Abstract: An adjustable standoff, including an attachment portion comprising an aperture into which a grip is inserted, a clamp portion disposed on a first end of the attachment portion to control movement of the grip through the aperture, and a protruding portion disposed on a second end of the attachment portion to connect to a first surface of a door.

Abstract: A reversible apparatus for a conventional pocket door has a sliding-handle mechanism and a handle cavity sized to facilitate human operation. Moving parts are contained in a cartridge, and remain assembled, independent of the configuration of the apparatus for doors that close from left to right, or doors that close from right to left.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a substrate, an electrode structure including electrodes stacked on the substrate, an upper semiconductor pattern penetrating at least a portion of the electrode structure, and a lower semiconductor pattern between the substrate and the upper semiconductor pattern. The upper semiconductor pattern includes a gap-filling portion and a sidewall portion extending from the gap-filling portion in a direction away from the substrate, the lower semiconductor pattern includes a concave top surface, the gap-filling portion fills a region enclosed by the concave top surface, a top surface of the gap-filling portion has a rounded shape that is deformed toward the substrate, and a thickness of the sidewall portion is less than a thickness of the gap-filling portion.

Abstract: A top pull gravity latch device to selectively secure a gate in a closed position to block the opening or portal in a fence, wall or other barrier comprising a latch assembly including a latch actuator assembly, intermediate pull actuator assembly and pivotal latch member each movable between a first and second position and a keeper assembly including a striker pin to selectively engage the pivotal latch member to move the pivotal latch member from the first to second position when the keeper assembly is moved from the second to first position and back to the first position wherein the gate is securely closed when the latch actuator assembly, intermediate pull actuator assembly, pivot latch member of the latch assembly and the striker pin of the keeper assembly are all in the first position and wherein the intermediate pull actuator assembly is moved from the first to second position to move the pivotal latch member from the first to second position clearing the striker pin of the keeper assembly to be moved

Abstract: A gate lifter latch having a striker assembly having a striker pin, the striker assembly mounted to the free end of a gate, and a catch lifting assembly mounted to a latch post, the catch lifting assembly having a pivoting lift arm that receives a striker pin, such that during closure of the gate the pivoting lift arm pivots upward and raises the striker pin and free end of the gate. The gate lifter latch may further have a manual or automatic gate latch assembly for securement of the gate in the closed position. The components of the gate lifter latch are preferably structured such that the gate lifter latch may be disassembled and reassembled for use with either a left or right inswing or outswing gate.

Abstract: A gate latch assembly includes strike mounting plate and a gate latch. The strike mounting plate has a base portion and a pin attachment portion. The gate latch has a second base portion and a pin engagement portion extending from a mid-portion of the second base portion. This pin engagement portion has a first prong and a second prong separated by a slot. A latch is pivotally mounted to the first prong and effective to releasably restrain a pin within the slot. The pin is affixed to the strike mounting plate and has a length effective to engage the slot. One feature of the assembly is that it is equally suitable for gates that swing to the left and for gates that swing to the right. Further, by changing the configuration of the pin, the gate latch assembly is suitable for sliding gates.

Abstract: A door brace (10) comprising a door engagement member (12), a leg (20) and an engagement foot (26). The door engagement member (12) comprises a bottom flange (14) for location under a bottom edge of a door (34) and an engagement wall (16) having one face (18) for location against one side of the door. The leg comprises a fixed length section(22)and an adjustable length section (24). The leg is hingedly connected to the engagement wall and is movable between a bracing position in which it extends at a first angle to the engagement wall and a released position in which it extends at a smaller angle to the engagement wall. The door brace has a released condition in which the leg is in the released position and the adjustable length section of the leg has a first length and a bracing condition in which the leg is in the bracing position and the adjustable length section of the leg has a longer length.

Abstract: An opening system for a building wall includes a peripheral frame, a mullion, a pair of frameworks disposed in an empty space of the peripheral frame, a plurality of hinges swingable mounting the frameworks to the peripheral frame within the empty space, and a pair of latching assemblies. The latching assemblies having transversely-extending latch mechanisms that are disposed in respective ones of the frameworks and axially offset from one another so that one of latch mechanisms of one of the frameworks is latchably engageable with a portion of an adjacent one of the lateral sides of the mullion and the other one of the latch mechanisms of the other of the frameworks is latchably engageable with an adjacent portion of the one of the frameworks being located past the rear side of the mullion.

Abstract: A spray head holder (250) comprising an outer rim and a socket (252) for receiving a spray head. The socket defines an inner mouth (254) surrounded by the outer rim, the inner mouth (254) and outer rim being disposed in respective planes that are obliquely disposed with respect to one another. The longitudinal axis of the socket is obliquely disposed with respect to the plane in which said outer rim lies. A bevelled lip is provided around the outer rim. The spray head holder (250) is particularly suited for fitting to walls behind which space is restricted, for example the bulkhead of a boat.

Abstract: A gate latch device to secure a gate in a closed or latched position to a fence or other barrier to close or block a portal formed therein comprising a latch assembly including a lower latch pin and a keeper safety catch mounted to the fence or other barrier adjacent the portal and a keeper assembly including a magnet disposed adjacent a latch pin recess mounted to the gate such that when the gate is closed the magnet attracts the lower latch pin from a normally biased upper or unlatched position to a lower or latched position drawing the lower latch pin downward into the latch pin recess against the force of the bias to prevent the gate from opening and wherein the keeper safety catch selectively engages the keeper assembly to limit the outward movement of the keeper assembly relative to the latch assembly to retain the lower latch pin from becoming dislodged from the latch pin recess to maintain the gate in the latched position.

Abstract: A toggle latch for a gate has a first unit mounting a pivotal latch arm and adapted to be mounted on the gate and a second unit providing a receiving and latching cavity and adapted to be mounted on a gate post, the body portion of the second unit having a forward nose to provide a ramp to deflect upwardly and over the nose the latch arm when impacting thereon and an interior retaining surface defined in the body and having upper and rear surfaces of the cavity to deflect down into the cavity the latch arm after it has ridden up over the nose.

Abstract: A gravity actuated locking device for a container having a hinged lid, comprises a base unit adapted to be fixed to the container and a pivoting unit pivotally mounted to the base unit. The pivoting unit includes a locking mechanism mounted therein for rotation about the base unit. In turn, the locking mechanism comprises a circular rolling member that translates from a blocking position preventing relative movement between the pivoting unit and the base unit to a release position permitting relative movement between the pivoting unit and the base unit.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for gates and the like for readily latching a slide bar to a locking unit. The locking unit has a block with a front and back plate that are fixedly attached to each other about portions of peripheries of the front and back plates that define an opening with a side slot and at least one adjacent top or bottom slot. Positioned within at least one top or bottom slot is at least one pivoting release lever having a first leg and a second leg movable about a pivot. One of the legs has a portion configured to engage a portion of a slide bar when restraining movement of the slide bar relative to the block. The other leg abuts and aids in dislodging the slide from the block when a force is applied to the pivoting lever. The latch mechanism further includes a slide bar guide.

Abstract: An auto-lock mechanism to be mounted on an image input/output device includes a first swingable element and a second swingable element. When the image input/output device is not slantwise and an upper cover of the device is opened, one of the first and second swingable elements swings but does not hook the other of the first and second elements. When the image input/output device is slantwise, both of the first and second swingable elements simultaneously swing, approach and hook each other such that the upper cover remains closed and is free from detachment to hurt a user.

Abstract: A safety locking mechanism includes an engaging device, which holds a mass in a deflected position, and a restoring device effective by applying an overpressure to a receptacle and which directs the mass into a basic position.

Abstract: An automobile door handle mechanism has a door handle with a handle arm and a latch lever with a lever arm moved by the handle in an unlatch direction to unlatch a door. The handle arm and lever arm overlap in the unlatch direction to restrict movement of the latch lever in the unlatch direction without movement of the handle.

Abstract: A bracket to hold a boarding ladder to a boat. A quick release mechanism for both the ladder and the bracket itself are disclosed. A mounting plate is substantially flush with the side of the boat. The bracket slides down into the mounting plate and latches into place. The bracket accepts the upper bar of a boarding ladder and closes a latch over the bar, holding the ladder in place. To remove the ladder, a latch at the top of the bracket is lifted and the ladder can be easily pulled free. To free the bracket from the mounting plate after the ladder has been removed, the latch is lifted and the bracket can be lifted out.

Abstract: An adjustable gate hinge and an adjustable latch unit each provide for adjustment of a fence gate. The hinge interconnects the gate to a first post of the fence. The hinge supports the gate and permits pivoting movement of the gate relative to the first fence post. The latch unit secures the gate, to a second post of the fence, in a closed position of the gate. The hinge and the latch unit are usable together in a system. As such, the system has the feature that at least one of the hinge and the gate unit has an arrangement to permit adjustment of the gate relative to the fence in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the fence. The arrangement includes two components that are relatively movable along the direction perpendicular to a plane of the fence and that are secured to each other subsequent to the movement along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the fence.

Abstract: This application reveals a gate latch assembly in which a pivoting bolt permits substantial misalignment occur between the bolt and latch members and yet permit successful latching of the assembly.

Abstract: A latching apparatus to facilitate the latching, positioning, securing, disengagement and travel of a door, window, gate or similar structure. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a first connecting member is attached to a first attachment structure and a latching member is pivotally attached to a second connecting member and a second attachment structure. Insertion of securing mechanisms into strategically positioned securing apertures prohibits disengagement and travel of a structure secured by the improved latching apparatus. Removal of either one of two said securing mechanisms from either side of a previously secured structure facilitates disengagement and travel of said previously secured structure.

Abstract: A symmetrical gravity operated gate latch for fastening a two way gate and arranged to be manually released easily from either side of the closed gate to permit swinging movement and opening of the gate in either direction. The gate latch including a means for swinging the free end of the gate shut, thereby securing itself through inertia and gravity. The free end of the gate including a striker bar which passes through the striker slot and through the first of two pivotally mounted flappers. The second flapper is positioned so said flapper may not pivot out of the housing, thereby securing the striker bar between the flappers until one of the flappers is rotated inward to release the striker bar.

Abstract: An adjustable gate hinge and an adjustable latch unit each provide for adjustment of a fence gate. The hinge interconnects the gate to a first post of the fence. The hinge supports the gate and permits pivoting movement of the gate relative to the first fence post. The latch unit secures the gate, to a second post of the fence, in a closed position of the gate. The hinge and the latch unit are usable together in a system. As such, the system has the feature that at least one of the hinge and the gate unit has an arrangement to permit adjustment of the gate relative to the fence in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the fence. The arrangement includes two components that are relatively movable along the direction perpendicular to a plane of the fence and that are secured to each other subsequent to the movement along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the fence.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a latching assembly for securing a gate having a bolt extending therefrom. The latching assembly is provided with a housing and a bolt retaining member pivotally connected to the housing. The bolt retaining member has a retaining portion. The bolt retaining member has open and closed positions with the bolt retaining member being biased in the closed position. The latching assembly is further provided with a trigger connected to the housing. The trigger has locked and unlocked positions with the trigger being biased in the locked position. The trigger has a contact portion sized and configured to contact a bolt when the trigger mechanism is in the locked position. The trigger further has a locking portion sized and configured to engage the bolt retaining member when the bolt retaining member is in the open position and the trigger is in the locked position.

Abstract: A birdcage has a movable wing above its door opening. The wing is pivotally mounted such that the wing can be rotated between a first position wherein the wing extends downwardly from its pivot axis to a level below the top of the door and a second position wherein the wing does not extend downwardly from the pivot axis to a level below the top of the door. The wing works in combination with a traditional latch that is located lower, along the free side of the door. Because the wing and latch are spaced apart, a bird cannot reach both at the same time and cannot unlock the cage. The wing also acts as a safety device that can be used to prevent leg crushing. When the cage door is open, the wing hangs down and blocks a portion of the door opening. If the cage door is inadvertently bumped, the door cannot swing fully to the closed position because the wing blocks its travel.

Abstract: A latch that secures a closure member includes a bolt and a support member, with the support member attaching the bolt to a part, which could be a door frame. The support member is configured with head and shank portions, so that when the support member is tightened to the part, the bolt is free to rotate and slide about the shank. The bolt is held captive on the support member by a shoulder of the head, and a longitudinal slot in the bolt allows the bolt to rotate and slide about the shank. The bolt has a second slot with parallel sides that engage parallel flat surfaces of the support member head, thereby suspending the bolt in a horizontal closure locking position to allow unobstructed opening or closing of the closure member.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated safety lock device provides automatic locking capability to doors such as sliding glass patio doors and prevents unsupervised opening of the door by young children, thereby barring their access to dangerous environments. When the sliding door is closed, it is automatically locked. The lock device is installed in a position high upon the sliding door to prevent actuation by young children and requires no permanent modification to the door on which it is installed. The lock device consists of a locking assembly and a magnetic key. The locking assembly includes a magnetized latch assembly and a mounting bracket. The latch is held in the locked position by gravity and is only rotated into the unlocked position through the application of hand pressure or the repulsive force of the magnetic key. The doors can be unlocked from both inside and outside the door. Upon removal of either the magnetic force or hand pressure, the latch rotates back into the locked position.

Abstract: A door security apparatus is provided which uniquely bars a door in a closed position when installed, but which leaves minimal hardware around the door when the door is not barred. The preferred apparatus includes a cross-member which carries two cylindrical end sleeves at opposite ends thereof. The cylindrical end sleeves releasably attach to extension members supported by mounting plates and extending beyond the plane of the door. The cylindrical end sleeves of the preferred embodiment slidably engage a hinge cylinder of an existing hinge on a hinged edge of the door and an extension member of a special side support on a latched edge of the door. If the existing hinge is opposed by other hardware, such as a door knob, then two special side supports may be used above or below the existing hinge. The preferred apparatus is formed from an extruded central section and two telescoping members which are telescopically joined to opposite ends of the central section.

Abstract: A reversible gate and door latch having a striker bar attached to a grip handle and a rear handle. The gate and door latch is locked in a closed position behind a pronged keeper by immobilizing a security plate that slides vertically in relation to the pivoting action of the striker bar. The security plate is held in place by the striker bar, which passes through it, and slides vertically through a upper and lower horizontal stirrup. The slidable security plate is immobilized by placing a padlock or security pin in a security plate aperture. A striker handle is attached to the striker bar in a parallel fashion to allow for facile griping and pivoting of the striker bar by the user. A rear handle secured to the opposite side of the gate or door allows for operation of the latch from opposite the locking side.

Abstract: A drawer safety lock includes a counterbalanced latch plate, pivotally moveable manually between an upwardly pivoted limit position and an unlocked position, normally counterbalanced toward the limit position, and a latch plate stop, positioned with respect to the latch plate for restricting movement of the latch plate beyond the upwardly pivoted limit position, so that the safety lock requires no resilient bending or flexible spring action for its operating movement.

Abstract: A non-residential door latch comprised of a serpentine rigid bar. Mounting plates for locating the bar through a typical gate such that a downwardly curving portion of the bar is exposed on one side of the gate to form a handle while an inwardly curving portion of the bar is exposed on the opposite side of the gate to form a striker. Horizontal movement of the handle creates a corresponding vertical movement of the striker. An "L" shaped support bracket incorporates an elongated slot which fits over the end of the striker and limits the vertical movement of the striker. A latch bracket mounted to the gate post incorporates an elongate slot, open at one end into which the striker falls and is captured.

Abstract: An improved storage cabinet is provided which is particularly suitable for the safe storage of flammable materials. An embodiment of the cabinet includes two side-by-side doors which close toward each other. Each door is self-closing, being biased in a closed position by a spring. For convenience, each door can be retained in an open position by a chain. The chain includes a fusible link which melts in the presence of a dangerous level of heat, allowing the associated door to close. In order to protect the interior, the doors have overlapping edges. Accordingly, the cabinet has a closing synchronization mechanism which causes the dual doors to close in a predetermined order. Sequential closing is necessary to effect a proper overlapping of door edges, providing a heat shield. Furthermore, the doors are self-latching, as one door has an independent, three-point latching arrangement which engages the cabinet housing at the top and bottom as well as the first-closed door.

Abstract: A latch with multiple locking means comprising first, second and third supporting bases for attaching to the surface of a door, gate or jamb. The latch is engaged and disengaged by pivoting a striker through interstices defined between the supporting bases and first and second stirrup members. The latch is locked from the inside by securing a padlock through a passage created by an aperture in a handle and an aperture in a first stirrup member. Additional means of locking the latch is provided by a winged unit attached to the end of the striker. The winged unit engages a double-pronged keeper and is padlocked thereto. The double-pronged keeper comprises two inclining prongs along which the striker slides. Located on an upper portion of the inclining prongs are notches in which the striker fails and is securely held. Another means for locking the latch is provided by a pin which passes through an aperture in the handle and a coninciding aperture in the first stirrup member.

Abstract: This invention is a mechanism that when installed in a window casement provides an inner strip having a catch which holds a raised window in the open position.

Abstract: A gate latch for selectively securing a pivoting gate to a stationary member and selectively retaining the gate in a closed position. The gate latch is formed of a hollow tube and is received on a vertical component of the gate. The hollow tube includes an elongate opening with a first width section and a second width section. The second width section is radially wider than the first width section. A horizontal component of the gate extends through the tube elongate opening and acts as a stop member for limiting both longitudinal and radial movement of the tube. A U-shaped bar is affixed to the hollow tube and forms two arms extending therefrom adapted for engaging the stationary member. The gate is retained closed by placing the stop member in the first width section and effectively preventing radial movement of the gate latch.

Abstract: A gate latch having a U-shaped bracket secured to a gate post by a U-shaped threaded fastener, the bracket having an upper section with a curved upper end, and a link with a U-shaped notch for receiving a gate frame, the link being movably secured to the bracket by a horizontal slot which receives the curved upper end of the bracket.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a sliding door in either a fully closed or partially opened, vented position. The device comprises an elongated bar having one end pivotally attached to the door frame and a free end with a specially shaped recess adapted to engage a lock assembly connected to the door. The lock assembly includes a rotatable shaft having a substantially rectangular cross-section for locking engagement with the bar's recess. Rotation of the shaft between locked and unlocked positions respectively locks and unlocks the bar to the lock assembly. The free end of the bar also may have a folding vent link having a similar specially shaped recess that may be used for venting of the door, while still securing it to prevent unwanted entry.

Abstract: A releasable locking apparatus for securing a closure member to a frame includes a catch plate rigidly secured to the frame, the plate defining a catch. A locking device is pivotally secured to the closure member with the locking means defining an aperture which cooperates with the catch. The arrangement is such that in use of the apparatus, the locking device moves from a first pivotal disposition in which the catch and the aperture are spaced relative to each other to permit movement relative to the frame. The locking means moves to a second disposition in which the catch and the aperture cooperate together so that the locking means rides upon the plate. The locking device moves to a third disposition in which the catch is latchingly disposed within the aperture for securing the closure member to the frame. A backing plate is rigidly secured to the locking device for pivotal movement therewith. The arrangement is such that the closure member is disposed between the backing plate and the locking device.

Abstract: Earth moving equipment especially of the loader/backhoe type is provided with hydraulically operated stabilizer arms having associated therewith stabilizer pads. The pad is a reversible stabilizer pad having a flanged surface for engagement with gravel, for example, and a somewhat resilient surface for engagement with pavement, for example. An automatically operable sliding latch maintains the pad in a locked position but permits automatic latch disengagement for pad reversal.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for use for a pivotally mounted door disposed in a wall and usually mounted within a door frame. Pivotal mounting of the door is on a hinge. The security apparatus is mounted to a door frame or wall above the door by any suitable technique and is comprised principally of two main body portions in the form of a fixed clamshell and a pivoting clamshell connected by a piano hinge. These clamshell portions enclose a few operative portions of the structure including a locking mechanism preferably comprised of a pivoting key operated lock, a pivoting lock dog, a lock dog lip and a door strike plate. The fixed clamshell is attached to the wall or door frame top by apparatus that may include large size screws or bolts, or the device may be welded thereto as desired. The attaching means is contained within the clamshell enclosure to prevent tampering therewith. The clamshell portions are formed of plates and ends to totally enclose at all times operative portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gate latch for securing a swinging gate to a stationary post includes a generally trapezoidal mounting plate having a three sided rectangular channel member extending laterally outwardly therefrom. A latch bar adapted for securement to the gate is dimensioned for insertion into the channel member for maintaining the gate in a closed position. A pair of pivotal retaining members each have an upper end pivotally mounted adjacent an upper corner at a wide end of the mounting plate and a lower end movable into abutment with one of two parallel side walls within the channel member. A pair of inwardly extending flanges are secured at lower ends of each of the retaining members, forming a V-shaped recess and preventing movement of the latch bar out of the channel member. Outwardly extending handle portions are provided on the retaining members to selectively allow movement of the latch bar out of the channel member in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A secondary locking mechanism having a lock mountable to a sliding closure, such as a sliding window or sliding patio door, and a stop block mountable to a frame member which mounts the sliding closure. The lock has a pivotable stop arm which is spring-retained in an inactive position wherein a foot of the stop arm travels in a path of movement along with the sliding closure which is out of interfering relation with the stop block and an active position wherein the foot of the stop arm is positioned to engage beneath an inclined end of the stop block to prevent further movement of the sliding closure in a direction toward the stop block. One or more stop blocks can be mounted in various positions on the frame member to assist in locking the sliding closure in a fully-closed position and to prevent further opening movement of the sliding closure when it is in a partially-open vent position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system of storage components which can be converted to a desk. A storage member of orthogonal configuration has a top portion releasably secured to a bottom portion. Separable fastener enable the top portion to be removed and reattached to the bottom portion to form a desk. Additional support is provided to support the portion of the desk distal to the interface of the top and bottom portion where attached by the separable fastener. The fastener is integrated with the various portions of the storage components to provide a relatively unobtrusive surface for the desk when erected and for transport as well.

Abstract: A gate latch structure with a striker bar mounted on a fence gate hinge mounted on a fence. The latch structure also includes a pivot latch member pivotally mounted on a latch mounting back plate mountable on a fence post or the middle end of the other half of a double gate with the pivot latch member and the back plate symmetrical for turn over mounting adaption to left hand opening and right hand opening gate sections. The striker bar receiving opening in the pivot latch member has a rear edge recessed back from the rear end of the striker bar receiving opening in the latch mounting back plate. The back plate has upper and lower striker bar entrance guide ramps and the pivot latch member has two entrance lifting ramps only one in use depending on right or left gate mounting by entrance of the striker bar. Pivot latch member pivotal movement about the pivot screw mounting thereof is limited by a limit screw engaging an end of an arcuate slot therein.

Abstract: A gate lock of the oarlock type having a locking member fixed to a collar at the end of the collar having the oarlock hingeably mounted thereto. The lock member is a push button lock having a lock bar which extends to engage the oarlock to hold it in the locked position. The lock member always remains fixed to the device in an operable position so the lock may easily be engaged.

Abstract: A very secure entry door barricade system is obtained with a specially configured elongated bar which extends generally horizontally across the width of a door. A hasp assembly, which is very firmly anchored to the building structure, includes a pivotally movable hasp adapted to selectively engage a hook portion of the bar. At the hinge edge, the elongated bar is very securely anchored by a conventional hinge pin which passes through a vertical aperture in the bar and back into its hinge assembly. An alternative configuration for double doors employs an elongated bar on each door, the bar pair being generally in horizontal alignment with respective hook portions situated in close proximity to receive a ring over both hook portions. The ring, when in place, thereby serves to closely limit the extent to which either or both doors can be opened.

Abstract: One-way gate latch including a bracket mounted on a pivotable gate and a latch mounted on the bracket for latching the gate upon being closed to a fence post; the latch includes a pair of latch members, one fixedly secured to the bracket to prevent the gate from pivoting and opening in the direction away from the first latch member and a second latch member mounted pivotably on the bracket and which upon being pivoted upwardly permits the gate to pivot and open in the direction toward the first latch member.

Abstract: A latch for securing two fence gates in a closed position includes a pivoted bar which is protected from freezing elements by channeled housings welded or otherwise attached to the gates. The latch can be made on site from readily available metal stock.

Abstract: A latch assembly, for holding an object such as a door in either of two positions, includes a catch mounted in fixed position at each of the positions. A latch is mounted on the object and includes two latch portions, each of which is formed to engage and be trapped by one of the catches upon movement of the object toward one of the positions. A first of the latch portions is manipulable from one side of the object to release the other of the latch portions from its associated catch. Similarly, the other latch portion is manipulable from the other side of the object to release the first portion from its associated catch.

Abstract: The slide gate includes a closure door for selectively closing a discharge opening at the underside of a hopper car. The closure door is mounted for horizontally sliding movement in a support assembly which is mounted on the underside of the hopper car. The door is movable between at least open, first stage or generally closed, and fully closed positions. A resilient seal is mounted on the support assembly to be deformed by the door in the fully closed position, lightly engaged by the door in the first stage closed position and displaced from the door in the open position. Locking dogs fall by gravity behind the door as it moves toward its closed positions. A first engaging surface on the dogs locks the door in the first stage closed position and a second engaging surface locks it in the fully closed position. A rack and pinion assembly provides a mechanical advantage to assist in moving the door.

Abstract: A latch assembly for holding one end of a hold-down strap of a hopper car hatch cover uses a counterweighted latching member that can be raised to an overcenter unlocked position when the end of the hold-down strap is to be lifted. In the locked position, the latch assembly can act as a hinge for one end of the hold-down strap while the other end of the strap is raised.