Abstract: A threshold assembly for a vehicle door includes an external sliding threshold configured to be coupled with an exterior surface of a vehicle having a doorway. The external sliding threshold is configured to extend over the doorway to provide a threshold surface on which one or more passengers enter the vehicle via the doorway or exit the vehicle via the doorway. The external sliding threshold laterally projects from the exterior surface of the vehicle to reduce or eliminate a spatial gap between the vehicle and a platform from which the one or more passengers enter the vehicle or onto which the one or more passengers exit the vehicle.

Abstract: A latch assembly may comprise a keeper and a lever. The keeper may include a keeper channel defined at least partially by a first channel surface and a second channel surface. The lever may be configured to rotate relative to the keeper and between an engaged state and a released state. The lever may comprise a shaft and a lever protrusion extending from the shaft. The lever protrusion may be defined at least partially by a proximal surface and a distal surface. The keeper channel may be configured to receive the lever protrusion. In the engaged state, the proximal surface of the lever may contact the second channel surface of the keeper and the first channel surface of the keeper may be spaced apart from the lever protrusion.

Abstract: An aircraft panel system including a first panel, having a hinged coupling configured to couple the first panel to an aircraft structure, a second panel disposed adjacent to the first panel such that the first panel and the second panel together form cabin surface of an aircraft, and a latch mechanism configured to releasably couple the second panel to the aircraft structure, where the first panel is configured to pivot about the hinged coupling from a latched position to an actuation position to actuate the latch mechanism and cause a release of the second panel from the latch mechanism.

Abstract: An exemplary lockset includes a mortise case, a magnet assembly mounted in the mortise case, and a manual actuator operable to move the magnet assembly between a coupling position in which a first magnet of the magnet assembly is aligned with a reference point and a decoupling position in which the first magnet is misaligned with the reference point. In certain embodiments, the magnet assembly further includes a second magnet having an opposite polarity as the first magnet, and the second magnet is misaligned with the reference point when the magnet assembly is in the coupling position and is aligned with the reference point when the magnet assembly is in the decoupling position.

Abstract: An apparatus for interacting with a latch of a door includes a contact component configured to make physical contact with the latch, an electrically-powered module, and a housing. The electrically-powered module is configured to move the contact component such that the contact component pushes the latch out of a bore of a door frame and into the door. The housing contains the electrically-powered module and the contact component, and is configured to fit within the bore of the door frame. The apparatus can also include a mounting plate attached to the housing, the mounting plate configured to mount the apparatus to the door frame such that the housing is disposed within the bore of the door frame.

Abstract: An anti-collision system and an anti-collision method are disclosed. The anti-collision system includes a first circuit and a magnetic device arranged on the door body and the door frame respectively, the first circuit includes a first power source, a first coil, and a first switch circuit connecting the first power source and the first coil; when a speed sensor detects that the rotation speed of the door body is too high, a control terminal controls the first switch circuit to switch on, such that the first coil is connected to the first power source to generate a first magnetic field, which causes a repulsive force to reduce the rotation speed of the door; when the rotation speed of the door body is reduced to a preset value, the control terminal controls the first switch circuit to switch off, the repulsive force disappears, and the door body is closed smoothly.

Abstract: A latch system provides a latch striker including a flexible arm that can navigate a hook on the latch striker through an aperture in a corresponding latch mechanism. The aperture provides a tortuous passageway through which a hook on the latch striker must pass to activate an internal switch allowing operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A multipoint door lock system for a door having on its edge a deadbolt and a secondary bore is disclosed. The system includes a door frame. A pivotable latch mounted in the door frame has a door-locking tip that enters the secondary bore of the door when the door is closed. Insertion of the deadbolt in a bolt opening of the door frame causes a lever to move from a resting position, displacing a translating member mounted in the door frame to an extended position. A distal end of the translating member enters a recess of the pivotable latch, locking the pivotable latch. The system may include a pair of translating members and a pair of pivotable latches having door-locking tips entering corresponding secondary bores of the door. A combination of the multipoint door lock system with the door is also disclosed.

Abstract: A domestic appliance for treating items may include a cabinet having a plurality of walls at least partly defining an interior chamber for treating items; a door assembly to enclose the interior chamber; a fascia panel attached to the door assembly, the fascia panel having a handle shell that at least partly defines a handle recess on the fascia panel, and the fascia panel having at least one fascia panel rib formed on an interior surface of the fascia panel opposite the handle shell; a handle tray having a main body and at least one finger extending from the main body, the at least one finger structured to be positioned adjacent to the at least one fascia panel rib.

Abstract: A lock position sensing mechanism that senses the position of the lock only in the locked and unlocked states. The mechanism can include a link arm that is separate from the locking bolt that locks a locking device in which the lock position sensing mechanism is used. The mechanism can sense the locked and unlocked states with a metallic object that is placed on the link arm and with two induction sensors that are provided within the locking device. The first and second induction sensors can be located at a position corresponding to the locked and unlocked state, respectively, to determine the locked or unlocked state. The sensors can communicate with a transceiver that then communicates the position of the locking mechanism to a user device and/or to a local display.

Abstract: An inertial system for a vehicle door handle of a door includes an inertial mass driven by inertia from a rest position in which opening of the door is permitted to a blocking position in which opening of the door is not permitted, a blocking means that prevents opening of the door when the inertial mass is in the blocking position. The inertial system also includes an elastic means being in a minimal tensile stress state when the inertial mass is in rest position and applies a force on the inertial mass to bring the inertial mass from the blocking position to the rest position and a preloading mechanism that cooperates with the elastic means and includes at least two preloading states for enabling the elastic means to have different minimal tensile stress states.

Abstract: A key lockable window operator, including a crank handle that is shiftable between a folded storage position and an unfolded operating position and a lock cylinder operably engaged to a rack and a sliding pin. The rack and the sliding pin are shiftable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the locked position, at least a portion of the sliding pin is engaged into a cavity in the crank handle whereby the crank handle is secured in the folded storage position.

Abstract: An operating device for a locking device of a motor vehicle, including a movable handle on a door of the motor vehicle, a dynamic balancer that prevents the accelerations acting on the motor vehicle as a consequence of an accident from causing the handle to move out of the door, electronics that respond to the approach of a user and, in case of engagement, trigger a defined function of the locking device, where the electronics comprise a sensor element, integrated in the handle, and remaining electronics, which can be fastened at the inside of the door, with the remaining electronics acting at least partially as a the dynamic balancer.

Abstract: A storage system including peripheral walls providing a storage area and a pivotally mounted door closing an opening into the storage area. A latching mechanism includes a latch member attached to a peripheral wall cooperating with an inturned latching member on the door to maintain the door closed. The cooperating latch member and inturned latching member extend for more than 25% of the height of the door and most preferably approximately 100% of the height of the door. In another aspect of the invention the latch member and the inturned latching member overlap each other when the door is closed and are forced in a direction to further overlap when a prying force is applied between contiguous surfaces of the door and peripheral wall.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a vehicle includes a striker, a locking apparatus body. The locking apparatus body is used for locking and releasing the striker. The locking apparatus body includes a housing, a first rocking shaft, a latch and a pawl. The housing includes a recess for receiving the striker. The first rocking shaft is disposed in the housing and has a first axis. The latch is supported by the first rocking shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the housing around the first axis between a locking position in which the latch locks the striker in the recess and a releasing position in which the latch releases the striker in the recess. The pawl is used for locking the latch. The locking apparatus body locks the striker when moving housing to the striker and is operable in the housing.

Abstract: A tailgate latching mechanism for a round bale that utilizes action of the tailgate lift cylinders to release the latch to allow the tailgate to be opened and an independent spring action to cause the mechanism to catch and latch the tailgate into position upon closure of the tailgate.

Abstract: A safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door which is used for safeguarding a hazardous area of a machine installation. At least one part of the machine installation can only be operated when the system enable signal is present. The safety switch has a door part to be fastened to the movable guard door and a frame part to be fastened to a mating door piece. The safety switch also has a bolt which can be moved between a first position and a second position, a recess in which the bolt can engage in the second position, and a locking element designed to block the bolt in the second position. In addition, the safety switch comprises a first position sensor designed to clearly detect at least one of the positions of the bolt in order to generate the system enable signal. Moreover, the safety switch comprises a door release request unit configured to generate a door release request signal in addition to the system enable signal.

Abstract: A safe for providing security and storage of personal items. The safe includes a housing, a door, a user operable locking mechanism and a user operable release mechanism. The door can be opened only upon both proper manipulation of the user operable locking mechanism and proper manipulation of the user operable release mechanism. The user operable release mechanism is disposed to reduce the risk of theft of the contents of the safe by unauthorized attempts to manipulate the release mechanism. The safe may include a mounting arrangement for mounting the housing to a structure to reduce the risk of theft of the safe.

Abstract: A pawl actuation device includes a movable input member that shifts from a first position to an actuated position. The pawl actuation device also includes linkage that selectively interconnects the movable input member and the pawl such that movement of the movable input member at a first velocity causes the pawl to shift to an unlatched position, and movement of the movable input member at a second velocity that is substantially greater than the first velocity does not cause the pawl to shift to its unlatched position, such that pawl remains in its latched position.

Abstract: An opening-aid locking/unlocking mechanism of electronic device, which is assembled with the electronic device. The electronic device includes a movable module and a device body module. The opening-aid locking/unlocking mechanism is disposed between the movable module and the device body module. The opening-aid locking/unlocking mechanism includes an elastic section. When the movable module is closed and locked with the device body module, the elastic section stores energy. When the movable module is unlocked, the elastic section releases energy to push open the movable module or the device body module so as to eliminate the problem existing in the conventional mechanism that the electronic device is uneasy to open and the pressure exerted on a user's hand is increased.

Abstract: A security assembly comprising a frame member 12 and a plurality of doors 14 is mountable inside the housing 4 of an ATM or safe etc. Each door 14 can be opened and closed independently of the other doors. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each door 14 is attached to the frame member 12 by a hinge 16. A barrier member 18, which acts to lock the door 14, is mounted to the door 14 by two pivoting brackets 20. When in the locked condition, the barrier members 18 extend substantially along the whole length of the edge of the door to prevent access through the boundaries between the doors and the frame. A barrier member actuator in the form of a plurality of independently moveable locking blades 22 is slidably mounted to the frame 12.

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: A vehicle door lock device includes an active lever freely switchable between an unlock position and a lock position, a switching actuator, and a switching lever receiving drive force of the switching actuator to move a bushing. The active lever includes a first engagement piece and a second engagement piece. When the active lever is located at the unlock position, the second engagement piece engages with the first engagement piece located at a set position of the bushing to limit movement of the switching lever so that movement of the bushing is restricted within a range between an unset position and the set position. When the active lever is located at the lock position, the first engagement piece is arranged at a position avoiding engagement with the second engagement piece to allow the switching lever to move the bushing between the unset position and a double lock position.

Abstract: A force adjustment system that inhibits door handle actuation is provided. The force adjustment system includes a sensor configured to provide a signal in response to an input. An energy source is configured to provide an output in response to the signal. A force adjustment component is configured to be linked to a door handle assembly. The force adjustment component comprises a material having a property that is changed in response to the output provided by the energy source to change a force applied to a handle of the door handle assembly.

Abstract: A device for protecting first and second con fronting furniture components includes a base member having opposite first and second faces. The first face is adapted to contact the first furniture component, and the base member has a cushioning projection that extends outwardly from the second face of the base member and covers a void within the base member. The projection is adapted to contact the second furniture component as it confronts the first furniture component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a safety switch for generating an enable signal as a function of the position of a moveable guard door. The safety switch comprises a door part and a frame part. The door part has an activator, which can be displaced between a first and a second position. The frame part has a cutout, in which the activator can engage in the second position. A locking element is arranged on the door part in order to lock the activator in the second position. A sensor is designed to detect at least one of the positions of the activator in order to generate the enable signal as a function thereof.

Abstract: A technique and various door/latch structures are provided to deal efficiently and effectively with excessive appliance door closure/opening forces that can arise in the case that the door strike extension depth is not ideally matched to the relative location of the mating latch mechanism. This is particularly useful in connection with the use of a push-push style access door that must be compressed against a compressible seal gasket in order to effect both opening and closing of the door. A strike member is mounted to one of an appliance cabinet and door so as to be engagable with a latch mechanism when the door is in the closed position. The installing involves initially tentatively mounting the strike in a first of at least two provisioned ways, to thereby provide a first of at least two different strike extension depths. The door operation is then tested to determine whether an excessive operation force is required in order to open or close the door.

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: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.

Abstract: An opening device with a handle for a door of an electric household appliance, which door rotates about a hinge axis between an open position, and a closed position wherein the door rests, with the interposition of a peripheral seal, against a front edge of a door opening of the electric household appliance; the device includes: a support fixed to the door, close to the front edge of the door opening; the handle, which is fitted to the support to rock in opposition to elastic elements, so as to be positioned, in use, to the front of the door and at a predetermined distance from an outer surface of the door; and elements which, in use, exert thrust on the front edge of the door opening to detach the door from the door opening and rotate it into the open position, when the handle is rotated towards the outer surface of the door, so as to open the door by pushing on the handle; an optional spring completes rotation of the door about the hinge axis.

Abstract: A resettable securement latch for a panel which allows release of the panel upon a predetermined pressure across the panel and includes means incorporating a frangible element which can be quickly restored to resecure the panel to its original position and condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a door of a glovebox mounted in an instrument panel. The apparatus includes a latch mounted to either the door or the instrument panel, a push button mounted to the other one of the door or the instrument panel, a rack bar connected to the push button and extending inward, a pinion engaged with the rack bar, and a link having a rack gear engaged with the pinion. The link is movable to lock and unlock the latch.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a mounting member having opposite first and second terminal end portions spaced apart in a longitudinal direction and an actuator coupled to the mounting member. One or more extension members having a terminal end portion are secured to one of the terminal end portions of the mounting member. One or more latch devices are coupled to the extension member at a location longitudinally spaced from the terminal end portion of the extension member. The latch device is operable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch device is operatively coupled to the actuator and is moveable between the latched and unlatched positions as the actuator is operated between a first and second position. A latch device includes a housing and a guide member adjustably moveable relative to the housing in a first direction. The guide member has an opening extending along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A device for opening a door of an electric household appliance; the door swinging about an axis of rotation between an open position, into which it is pushed by elastic means, and a closed position, in which it is retained, with the interposition of a peripheral seal, resting against a door stop of a door opening of the appliance, by releasable retaining means; and the device including a supporting member fixable integrally to the door; a button fitted integrally to the supporting member to stay, in use, on the same side of an outer surface of the door, and which is pressure-operated in opposition to first elastic means; a push member fitted to the supporting member to slide, in opposition to second elastic means and along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the door, between an extracted position extracted from a seat on the supporting member, and a withdrawn position housed inside the seat, which is formed at and substantially flush with the peripheral seal; and bolt means for sel

Abstract: The invention provides a catch device of a cockpit door of an aircraft with improved safety. A cockpit door 1 disposed between a cockpit 2 and a passenger cabin 3 in an aircraft comprises a door body 10 that opens toward the cockpit via a hinge 12. A latch device 100 for opening and closing the door is provided on the cockpit side, and a bolt 120 thereof engages with a catch device 200 provided on a wall adjacent to the door. The catch device 200 has a solenoid device which restrains the rotatably disposed catch device by electromagnetic force. When trouble occurs to the solenoid, the restrained status of the catch member is released and the cockpit door may be opened. In such case, a pit pin 300 is inserted to the catch device to restrict rotation of the catch member.

Abstract: A magnetic latch system including a latch assembly and a keeper assembly. The keeper assembly includes a magnetically attractable keeper pin. The latch assembly includes a magnet and a movable internal lever which is arranged to engage the keeper pin to move it away from the permanent magnet. The system may also include a lock to hold the internal lever in a fixed position so that it cannot be moved to move the keeper pin away from the magnet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a panel in a closed position and releasing a panel upon application of changes resulting from a pressure change in an area adjoining the panel. The apparatus includes a latch mechanism attached to a structure having a bolt for engaging corresponding panel. The latch mechanism may be retained on the corresponding panel with the bolt engaging the structure. A pressure responsive device is provided to detect a change in pressure on one side of the panel and facilitating release of the bolt in response to a pressure change of a predetermined range or force. The latch mechanism and pressure responsive device vent to or communicate with only one side of the panel. A reservoir on one side of the panel communicates with a pressure responsive chamber of the pressure responsive device. The reservoir is generally on the same side of the panel to provide a pressure volume which is generally isolated from ambient pressure, such as during a decompression event.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for a vehicle door latch includes a lock actuator drivingly coupled to a lock link for movement of the lock link between a first position corresponding to a locked state of a latch and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state of the latch. The mechanism further includes a superlock actuator drivingly connected to a superlock link slidably mounted for movement of the superlock link between a third position corresponding to a superlocked state of the latch and a fourth position corresponding to a non-superlocked state of the latch. A fixed abutment surface and an inside lock lever are mounted such that movement of the lock link between the first and second positions may be achieved when the superlock link is in the fourth position. When the superlock link is the third position, the relative positions of the inside lock lever, the superlock link and the abutment surface prevent movement of the lock link between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A device for protecting first and second confronting furniture components includes a base member having opposite first and second faces. The first face is adapted to contact the first furniture component, and the base member has a cushioning projection that extends outwardly from the second face of the base member and covers a void within the base member. The projection is adapted to contact the second furniture component as it confronts the first furniture component.

Abstract: A security system for a storage compartment including a latch assembly disposed on an interior side of a door for latching the door in a closed position with the storage compartment. A plurality of reciprocating latch elements are included in the latch assembly for latching the door in a closed position with the storage compartment. A latch actuator included in the latch assembly moves the latch elements to latch the door. A master lock assembly controls operation of the latch actuator by having a first locking part of the master lock assembly interlocking with a second locking part carried by the latch actuator. A tamper-resistant master lock control controls operation of the master lock assembly from outside the storage compartment whereby access to the compartment interior is prevented when the latch assembly is latched and the master lock assembly is in the locked position.

Abstract: A door handle device for a refrigerator enables the refrigerator door to be easily opened and makes transporting and storage of the refrigerator easier and more efficient. The door handle device includes upper and lower operating levers respectively mounted on the top and bottom surfaces of the door. A vertically disposed door handle is connected at opposite ends to the respective operating levers. Upper and lower supporting mechanisms, provided respectively on the top and bottom surfaces of the door, rotatably support the operating levers. The ends of each of the operating levers are located on opposite sides of the center line Y—Y of the associated lever so that a rotating moment is applied to the operating lever when the associated door is opened. Each operating lever includes two members and a connecting arrangement for the lever members which permits the door handle to be repositioned to a location adjacent to the refrigerator door so as to decrease the effective depth of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A lockable enclosure including a safe, a suitcase, a briefcase, and the like has an interior sized to receive articles and an electronic key assembly actuating a cam mechanism upon entry of a preprogrammed entry code. The cam mechanism has a cam that depresses a release lever of the a latch assembly to a position, wherein the latch assembly disengages from the lockable enclosure to allow a door to swing in an open position so as to enable access to the interior of the lockable enclosure.

Abstract: A locking apparatus of a game machine has the following components: a locking bar provided with a plurality of first engaging portions; engaging members having second engaging portions engageable with the first engaging portions; and a locking bar actuating member for actuating the locking bar from an engaging position where the first engaging portions engage with the second engaging portions to a disengaged position where the first engaging portions are out of engagement with the second engaging portions. A locking device performs, in accordance with operation of a key, a change-over between an unlocked state which permits the actuation of the locking bar into a disengaged position by the locking bar actuating member and a locked state which prohibits the actuation of the locking bar into the disengaged position by the locking bar actuating member.

Abstract: A latch for use in connecting thin panels together has a base with first and second portions connected by a spring loaded hinge, a lock pin and release pin mounted to the base reciprocate relative to the first and second portions of the base. The first and second portions of the base are moveable relative to one another with the second portion of the base having an edge to engage an enlarged head of the distal end of the lock pin and holding the lock pin in a retracted position. A spring biased release pin contacts the second portion of the base and disengages the enlarged head of the lock pin from the second portion of the base, and a biasing spring returns the lock pin into a locked position where it secures a second panel member to a first panel on which the latch is attached. The lock pin and the release pin are operated by a simple hand tool that cooperates with complementary receptacles on the pins to move the pins along their longitudinal axes in response to an axial force applied by the tool.

Abstract: A locking device for a container lid is provided, in particular for the lid of a storage compartment in a motor vehicle, with a spring-loaded closing cam which is arranged in a projecting manner at the free end of the lid and which, when the lid is closed, engages releasably in a latching recess of a latching recess housing arranged on the storage compartment, with a transducer element which is likewise arranged on the storage compartment and can be triggered via a central locking system with a view to locking and unlocking, and with a reversing linkage, mounted at one end on the transducer element and at the other end on the latching recess housing, for actuating a closing hook which can be pivoted into a latching opening of the closing cam.

Abstract: A keyless entry mechanism for opening a lock, generally comprising a housing, an operating shaft positioned within said housing and operably aligned to extend out of said housing to contact a bolt of the lock, a shaft drive positioned within said housing and operably connected to said operating shaft to extend said operating shaft, and an actuation mechanism operationally positioned within said housing for extending said shaft. The operating shaft is manually retracted and latched against the shaft drive. Upon receiving an actuation signal, the actuation mechanism releases the latched shaft drive allowing it to extend against the bolt and push the bolt into the door. The keyless mechanism simultaneously unlocks and unlatches the door.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical jamb pocket latch bolt assembly release which is adapted to be installed in a conventional door jamb behind the strike plate. When activated, a ram element of the apparatus will eject the latch bolt assembly from the door jamb allowing the door to swing freely upon contact with the door. The present invention allows for easy installation without a carpenter or electrician, and without specialized tools and is particularly suited for use by handicapped individuals.

Abstract: An electromagnetic door lock which uses an electromagnet in addition to a latch to maintain the door in the locked position. The lock has hinged handles that unlock the latch when they pivot. When the latch moves to an unlocked position it operates a reed switch which turns off the electromagnet. The latch can also be unlocked by a remotely controlled solenoid. Key operated locks allow only persons with a key to be able to move the pivoting handles.

Abstract: A sliding door deadbolt assembly containing a self-retracting finger pull mechanism is described. Provided is a latch assembly having a self-latching deadbolt assembly for mounting to a sliding door and latching with a strike plate mounted in a door frame and a self-retracting finger pull mechanism for accessing the sliding door from within a surrounding framework.