Abstract: A latching mechanism for a foldable top at a windshield frame of a motor vehicle includes a pivot lever arranged on the side of the top and a mounting device provided at the windshield frame, whereby the pivot lever rotatably supported about an approximately horizontally aligned longitudinal axis cooperates with an actuating mechanism. In order to provide a latching mechanism for a top which has a good functioning combined with simple construction and in which the closing force acting in the vertical direction reaches its maximum value in the latching position of the top, the mounting device is formed by a rotatable roller which cooperates with a guide track provided at the pivot lever in such a manner that during the closing operation the guide track is displaced from an unlatched position extending laterally adjacent the roller about the lower area of the roller by way of intermediate positions into a latching position lying underneath the roller.

Abstract: A stiffening device for an electronics cabinet has at least two angle struts that are each formed by profile bars. The profile bars enclose an obtuse angle between them and are pivoted in the upper and lower corner regions of the cabinet frame rack. The angle struts are coupled to each other in a frictional, form-locking manner at their vertices by a tightening assembly when in a closed position. A formed fit over a large area is obtained when tightening the angle struts by attaching the profile bars of each angle strut to a door. The pivots of each angle strut are used for the pivots of the corresponding door. The tightening assembly includes a hole of radius R.sub.1 arranged at the vertex of one angle strut and a hole of radius R.sub.2 arranged at the vertex of the other angle strut. The hole dimensions are such that R.sub.2 is greater than R.sub.1. A tightening latch is arranged in both holes. The tightening latch has a first disc of radius R.sub.1 pivoted in the corresponding hole of radius R.sub.1.

Abstract: A mechanism including a latch and keeper adapted to cooperate in an interengaging relationship relative to each other to facilitate aligning and latching of a hinged cargo container door. The latch is attached to one end of a rotatable shaft which is rotatably mounted parallel to an outer face of the door and is substantially immovable in an axial direction in relation to the door. The keeper is attached to a transverse member of a door frame on the cargo container. A device for rotating the shaft and thereby moving the latch into a cooperative relationship with the keeper is also provided. The latch has an elongated wedge-shaped finger defining inner and outer curved camming surfaces. The keeper includes a base portion and first and second projecting portions at each end of the base portion. The keeper defines spaced apart inner and outer curved camming surfaces which define a latch locking zone therebetween.

Abstract: A dog for latching a watertight door in the bulkhead of a ship, has a lubricant passage with a plug useful for forcing a grease pellet into the passage. The plug extends beyond the end of the spindle for the user to clamp a wrench for removing the plug from the spindle. The dog has two nuts mounted on the end of the spindle. One nut is a conventional nut for fastening the spindle to the bulkhead. The second nut is a cap nut for at least partially enclosing the threaded plug.

Abstract: A latch having a base and a latch plate pivoted thereto, the base being adapted for installation on a closure frame and the latch plate being adapted to overlie the closure. The latch plate is pivotally mounted on the base to swing between an unlatched position in which the closure can be opened, and a latched position in which the closure cannot be opened because the latch plate overlies it. A handle pivotally mounted on the base swings the latch plate between the open and closed positions. At least one of the base and latch plate are made of an elastically deformable material. The latch plate is moved to the latching position by the camming action of the handle; and when the latch plate has moved only part way toward the fully latched position, abutment surfaces on the base and latch plate come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A lock for selectively locking sliding patio doors and other closures in fully closed and partially open positions and characterized by ease of installation and use.

Abstract: A connector with a locking mechanism and a connector box therefor. The connector box is made with one side for a connector element and the opposite side includes a holding element. Therefore, connector boxes are secured in a device to be secured together so that the connector boxed are oppositely disposed. A connector element is secured in each connector box and rotated to cooperate with the oppositely disposed holding element to secure the two devices together.

Abstract: A concealed cam lock and keeper both of which can be mounted within cavities in the check rails of the respective lower and upper sash of a double hung window. The concealed cam lock has only an exposed handle with a raised section of the housing closing off a notch required for assembly of the housing with the check rail. The handle of the check rail lock has an offset to cover any wood splintering that may have occurred in the check rail of the lower sash in forming the check rail for receiving the housing of the check rail lock.The keeper is mountable in a cavity in the check rail of the upper sash at a location to permit mounting of weather stripping therebeneath and generally at the level of the lower edge of the window glazing and has downwardly inclined openings to receive fasteners for attaching the keeper to the check rail and which can extend into the check rail without interference with the glazing.

Abstract: The invention relates to panels, such as are provided in cabinets or the like. Rabbets are provided in a frame for receiving a panel. Mortises are provided extending in the frame from the rabbets, and rotatable retaining element are mounted in the mortises. The rotatable retainers are comprised of a ramp encircling them for a proton of their circumference, having one flat circumferential side that is alignable with the side of the rabbet in the frame. Accordingly, upon rotation of the retainer, the ramp, or screw thread, engages the side of the panel away from the bottom of the rabbet, to hold the panel fully against the bottom of the rabbet, independently of the thickness of the panel.

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: Disclosed is a mechanism for closing and locking two doors of the cowling of an aircraft engine. This mechanism includes a bolt which is received in a chamber of a receptacle. The bolt is connected to one door and the receptacle is connected to the other door so that, upon closure of the two doors, the bolt slips into the chamber. A cam attached to a rotary member housed within the chamber enables a single mechanic to close the doors and lock them snugly. This cam engages a finger on the bolt upon rotation of the rotary member which draws the bolt into the chamber by pulling against the finger. The cam moves into an over center position which securely locks the bolt in place without locking bolt travel. A locking device is additionally provided for locking the rotatable member in position when the bolt is locked in place. This locking device has a plunger which provides audible signals when the cam is in the fully opened position and when the mechanism is securely locked.

Abstract: An annular plate is mounted on and sealed to the spaced apart pressure vessel flange and vessel containment structure of a nuclear reactor to form a leak-proof bottom for a refueling canal for the reactor. The sealing arrangement for the plate establishes redundant seals to each of the flange and containment structure, the seals being pneumatically expandable to enhance the integrity thereof.

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 latch for a pickup truck cover door and the like includes a handle assembly with a pivotable shaft. A lever extends from the shaft and includes a bight section. A hook plate includes inner and outer legs forming a notch therebetween. The latch lever bight section is received in the notch with the latch in its locked position.

Abstract: A mechanism for reliably adjusting and securing the load applied through a keeper and a tension latch assembly is provided. The mechanism includes a housing (25, 35), a drive system (50, 70) for effecting the adjustment, and a clutching arrangement (50, 60, 70, 80) within the housing which prevents the drive system from effecting any further adjustment when a pre-determined load is achieved between the keeper and the hook of the latch assembly. Other features include the placement of the driving component, accessed by the operator, at a location external to the housing and provision of audible and physical indicators for the benefit of the operator when the desired load adjustment has been accomplished.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door and closure assembly ideally adapted for use as an industrial air filter door with handle and dog actuation. The assembly comprises a door frame and a door having an outside surface and an inside surface. The door is hingedly attached to the frame at a side edge of the door. A plurality of closure means for securing the door to the frame are provided. The closure means comprises a handle located at the outside surface of the door; a dog located on the inside surface of the door; a rotatable shaft penetrating through said door and connecting said handle and said dog; door frame retention means cooperative with the dog for securing the door to the frame; and stop means disposed and cooperating with said retention means so that the handle and dog rotate in one direction only to secure the door and only in the opposite direction to unsecure the door. All of the handles are disposed in substantially the same position when the door is secure or unsecure.

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 cam lock has a housing with a locking lever extending through an opening in said housing and being pivotally mounted thereon. The housing has a shoulder on an interior surface thereof surrounding said opening and the lever is surrounded by an abutment. In a closed position, the abutment forms a line of contact with the shoulder so that the opening is completely closed.

Abstract: The hatch of a cargo vessel, such as the hopper of a covered hopper car, is sealed by a hatch cover having a locking arrangement which prevents the hatch cover from being blown open by pressure within the hopper upon unlocking the lock. An over center locking arm has two locking detents on it which coact with two locking detents on a locking bar to selectively provide a sealed, pressure blow off and hatch open position. A rotative adjustment is provided to enable the sealing pressure of the hatch cover on the hatch to be selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A sash lock for a casement window having a case with two sections of different height and with the lower level section having a top wall with a circular segment opening with a curved edge which receives a generally circular part of a rotatable operating member positioned in the opening and extending under a vertical wall interconnecting the two case sections of different height. The rotatable operating member has a curved edge of the same curvature as the curved edge of the case top wall opening as well as a peripheral flange underlying the curved edge of the top wall opening whereby in all rotative positions of the planar operating member the opening is effectively sealed.

Abstract: A latching mechanism is disclosed for securing a convertible top frame header member to the windshield frame including individual spaced latching mechanisms, each having a post mounted to the header and, a tubular socket mounted to the windshield frame with a cam ring mounted over the socket and carrying a projection passing through a cam slot formed in the socket and a groove formed in the post, moving together the frame members upon rotation of the cam ring. The cam rings are each rotated by an attached lever member with a cover moving into a recess formed in the windshield frame in the latched position to provide a smoothly contoured exterior.

Abstract: The invention relates to panels, such as are provided in cabinets or the like. Rabbets are provided in a frame for receiving a panel. Mortises are provided extending in the frame from the rabbets, and rotatable retaining elements are mounted in the mortises. The rotatable retainers are comprised of a ramp encircling them for a portion of their circumference, having one flat circumferential side that is alignable with the side of the rabbet in the frame. Accordingly, upon rotation of the retainer, the ramp, or screw thread, engages the side of the panel away from the bottom of the rabbet, to hold the panel fully against the bottom of the rabbet, independently of the thickness of the panel.

Abstract: An improved casement window securement mechanism includes two cams, one handle, cam linkage and a cam and linkage supporting spacer. The spacer supported cam is a reaching cam including a cam ramp with a straight drawing portion, and cam center and over-center portions. The reaching cam draws a catch at a rate varying with the cam angle of rotation. The securement mechanism draws and positively secures a bowed or warped casement sash.

Abstract: A combined escape hatch and ventilator for a vehicle roof having a frame bounding its opening in the roof, a cover hingedly connected to the frame and normally limited in opening movement as a ventilator relative to one or more sides of the frame for ventilating an interior of the vehicle, one of the hinge connections being separable and formed of interfittable parts fixed respectively to the frame and cover and releasably connected by a latch pivotally mounted on one of the parts, the latch having a cam engageable with a lug on the other part for normally clamping the parts together and in an emergency enabling the parts of the separable connection to be disengaged and the cover swing about the connection on the opposite side of the frame for converting the roof opening to a fully openable escape hatch.

Abstract: An improved keyless lock is provided and consists of a helical spring, a rectangular housing, a latch, a latch release, a retaining ring, a rectangular keeper and a plurality of screws. The rectangular housing has a plurality of mounting holes, a recessed central square aperture surrounded by an annular lip on top, a slot in a long side wall and an open bottom. The latch consists of a round portion having a square aperture, a tongue on one side and a corner stop on the other side. The latch release has a finger grip handle and a shaft with the square mating portion. The rectangular keeper has a plurality of mounting holes on top, a pair of slots, each slot is in each long side wall, an open bottom and a tab on the underside of the top of the rectangular keeper between one slot.

Abstract: A rotary latch having drive means rotatably mounted in a housing, said dr means having a semi-circular hooked-shaped latch arm thereon. A cover is attached to said housing and an axially mounted, spring-biased shaft is concentrically mounted within said drive means and has locking lugs engageable with said drive means and said cover. In one axial position of said center shaft, said drive means is locked against rotation and, in another axial position, the drive means is unlocked and free to rotate. A stop is provided on said drive means and is engageable with said housing to limit rotation of latch arm.

Abstract: The latch assembly is provided with a locking collar and a pair of knockouts so that the latch assembly can be easily converted to a latch-lock assembly by simply inserting a cylinder lock in the proper knockout, depending upon whether the assembly is used in a right-hand or left-hand installation. The conversion of the assembly may be made before or after installation of the latch-lock assembly.

Abstract: A sectional ski composed of a forward and a rear section which interlock forward of the boot supporting region of the ski. The sections, preferably made of fiberglass, have male and female coupling members composed of aluminum or other lightweight but strong metal, molded as an integral part of the respective sections. The front coupling member, serving as the rear portion of the front section, consists of a recessed area which also houses a pair of eccentrically mounted cams. These cams engage and disengage the interlocking surfaces of cam slots in both sides of the male lock insert which serves as the front portion of the rear section of the ski. As the two sections are slidably engaged, the cams draw the coupling members together laterally and lock them into an integral unit.

Abstract: In a typewriter, a ribbon is contained within a cartridge which is in turn placed upon the ribbon mechanism support of the typewriter. The cartridge is maintained rigidly clamped to the support but readily releasable by means of operator actuation of a release lever. The cartridge may either be a single cartridge or may be stacked such as where two cartridges are utilized together, one containing a print ribbon, the other containing, for example, a correction ribbon. The cartridge containing the print ribbon is provided with a bottom plate or surface which is formed to define an aperture therein for the admission of a clamping member attached to the support. The clamping member is inserted into the aperture and then caused to rotate about its axis a part turn at which point the clamping member engages an inclined surface on the interior of the cartridge causing the cartridge to be wedged downward against the support.

Abstract: A flush type rotary drive means which is caused to move between a position flush with a surrounding surface and a protruding position as the latch is moved between its locked position and its unlatched position, the drive means, by reason of its protruding position, being readily visible to indicate the partially or completely unlocked condition of the latch; one embodiment being arranged to move a reciprocable latch; another embodiment being arranged to turn a rotary latch.

Abstract: A rotary latch including a hook arm joined to a drive sleeve having an end flush with a surrounding surface, the sleeve having a tool receiving socket; the socket also receiving a reciprocal signal shaft occupying a flush position when the latch is secured but automatically movable to an extended position or retracted position to signal that the latch is not secured.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for double-sliding sashes is provided to fasten inside and outside sashes and lock the fastened sashes to a window frame by a single operation using a handle. The mechanism comprises a crescent sash fastener composed of a fastening member and a receptacle member. The receptacle member is revolvable by being pushed by a projection of the fastening member which is revolved by a handle to fasten them together. The revolving movement of the receptacle member is converted into a vertical movement of a driving rod provided in a meeting stile of the outside sash. The vertical movement of the driving rod rotates locking levers which are linked to the rod at the upper and lower ends thereof to push the window frame in a firmly secured condition.

Abstract: A shield is provided for installation on double-hung windows to prevent the window lock from being jimmied open from the outside. The shield is a flat plate which is fitted to the top of the lower sash at the base of the lock and spans between the two lock sections to close the space between the two windows. The shield prevents the lock from being opened by means of a thin blade, or the like, inserted up between the two window sashes to disengage the lock.

Abstract: An improved latching lever for use with a printed circuit board (PCB). The latching mechanism comprises a hooked portion flexibly connected to the body portion of the latching lever, an actuating member solidly connected to the hooked portion for moving the hooked portion relative to the body portion, and a stop portion, solidly connected to the body portion for limiting the movement of the actuating member. A stud carried by the PCB is engaged by the hooked portion of the lever to enable the lever to latch. Moving the actuating member to touch the stop portion disengages the hooked portion from the stud, thereby unlatching the lever, and leaving the lever free to pivot about its pivot point.

Abstract: A security device is provided for installation on double hung windows to prevent the window lock from being jimmied open from the outside and to tighten the windows sashes to the frame as well as to each other when locked. The device is in the form of a generally flat plate or shield that is installed under the window latch and is formed with a pair of fingers which extend across the gap between the upper and lower sashes on either side of the keeper. Reentrant openings are formed from the edge of the shield to allow easy installation and a central portion of reduced thickness introduces a slight tilt to the latch to provide an improved locking grip with the keeper.

Abstract: A rotary latch and its method of operation, the latch being caused to move between a position flush with a surrounding surface and a protruding position as the latch is moved between its latched position and its unlatched position, a rotary drive means, by reason of its protruding position, being readily visible to indicate the unlatched condition; the rotary drive means including a control sleeve having radially outwardly facing detent pockets engaged by a radially movable pin, one socket being engaged when the latch is in its flush-latched condition, second socket being engaged when in its fully unlatched condition, and a third socket being engaged as a secondary latch.

Abstract: An adjustable keeper for flush type rotary latches of the type having a semi-circular latch element; the keeper including a housing mounted on a frame confronting a hinged or otherwise movable panel carrying the latch; the housing including a socket disposed in a plane parallel to the panel which slidably receives a latch bar having a transverse bore including a cam surface facing toward the panel, the latch bar also having a loop end projecting from the housing and engagable with the latch element; the housing having a bore in registry with the transverse bore and in alignment with an access perforation provided in the panel; the housing bore being internally screwthreaded to receive a screwthreaded adjustment pin accessible through the access perforation to move the latch bar so as to effect engagement with the latch element; the latch bar being adjustable while engaging the latch element to vary the latching force applied to the rotary latch element.

Abstract: A stove for use in an abode and which includes an air intake system and a viewing door. The air intake system inducts air into the stove from outside the abode and includes a draft control mechanism for controlling the amount of air introduced into the stove. The viewing door includes means for slidably receiving a spark screen, a viewing window and a heat shield, which elements can be used singly or in combination, as desired. A latching mechanism on the door enables the door to be closed with varying degrees of tightness. Alternative embodiments include use of the stove in a water heating system and fans convecting air over the stove outside surfaces.

Abstract: A door fastening apparatus, particularly well suited for fastening in closed positions the rear and side doors of truck bodies, includes an elongate tubular shaft rotatable to position a plurality of latch members in door locking engagement with a plurality of keeper members. A first latch member is rigidly permanently secured to the shaft near one end of the shaft. A second latch member is secured to the shaft near its opposite end by a bolted connection. The bolted connection permits the truck body manufacturer to cut the shaft to length depending on the height of the truck, whereafter the second latch member may be fastened in place without any need for welding. The second latch member is mounted on the outside of the shaft. A plug member is inserted into the sawed-off, open end of the tubular shaft. The second latch member and the plug member captivate the shaft wall.

Abstract: A door catch including a housing mounted on a door, a lever arm pivotably mounted to the housing, a shank portion pivotably mounted to a midportion of the lever arm, the shank portion extending beyond the edge of the housing and adapted to fit within a keeper mounted adjacent a door. The lever arm and shank are movable between a closed and open position. The lever arm is spring biased to the open position. A rod extends through the shank portion and fits through slots in two flange portions of the housing. A latch is pivotably mounted on the rod and extends through aligned slots in both the shank portion and lever arm. The latch is spring biased to engage the lever arm adjacent the slot therethrough. The latch is movable to a releasing position whereby the lever arm and shank move to an open position and the shank disengages from the keeper.

Abstract: A shield is provided for installation on double-hung windows to prevent the window lock from being jimmied open from the outside. The shield is a flat plate which is fitted to the top of the lower sash around the base of the lock and spans between the two lock sections to close the space between the two windows. The shield prevents the lock from being opened by means of a thin blade, or the like, inserted up between the two window sashes to disengage the lock.

Abstract: A window lock having a base with a rotatable cam member engageable with a keeper for locking windows, such as a double hung window and a handle member rotatable in generally the same direction as the cam member for moving the cam member between retracted and extended lock positions with motion-transmitting means between the handle member and cam member providing for movement of the handle member through a greater arc of movement than the cam member. Structurally interengaging parts function when the cam member is in extended locked position to prevent any movement of the cam member from the locked position by a force applied thereto other than by rotation of the handle member. The window lock, by means of connecting link means to a second cam member, provides a dual window lock with operation of both cam members from a single handle member.

Abstract: In a fastening for a door of a vehicle or freight container an operating bar mounted for angular movement about its axis on the door carries on at least one end a fastening member for engagement with a keeper on a door frame, and the said member has on one side of its axis a radially projecting fork for co-operation with one overhung lug projecting forwardly from the keeper, on the other side a radially projecting part for co-operation with a second forward projection on the keeper, and a radially projecting rib which, in the fully fastened condition of the mechanism, is received in a groove in the keeper between said forward projections.

Abstract: An easily removable cover plate for sealingly closing a service opening or the like through a deck of a vessel into a cargo tank. The cover plate has a plurality of latch means spaced about its periphery which are adjustable without disassembly to compensate for different deck thicknesses with which the cover plate may be used.

Abstract: An improved self-locking device for locking a movable structural member to a stationary structural member, or to another movable structural member, or for unlocking the same, comprising a rotatable self-locking cam and an actuating means therefor; the rotatable self-locking cam being rotatably mounted on a first structural member and having (1) an arcuate surface thereon, capable of preventing movement of a movable structural member in a first or opening direction, and (2) a cam surface thereon, capable of moving the movable structural member in the first or opening direction; and the actuating means being capable of rotating the self-locking cam in an angular direction whereby the cam surface contacts an ear on the movable structural member to forcibly move it in the first or opening direction, while the arcuate surface is being simultaneously moved out of the way of the movable structural member, due to the angular rotation of the self-locking cam, to permit the movement of the movable structural member in

Abstract: Sash lock comprising a rotatable latch cam engageable with a keeper, a locking member for unlockably locking the latch cam to control the rotation of the latch cam, and a rotatable knob for shifting the lock member to a locked position or an unlocked position.

Abstract: An improved self-locking device for locking a movable structural member to a stationary structural member, or to another movable structural member, or for unlocking the same, comprising a rotatable self-locking cam and an actuating means therefor; the rotatable self-locking cam being rotatably mounted on a first structural member and having (1) an arcuate surface thereon, capable of preventing movement of a movable structural member in a first or opening direction, and (2) a cam surface thereon, capable of moving the movable structural member in the first or opening direction; and the actuating means being capable of rotating the self-locking cam in an angular direction whereby the cam surface contacts an ear on the movable structural member to forcibly move it in the first or opening direction, while the arcuate surface is being simultaneously moved out of the way of the movable structural member, due to the angular rotation of the self-locking cam, to permit the movement of the movable structural member in

Abstract: Fastening means for a hinged door consists of a locking cam shaped like an elongated hooked finger, swingable about a vertical axis to and from overengaged relation with a keeper pin to secure and release the door. The cam is tapered to reduced vertical thickness toward its free end and is keystone-shaped in cross section. The keeper pin is contained in a keeper housing into and out of which the cam moves. The keeper housing has wall portions with which the cam is engageable if the door is sagged or misaligned, so that due to its tapered form the cam urges the door toward realignment during closing. Due to the cross-sectional shape of the cam, the area of contact between the cam and such wall portions of the housing is limited (theoretically to a point) during movement of the cam to and from the locked position.

Abstract: A generally arcuate camming finger is disposed at each end of a vertical lock rod which is rockable about its axis and which extends above and below the edges of a door of a cargo vehicle body such as an enclosed freight-hauling semi-trailer, or a large container for cargo. The lock rod has a horizontally extending operating handle that locks against the outer surface of the door in the conventional manner. As the door completes its closing movements, each finger enters an opening in a hollow keeper housing secured to the header or sill of the door opening, and when the lock rod is rotated exerts a camming force by engagement with a keeper pin to produce the final movement of the door to closed and locked position. The door has a reinforcing rib which carries one half of an anti-rack mechanism the other half of which is associated with a keeper housing which carries the keeper pin.

Abstract: A latching device for luggage or the like cooperable with a hasp is constted so that a manually operable latch member is pivotally connected to a projection on a mounting plate for allowing the latch member to be rotated with respect thereto. A leaf spring biases the latch member into contact with the top surface of the projection. The projection includes stop surfaces for limiting rotation of the latch member in a first direction to a closed position wherein the latch member substantially overlies the mounting plate and for limiting rotation of the latch member in the opposite direction to an open position wherein the latch member is substantially perpendicular to the mounting plate. The leaf spring also biases a detent ball into contact with a surface of the latch member for releasably maintaining the latch member in the open and closed positions.