Abstract: A door lock device for an electric household appliance with movable latch, in particular a dryer, where the latch is carried by the door of the electric household appliance rotating on a plane, normally perpendicular to a door rotation axis, including a frame carried in use by the casing of the electric household appliance and provided with striker means for the latch; where the striker means are obtained on a pair of opposite jaws carried by the frame adjacent to each other and movable against the bias of elastic means and where the frame is provided with guiding means for the jaws adapted to cause the jaws to be driven apart from each other in response to a traction exerted in use on the latch, said elastic means and guiding means being arranged so that the movement of the jaws occurs on a plane arranged perpendicular in use to the rotation plane of the latch.

Abstract: A door latching device for holding a door in a latched and/or a locked state, the latching device comprising: a rotatable catch member mounted for rotational movement between an engaged position, in which the catch member projects for engagement with a latch member of a door, and a disengaged position, in which the catch member is retracted from engagement with the latch member; and a magnetic actuator connected with the catch member for biasing or effecting rotational movement of the catch member from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The magnetic actuator preferably includes a first magnet, which is fixed with respect to the catch member for rotation therewith, and a second magnet which generates a magnetic force to bias or effect rotation of the catch member from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism for a door latch is provided. The actuator mechanism may include a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator can be pivotably coupled to a first support structure about a first axis. Moreover, the first actuator can include an engaging tip, a first engagement and a second engagement. The second actuator can be pivotably coupled to a second support structure about a second axis. In response to the movement of the arm of the second actuator about the second axis, the first engagement of the first actuator can rotate about the first axis to move the engaging tip to release the door latch. Alternatively, in response to the movement of the second engagement of the first actuator, the second engagement of the first actuator can rotate about the first axis to move the engaging tip to release the door latch.

Abstract: A gate latch release mechanism has a cylindrical tubular guide having a first length, a mechanism to firmly fasten the tubular guide in a hole through a gate member, a compression spring having a length less than the length of the tubular guide, the compression spring positioned within the tubular guide and having a first end bearing on a shoulder at a first end of the tubular guide, a flexible line of a length substantially longer than the tubular guide, the line passing through the compression spring and the tubular guide, and having a handle on one end and a coupling interface on an opposite end, and a planar element securely fastened to the line within the tubular guide, with the planar element bearing on a second end of the compression spring within the tubular guide.

Abstract: A latch device for a vehicle includes: a latch configured to hold and engage with a striker; and a latchet configured to maintain an engagement condition between the striker and the latch by meshing with the latch. Between a meshing surface of the latch and a meshing surface of the latchet that mesh with each other, one meshing surface is formed narrower than the other meshing surface. A supporting member is arranged at a side of the latch or the latchet having the one meshing surface narrower than the other meshing surface with a gap provided between a side face of the latch or the latchet and the supporting member. A periphery of the supporting member including the end face is covered with a resin material and the gap is filled up with the resin material.

Abstract: A blocking device for a door of an electric household appliance in which a plate sliding on a support is selectively blocked in use in a engaging position with a striker of the door by a pawl selectively mobile between an extracted position and a retracted position from/into a sliding seat thereof, in which positions the pawl respectively engages/does not engage a perforation of the plate; wherein the pawl is selectively blocked in an extracted position by means of an electromagnet having a winding and a core mobile along the axis of the winding and operatively associated to a mobile slide parallel to the axis of the winding between a first and a second limit stop position, only in the first of which a protrusion of the slide cooperates with the pawl; a retaining device of push-push type being operatively associated on one side to the slide and on the opposite side to a pre-loaded spring sandwiched between the retaining device and a shoulder fixed in use to the support; the push-push device being configured t

Abstract: A safety interlocking device has a locking unit for mounting on the safe side to a door relative to a hazardous region, and a locking cage for mounting on a door frame interacting with the door. In order to be able to open, from the hazardous region, the locked door and escape from the hazardous region, an escape unlocking device is provided for unlocking the safety interlocking device. The locking cage has a locking stop which is articulated to a base plate so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis from an interlocking position into an emergency opening position. The escape unlocking device possesses at least one arresting tip which, in an escape position, releases the locking stop for pivoting into the emergency opening position. Provided between an emergency handle and the arresting tip is a stretched rod piece which is embodied so as to be displaceable together with the arresting tip.

Abstract: A storage container including a housing having an open-top wall structure defining a receptacle for receiving material to be stored. The container includes a cover disposable on the housing in a closed position relative to the receptacle. A button is movably carried by the cover and a seal. The seal is carried by the cover and shiftable between a compressed condition for sealingly engaging the wall structure when the cover is disposed in the closed position, and an uncompressed condition for disengaging from the wall structure. The container also includes a toggle mechanism coupled to the button and to the seal for effecting movement of the seal to its compressed and uncompressed conditions respectively in response to alternate actuations of the button.

Abstract: An electrically operable latch includes a housing and a latch member assembled with the housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A blocker member is disposed in the housing and adapted to block movement of the latch member to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a first position, and to permit movement of the latch member from the extended position to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a second position. An actuator member is disposed in the housing and adapted to move the blocker member from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical signal supplied to the actuator member.

Abstract: A self-engaging emergency egress lock assembly mounted to a door track is described. As a door lock strike element contacts a lock strike assembly contained within the door lock assembly, the strike assembly hinges over the door lock strike element. When the door reaches a predetermined down limit power is applied to activate an actuator. Upon activation, the actuator engages a lock strike stop which prevent the strike assembly from disengaging the door lock strike element. If the door is attempted to be opened while the lock strike stop is engaged, the lock strike assembly pushes against the stop, preventing the door from traveling upward. In an emergency egress (alarm) condition, power to the actuator is terminated, thereby releasing the lock strike stop and by extension, the strike assembly, thus disengaging the door lock strike element, thereby providing emergency egress capability.

Abstract: A double latch assembly for a motor vehicle having two pivotably mounted closure members is disclosed in which a power cinch mechanism is used to ensure first and second claws are moved and held in a second fully locked position.

Abstract: A slam catch that holds a side-load trailer gate or door in a closed position relative to the body of a trailer having a primary gate closure mechanism by which the trailer gate is fully secured in the closed position. The slam catch includes a catch hinge mounted on the body of the trailer, a latch mounted on the trailer gate, and a catch pivotally coupled to the catch hinge and configured to automatically engage the latch when the trailer gate is moved toward the closed position. The engagement of the catch with the latch holds the trailer gate in a closed position so that an operator can secure the primary gate closure mechanism without having to physically hold the gate closed.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking a door of an electric household appliance is improved in that a slider jaw is hinged to a body of a slider in such manner that, by its tooth, it snaps or releases a head of a latch and that the slider jaw is provided with an opening finger, and a mechanism housing is provided with a hindering element, which thrusts the opening finger of the slider jaw, when the slider moves in direction of the force of the spring, so that the slider jaw gets open. The slider body and the slider jaw are preferably made of different materials: the slider body of a polyoxymethylene copolymer and the slider jaw of a polyamide or of a ZL4 alloy having a composition Zn:A14:Cu1. The proposed mechanism is not susceptible to plastic deformation of the junction area between the slider body and the slider jaw.

Abstract: A locking apparatus with tumbler for safety doors has a door part for fastening on a movable safety door and has a frame part for fastening on a door counterpart. The frame part has a receptacle and the door part has an actuator configured to be inserted into the receptacle. The frame part further has a blocking member which is displaceable between a release position, in which the actuator can be released in, and a blocking position in which the actuator is secured in the receptacle. The actuator is arranged on the door part via an elastic compensating element.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a tailgate of a truck includes a striker plate, a clasp, a handle, and a fastening mechanism. The clasp is attached to the striker plate and defines a first pivot point. The handle includes a first free end and a second anchored end. The second anchored end is attached to the clasp and defines a second pivot point. The first free end of the handle moves about the both the first pivot point and the second pivot point. The first free end is secured by a spring clip of the fastening mechanism to latch the tailgate of the truck.

Abstract: A striker cover completely conceals a striker and includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion pivots with respect to the striker, and the second cover portion pivots with respect to the first cover portion. A spring element biases the first cover portion to pivot away from the striker. The second cover portion may be biased by inertia or a spring element to pivot toward the striker.

Abstract: A gaming machine door latch comprises a slide having one or more associated catches, and lock or latch strikes. The slide may be mounted to the gaming machine housing for vertical movement. The catches are mounted to the slide and may be configured to pivot. The strikes are mounted to the door. When the gaming machine door is closed, the catches automatically engage the strikes, thus latching the door. The door may be opened by raising the slide, causing the catches to move out of engagement with the strikes. The latch may include a lock which locks and unlocks the slide.

Abstract: An electric strike which provides vertical adjustability of the position of the strike relative to the latch bolt in the closure with modification to the doorframe on the dust box. A ramp element on the strike housing is slidably adjustable relative to the strike housing and is securable at the time of installation to align with the center of the latch bolt. The ramp element has a channel to allow entry and exit of a latch bolt having a dead latch. A keeper engages the dead latch and maintains it in a retracted position when the closure is locked and is released when the electric latch solenoid is energized. A travel limiting foot limits rotation of the keeper so that the latch bolt may transition from the keeper to the ramp element without interference.

Abstract: An electric strike which provides vertical adjustability of the position of the strike relative to the latch bolt in the closure with modification to the doorframe on the dust box. A ramp element in the strike housing is adjustable relative to the strike and is securable at the time of installation to align the center of the latch bolt and strike. The ramp element has a channel to allow entry and exit of a latch bolt having a dead latch. A keeper engages the dead latch and maintains it in a retracted position when the closure is locked and is released when the electric latch solenoid is energized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing a quick-release latch mechanism for a walled enclosure access door. The latch mechanism includes a striker with one end slidably inserted into the enclosure and the other end located outside the enclosure. A keeper is located within the enclosure and adapted to releasably engage and be captively held by the striker when the access door is in the closed position. If necessary, the access door can be readily unlatched from within the enclosure by manually rotating the keeper away from the enclosure wall to disengage and cause removal of the striker as the access door is being manually pushed open from within the enclosure.

Abstract: Devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods related to animal enclosure latches. Specifically, the disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods relate to animal enclosure latches having an internal latch receptacle and an external latch receptacle, where the internal latch receptacle has a top downward-sloping portion to prevent animal collars and the like from becoming hooked, snagged and/or caught on the internal latch receptacle.

Abstract: An electronic device and its push-lock and push-release type of latch structure are provided in the invention. The latch structure includes a platform, an elastic restorable element connected to the platform, and two side bases respectively disposed on two opposite edges of the platform. Each of the side bases has a base body having a loop track with a stopper, a driven element movably disposed on the base body and movable with the platform, and a “U” type rod pivotally connected to the driven element at one end thereof and extending into the loop track at another end thereof.

Abstract: A multi-point locking system includes a body having an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein. An upper latch pawl is disposed in the upper aperture and is pivotable about a first vertical axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position. A lower latch pawl is disposed in the lower aperture and is pivotable about a second vertical axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position. At least one actuator is configured to move the upper and lower latch pawls between their retracted and extended positions. The body can be an astragal, a vertical frame member, or the like.

Abstract: A device (1) maintains a locked and closed state of a space separating device (2) in a releasable manner, in particular a protective device of a machine (4). The device has a first part (6) with an opening and a second part (8). The parts are movable relative to one another. The opening is at least partially closable. The device (1) includes a latch (18) for locking the closed state of the space-separating device (2), a holding element (30) for keeping the latch (18) in the latched position, and a release element (36) for releasing the catch of the latch (18). The catch of the latch (18) may be lifted by a rotational movement of the release element (36) relative to the latch (18).

Abstract: A surface mounted electric strike for use with an exit device such as a rim panic exit device. The electric strike has a housing with at least one keeper pivotally mounted to the housing. Each keeper has an associated cam with a detent. Release pawls engage detents on the cam in the locked position. A solenoid-operated unlock bar has stops, the position of which establishes whether the keepers are in a locked or unlocked position. The electric strike can be installed in either a fail safe or fail secure mode by locating the stops when the solenoid is de-energized in either a position which blocks or releases the release pawls. Other arrangements for establishing a selected operational mode include use of dual solenoids, use of dual locking bars and reversible release pawls.

Abstract: A striker assembly includes a plate configured for attachment to a vehicle and a striker attached to the plate. The striker is configured for securing a latch assembly of the vehicle in a first position. The striker assembly also includes a first resilient member configured for contacting the latch assembly in the first position and a second resilient member configured for cooperating with the first resilient member to move the latch assembly to a second position.

Abstract: A slam catch that holds a side-load trailer gate or door in a closed position relative to the body of a trailer having a primary gate closure mechanism by which the trailer gate is fully secured in the closed position. The slam catch includes a catch hinge mounted on the body of the trailer, a latch mounted on the trailer gate, and a catch pivotally coupled to the catch hinge and configured to automatically engage the latch when the trailer gate is moved toward the closed position. The engagement of the catch with the latch holds the trailer gate in a closed position so that an operator can secure the primary gate closure mechanism without having to physically hold the gate closed.

Abstract: A door latch and striker combination for a vehicle door is provided with a pivotal cam on the striker assembly of the door frame so as to overcome misalignment between the latch assembly and striker assembly. When the door is moved from an open position to the closed position, the latch housing engages the cam, which pivots over center as the door closure continues, thereby lifting the latch assembly and door into proper alignment with the striker bolt on the door frame, such that the door can be closed. The cam is spring biased to an initial position with an inclined upper surface. The cam supports the latch assembly while the door is closed, and allows the latch assembly to slide over the upper cam surface when the door is opened.

Abstract: A connecting clip for connecting two members to each other at apertures through the two members. The connecting clip includes a first section connected to a second section by a living hinge. The first section includes a general ring shaped portion forming a hole, a first stationary projection extending away from the general ring shaped portion at a rear side of the general ring shaped portion, and a movably second projection connected to the general ring shaped portion by another living hinge. The second projection is movable to a deployed position extending out of the hole with an end of the second projection extending in a direction different from the first projection. The second section includes a pushing portion adapted to push against the second projection when the second section is moved from an open position to a closed position to thereby move the second projection to the deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door opener system having a door opener, which comprises a pivot latch pivotable into the door opener having a stop, having a striker plate, and having a lock latch guide running diagonally inward into the door opener for guiding the lock latch, an adapter part being provided, on which the lock latch guide is implemented and which is situated between the door opener and the striker plate. In order to obtain a flexibly usable and simultaneously reliably functioning door opener system, the lock latch guide is implemented as a slide face, which runs continuously over the stop width and is situated on the door side next to the stop of the pivot latch and adjoining thereto.

Abstract: An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a cavity for a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-typelockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to engage the spring latch. A pivotably mounted kicker cooperates with the keeper. A pivotably mounted dead latch release is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and rotates into a position to ramp the spring latch out of the strike, also allowing the dead latch release to release the dead latch into the cavity, allowing the spring latch to be ramped out of the strike. Pivoting the keeper causes the kicker to urge the spring latch onto an exit ramp on a face of the keeper. The dead latch release can be installed in a plurality of different locations in the housing.

Abstract: The present apparatus relates to a gate latch mechanism. The gate latch comprises at least two housings wherein the first housing is mountable to a stationary object such as an existing fence or structure and the second housing is mountable to a moveable object such as a gate. In some cases it may useful to mount the first housing to the moveable object and likewise mount the second housing to the stationary object. In one embodiment, the first housing comprises a back plate hingedly connected to two front plates angled outwardly from the back plate and the second housing comprises a latchable mechanism comprising a rod.

Abstract: A push-push type latch mechanism is disclosed, which includes a platform, a slide hook with an incline disposed on the platform, a spring disposed on the platform and connected to the slide hook, and at least one damping component disposed on the platform and touching the slide hook. An electronic device with the push-push type latch mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage container including a housing having an open-top wall structure defining a receptacle for receiving material to be stored. The container includes a cover disposable on the housing in a closed position relative to the receptacle. A button is movably carried by the cover and a seal. The seal is carried by the cover and shiftable between a compressed condition for sealingly engaging the wall structure when the cover is disposed in the closed position, and an uncompressed condition for disengaging from the wall structure. The container also includes a toggle mechanism coupled to the button and to the seal for effecting movement of the seal to its compressed and uncompressed conditions respectively in response to alternate actuations of the button.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pivoting device, by means of which a vehicle door (10), in particular a wing door, is in the normal case mounted on a body (36) of a motor vehicle and can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pivoting device comprises a separating device (18), by means of which the vehicle door (10) can be detached from the body in an emergency, in particular after a rollover. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a separating device (18).

Abstract: An apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes a socket having at least three ball support points to constrain a ball, and a yoke rotatably coupled to the socket, the yoke having an axis of rotation that intersects the ball when the ball is positioned in the socket, the yoke rotatable to a closed position in which the yoke captures the ball in the socket, and the yoke rotatable to an open position in which the yoke does not capture the ball in the socket. According to some embodiments, the yoke is biased in the closed position such as, for example, by a spring. The yoke may be rotationally coupled to the socket at one or more locations, and the axis of rotation may intersect the ball when the ball is in the socket either through the center of the ball or at an off-center location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing a quick-release latch mechanism for a walled enclosure access door. The latch mechanism includes a striker with one end slidably inserted into the enclosure and the other end located outside the enclosure. A keeper is located within the enclosure and adapted to releasably engage and be captively held by the striker when the access door is in the closed position. If necessary, the access door can be readily unlatched from within the enclosure by manually rotating the keeper away from the enclosure wall to disengage and cause removal of the striker as the access door is being manually pushed open from within the enclosure.

Abstract: A gaming machine door latch comprises a slide having one or more associated catches, and lock or latch strikes. The slide may be mounted to the gaming machine housing for vertical movement. The catches are mounted to the slide and may be configured to pivot. The strikes are mounted to the door. When the gaming machine door is closed, the catches automatically engage the strikes, thus latching the door. The door may be opened by raising the slide, causing the catches to move out of engagement with the strikes. The latch may include a lock which locks and unlocks the slide.

Abstract: An apparatus generally includes a latch and a keeper. The latch has a latching surface and is movable between at least a closed position and an opened position. The keeper has a keeper surface configured for engagement with the latching surface. The latch is movably coupled to supporting structure relative to the latching surface such that the moment created by a load applied to the latching surface while engaged with the keeper surface biases the latch towards the closed position.

Abstract: An electric strike comprising a housing and a keeper pivotally mounted to said housing. A solenoid is arranged internal to the housing and movable between fail-safe and fail-secure positions. A two position mode control slot is included in the housing and a mode control screw is included in the mode control slot. The screw is capable of being tightened in each of the two positions in the control slot. The screw is changeable between the two of the positions without removal of the screw. The solenoid is in the fail-safe position when the screw is in one of the two positions and in the fail-secure position when the screw is in the other of the two positions.

Abstract: A self latching latch mechanism is disclosed which includes a latch mounted to a first wing and a strike mounted to a second wing or a fixed member. The latch has a latch tongue which can move between a latching position in which the latch tongue can engage the strike to secure the first wing relative to the second wing or fixed member, and a free position which allows relative movement between the first wing and the second wing or fixed member. Latch tongue biasing means are provided to bias the latch tongue towards the latching position. Operating means are also provided to move the latch tongue from the latching position to the free position, and there is a hold back member which can move between a first position in which the latch tongue is prevented from moving to the latching position, and a second position in which the latch tongue can move to the latching position. The hold back member is biased to the first position.

Abstract: An adjustable tailgate latching mechanism for a round bale utilizing a movable arcuate hook-like latch catching structure attached to the latching mechanism that enables proper alignment of the tailgate latch to be established and maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking arrangement by means of which two parts can be locked to each other, such as locking a door to its frame construction. The locking arrangement comprises a first locking element fastened to the lock unit, a second locking element fastened to the counter part and an acting element being preferably a part of the lock unit. The first and second locking elements are gripping brackets, forming a hooked grip with each other when the lock unit and the counter part are against each other, when, for example, the door is locked in its opening. The gripping brackets are essentially in the direction of the movement of the door. The task of the acting element is to keep the gripping brackets in an overlapping position when the locking arrangement is locked. The position of the acting can be changed, and the current state of the locking arrangement depends on the position.

Abstract: A device for locking a sliding panel of a motor vehicle, which panel is mobile with respect to a stationary structure, including means for actioning of bolt(s), which are mobile with respect to said sliding panel and capable of adopting at least three positions: a resting position, in which said bolt(s) is (are) in a locked state with one of said complementary locking elements; and two unlocking positions, called left and right, in which said unlocking positions implement transmission means acting on said bolt(s), which are mounted symmetrically with respect to an axis perpendicular to the sliding axis of said sliding panel, so as to create similar actions on said bolt(s) in each of said locking positions, and to allow, in the same movement of a user: the change from the resting position to one of said unlocked positions; the sliding movement of said mobile panel in one or the other sliding directions, called right and left, according to the locking position selected.

Abstract: A storm shutter stud fastening mechanism that includes a quick release for fast and easy removal of conventional storm shutters from a window or door from the inside of a structure in the event of an emergency by allowing occupants of the building to manually disengage a fastening stud from an anchor. The stud mechanism includes an anchor body that receives an actuating arm having prongs at one end that engage and fasten the stud to the anchor body. However, when the arm is when rotated or pivoted from one side to the other, the engaging prongs are spread by stops inside the anchor body, thereby expanding the prong distance, releasing a stud secured between them.

Abstract: An electronic tongue strike mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The electronic tongue strike mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.

Abstract: A vehicle flow trip, includes a moveable body portion in physical communication with a vehicle body, and an actuator comprising an active material in operative communication with the vehicle body and the moveable body portion; wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in a property is effective to displace the moveable body portion from either an original position or a deployed position in an airflow stream to the other of the original or the deployed position through motion of the actuator.

Abstract: A safety lock for a closing-off device which can be opened, has an actuating unit with an actuator which is guided in a displaceable manner, and has a locking unit into which the actuator, with the closing-off device closed, can be pushed and can be locked via an electromagnetically actuable, pivotable catch, by way of interengaging engagement surfaces, the actuator has a trigger element and the locking unit has a response element which, with the actuator pushed in, reacts to the trigger element by emitting an electric signal which triggers the locking action, in the case of which the catch can be pivoted about an axis extending parallel to the movement direction of the actuator, and the engagement surfaces of the catch and of the actuator run perpendicularly to the movement direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for latching a tailgate to supporting structure of a vehicle generally includes a latch, a keeper, and a member for rotating the keeper relative to the latch. The member is rotatably supported by the tailgate such that the member is rotatable between at least a first position and a second position. The latch includes a latching surface, and the keeper includes a keeper surface configured for engagement with the latching surface. The latch is pivotably coupled to the vehicle supporting structure such that the latch is pivotable between at least a closed position and an opened position. To disengage the latching surface from the keeper surface, the member is rotated from the first position towards the second position, which, in turn, causes the keeper to rotate and to pivotally move the latch from the closed position towards the opened position.

Abstract: An electrically controlled door lock (11) provided with a blocking member (21) and a detent (20), the blocking member being in contract with an electrically controlled actuator (24) such as a piezo-electric member which is used to control movement of the blocking member which in turn causes either the release of a locking member (12) from a door to allow the door to be opened or the engagement of the locking member to prevent the door from being opened.