Abstract: A casement window lock and tie bar assembly including a flexible guide pre-formed with an arcuate deflection. The guide receives a tie bar having a c-shaped cross-section. The arcuate deflection of the guide causes the guide to be frictionally held in an initial position on the longitudinal axis of tie bar. When fasteners are tightened to attach the guide to a window frame, the guide is flattened to enable the tie bar to freely slide on the guide.

Abstract: A chewing gum formulation including tobacco particles and a gum base, where the gum base includes one or more hydrophobic gum base polymers, and where the tobacco particles are made from tobacco leaves. The amount of tobacco particles is between 0.5 and 30% by weight of the chewing gum formulation, and nicotine is released from the tobacco particles when chewing the chewing gum formulation.

Abstract: A latch with dual rotary magnets is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment. Mechanical hook-like rotary pawls supplement the action of the magnets. In addition, the latch is provided with a safety feature that prevents the latch from opening in the event that the vehicle in which the latch is installed is involved in a collision.

Abstract: An apparatus secures a cover onto a housing of a portable electronic device. The apparatus has a first latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a first hinge, so that in a first rotational position, the first latch contacts a first catch on the housing and in a second rotational position, the first latch is remote from the first catch. A second latch assembly has a second latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a second hinge, so that in one rotational position, the second latch contacts a second catch on the housing and in another rotational position, the second latch is remote from the second catch. By squeezing the first and second latches between two fingers, a user is able to disengage those latches from the catches and remove the cover from the housing.

Abstract: A latch with dual rotary magnets is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes at least one latch unit having a latch unit housing, a latch notch provided in the latch unit housing, a lock bracket pivotally mounted in the latch unit housing adjacent to the latch notch and positional between latched and unlatched positions and an actuating arm engaging the lock bracket; a torque shaft coupled to the actuating arm; a handle unit having a handle housing and a handle plate pivotally mounted in the handle housing and coupled to the torque shaft; and at least one position indicator lip provided on the handle plate.

Abstract: A motorized lock for a vending machine provides a simple lever mechanism that provides two separate points of engagement between the door and the machine to resist tampering and provide for more even pull in of a gasketed door.

Abstract: A latch structure includes a base, a connecting unit, a first spring member, at least one hook unit and a button. In this case, the connecting unit has a first side and a second side, and the connecting unit is disposed on the base. The first spring member has a first end and a second end. The first end connects to the connecting unit and the second end connects to the base. At least one hook unit is located at the first side of the connecting unit. The hook unit has a moving member with a hook portion and a connecting portion, and the hook portion locates in a first site. The button is located at the second side of the connecting unit. When the hook portion does not locate in the first site, the button moves toward a first direction, the button pushes the connecting unit in a second direction, and the connecting unit touches the connecting portion. Accordingly, the hook portion turns to the first site.

Abstract: A latch assembly for use in a flip panel sign display is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a latch pin releasably coupled to the sign panel in a manner to prevent relative rotation therebetween. A latch is disposed an end of the latch pin. The latch pin includes a neck portion and an end portion, the neck portion having a particular cross-sectional configuration which prevents relative rotation in the side panel. The latch is rotatably supported on the end portion and capable of rotation between a locked position which retains the flip panels in a desired configuration and an unlocked position which permits relative positioning of the flip panels.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for releasably securing a first member to a second member is provided in which a surface of the first member has anchors projecting therefrom with a lip portion of each anchor transversely extending from an extremity of each anchor. A surface of the second member has a cutout portion defining an opening adapted to lockingly engage an anchor. At least a portion of the cutout has a tongue at the opening thereof shaped to be positioned underneath the lip portion of an anchor to effect locking engagement thereof. During use, a surface of each of the first and second members is arranged by positioning the cutout portion on the anchor following which one member is rotated relative to the other member to thereby effect engagement of the tongue underneath the lip portion. A keeper is then inserted in at least a part of the cutout not occupied by an anchor to releasably secure the first member to the second member, wherein movement between the members is inhibited.

Abstract: A security system for roll-down loading doors, having: a substantially narrow profile housing adapted to being connected to a wall of a cargo carrying enclosure; an actuator having a key receptacle including a pivotable arm, for moving a latch structure between a locked position and an unlocked position; the latch structure being generally triangular with a top portion being hingably connected to the housing with a stationary pivot pin and the actuator being coupled by a linkage mechanism, the latch structure is adapted to be connected to a loading door of a cargo carrying enclosure when the latch structure is in the locked position and withdrawn from the door when the latch structure is in the unlocked position; and the linkage mechanism includes a distal section having a port and a proximal section having a second port, the distal section is coupled to a middle portion of the latch structure with a first pivot pin and the proximal section is coupled with the linkage mechanism with a second pivot pin, the li

Abstract: First and second fixing portions 150, 170 are installed at one side of a panel for a car-mounted audio system for attaching the panel 100 to an escutcheon 200. First and second piercing holes 180, 190 formed at the panel 100 receive the first and second fixing portions 150, 170. The first and second fixing portions 150, 170 are respectively rotatably engaged with first and second bosses 185, 195 respectively formed at the first and second piercing holes 180, 190. First and second grooves 275, 277 are formed at the front face of the escutcheon 200 for respectively engaging with thereto.

Abstract: A casement sash locking system including locking assembly, drive assembly and lock strike that can be mounted on either side allowing the window to open from the left side or right side. The locking assembly includes a lock catch that functions to first lift the outer free end of the sash and then pull the sash to a closed position, thereby preventing drag of the sash on the window frame sill.

Abstract: A door operating mechanism, preferably a door operating mechanism for cabinets, comprising a vertical pivot shaft (2) equipped with eccentric pins (5) at opposite ends thereof to cooperate with keeper members (3) characterized by, that the vertical pivot shaft (2) is pivotally retained clamps (4) secured to the door at certain distances from the bottom and the top of the cabinet doors and from the ends of the pivot shaft (2), thereby permitting the elastic or resilient force occuring in the vertical pivot shaft (2) when the ends thereof are distended laterally by engagement of the eccentric or offset pins (5) with the detents (9) of the keeper members (3), to be employed to close the door tightly against the sealing gasket (21) on the cabinet.

Abstract: A safety latching device for refrigerators of the type having at least one vertically-hinged door extending the entire length of the refrigerator. The safety latching device includes an elongated support base having a latching bar rotatably attached thereto secured to the top of the refrigerator, and a coupling plate having a slot therein secured to the top of the refrigerator door in alignment with the latching bar. To prevent the refrigerator door from being opened by a young child, the latching bar is positioned in the coupling plate slot. To allow access to the refrigerator by an adult, the latching bar is rotatably moved from the slot. For refrigerators having more than one vertically-hinged door, the safety latching device utilizes a pair of latching bars with a pair of corresponding coupling plates.

Abstract: A remote latching mechanism comprises connecting member, preferably a cylindrical rod, an actutor assembly for rotating the connecting member about its longitudinal axis, and a latch assembly connected to the connecting member for movement between latched and unlatched conditions in response to the rotation of the connecting member. The latch assembly comprises a crank, at least one link member having over-center action, a pawl support and a pawl, all inter-connected so that upon rotation of the crank, the pawl is pivoted and slid relative to a latch housing between latched and unlatched positions. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator fixedly connected to the connecting member. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a pivotable handle. In the other embodiments, the actuator comprises a substantially cylindrical member to which torque is applied by a tool or a lever to rotate the connecting member.

Abstract: A tandem rod for use between locking ends of locking handles on a casement window or the like has an elongated bar with two or more brackets slidable thereon. The bar does not have any pre-existing openings by which the brackets can be affixed to the bar. The potential sites for affixing the first bracket onto the bar are infinite. The locking handles can be installed in a window first at any desired location and the tandem rod can then be fitted to the existing location of the locking handles. The tandem rod overcomes the difficulty of installation of previous tandem rods in which the locking handles must be located at pre-determined locations in the bar.

Abstract: An improved latching arrangement for selectively latching two members together to prevent relative movement there between in first directions. The two members may, for example, be the fixed and sliding windows of a sliding window. The improved latch means of the latching arrangement of the present invention is pivotally mounted on the moving member and is resiliently biased towards the fixed member. The latch means has a lip means that is engagable with a shoulder means on the fixed member when the latch means is in the latched position. The latch means is pivotally moveable away from the fixed member so that the lip clears the shoulder to allow relative movement of the sliding member with respect to the fixed member. The latch means is also provided with a swivel cam extending outwardly from the latch means into a channel in the second member in a locking condition thereof.

Abstract: A door for a trailer, container, garage or similar structure carries a vertically movable elongated rod adjacent its free end. A plurality of pins are pivotally mounted on the rod and are adapted to move into locking apertures located on the structure as the rod moves downwardly into its door locking position. The rod can be moved upwardly and downwardly by a manually operable handle which is accessible from the exterior of the door. The door is also provided with a recess within which is located a key lock mechanism for locking the rod in the downward position. The key lock mechanism includes a vertically aligned keyhole which is accessible only through the recess thereby making access to the keyhole by a screw-driver or the like difficult.

Abstract: A multi-lock security device for providing access to a secured area by releasing any one of a number of locks. The device includes a locking plate rotatably disposed on a stationary axis, said axis secured to an existing structure or itself embedded in the ground. The locking plate is provided with a series of radial access channels formed through a flanged retaining rib disposed on said lock plate, thereby enabling the gate pin to be slidably held within an interior latch race. Fastening gates are pivotally attached on the locking plate and may be closed across the access channels and secured with padlocks connectable through corresponding openings in both the fastening gate and the locking plate.

Abstract: A gate latch structure with a striker bar is mounted on a fence gate hinge mounted to the fence. A gate handle is provided that has a striker bar enclosing loop reinforcing the mounting of the striker bar on the gate. The latch structure also includes a pivotal latch member pivotally mounted on a latch mounting back plate that is mountable on a fence post or the middle end of the other half of a double gate. The striker bar receiving opening in the pivotal latch member has a rear edge recessed back from the rear end of the striker bar receiving opening in the latch mounting back plate. With this structure the back plate absorbs striker bar closing impact directly rather than such impact being imposed on the pivotal latch member and on the pivot screw mounting the pivotal latch member.

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

Abstract: Primary and secondary hood latches are used on a tractor hood assembly designed to roll forward on the tractor frame. Both the primary and secondary latches are unlatched through the use of either a cable operated or a lever operated independent linkage means. Both latches must be unlatched in order to allow the hood to be opened while either latch may be used to maintain the hood in a closed position.

Abstract: A number of conveniently manufactured and easily installed fastening devices are disclosed for use with conventional cabinets and enclosures. Each of these devices inherently utilizes the physical fact that a child's hand span is smaller than that of an adult. The devices make it impossible to open an enclosure by individuals having a hand span less than a predetermined length. Each fastening device, or pair of devices, includes a spring-biased latching means that engages a fixed strike plate internal to the enclosure being protected. Latch release means are provided on the outside of the enclosure and these latch means are operable in conjunction with a further release means, both combining to successfully open the enclosure.

Abstract: An escape hatch for dwellings, such as mobile homes, is provided with a panel fitting within an external wall opening of such dwelling and equipped with a plurality of peripheral latch assemblies engaging such wall. Each latch assembly has internal and external blades on the opposite faces of the hatch panel, and pivotable on a common pivot pin extending through the panel so that in one position they overlie the adjacent portion of the wall. The internal and external blades are jointed by a guide pin extending through an arcuate slot centered on the pivot pin. Conventional burglar alarm devices may be used in conjunction with the escape hatch.

Abstract: The combination with a cabinet structure containing one or more openings and cover panels for covering the openings of latch assemblies at the two opposite sides of the opening, each comprising a pilot fixed to the cabinet structure and a receptacle fixed to the cover panel which, when interengaged, position the cover panel over the opening, a spring-biased latch member pivotally mounted to the cover panel for interengagement with the pilot and a knob fixed to the distal end of the latch member and extending through a slot in the cover panel for disengaging the latch member from the pilot.

Abstract: A latch assembly (44) comprises a base (48), an arm (80,82) mounted to the base (48) for movement between open and closed positions, and a restraining lever (58) movably mounted to said base. The restraining lever (58) is selectively positionable between a restraining position for restraining the arm (80,82) in the open and closed positions and a release position for releasing the arm (80,82) from the open and closed positions. The restraining lever (58) has a first surface (73,75) for restraining the arm in the closed position with the lever in the restraining position and a second surface (77,79) for restraining the arm in the open position with the lever (58) in the restraining position. Further the latch assembly (44) is disclosed in combination with a compartment (10) which compartment (10) includes a cover (22,24) removably secured thereto. The cover (22,24) includes a tab (26,28), and the arm (80,82) in the closed position extends over the cover (22,24) into engagement with the tab (26,28).

Abstract: This invention relates to a catch or lock mechanism used between a refuse or garbage can and the lid therefor. A substantially U-shaped bracket has the inner curve between its legs slidingly engaged with the undersurface of the lid bead carried by the lower edge of the lid. This may be by a threaded screw engaging with one leg of the U-shaped bracket and extending between the legs thereof to thereby form a sleeve sliding engaging the lid bead. Also, the U-shaped bracket may be movably carried by the U-shaped bracket or the can lid by the use of magnetic means. The U-shaped bracket preferably has a longer inner leg which is urged by spring or magnetic means into engagement under the bead at the top of the refuse can. The other leg of the U-shaped bracket is shorter and preferably terminates in an outwardly and horizontally extending portion for finger engagement thereof for releasing the lid from the can.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for receiving the free end of a swinging gate or the like including a pair of pivoted, clam-like arms, carried by a pedestal capable of being mounted upon a hollow cylindrical support via an expandible sleeve forming a part of the pedestal, the aforesaid arms being U-shaped in cross section with the open sides facing in such a manner that when closed only an opening formed by their ends is accessible to admit the aforementioned gate end. A locking mechanism is provided internal of the arms.

Abstract: A log-burning stove which contains a full refractory firebox, the stove designed to permit the easy insertion of large, economical, wood logs, particularly green logs, which stove comprises a shell defining a combustion chamber, the combustion chamber fully lined with refractory material, and having an entrance and a full-length loading door adapted to permit the easy introduction of logs into the combustion chamber, the door adapted to move between a closed, upright, sealed position and an open supporting position extending generally laterally from the lower portion of the entrance opening, the door containing roller means on the internal surface thereof which provides for the lateral movement of a large log thereon which permits the positioning of the log adjacent the center of the entrance, whereby, after said positioning of the log adjacent the opening, the log may be moved inwardly through the entrance and into the combustion chamber.

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

Abstract: The gate latch is intended for use with gates which are capable of swinging through an arc of approximately 180 degrees. The latch finger secured to the gate may therefore pass through the latch if desired. The latch includes a hollow body secured to the gate post. A slot in the front wall of the body allows the latch finger to pass therethrough and one or more pawls are rotatably mounted in the body so as to trap the latch finger.In one embodiment, a pair of pawls is provided and the latch finger engages one pawl which rotates out of its path and the latch finger is trapped between the pawls as the pawl returns to its rest position due to the action of gravity.In another form of the invention a single rotatable pawl has a notch to engage the latch finger as the gate swings to the closed position. The pawl is then held there by co-operating means on the pawl and on the lower wall of the latch until it is released manually.