Abstract: A cover device for a side sill of a passenger vehicle has a sill cover which includes first and second cover elements which are arranged in a length region of the side sill below a door opening and are coupled moveably to one another and a drive unit via which the cover elements are jointly displaceable between a first functional position and a second functional position. The first cover element is pivotable about a first axis and the second cover element is displaceable about a second axis. The second cover element is mounted so as to pivot about the second axis by a bearing device on the first cover element. The displacement movement of the second cover element relative to the first cover element is positively controlled by a slotted link.

Abstract: A trim assembly for a trim of a body element of a vehicle includes a pivotably mounted first trim element that is displaceable into a first functional position and into a second functional position and an adjustment device for adjusting the first trim element from the first functional position into the second functional position and/or from the second functional position into the first functional position. The adjustment device is configured to secure the first trim element in a blocking position in at least one of the first functional position and the second functional position, against displacement out of the blocking position. A stop element is disposed such that, in the blocking position, the adjustment device rests via the stop element on a stop or rests on the stop element.

Abstract: A tailgate latch system is described. The tailgate latch system may comprise an actuatable button located on a pickup truck tailgate, at least one rotatable rod located in the tailgate interior that is configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise upon actuating the button and a rotary latch that is configured to disengage a bedside striker pin upon rotation of the at least one rotatable rod.

Abstract: A storage and charging system for a motor vehicle includes a drawer assembly front portion comprising a portion of the front grille. The drawer assembly is movable between open and closed positions by an actuator and provides a storage space that may be used for a charging cable. An electrical connection is disposed within the drawer assembly and provides an electrical coupling between a charging cable and a battery of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Fabrication of a latch mechanism is provided for latching a field-replaceable unit within an enclosure. The latch mechanism includes a pivotable latch coupled to the field-replaceable unit via a pivot, at a first side of the unit, and a spring member associated with the enclosure. The spring member is engaged by the latch and deflects with rotating of the latch from an open position to a latched position. The pivotable latch includes the first end and a second end, with the pivot being disposed closer to the first end than the second. The deflecting spring member facilitates provision of positive pressure on the unit directed towards a second side of the unit opposite to the first side to facilitate, for example, fixedly coupling a first connector at the second side to a second connector associated with the enclosure when the unit is latched within the enclosure.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for latching a field-replaceable unit within an enclosure. The latch mechanism includes a pivotable latch coupled to the field-replaceable unit via a pivot, at a first side of the unit, and a spring member associated with the enclosure. The spring member is engaged by the latch and deflects with rotating of the latch from an open position to a latched position. The pivotable latch includes the first end and a second end, with the pivot being disposed closer to the first end than the second. The deflecting spring member facilitates provision of positive pressure on the unit directed towards a second side of the unit opposite to the first side to facilitate, for example, fixedly coupling a first connector at the second side to a second connector associated with the enclosure when the unit is latched within the enclosure.

Abstract: A free floating paddle handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door having a latch. The handle assembly includes a housing with a pivotal paddle on the front and a logic assembly on the back. The handle can be pulled from its neutral or rest position to an actuated position so as to rotate the logic assembly when a lock cylinder is unlocked so as to release the latch. When the lock cylinder is locked, the paddle free floats and does not move the logic assembly, such that the logic assembly is inoperative and the latch remains closed.

Abstract: A lock assembly has a body, a latching device, a linking device and a locking mechanism. The linking device is connected to and driven by the latching device. The locking mechanism is moveably mounted in the body and has a bolt base, a pushing element, a lever element and a locking bolt. The bolt base is mounted slidably in the body. The locking bolt is slidably mounted on the bolt base and is driven to retract into or completely extends out from the body with the transmission of the pushing element and the lever element.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a vehicle passenger door or compartment door and has a free floating paddle when the door or compartment is locked. The paddle is pivotally mounted on the exterior of the handle housing, while a logic assembly is mounted on the interior of the housing. The logic assembly includes a pivotal drive plate, a pivotal driven plate, and a pivotal lock arm. The drive plate is independent of the driven plate when the door is locked. The drive plate and driven plate moving in unison when the door is unlocked and the paddle is opened, thereby opening the latch mechanism for the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: A door lock with transmission mechanism, in which a main lock is installed at the side of the door, and an auxiliary lock is installed at each side of the main lock respectively, whereof the main lock has a main lock-tongue, and each of the two auxiliary lock has an auxiliary lock-tongue, whereby the main lock-tongue drives the auxiliary lock-tongue in each of the two auxiliary locks to move together corresponding to the rotation of door handle.

Abstract: A cooking appliance having first and second oven doors that combine to extend across and close off a frontal opening of a cooking chamber includes a latching mechanism for locking the first and second oven doors in a closed position. The latching mechanism includes a fixed support plate and a motor having an output shaft to which is rotatably mounted an eccentric drive member. Preferably, the motor is fixedly mounted to the support plate. The latching mechanism further includes first and second latch members each having a first end portion pivotally attached to the eccentric drive member extending to a second end portion defining a hook element. When the motor is activated, a guide mechanism directs the second end portions of the first and second latch members to a locking position leading the hook members into engagement with the first and second doors.

Abstract: In a lock of a door or a window with a basic lock and at least an auxiliary locking device and at least a first actuation arrangement for locking the lock, a second actuation arrangement separate from the first actuation arrangement is provided for unlocking the lock.

Abstract: A multi-point door lock assembly has a central lock and an extension bolt for securing the door to a door frame. The assembly has an actuator positioned at the central lock and moveable between a first and second position along an axis. The assembly further has an elongated extension bolt residing along a bolt axis. The actuator and the bolt are secured in a configuration that displaces the axis of the bolt in spaced relationship from the axis of the actuator by an adaptor having a body length. The adaptor has a first end connected to the actuator and a second end connected to the extension bolt, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends configured to displace the bolt axis for the bolt to pass through an interior portion of an associated door member.

Abstract: A sheet is removably positionable adjacent to a window. The sheet has upper, lower and side edges. A plurality of braces is secured to the sheet. Each brace has a metal base plate and a pair of fixed housings. A vertical push rod is slidably supported in each fixed housing for axial reciprocation. A cam is rotatably secured in each fixed housing. A swivel rod is secured to the handle and both of the cams. A reciprocable housing has an open upper face and a lower face. The housing is secured to the push rods. A rubber bumper is secured to the upper face. The bumper is adapted to contact an adjacent surface when in the extended operative orientation during operation and use.

Abstract: A child proof cover for the control panel of equipment such as audio and video players. The cover has a sheet that attaches to the case of the equipment and extends over the control panel. One end of the sheet is detachably connected to the case above the control panel and the other end of the sheet is connected to the case below the control panel by a latch assembly that includes a safety lock. The latch assembly requires several buttons to be simultaneously depressed to lift the sheet off the control panel.

Abstract: A dual function lock for use on a hung window is provided that includes a base, a handle and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. A tilt latch for use on a hung window is also provided. Furthermore, a tilt latch assembly including a lock, left and right latches and an extensible member is provided. Furthermore, a hung window and tilt latch assembly is provided.

Abstract: An offset handle assembly for use on a vehicle or structure comprising a tray that has a front side and back side, which also defines a recess. A handle is pivotal with respect to the tray. The handle is substantially located on the front side of the tray, and within the recess. A mechanical linkage is operatively connected to the handle. The mechanical linkage operates when the handle is turned. Also, an operating mechanism is operatively connected to the mechanical linkage. The operating mechanism is disposed on the back side of the tray and adjacent the recess so as to be laterally offset from the handle. Operation of the mechanical linkage causes the operating mechanism to operate.

Abstract: A safety cabinet is disclosed which includes an enclosure having a double-wall construciton and a pair of doors to selectively seal the enclosure. The safety cabinet includes a retaining system for retaining the doors in an open position and a closure system for automatically closing the doors. The safety cabinet also includes a latch system for selectively retaining the doors in a closed position to cover the enclosure. The latch system includes a paddle handle, first and second slide plates, a bullet slam latch, and first and second latch rod assemblies. The safety cabinet can be used to store, for example, flammable liquids, flammable waste, corrosives, pesticides, or combustible waste.

Abstract: A dual hinge door assembly is provided that enables selective opening of one side of a two sided door or removal of the door. The two sides of the door have identical assemblies that connect via a horizontal bar. Actuating a switch causes the bar to move horizontally in one of two directions. Movement of the bar causes assemblies on each side of the door to rotate and translate the horizontal motion of the bar to vertical motion of a set of lock pins, and causes the handle on the side of the door selected for opening to become visible to the operator. Upon pulling the handle, the side of the door adjacent to the lock will open while the opposite side remains stationary. Alternatively, the assembly may be modified to cause both handles to release. The operator may then pull both handles to remove the door from the housing.

Abstract: A multi-point lock and method for locking with two remote mortise locks operated by a central actuator to which they are mechanically linked. The mortise locks are mounted with opposite orientation so that they simultaneously engage separate keepers from opposite directions. A housing of the multi-point lock is adapted to allow the placement of mounting screws along the entire length of the lock.

Abstract: An offset handle assembly for use on a vehicle or structure comprising a tray that has a front side and back side, which also defines a recess. A handle is pivotal with respect to the tray. The handle is substantially located on the front side of the tray, and within the recess. A mechanical linkage is operatively connected to the handle. The mechanical linkage operates when the handle is turned. Also, an operating mechanism is operatively connected to the mechanical linkage. The operating mechanism is disposed on the back side of the tray and adjacent the recess so as to be laterally offset from the handle. Operation of the mechanical linkage causes the operating mechanism to operate.

Abstract: A handle operating mechanism that may be lockable includes a housing that defines a forwardly facing recess for receiving a handle that is movable from a nested non-operated position to an extended operated position. A connection plate located behind the housing is pivotally supported by the housing for limited angular movement from a non-operated orientation to an operated orientation in response to movement of the handle from the non-operated position to the operated position. The connection plate is provided with a plurality of connection formations arrayed in a novel way about the pivot axis of the connection plate to ensure that pairs of lengthy, oppositely directed links coupled to the connection formations move concurrently and substantially equidistantly to operate various arrangements of remotely located latches including pairs of latches situated on opposite sides of the handle operating mechanism.

Abstract: In a locking device for a door, window or the like, having a main lock box, at least one supplementary lock box, and at least one drive rod connecting the supplementary lock boxes to the main lock box, better resistance to break-ins is attained in that the supplementary lock box has a latch bolt that can be retracted freely into the latching position, wherein the latch bolt is displaceable by a spring and/or by a gear past the normal latching position into its locking position.

Abstract: A universal lock handle assembly for multi-point casement windows is provided. The lock handle assembly includes an escutcheon that is mounted to the inside surface of the window frame. The escutcheon includes a slot for receiving a handle. The handle includes a grip portion that is connected to a mid-section which, in turn, is connected to a forked end. The mid-section of the handle is pivotally connected to the escutcheon below or exterior to the inside surface of the window frame. The forked end of the handle includes two spaced-apart legs that define an open slot for slidably receiving a slider. The slider, in turn, is pivotally connected to a tiebar. The slider enables the overall length of the handle to be variable thereby enabling the distance between the tiebar and the escutcheon or the inside surface of the window frame to be variable as well.

Abstract: The present invention includes a latch mechanism that couples a glove box door to an automobile console. The latch mechanism includes a locking rod that is movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking rod lockingly engages the console of the automobile to prevent movement of the door. In the disengaged position the locking rod is removed from engagement with the console to selectively allow movement of the door to its open position. A connecting rod is coupled to a handle and the locking rod and is movable from a first position to a second position relative to the locking rod. In the first position the connecting rod is coupled to the locking rod to selectively move the locking rod into its engaged position upon movement of the handle into an unlocked position.

Abstract: A multi-point latching system is adapted for mounting on a panel and securing the panel to a frame. The system includes a central latch, remote latches and connecting rods. The central latch includes a housing and a handle assembly pivotably mounted in the housing for rotation about an axis parallel to the panel for opening and closing the central latch. The handle assembly extends through the housing and includes a handle and a pivot arm. The pivot arm extends from the back of the housing. The central latch also includes an actuator pivotably mounted for rotation normal to the panel; and a link connecting the handle assembly to one of the connecting rods, which is also connected to the actuator, such that the actuator is rotated by rotating the handle assembly. The remote latches are engaged by rotation of the actuator plate through the connecting rods.

Abstract: A lock system for the inactive door of a two door swinging combination is provided which prevents the active door from being latched or completely closed without locking the inactive door in place against the door frame and/or floor. Further, with the active door closed, the latch of the active door prevents movement of the slider of the inactive door lock mechanism and thereby prevents any unlocking of the inactive door until the latch of the active door has been removed and the active door opened.

Abstract: A deadbolt lock system is provided for a swinging door which prevents movement of the deadbolts from a locked position to an unlocked position when the door is open. Movement of the deadbolts from an unlocked to a locked position when the door is opened is prevented by a slide plate which is locked into a deadbolt deactivating position by a plunger which is biased outward when the door is opened. The system also provides for an unlocking of the deadbolts and an opening of the door with a single rotation of the inside handle.

Abstract: A two-point latch for a door, and having first and second bolts, a latch body with a housing and a cap defining a slide path within the body for the bolts, first and second handles mounted in the latch body for sliding along a handle path parallel to the slide path, and a spring carried in the handles for urging the handles apart. First and second bolt actuators are positioned in the latch body between the handles and the bolts, with the first handle and actuator interengaging for connecting the first actuator to the first handle, and with the second handle and actuator interengaging for connecting the second actuator to the second handle. The first actuator and bolt interengage for drawing the first bolt inward by the first handle, and the second actuator and bolt interengage for drawing the second bolt inward by the second handle, and another spring is carried in the latch body for urging the bolts outward.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a vehicle body surrounding a storage area and a storage surface has a bumper with a concealable step side and a fascia side. The bumper is mounted to the vehicle for movement between a fascia position and a step position. In the fascia position, the fascia side is substantially vertical and rearwardly facing, and the step side is substantially concealed from view with respect to the vehicle body. In the step position, the step side is presented substantially horizontal and vertically below the storage area surface to permit step access to the storage surface. The bumper is releasably latched to the vehicle when in the fascia position.

Abstract: A versatile operating mechanism for a two-point latch or lock includes a "front" module having a flush-mountable handle and housing assembly that can be connected by simple fasteners to a "rear" module having a mounting bracket that movably supports linkage including an operating arm A pair of latch assemblies are connected to and operated by the mounting-bracket-mounted linkage.

Abstract: A door lock assembly is provided for secure multipoint locking of a door. The lock assembly comprises a main lock cartridge in combination with one or more remote secondary lock cartridges mounted at one side edge of a door, with the main lock cartridge having an actuator for manipulating a plurality of lock members. In one preferred form for use with a hinged or swinging door, the lock members comprise a plurality of latch bolts movable to a first extended position for normal door latching, or to a second and further extended position to function as multiple deadbolts. In an alternate preferred form for use with a sliding door, the lock members comprise headed latch pins for engaging keeper plates on the adjacent door jamb.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a pickup truck tailgate having a conventional latching mechanism of the type comprising spring-loaded plungers engaging plunger receivers in the truck body, draw bars connecting the plungers to a scissor-plate latching mechanism the upper ends of the scissor plates being rotated toward each other to release the plungers. The locking device comprises a blocking paddle for removable insertion between the scissor plates of the latching mechanism, the blocking paddle being rotatably mounted on a spindle with attached spring means normally orienting the blocking paddle away from the scissor plates, the blocking paddle and spindle being attached by mounting members to the tailgate body. The locking device further comprises a lock attached to the tailgate body having a lock cylinder, the lock cylinder being beveled at the end opposite the lock key insert.

Abstract: A device for jettisoning a payload from a spacecraft, the device comprising: connection means between the payload and the spacecraft; an energy storage device for jettisoning the payload; and a releasable latching device for latching the payload to the spacecraft. In the device for jettisoning a payload: the connection means comprises a single rod in alignment with the axis of symmetry of the jettisoning device and having a first end fixed to the payload; the energy storage device acts on the first end of the connection rod; and the releasable latching device acts on the second end of the connection rod, said device being fixed to the spacecraft. Application to the aerospace industry.

Abstract: A system for mounting avionics line replaceable modules in an avionics rack where electrical connections are made between the back end of the LRM and connectors disposed within the rack and where the latching assembly includes two rotating cams, one at the bottom of the LRM and the other at the top of engaging spring biased latch plates and thereby securely holding the LRM in the rack.

Abstract: A locking system for a door for use in conjunction with a commonly available locking mechanism has an interconnecting rod attached to one end of the primary sliding bolt of the locking mechanism, and at the other end to a pivoted link. A draw bar extends from the pivoted link to other pivoted links that are each attached to an additional sliding bolt. As the primary sliding bolt is extended outwardly from the edge of the door via the locking mechanism, the interconnecting rod communicates this motion via the pivoted links and draw bar to each of the other sliding bolts, thereby causing these sliding bolts to extend from the edge of the door in a like manner. Similarly, as the primary sliding bolt is retracted, the reverse process occurs and the secondary sliding bolts retract into the edge of the door.

Abstract: A door lock includes a plurality of latch bolt assemblies that are mountable on a door at spaced locations about the periphery of the door, an operating mechanism that is flush-mountable on the door at a central location, and elongate linkage elements for interconnecting the operating mechanism with the latch bolt assemblies to enable the operating mechanism to concurrently operate the latch bolt assemblies.

Abstract: By providing a single biasing element (spring) connected through pull rods to toggle means in laterally-inverted relationship, there are overcome the problems of (1) inequality of forces on the latching beams and (2) the need for relatively massive springs. The toggle means provide a force-multiplying effect. Moreover, no special actuating element is required for latching or unlatching.

Abstract: An articulated linkage locks the various access panels, covers, and plates opening into an engine and its accessories. A spring loaded shaft is used to drive a bell crank and a set of catch bolts. Each catch bolt is matched with a catch plate joined to one of the panels, covers and plates granting access to the engine and its components. A pair of doors covering the instrument panel is used to reposition the spring loaded shaft and bell crank. Locking the doors together therefore locks the catch bolt and catch plates together in one stroke and with one lock.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a pivoted vehicle seat (14) which provides sufficient locking capability to permit a seat belt (15) to be mounted on the frame (10) of the seat as opposed to the base (16) of the vehicle. The latch assembly includes two slidable horizontally spaced apart latch blocks (20,20') mounted on the frame (10) of the seat (14) for engaging base mounted catches (22,22'). Two actuator arms (48,48') coupled to the frame, are operatively connected to each latch block (20,20') and are secured to and positioned by an operator actuated release member (36). Movement of the actuator arms (48,48') causes the latch blocks (20,20') to disengage the base (16) mounted catches (22,22') substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Valve means associatable with free traveling spherical means are sealing engageable onto and wipable off of companion seats to selectively control flow. A spool permits selective movement of the head means to the seat means and selective engagement of the head and seat means upon shuttling.An interface assembly comprises means which are extendible to the spool and a piston head element within the housing and carried around an extension for travel along the extension in response to pressure variation. The piston head is shiftable in a first direction in response to fluid variation for travel along the extension for transfer of the spherical means within the piston from one camway to another camway without movement of the spool within the housing.

Abstract: A lock cylinder with dual driver whereby an independent drive for the dead bolt mechanism and the door latch mechanism may be achieved with a single lock so as to provide withdrawal of both the latch bolt and the dead bolt by rotation of the key inserted into the lock cylinder. The drive for the dead bolt actuating mechanism is a conventional lost motion drive extending from the rear of the cylinder assembly. In addition, a cam is coupled to the cylinder assembly threaded cap so as to provide a direct drive thereto, with a cam being coupled to the latch mechanism so that both the dead bolt and the latch bolt are retracted upon rotation of a key in the lock.

Abstract: A flush bolt mechanism is disclosed for latching the inactive one of a pair of swinging doors, the mechanism functioning to latch the closed inactive door in response to closing of the other door. The latch mechanism includes a bolt that is driven home by cam and spring assemblies. A heat-responsive mechanism is provided for retaining the bolt in its extended position when the heat-responsive mechanism is subjected to a temperature and for a time sufficient to melt one of its components. A release mechanism may be provided for retracting the extended bolt in response to a force of preselected magnitude applied against the inside of the inactive door.

Abstract: A lock of the type enabling panic exit, there being a unique drive arrangement from the inner knob to the latch bolt mechanism and the security dead bolt mechanism. This drive utilizes a vertically reciprocable slide at the inside of the door panel, biased in one direction, and shiftable in the other direction by rotation of the inner knob for retraction of both the latch bolt and the security dead bolt. The drive is not responsive to tampering with the spindle elements, e.g. after forced removal of the outside knob. The lock can be employed on either left or right-hand door arrangements, directly, without requiring handing.