer. The main chassis, having front and rear panels, is open at the bottom between the lower edges of the front and rear panels. The bottom chassis is detachably mounted to the open bottom of the main chassis. The chassis assembly also has a lock unit which is mounted to the rear portion of the bottom chassis. The lock unit normally retains the position of the bottom chassis relative to the main chassis and selectively allows the bottom chassis to be manually removed from the main chassis.

Abstract: A door latch for latching the vehicle door in the closed position includes a fork bolt pivotally mounted on the latch housing for movement between the latching position engaging a striker in an unlatching position to unlatch from the striker and permit opening of the door. A detent lever is pivotally mounted on the latch housing for movement between an engaging position engaging the fork bolt in its latching position and a disengaging position disengaged from the fork bolt to permit pivoting of the fork bolt to its unlatching position. A spring acts between the detent lever and the latch housing to urge the detent lever to the engaged position. A catch member is provided to retain the detent lever in the disengaged position and block pivoting movement of the detent member to the engaging position in response to absence of the spring.

Abstract: A control panel door that is pivotally connected to the beznet of a television receiver. The beznet has a pair of radial protrusions which cooperate with a single radial protrusion of the door to secure the control panel door in a closed position. The door is provided with enough lateral movement to allow the single door protrusion to slide past the beznet protrusions when the door is rotated to an open position. The door protrusion and the beznet protrusions also align the control panel door with the beznet when the door is rotated into the closed position.

Abstract: The invention concerns decompression locks releasing a flap or plate from their closed position in the event of overpressure. A decompression lock, employing the known principle of overcoming the retaining force of a spring (14) to achieve opening, employs a bolt (11) rotatably supported in a longitudinally displaceable support carriage (8). A detent spring (14) keeps the bolt (11) in the closed position and will release it at a predetermined overpressure. During assembly or in the event of forced opening, the decompression lock is moved into the closed position solely by closing the flap or plate.

Abstract: An optical scanner with an improved chassis locking mechanism. The improved chassis locking mechanism includes a chassis, a latch disk, a scanner case and a cover. The latch disk has a shaft for turnably resting on a rack of the scanner case and being held from falling off the rack by a pair of brackets of the cover. The latch disk also has a limiting bulge for limiting the turning angle of the latch disk and a plurality of positioning notches formed on the circumference thereof. The latch disk further has a locking slot for receiving or locking a strut ofthe chassis. By turning the latch disk to a predetermined angle, one of the positioning notches will be engaged with a positioning bulge on the scanner case. The locking slot of the latch disk will either allow the strut to move freely or lock the strut from moving so that the chassis can be held stationary during transportation to reduce damage that might otherwise occur.

Abstract: A clamp for holding an analyzer in place on a horizontal surface, comprising an entrance mouth angled to allow insertion of a bracket of the analyzer without initial accurate alignment, and a tongue-and-opening interlock between the clamp and the bracket on the analyzer, sized to give limited sideways movement between the clamp and analyzer, once the clamp is locked onto the bracket. The clamp is locked to the bracket using a spring effective to adjust for dimensional variations.

Abstract: Computers are manufactured with connectors in which are inserted at least one PCI expansion card to increase the capacity of the computer. A computer enclosure panel is formed with first opening for insertion and withdrawal of the card. The card has a cover which blocks the first opening after the card has been plugged in. The invention provides a retainer mounted on the rear panel which engages the cover to hold one end of the card in place. The invention further provides room for the tab conventionally extending outward of the card to extend outward of the enclosure so that the card may be located closer to the side panel, thereby conserving space within the enclosure. The retainer has an apertured first door pivotally mounted on the exterior of the panel which in closed position surrounds a second opening through which the card tab protrudes and engages one face of the tab. A second door is pivotally mounted on the first door and in closed position covers the aperture in the first door.

Abstract: A circuit module with a pivot means engages a pivot support on an equipment chassis so that the module rotates into a locked position. A cantilevered latch located on the chassis locks the module in place by engaging a catch which is located proximate to a back surface of the module. The module is released by displacing the cantilevered latch using a cam and slide assembly which are mounted on the module. The slide assembly has a handle which is accessible at the front of the module. The module is released by pulling on the handle.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a folding table in which the table includes stowable legs, a modesty panel and a horizontal table top supported by the legs. The latch mechanism latches the legs of the table into an upright position. The latch mechanism includes a pin rigidly fastened to a leg of the table such that the tip of the pin projects away from the leg. A cantilever spring plate defining a bore sized to receive at least a portion of the tip of the pin therethrough is attached to the modesty panel of the table. The bore of the spring plate aligns with the pin when the table is opened to its upright position. The cantilever spring plate includes a bend which resiliently biases the spring plate away from the modesty panel. The pin is freed from the bore allowing the legs of the table to move to their stowed position when the spring plate is moved toward the modesty panel against the biasing action of the cantilever spring plate.

Abstract: Safety device for a cassette for a compact disc, a cassette tape or the like, which comprises two hingedly interconnected rectangular cassette halves. The safety device can be mounted on the outside of the cassette encircling the cassette to prevent opening thereof and is provided with a lock member for locking engagement with the cassette, which includes a rotary bolt (22) enclosed in a lock housing (20), to be adjusted between engaged position and disengaged position from the outside of the lock housing. A spring blade (30) of magnet material is provided as a latch member for the rotary bolt, the spring blade being arranged to prevent in a latching position rotation of the rotary bolt from the engaged position and being operable against spring bias by magnetic attraction from the outside of the lock housing from the engaged position unlatching the rotary bolt to allow rotation thereof to the disengaged position.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a removable chute assembly (33) for a snowthrower (10). Chute (33) is connected to housing (12) of snowthrower (10) by using a plurality of locking assemblies (52) and a detent assembly (50). Each locking assembly (52) includes a pivoting member (56) which can engage a flange (38) of chute assembly (33) to hold chute assembly (33) in locked engagement with housing (12). Each pivoting member (56) is held in locked position by a detent member (70) which can be manipulated by an ignition key (13) of snowthrower (10), and each pivoting member (56) can be pivoted away from flange (38) to allow for the chute assembly (33) to be removed from housing (12). Preferably, key (13) engages a switch (15) such that key (13) can only be removed from switch (15) when the snowthrower is turned off. Therefore, chute assembly (33) can only be removed when the snowthrower is not operating.

Abstract: A manually operated latch for a gate closure is disclosed herein having a resilient helical coil with extended end portions secured to the ends of a pair of hand grips. The end portions are disposed to extend at an angle with respect to each other so that the normal bias of the coil forcibly urges the hand grips away from each other. A keeper loosely secured between the end portions holds the hand grips from separating beyond a predetermined set position and permits yieldable closing or drawing of the hand grips together against the expanding bias of the coil. A pair of latch members are rigidly carried on the end portions and extend towards each other in a normally biased condition to draw overlapping latch elements together.

Abstract: A system for accessing interior portions of a curtainside truck trailer including a flexible curtain, upper and lower roller assemblies secured to the curtain for engagement with upper and lower rails mounted on the truck trailer for supporting the curtain during expanding and contracting movement along the rails. A support panel is mounted between upper and lower longitudinal edge portions of the truck trailer, and a latching mechanism is connected to the support panel which includes a shaft with a vertical axis of rotation, a latch attached to the shaft engagement with a keeper attached to the curtain. An operating member is attached to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis and engaging the latch and keeper. A latch guide is captively engaged by the latch and attached to the support panel for guiding movement of the latch into engagement with the keeper. A spring biased locking mechanism for locking the latching mechanism and securing the curtain in the closed position.

Abstract: A closure device for a library storage box combines a hanger with a locking device for the closed storage box. A hinge structure for the device provides a first hinge portion on the box, connected by a flexible hinge to a second hinge carrying the hanger at its outer end. A latch on the second hinge portion engages a complementary detent on the first hinge portion to hold the box closed and to project the hanger to an engaging position for mounting on a suitable rail.

Abstract: A sterilizer having a bottom part and a lid with a pair of pivotable closure bars mounted on the lid and adapted to be moved between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure bar coacts with a detent to fix the lid to the bottom part. The free end of the closure bar is angled outwardly for ease of grasping the bar. A stop is provided which defines the open position of the closure bar. When in its open position, the closure bar is generally parallel to the top of the lid and is adapted to be used as a carrying handle for the lid.

Abstract: A check rail lock having a housing with an interior space which rotatably mounts a shaft connected to a handle and a cam and with stop members associated with the cam and the housing for limiting rotation of the cam between locked and unlocked positions. The cam is releasably held in either of these positions by mounting of a spring washer on the shaft to which the cam is fixed, and with the spring washer and the housing having coacting detent structure which releasably holds the cam in either the locked or unlocked position. The spring is generally concave for predetermined spring loading and has planar sections with detents to assure good engagement with detent notches on the housing.

Abstract: A check rail lock having a housing with an interior space rotatably mounts a shaft connected to a handle and a cam and with stop members associated with the cam and the housing for limiting rotation of the cam between locked and unlocked positions. The cam is releasably held in either of these positions by mounting of a spring washer on the shaft to which the cam is fixed, and with the spring washer and the housing having coacting detent structure which releasably holds the cam in either the locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: A hinge-mounted labeling panel having two final positions for use on plug-in modules in subassemblies of a mechanically modular system. According to the invention, a panel portion of the labeling panel is hinge-mounted on one end to a guide crossbar of the subassembly, such as a card cage, and on the other end is fitted with a lock. The labeling panel thus has a simple design, and also has two flat sides both of which can be used to attach the desired labeling.

Abstract: A latching device for luggage is described, wherein a latching member having a hasp engaging angled finger is rotatably mounted in a frame member. A spring member rotatably mounted atop the latching member has a key receiving recess, a locking tab for preventing rotation of the latching member, serves to urge the latching member against the base member and yieldably holds a ball in recesses in the base member. A hasp has a boss with a curved slot for receiving the hasp engaging finger on the latching member. A cover plate is rigidly attached to the latching member and is rotatably disposed on a base member which has a raised rib. A side wall of the cover plate rides across the rib camming the latching member and angled finger upwardly against a wall of the slot to draw the hasp and latching device toward each other.

Abstract: A safety latch assembly has a rotatable grip rotatably mounted on a stationary handle and a ring-shaped flange surrounding a substantially cylindrical portion of the stationary handle, an elastically resilient arresting means on the cylindrical portion whose exterior is formed with an arresting face with which a stop face on the inner side of the grip flange engages upon rotation of the grip in the opening direction from the closed position when the arresting means is in the normal position. The grip is arranged so that the arresting means can be actuated through the flange of the grip to disengage the arresting face from the stop face.

Abstract: A latch and detent mechanism for use with a sliding tray 12 mounted in a cabinet 10 is disclosed. The mechanism includes a stationary detent bar 18 having one or more detent slots 22, a latch bar 20 that is pivotably coupled to the sliding tray with a finger 46 at one end for engaging a detent slot to lock the tray in position and a handle 14 at the other end for disengaging the finger to unlock the tray, and biasing means 54 for urging the finger toward the detent slot.

Abstract: A clip for retaining the door operating lever of the bulkhead door on a ship includes a generally rectangular polyethylene body for mounting on a bracket on the door frame. A keyhole-shaped recess is provided in one side of the body for receiving the lever. A slot in the same side of the body adjacent to the recess facilitates flexing of the sides of the recess so that the lever can enter the circular inner end of the recess.

Abstract: A lock device for locking the hood of a vehicle equipped with a pivotal latch. A mounting bracket is bolted to the vehicle at a location adjacent to the hood latch behind the vehicle grill. A key operated cylinder lock carries a cam which controls a spring loaded locking arm. A flange on the locking arm engages the latch release lever to prevent it from releasing the hood when the cylinder lock plug is turned to the locked position. The cam releases the locking arm when the cylinder lock is unlocked, and a spring pulls the locking arm away from the release lever to permit unlatching of the hood. In a modified form of the lock device, the cam acts directly against the latch release lever to provide the sole means for operating the latch.

Abstract: A composite safety lock for a door which lock has a passage long enough to prevent access to the actuation mechanism by a child but not by an adult.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pawl latch which comprises a bush having a head, and a latching arm spaced axially from the head and extending in a direction transverse to the axis of the bush. The latch includes at least one resilient leg positioned on a side of the bush opposite the latching arm and extending back towards the head. The latch is adapted so that it may be inserted in an aperture in a panel at an angle, latching arm first, and then pushed completely into the aperture until the underside of the head engages the front face of the panel and the resilient leg, having been deflected on being pushed through the aperture, springs out to engage the rear face of the panel. The latch is maintained in position in the aperture on the one side between the leg and the underside of the head and on the other side between the latching arm and the underside of the head.