Abstract: Cover assemblies for railroad cars are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cover assemblies include a cover pivotably movable between closed and open positions. The cover assemblies additionally include a lid stop assembly including a release handle positioned adjacent to a cover handle and a first locking element operatively connected to the release handle. The lid stop assembly additionally includes a second locking element attached to, or formed with, the housing. The first locking element moves between a locking position in which the first locking element engages the second locking element to secure the cover in the open position, and a releasing position in which the first locking element is spaced from the second locking element allowing the cover to be moved from the open position toward the closed position. The release handle allowing the user to move the first locking element between the locking and releasing positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a foldable bed frame and associated methods for deploying the foldable bed frame. The bed frame may comprise one or more supporting members for supporting at least a portion of the bed frame, wherein the one or more supporting members comprise: a first bar comprising an opening; a second bar comprising a groove having a first end and a second end; and a locking mechanism comprising an elastic element and a pin. The pin may be inserted into (i) the opening of the first bar and (ii) the groove of the second bar to couple the first and second bars together. The first and second bars may be movable relative to each other when the pin is moved from a first position to a second position in response to a force applied to the elastic element.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable supports and bedsteads. An adjustable support includes an inner bar with one or more cuts and an outer tubular bar with a slot. The inner and outer bars are movably coupled with each other. The adjustable support also includes a mechanism coupled with the outer bar at a position corresponding to the slot of the outer bar. When a cut of the inner bar is aligned with the slot of the outer bar, the mechanism engages with both the cut of the inner bar and the slot of the outer bar, and thus restricts the inner and outer bars from moving with respect to each other.

Abstract: A one-piece trash container and dumpster lid engagement lift and support device having an upper container engagement end and an oppositely disposed integrated handle grip portion. Recessed upper and lower central surface define lid and container engagement support areas after lid access is achieved to hold the lid open with aid without user engagement thereof.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces positioned together, and a panel frame surrounding the plurality of insulation pieces. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled to a frame positionable on a structure, so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. Each of the plurality of insulation pieces is separate from the other insulation pieces of the plurality of insulation pieces. Each of the plurality of insulation pieces is separate from the panel frame.

Abstract: A variable resistance door stay apparatus is disclosed. The door stay is provided with an adjustable tightening nut that slides inside a longitudinal slot in a ridged member. A method is disclosed for proving variable resistance to rotational of a door.

Abstract: A case including: a vessel, a cover mounted to be moved in rotation on the vessel via a hinge system which has a hinge axis and at least one hinge, wherein each hinge has a first portion which is fixedly joined to the vessel, a second portion) which is fixedly joined to the cover and a connector which assumes alternately an operating position in which the connector ensures the connection between the second portion and the first portion to allow for rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion about the hinge axis and, alternatively, a safety position in which the connector dissociates the second portion and the first portion.

Abstract: A flood vent includes a door pivotable within a frame between a closed position and an open position. A fluid trigger that is triggerable by a fluid to allow the door to pivot from the closed position to the open position includes a retainer and a fluid modifiable material. The fluid modifiable material is positioned between the door and the retainer thereby obstructing the door from pivoting from the closed position to the open position until the fluid modifiable material is modified by contact with the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and methods for installing and using a gate latch apparatus to protect and enclose livestock. The latching device may or may not be permanently installed, and it can be installed on gates in both a horizontal and vertical fashion. The gate latch apparatus can be opened with one hand of a person. The apparatus includes a pair of latch plates with two chain-grasping slots. The ability to double latch the gate is possible by sliding the chain into both the first and second slots of an L-shaped slot and wrapping the chain across the fitted member and then slipping the chain into a U-shaped slot. The gate latch of this invention can also be used to attach two gates together and to attach free standing fence panels together.

Abstract: A vehicle door checker is provided that includes a housing attachable to a vehicle door, an arm having a first portion attachable to the vehicle, and wherein a second portion of the arm moves through the housing when the door is moved. The door checker also includes at least one slider held within the housing that is in sliding contact with the second portion of the arm inside of the housing. At least one biasing member is held within the housing, the biasing member biasing the slider against the second portion of the arm. A water management dam provides a barrier in the housing such that water is prevented from accumulating within the housing and freezing, wherein such freezing would cause damage to the housing and/or prevent the biasing member and slider from moving.

Abstract: A telescopic stay comprises a stay body including an inner arm and an outer arm into which the inner arm is slidably fitted. In order to lock the inner and outer arms in a pre-determined superposed position, a locking rod engages a locking hole in the inner arm by a locking spring disposed in a guide member attached onto the outer arm, but the guide member has a base portion passing through a flat board of the outer arm and a locking spring urges the guide member so that the base portion is forced against the inner face of the flat board portion. This requires no specific operation for securing the guide member and therefore the telescopic stay can be assembled with a reduced number of parts.

Abstract: In a door checker for an automobile, including: a case; a check plate which movably extends through the case and which has on its opposite sides ball guide grooves extending in a lengthwise direction; a pair of ball holders accommodated in the case; a pair of balls which are retained in hemispherical ball housings of the ball holders and which are rollably engaged in the ball guide grooves; and a check spring for biasing the ball holders toward said check plate; and a recess for retaining a grease on an inner surface of each of the ball housings and for accommodating a dust therein is formed in the inner surface of each of the ball housings. Thus, the sticking of the balls due to an entering dust can be prevented, and the smooth rotation and rolling of the balls can be ensured over a long term.

Abstract: This support arm assembly for connection between a safe's lid and base includes a bracket for connection to the base and a linear support arm that connects between the bracket and lid. The bracket includes a side face adapted for connection to the inside of the base. An upward facing side of the bracket includes a linear slot that is parallel to the side of the safe when the bracket is mounted. The support arm has a generally flat planar configuration that is adapted for placement through the slot transverse to the upward facing side of the bracket. The support arm has an upper end pivotally connected to the lid and a lower end having a bend that prevents it from being withdrawn from the slot. The lower end also has an abrupt notch adjacent the bend that is adapted to interlock with the slot to hold the lid open.

Abstract: In a door checker for an automobile, including: a case; a check plate which movably extends through the case and which has on its opposite sides ball guide grooves extending in a lengthwise direction; a pair of ball holders accommodated in the case; a pair of balls which are retained in hemispherical ball housings of the ball holders and which are rollably engaged in the ball guide grooves; and a check spring for biasing the ball holders toward said check plate; and a recess for retaining a grease on an inner surface of each of the ball housings and for accommodating a dust therein is formed in the inner surface of each of the ball housings. Thus, the sticking of the balls due to an entering dust can be prevented, and the smooth rotation and rolling of the balls can be ensured over a long term.

Abstract: A spring clip for releasably holding the door of a vehicle in an ajar position is provided. The spring clip is adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle body during the manufacturing process. The spring clip is comprised of a base member and a spring finger. The base member includes a pillar tab having a retainer that affixes the spring clip to the body of the vehicle. The door tab of the base member is adapted to slide into an opening in the door. The spring finger is coupled to a base opening that is defined by the base member. The spring finger extends in a cantilever fashion from the base opening into engagement with the vehicle door such that the door is held ajar.

Abstract: An improved locking device for adjustable garment racks including an inner tube slidable in and out from an outer tube. The improved locking device includes a sleeve having a simplified locking tab for engaging and locking the inner tube in a position relative to the outer tube and a touch tab by which an operator may easily and safely manipulate the sleeve to an unlocked position for adjustment of the inner tube relative to the outer tube and again lock the inner/outer tube combination.

Abstract: A vehicle body door check (10) includes a scissors assembly (20) and a keeper (48) received between a pair of elongated check arms (22,24) of the scissors assembly and operable under the bias of a spring (46) to hold an associated vehicle door in an open position upon engagement with a check formation (36).

Abstract: A pushchair comprises a frame onto which is hinged a reclinable backrest (24). On opposing sides of the reclinable backrest (24) the frame supports arms (20) pivotally rotatable in a vertical plane between a first position and a second position. Each arm (20) comprises a plurality of engaging notches (19) disposed along a path (23) along which slide pins (18) protruding laterally from the backrest (24). In the first position each arm (20) engages with one of the notches (19) the corresponding pin (18) protruding from the backrest, so as to block the movement of the backrest in a pre-established angular position and in the second position disengages the notches (19) of the plurality from the pin (18) to allow free movement of the backrest. Disposed on the backrest is a manual control to engage the arms (20) and move them simultaneously between the first and the second position.

Abstract: A multi-stage door opening device. This device reliably retains the door as it was opened at a desired opening angle and generates no operational noise in opening and closing motions of the door and lengthens the using life. An arm is hinged to a car body and comprises a steel core totally coated with a high strength engineering plastic material. This arm is partially thinned in order to provide a plurality of locking portions. A hinge pin hole of the arm has a synthetic resin bushing placed beside the steel core. A stopper is engaged with a notched fixing portion of the arm for limiting a full door opening position. A locking unit is slidably penetrated by the arm and locked to one of the locking portions of the arm. A locking body of the locking unit receives a pair of roller units slidably contacting with the arm.

Abstract: A checking mechanism for a closure member and a frame, the closure member moveable in relation to the frame, the checking mechanism comprising a housing affixed to the closure member or the frame and having an opening therewith; a link member having a core and having two sides, the link member being fastened to either the frame or the closure member, the link member being moveable in relation to the housing and passing through the opening therewith; link engaging means secured with the housing proximate the opening at, at least one side of the link member, and retained in at least one compatible groove formed proximate at least one side of the link member for the positioning of the link member in relation to the housing, the grooves of the link member being formed by coating the core thereof with moldable material prior to assembly of the checking mechanism.

Abstract: A brace for wooden casket cap. A channel slot is routed in the top edge of the body of the casket. A plastic channel is inserted in the slot. The channel is secured in the slot by transverse fore and aft nails. A brace is pivoted to the cap and slidable in the channel. A hook on the end of the brace is captured by the aft nail to hold the brace and cap in the open position.

Abstract: A door checker which can be advantageously utilized for driving automotive equipment such as a seat belt reacher system in synchronization with the opening and closing action of the vehicle door. By appropriate arrangement of a spring and a taper in the door checker member, the force required to open and close the door is not unduly increased. By proper arrangement of the spring, the side thrust from the door checker member is always directed in one direction, whereby the structure for supporting the side thrust is simplified.

Abstract: In a formed window sash (1) a holder (5) for an operating handle (11,12) is inserted between the frame and window glass (3) and an associated leaf spring (6,7) is provided to prevent an unintentional release of the handle after this has been mounted on the holder in that a slit portion (11) of the handle is stuck onto a stepped flap portion (9) of the holder.

Abstract: A window latch that includes a latch plate swingably mounted on the window and having edge notches facing a latch rod. The rod may be inserted in one notch for locking the window in a closed position. The other of the notches are keyhole shaped and the throat is smaller than the rod but will expand sufficiently to permit movement of the rod into and out of the respective notch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for retaining casement windows, doors or the like, comprising firstly a bar and secondly a catch member. For locking and to resist separation of the legs of the catch member, which carry catch heels cooperating with the catch bar, which would free the catch member from the bar, when there is a compressive force between the outer end stop of the bar and the catch member, the catch member is provided adjacent to its recess receiving the bar and the outer stop on the bar is provided with means engageable with each other.

Abstract: A sliding door locking apparatus in which ratchet shaped catches project vertically from a housing and are depressible to a lowered position. The housing is horizontally mounted to the base of the door frame. One of the catches prevents the opening of the door by making contact with a blocking member that is attached to the slidable door panel. However, the door can be quickly closed because contact between the blocking member and the catch in the opposite direction depresses the catch, owing to its ratchet shape. When the catch is depressed to a lower position, the door can move freely in either direction. An alarm is provided which is responsive to an attempt to open the door when the catch is not depressed to a lowered position.

Abstract: An adjustable lightweight hassock comprising a cushion-like upper seat portion pivotally mounted on a unitary tubular base for angular displacement. The upper seat portion is provided with a movable brace element having a multiplicity of teeth for releasably retaining the seat in a tilted position and including an elongated slot so that when the seat is lowered to a horizontal position, the brace element will become horizontally disposed in an inconspicuous position beneath the seat.