Abstract: The invention provides a containment structure, the containment structure comprising a vessel with an upwardly facing opening defining a periphery; a lid in rotatable and slidable communication with the periphery; and a plurality of rods contained within the lid and in slidable communication with the periphery. Also provided is a method for sealing and unsealing a containment vessel defining a body with a longitudinal axis and a lid, the method comprising simultaneously moving the lid parallel to the longitudinal axis and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hinge, a freight container that includes the hinge and a freight container that includes a locking rod and optionally the hinge. The hinge includes a locking pin, a first wing, a second wing and a first hinge pin that pivotally connects the first wing to the second wing. The hinge further includes a pair of hinge lugs each having a first set of surfaces defining openings through which a second hinge pin passes and at least one of the pair of hinge lugs having a surface defining an opening through which a locking pin reversibly travels.

Abstract: A closet unit for a vehicle and a threshold assembly for use with a door are provided. The threshold assembly includes a threshold body that is coupleable to a frame of the closet unit with the threshold body including an opening formed therethrough. The threshold assembly further includes a striker component, in which the striker component includes a plate removably coupleable to the threshold body and a cup coupled to and offset from a center of the plate with the cup positionable through the opening of the threshold body. The threshold assembly further includes a fastener to removably couple the plate of the striker component to the threshold body.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is used to lock a removable electronic device on a housing structure including a pair of resisting portions. The locking mechanism includes a pair of bar members, a pair of elastic elements and an operating member. Each of the pair of bar members includes a blocking portion to engage with the corresponding resisting portion and a matching portion. The pair of elastic elements is elastically connected between the electronic device and the corresponding bar members. The operating member located between the pair of bar members and defines a first groove and a second groove respectively engaging with the matching portions.

Abstract: A locking system is mounted to a door with three rods extending therefrom. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Three rod receivers are adapted to receive the three rods in the locked position. A handle rotatably engages cam plates which are operatively engaged with the rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam which moves the rod ends from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the lower cam plate into a recess and is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock. A second locking tab extends forwardly from the rod-locking link and a stationary locking tab is aligned thereto. Both locking tabs are engaged by a padlock preventing movement of the rod-locking link.

Abstract: A locking system enabling selective handle turning direction to operate an unlocking mechanism is provided. The system comprises a handle, a gear rack driven linearly by rotation of the handle, and a plate removably coupled to the gear rack by a coupling means, wherein the plate moves in a first linear direction in response to handle rotation. When the coupling means is in a first position to couple the plate to the gear rack, a clockwise rotation of the handle displaces the plate in the first linear direction. When the coupling means is in a second position to couple the plate to the gear rack, a counter-clockwise rotation of the handle displaces the plate in the first linear direction. Movement of the plate in the first direction operates the unlocking mechanism.

Abstract: A pivotable vehicle component is usable as a load or pass-through in a vehicle seat and include a pivotable latch which prevents the pivotable component from being unlatched from a force being applied by luggage (or other objects) during rapid decelerations such as in a crash.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a latch lever connectable to a latch mechanism, a latch rod coupled to the latch lever, and a door handle operative to effect movement of the latch rod to unlatch the latch mechanism via actuation of the latch lever. The latch rod is configured so as to attenuate vertical motion of the latch rod in response to a sufficient force associated with a side-impact event. In one embodiment, the latch rod has a first member operatively connected to the door handle, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member. The second member is coupled to the latch lever, and the-second member is pivotally movable with the latch lever laterally in a direction away from the first member in response to a sufficient force associated with a side-impact event.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a pickup bed having a bracket system connectable with a side wall of the pickup bed having a ratchet receiving member, a tonneau cover assembly having a pivotal first cover section and a second section, and a latching system operably coupled between the tonneau cover assembly and the bracket system. The latching system includes a ratchet striker member operably coupled to the tonneau cover assembly selectively engageable with the ratchet receiving member of the bracket system to define a latched condition of the first cover section of the tonneau cover assembly relative to the bracket system. An actuation system is operably coupled to the latching system to permit actuation of the latching system. The actuation system includes an actuation lever operably coupled to a drive member and the drive member being coupled to the latching system for actuation of the ratchet striker member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method retain a print unit in a dock with a retainer that is at least partially below a top of a fluid supply of the print unit.

Abstract: A cart for distributing for instance food in aisles of airplanes is described. The cart comprises a cabinet-shaped body (10) as well as a door (20) coupled hingedly to the body, capable of being closed by means of a lock system (100). The lock system is a multipoint lock system (100), wherein a bolting of the door with respect to the body is accomplished at a plurality of positions along a free vertical side edge (23) of the door.

Abstract: A self-balancing locking mechanism for actuating a locking pin-bar assembly of a door. The mechanism includes a drive shaft having an axis of rotation mounted to the door, and a cam mounted to the drive shaft. The mechanism also includes one or more actuator plates, each having a proximal end with a radial slot formed therein and installed about the drive shaft, and a distal end coupled to a locking pin-bar assembly that is slidably supported adjacent a perimeter of the door. The mechanism further includes one or more linkage bars, each having a proximal end pivotably coupled to the cam at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, and a distal end pivotably coupled to a mid-span of the actuator plate.

Abstract: In combination a door, latch structure at an edge of the door, and independently opens the door latch operating components at opposite sides of the door, displaceable structure in the door having a position blocking movement of the latch structure, first means responsive to displacement of a selected one of the components for displacing the structure from the blocking position to allow movement of the latch structure, for door opening, and the first means including a rotatable cam having reversible positions in each of which motion is transmitted to the displacement structure in response to displacement of the respective components.

Abstract: A locking system is mounted to a door with three rods extending therefrom. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Three rod receivers are adapted to receive the three rods in the locked position. A handle rotatably engages cam plates which are operatively engaged with the rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam which moves the rod ends from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the lower cam plate into a recess and is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock. A second locking tab extends forwardly from the rod-locking link and a stationary locking tab is aligned thereto. Both locking tabs are engaged by a padlock preventing movement of the rod-locking link.

Abstract: A loading space cover having a dimensionally stable housing and a flexible sheet like screen is rolled up in the housing. Fastening devices are disposed at the longitudinal end sides of the loading space cover. Each fastening device can be held releasably in associated loading-space fasteners of a motor vehicle. The fastening devices are of structurally simple and cost-effective design. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fastening devices are held reliably in the loading-space fasteners and permit an energy-absorbing twisting of the loading space cover about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A container for hazardous wastes, such as, plutonium wastes, includes a can and a lid wherein the lid is locked to and sealed with respect to the can by radially projected locking bolts. In order to lock the lid to the can the bolts are cammed radially by rotating a U-shaped handle to place the locking bolts behind a locking rim at the mouth of the can. The bolts are then pivoted to apply an axial force to the locking rim to urge the lid against a gasket to seal the lid by turning a threaded axial force element to pivot the locking bolts on the fulcrums.

Abstract: A pivotable vehicle component is usable as a load or pass-through in a vehicle seat and include a pivotable latch which prevents the pivotable component from being unlatched from a force being applied by luggage (or other objects) during rapid decelerations such as in a crash.

Abstract: A linear compression latch includes a lever handle linked to a pawl. As the latch is opened, the pawl is initially constrained to move vertically within a carriage. After an intermediate position is achieved, the pawl is constrained to move horizontally within the carriage.

Abstract: A cam-action remote latch mechanism comprises a housing; a support, placed inside the housing, being able to perform a movement between an innermost position and an outermost position; a plurality of guiding openings in the housing for guiding the movement of the support; a cam, set on a primary axis and placed inside the housing, when turned driving the movement of the support; and a pawl, mounted on an outer side of the support, protruding from the housing when the support has reached the outermost position and exerting a sealing force driven by the support, with the cam and the support stably holding each other.

Abstract: A cam remote latch mechanism comprises a housing; a support, placed inside the housing/ being able to perform a movement between an innermost position and an outermost position; a plurality of guiding openings in the housing for guiding the movement of the support; a cam, set on a primary axis and placed inside the housing, when turned driving the movement of the support; and a pawl, mounted on an outer side of the support, protruding from the housing when the support has reached said outermost position and exerting a sealing force driven by the support, with the cam and the support stably holding each other.

Abstract: An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly for a sash window is disclosed. The integrated assembly comprises a handle movable among a first, a second and a third position to adjust the assembly among a respective locked, unlocked and tiltable position. The integrated assembly further comprises a rotor coupled to the handle and comprising a locking cam and the rotor. The integrated assembly further has a pawl operably associated with the handle and abuttingly engages the rotor. The assembly also has a keeper adapted to receives at least a portion of the locking cam and a latch bolt adapted to be slidably disposed in a sash window. A connector is also provided which has a first end and an opposed second end. The first end of the connector is coupled to the latch bolt and the second end of the connector operably engages the appending member of the pawl. The assembly also has a spring for biasing the latch bolt towards one of the guide rails.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing encasing a pair of upper and lower hooks, for counter-rotational movements; a pair of upper and lower adjusting assemblies, vertically spaced in parallel with the pair of upper and lower hooks for positioning the latter within the housing; an actuating assembly including a double-armed pivot having a cylindrical body and a pair of radially extending arms, disposed between the pair of upper and lower hooks; and a pair of upper and lower connecting links, mounted between the double-armed pivot and the pair of upper and lower hooks. Upper and lower connecting links are different, to accommodate the cylindrical body, in all the positions of the hooks. The upper connecting link can partially wrap around, the cylindrical body. The lower connecting link can partially wrap around, the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A sliding latch and locking mechanism, for windows and doors, whereby the latching mechanism provides a means for discrete position retention of a sliding window or door and provides an increased measure of security. The latching system combines four modes of operation i.e. lock, close only, raise (free sliding), and tilt to provide angular pivoting of window sash, that allow three levels of security, i.e. fully locked, close only with discrete positions maintained, and raise or lower without discrete positions maintained (free sliding). The latching system security levels are accomplished by means of a selector knob positioned to the desired mode of operation. Also, a mechanism is integrated to provide interlocking in the fully closed position with the upper or adjacent window or door sash.

Abstract: A locking system is described for use with a storage container. The locking system is integral with a door of the cargo storing container. The locking system comprises a housing mounted to and extending through a door with three rods extending from the housing. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Each of the three rods has at least one tapered edge on the inside edge extending beyond the periphery of the door in the locked position. Three rod receivers, each rod receiver corresponding to one of the three rods, are adapted to received the tapered edges of the three rods in the locked position. The tapered edges engage the three rod receivers thereby acting to seal the door tightly in the locked position. A handle recessed behind the housing and rotatably engages a cam plate contained within the housing.

Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for use with a cargo container. The locking system comprises a housing which is adapted to be mounted to a door of the cargo storing container. Three rods extend from the housing with the rods having a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. A handle extends from the housing. The handle rotatably engages a cam plate contained within the housing. The cam plate is operatively engaged with the three rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam plate which moves the rods from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the cam plate into a recess in the housing. The locking tab is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock.

Abstract: A transformer cabinet door latch in the form of a shaped plate includes rod apertures at opposing ends for connecting with the latch rods and a door handle aperture intermediate the rod apertures for fastening to the cabinet operating door handle. A door stop in the form of a U-shaped rod is positioned on the bottom of the cabinet door frame to hold the cabinet door in the open position until and unless one end is released from the door bottom.

Abstract: A gate closure for a wire gate includes at least two gate engaging members in spaced relation. Levers are provided in spaced relation for each of the at least two gate engaging members. Each of the at least two gate engaging member is pivotally secured to one of the levers. A linkage is provided between the levers whereby the levers are operated in unison to move the at least two gate engaging members between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a wafer container includes a box sealable to a base plate to form an air-tight space for holding at least one wafer therein. The latch mechanism is located on the base plate and includes a U-shaped latch plate and a cam mechanism. The latch plate has a hook member at a front end thereof. The hook member includes a 7-shape hook with a bottom end pivotly engaged with the base plate and a top end pivotly engaged with the front end of the latch plate. The cam mechanism includes a cam and a linkage bar with a roller disposed therein. One end of the linkage bar attached to the latch plate. Another end of the linkage bar has a pin engaging with a slot formed in the cam. The pin and the roller form a positive and movable engagement with the cam. By turning the cam, the linkage bar and latch plate will have linear motion and trigger the hook to engage the box securely to the base plate or allow the box disengaging with the base plate.

Abstract: A locking system for a window sash comprises a lock handle assembly, reciprocating rod members connected to the lock handle assembly, and rotatable cam assemblies connected to the rod members. Each cam assembly has a cam element which upon reciprocation of its respective rod element moves into and out of a cam keeper which is mounted on an adjacent window sash. Each rod member has a rod tip which moves into and out of a channel provided in the window frame. In a first operation of the lock handle assembly, the rod members are reciprocated inwardly to rotate the cam elements out of their respective cam keeper and to move the rod tips partially out of the frame channels which allows the window sash to be moved vertically within the channels. A further operation of the lock handle assembly moves the rod tips entirely out of the channels to allow the window sash to be tilted.

Abstract: A concealed latch for the door of a trailer includes an arm attached to a pivot fastened to the inside of a door on the trailer, a pair of locking bars attached to the arm, and an eyelet or U-shaped metal loop attached to one of the locking bars. One end of the arm is a handle and is more easily broken than the rest of the arm. The bars are attached to the arm on either side of the pivot and extend from the arm to floor or ceiling of the trailer. The door includes an aperture located adjacent the handle portion of the arm to provide access through the outer surface of the door to the arm. When the door is latched, the U-shaped metal loop is positioned adjacent a fixed U-shaped metal loop. A concealed shackle lock covers the two metal loops and fastens the loops together. The aperture in the door is enclosed from the inside to form a recess containing the handle and the lock, protecting them from a vertical blow with a hammer.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for windows having upper and lower sashes slidably disposed in a window frame. The mechanism has three modes, that is a locked mode, an unlocked mode and an auxiliary mode. In the locked mode at least one sash clamp mounted on a transverse rail of one sash engages a cooperating receiving element mounted to the adjacent transverse rail of the other sash, whilst a spring-biased pawl projects into a guide groove in the window frame. In the unlocked mode the sash clamp disengages the receiving element to allow the sashes to be slid relative to each other. In the auxiliary mode the spring-biased pawl is withdrawn from the guide groove to permit the sash to be moved transversely for cleaning.

Abstract: A single T-handle latching mechanism including a center T-handle, a rotor assembly, a right and left swivel connector, a right and left rod rotator, a right and left lock rod with rotator engagement and a latching contoured end, and a right and left engagement latch plate. An approximately 90 degree rotation of the T-handle will extend the lock rods out to the right and left. With this mechanism, the lock rods also rotate about their axis approximately 180 degrees, with the contoured rod end pulling a door closed as its extension proceeds and, finally, at full extension latching the door securely closed in an engagement latch plate against its frame and sealing, not only in its longitudinal axis, but also in its frontal and horizontal axis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for locking the door or flap of a typical pick-up shell closed from the interior of the shell employ a substantially rigid member which is selectively secured to moving parts of the existing latch mechanism to prohibit such moving parts from moving and, to, thereby, selectively prohibit the latch mechanism from unlatching or unlocking the door or flap of the shell. In order to lock the shell door or flap, the substantially rigid member is abutted against and secured to moving parts of the latch mechanism from the interior of the shell. In this manner, a person inside of the shell and pick-up bed may secure the flap or door in a closed position and prohibit the flap or door from being opened by prohibiting movement of the moving parts of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A door panel latching apparatus including first and second elongated rods telescoped together for relative sliding movement. The first rod is mounted to the door with a free end for latching near an upper door edge and free to rotate about its longitudinal axis but is prevented from moving longitudinally. The second rod is mounted to the door with a free end for latching near a lower door edge and free to rotate about its longitudinal axis and to move along its longitudinal axis. A handle is connected to the rods by a linkage for longitudinally moving the second rod when the handle is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rods and for rotating both rods when the handle is rotated about an axis which is coincident with the longitudinal axes of the rods.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for windows having upper and lower sashes slidably disposed in a window frame. In the locked position of the mechanism, locking bolts mounted on the transverse rail of one sash engage a sidewall of a guide groove in the window frame, thereby forcing that sash towards the other sash to effect a better seal between the sashes. Optionally, at least one sash clamp mounted on a transverse rail of one sash is adapted to engage a cooperating receiving element affixed to the adjacent transverse rail of the other sash. In the unlocked position of the mechanism, the sash clamp disengages the receiving element, and the locking bolts release contact with the sidewall of the guide groove while still remaining within the groove. The locking mechanism also has a release position in which the locking bolts are retracted from the guide groove to permit the sash to be moved transversely for cleaning.

Abstract: A latch system is provided having utility in securing a door or planar member in a fixed position within a housing having a portal. The portal includes a defined periphery with a plurality of apertures therein. The planar member is pivotally mounted adjacent the portal. A rotatable member is mounted adjacent to the planar member. The latch system also includes a plurality of elongate members, each of the elongate members having a first end adapted to slidably enter an associated aperture and a second end pivotally mounted to the rotatable member, wherein rotation of the rotatable member will cause both angular and axial movement of the elongate members. Rotation of the rotatable member in one direction causes the first ends of the elongate member to engage associated apertures securing the planar member in a closed position.

Abstract: A hatch opener mechanism mounted flush with a skin panel having a rotatable disk with subjacent spindles and actuator rods, activated by rotating the disk with tool insertable into a socket with a spring biased cover at the center of the disk.

Abstract: An improved cover lock apparatus comprises a rotatable and axially slidable crank plate connected to a plurality of retractable lock rods. The crank plate is disposed between the cover and a lock plate and is slidably and rotatably mounted to the lock plate. The crank plate has two upwardly protruding lock pins oriented to engage mating holes in the lock plate and is upwardly biased against the lock plate by a spring. When the lock pins are engaged in these holes, the crank plate cannot be rotated to retract the lock rods. Before the crank plate can be rotated to retract the lock rods, the lock pins must be disengaged from the mating holes in the lock plate by forcibly pushing down on the crank plate via a special lock key to overcome the spring bias that normally holds the crank plate pins in the engaged position. Once the crank plate is pushed downward enough to disengage the lock pins, it can be rotated to retract the lock rods.

Abstract: A cover for a hatch which will engage with a rim to produce a water tight seal. The hatch cover includes a plate capable of seating in the rim and a shaft extending vertically through an aperture in the plate and slidably received therein. A handle is located on one side of the plate, one end of the handle pivotally connected to the shaft so that the handle will move from a closed position parallel to the plate to an open position substantially perpendicular to the plate. The handle imparts vertical movement to the shaft with respect to the plate. Arm assemblies extend radially outward from the shaft on the side of the plate opposite the handle, whereby movement of the handle imparts movement to the arm assemblies thereby extending the arm assemblies to engage the rim.

Abstract: A T-handle latch in which a housing is designed for reception in an opening of an item to be latched. A shank of a handle is rotationally disposed in the housing, and an actuating member of the latch is fixed on the end of the shank. The shank may be received in a shank-receiving opening of the actuating member, the opening being elongate so that the actuating member may be fixed in any of a plurality of discrete transverse positions with respect to the shank. Keying elements on the shank and in the shank-receiving opening define the discrete positions and are useful in achieving initial adjustment of the latch, in preventing the latch from slipping out of adjustment during use, and in helping to prevent relative rotation of the shank and the actuating member. Return springs bias the handle toward a neutral, home position. The return springs may be housed completely within the body of the latch, thereby protecting them from accidential damage, dislodging or loss during use, installation or shipping.

Abstract: A latch for a camper shell door in which the inside pull is operable to unlatch or latch the door whether or not the latch is locked from the outside, thereby giving the occupants of the shell the security of a locked environment, and the safety of ready unlatching from within.

Abstract: A remote compression-type latching mechanism is provided which comprises an actuator assembly, an elongate rod connected to the actuator assembly for lateral movement in response to actuation of the actuator assembly, a bracket, and a pawl disposed within the bracket and connected to a remote end of the rod for sliding and pivoting movement in response to movement of the rod. The movement of the pawl is guided and facilitated by slots within the bracket, which also provide positive over-center latching in a preferred embodiment. Upon pivoting to the latched position, the pawl contacts a frame to draw the closure member up against the frame under compression.

Abstract: A remote latching mechanism is provided having a connecting member, preferably a cylindrical rod, means 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 means for rotating the rod may be a handle assembly, having a handle journalled within a handle cup, and/or a socket member affixed to the end of the rod for rotation of the rod upon application of torque of the socket 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.

Abstract: A kinetic therapeutic table 10 having a frame 12, a planar patient support 14 mounted to the frame 12 for rotation about an elongate axis substantially aligned therewith and adjustable vertically at its foot 20 and head 18 ends. Symmetrical lateral support packs 114 at opposite sides of the patient's torso have laterally offset mountings for adjustment of the width therebetween by reversing their locations. Outer lateral leg supports 110 are mounted to the frame 12 and have a track 184 at their top surface for slideable mounting of both knee restraints 182 and foot supports 202 at slected positions therealong. The patient support 14 comprises a planar frame with a plurality of panels 88 removably mounted thereto by means of pins 96 actuated by a lever arm 100. A patient support 14 drive motor 28 provides rotary drive to the patient support 14 through a worm gear 40 locked to a gear linkage, so that it may be stopped and held by the worm gear 40 in any angular position by switching power off to the motor 28.

Abstract: An improved latch for a drop side crib having at least one drop-side movably disposed between two crib ends includes locking means carried by the movable side for engaging at least one of the ends to fix the position of the side with respect to the ends. Inaccessible actuating means on the side are effective to release the locking means, to allow the crib side to be moved. Manually operable control means are provided having a first disengaged position in which movement of the control means does not operate the actuating means to release the side; and a second, engaged position where movement of the control means operates the actuating means to release the side for adjustment or removal.

Abstract: Central to the invention is a universal, center case sub-assembly from which, by adding components thereto, one may fabricate a rim style center case assembly, or a concealed-vertical style center case assembly, or a surface-vertical style center case assembly, or a combination rim and vertical style center case assembly, for a panic-type exit device. Besides minimizing the number of diverse components and parts required for the fabrication of the aforesaid center case assembly styles, the universal sub-assembly comprises an improved design which offers a marked mechanical/leverage advantage to the trim linkage.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a pickup camper shell which includes a metallic plate member having a generally right-angularly disposed integrally formed pivot portion for pivotally attaching thereto a latch arm, the latch arm having a latch portion defining an opening for captively receiving therein the locking bar of a camper shell locking mechanism, with a transversely bent portion of the latch arm being configured for grasping and pivoting of the latch arm. A coacting protrusion and depression are formed on abutting surfaces of the pivot portion and latch arm for retaining the parts in an open position to prevent inadvertent locking of the apparatus due to movement of the vehicle. The plate member is secured to a portion of the camper shell in proximity to the locking bars, with the opening of the latch arm aligned for capture and retention of the locking bar. The opening has an angularly disposed outer edge to force the latch arm down on attempted intrusion by rotation of the door handle from the exterior.

Abstract: A kinetic therapeutic table 10 having a frame 12, a planar patient support 14 mounted to the frame 12 for rotation about an elongate axis substantially aligned therewith and adjustable vertically at its foot 20 and head 18 ends. Symmetrical lateral support packs 114 at opposite sides of the patient's torso have laterally offset mountings for adjustment of the width therebetween by reversing their locations. Outer lateral leg supports 110 are mounted to the frame 12 and have a track 184 at their top surface for slideable mounting of both knee restraints 182 and foot supports 202 at selected positions therealong. The patient support 14 comprises a planar frame with a plurality of panels 88 removably mounted thereto by means of pins 96 actuated by a lever arm 100. A patient support 14 drive motor 28 provides rotary drive to the patient support 14 through a worm gear 40 locked to a gear linkage, so that it may be stopped and held by the worm gear 40 in any angular position by switching power off to the motor 28.

Abstract: A pair of locking rods are pivotally interconnected to opposite sides of a handle manipulated swivel plate and have end portions that extend, respectively, outwardly through openings in end walls of a tailgate housing. Locking plates fixedly mounted to a truck bed adjacent each side of the tailgate housing include openings for receiving the outer end portions of the locking rods and, in this manner, lock the tailgate in closed position. Coil springs serve to resiliently maintain the locking rods in an outwardly extending relation and simultaneously cause the end portions of the rods to ride up and over a locking entrance camming surface on the locking plates before being fully received within the openings of the locking plates. This latter feature permits slamming or closing of the tailgate without handle manipulation.

Abstract: A storage pod is fixedly mounted externally on the roof of a vehicle in alignment with a roof opening framed by peripheral molding in which a ceiling closure panel, is seated in its upper position. The closure panel is suspended from the top of the storage pod by lazy long linkages for vertical displacement against spring bias to a lowered position maintaining the panel level within the vehicle enclosure. The ceiling closure panel is releasably locked in its upper position seated in the peripheral molding and acts as a loading shelf when unlocked.