Abstract: A coupling/uncoupling mechanism maintains, when a male coupling body is coupled to a female coupling body, a condition that the male coupling body is inserted in an insertion space and the other end of a lever member is in a position in proximity to the insertion space, so that an engaging surface of an engaging member is contacted with an engageable surface of the male coupling body. When the male coupling body and the female coupling body are uncoupled, the other end of the lever member moves to a direction to be apart from the insertion space, so that the engaging surface moves toward a withdrawing direction. This allows releasing the contacting of the engaging surface with the engageable surface. This provides that sufficient fastening force can be achieved with a simple configuration and the coupling status can be retained with a smaller force as compared with such a fastening force, and further, a recombination can be easily achieved even after a separation is made.

Abstract: A vehicle latch is disclosed herein, the vehicle latch, having: a first gear with a first gear pitch radius that reduces from a first gear tooth to an ending gear tooth; a second gear with a second gear pitch radius that increases from a first gear tooth to an ending gear tooth, the second gear being rotatably mounted to the latch for movement about a second gear axis; and wherein rotation of the second gear causes a claw of the latch to move from a first position to a second position, the second position corresponding to a closed state of the latch.

Abstract: A closing mechanism of a vehicle door lock apparatus includes a drive, a pivoting body, a close lever, a transmitting member, and a cancel lever. The pivoting body is driven by the drive to pivot when a fork is disposed in a half latched position. The transmitting member is displaceable between an engaging position, where the transmitting member regulates relative displacement of the close lever and the pivoting body, and a releasing position where the transmitting member allows relative displacement. The cancel lever pivots independently of an open lever and displaces the transmitting member to the releasing position. The close lever displaces the fork to a latched position through the pivoting of the pivoting body when the transmitting member is in the engaging position. The close lever does not contact the fork irrespective of the pivoting of the pivoting body when the transmitting member is in the releasing position.

Abstract: The invention refers to coupling mechanism and a linear actuator incorporating such a mechanism for releasably interconnecting first and second mechanical members (1, 2), longitudinally movable relative to each other, a first one of said mechanical members (1) pivotably supporting an end (F) of a first link of a knee link mechanism (3), also incorporating a second link member (3b), which first and second link members are pivotally connected to another in a knee joint (E), a control rod (4) pivotally connected to said knee joint (E), the end (D) of the second link member (3b) remote from the knee joint (E) being connected to a hook arm (5), the opposite end of which is pivotally supported at a support point (B) stationary positioned relative to said first mechanical member (1), said hook arm (5) having a hook (5a) facing said second mechanical member and being in mechanical engagement (A) with a shoulder (6, 6?) on said second mechanical member (2) as long as the said knee joint (E) is kept in a substantially

Abstract: A method and device for generating a signal includes a housing having a wall. A fork bolt is pivotally coupled to the housing and movable between an unlatched and a latched position. A detent lever is pivotally coupled to the housing and cooperates with the fork bolt. A flexible member is connected to the housing of the latch. Proximate to a free end of the flexible member is a protruding portion. A link has a first end rotationally coupled to the fork bolt and a second end arranged to move linearly between a first position and a second position. When the fork bolt is in an unlatch position, the second end of the link applies a rotational force to the flexible member.

Abstract: A multi-point latch assembly having a single adjustment point for shifting the position of two or more latching members. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a carrier assembly received in the housing. The carrier assembly includes a pair of latch hooks. A carrier position adjustment assembly operably couples the housing and the carrier assembly such that the carrier assembly is selectively shiftable in the housing with the carrier position adjustment assembly to alter the distance the latch hooks protrude from the housing when the latch hooks are positioned in the second position. An anti-slam mechanism may also be coupled with the carrier, and may be selectively shiftable with the same adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly is disclosed herein, having: a fork bolt movably secured to the latch assembly; a detent lever movably secured to the latch assembly, the detent lever being capable of movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the detent lever retains the fork bolt in a latched position when the detent lever is in the engaged position and an engagement surface of the detent lever contacts an engagement surface of the fork bolt; an inertia block out assembly for preventing the detent lever from moving into the disengaged position when the inertia block out assembly is in a blocking position; and a manual override mechanism for the inertia block out assembly, wherein the manual override mechanism requires at least three independent actions to be performed to move the inertia block out assembly from the blocking position to an unblocking position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hidden locking mechanism for furniture that includes a pivoting locking bar that locks and unlocks a lid of the furniture in response to the horizontal movement of a sliding leg provided on the furniture that is attached to one end of the locking bar. When viewed from outside the furniture, the bar is not visible and the leg appears to be fixed and unmovable so that it is not obvious how to unlock the lid of the furniture.

Abstract: A front body structure for a vehicle includes a striker bracket provided in a hood frame, and a frame reinforcing unit provided in front of the striker bracket to reinforce the hood frame. In addition to, or alternatively, a reinforcement is arranged between the frame and a at least a portion of the hood skin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a coupling device, and a driving apparatus. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is mounted to the coupling device such that the bearing end is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is movable between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus is for driving the locking hook to move between the closed and opened positions and includes a first two-bar linkage, a driving arm connected with the two-bar linkage, and an actuating drive for actuating the driving arm.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved multi-point door latch. The door latch is for mounting in a stile of a door and for latching to a corresponding keeper mounted in a corresponding door jamb. The multi-point door latch includes a housing containing first and second gears, each gear being rotatably mounted to the housing, the gears intermeshing to rotate in opposite directions between first and second positions. One of the gears is mountable to a door lock lever to rotate in response to movement of the door lock lever. The door latch also includes a first and second hook pivotally mounted to the housing, each hook being movable between a latching position for engaging the keeper and a non-latching position. The door latch also includes an actuator coupling the first and second hooks to the first and second gears, respectively.

Abstract: An aircraft nacelle includes, on its outside surface, at least one opening that is blocked by at least one movable part (16) that is kept in closed position by at least one locking mechanism that connects the movable part (16) to another part of the nacelle (16?), characterized in that it includes an anchoring point (32) on one of the two parts (16?) that are to be connected, and a detachable link (34) that is connected to a traction element (36) that is integral with the other part (16) that is to be connected.

Abstract: A door lock device includes a hook which is supported by a base plate thereon to be rotatable between a striker holding position and a striker releasing position and biased toward the striker releasing position; a latch which is supported by the base plate thereon to be rotatable between a latching position at which the latch is engageable with the hook and an unlatching position at which the latch is not engaged with the hook; a latch controller which prevents the hook from rotating from the striker holding position to the striker releasing position by the latch held in the latching position, and makes the latch return to the latching position upon the hook reaching the striker releasing position after engagement between the latch and the hook is released by rotating the latch to the unlatching position from the latching position when the latch controller performs a door opening operation from the door fully-closed state; and a detector which detects that the door is open by referring to the returning operat

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a body having an accommodating space, two pairs of retaining recesses, a window, and a resilient element; a carrier received in the accommodating space and having one end pivotally connected to the body and an opposite end abutting against the resilient element; a driven member received in the accommodating space and abutting against the carrier, the driven member including a main shaft, a guide post, and a notched portion corresponding in position to the window of the body; and a driving member having a connecting portion to be inserted into the window and coupled with the notched portion of the driven member so as to form a loose fit with the driven member. When the connecting portion is inserted into the window and coupled with the notched portion, the driven member is drawn by the driving member to move and rotate within the retaining recesses.

Abstract: A folding electronic device includes a cover and a main body. The cover includes a groove. The main body includes an engaging structure. The engaging structure includes a pushing element, an elastic element connected to the pushing element, an engaging element and a base. The engaging element includes a first connector and an engaging portion. The first connector is disposed on two sides of the engaging portions. The engaging portion is connected to or is detached from the groove. The base comprises an accommodating portion and a second connector. The pushing element and the elastic element are disposed in the accommodating portion. The second connector is disposed on two sides of the base. The engaging element is installed across the base. The first connector pivots on the second connector.

Abstract: A folding electronic device includes a cover and a main body. The cover includes a groove. The main body includes an engaging structure. The engaging structure includes a pushing element, an elastic element connected to the pushing element, an engaging element and a base. The engaging element includes a first connector and an engaging portion. The first connector is disposed on two sides of the engaging portions. The engaging portion is connected to or is detached from the groove. The base comprises an accommodating portion and a second connector. The pushing element and the elastic element are disposed in the accommodating portion. The second connector is disposed on two sides of the base. The engaging element is installed across the base. The first connector pivots on the second connector.

Abstract: A latch has a pair of oppositely acting latch bolts slidable on a housing that are engageable with latching formations on a strike. The housing has a pair of substantially parallel posts configured to shield portions of the latch bolts during insertion into and withdrawal from openings defined by the strike. A plug is turnable on the housing to slide the latch bolts toward and away from each other between latched and unlatched positions. In lockable embodiments of the latch, the plug may be provided with a keyway into which a key can be inserted and turned to move the latch bolts; and, in some embodiments, the latch bolts are retained in their latched positions when the key is removed.

Abstract: A latching system comprising a base having a first keeper secured thereto, a closable member adapted to engage the base, an elongated member rotatably secured to the closable member, said elongated member including a first connector adapted to engage the first keeper when the closable member engages the base and the elongated member is rotated, and a latch plate assembly hingedly secured to the closable member and adapted to rotate the elongated member.

Abstract: A sliding door has a latch assembly and a vertically disposed pull handle that would normally interfere with convenient operation of the latch lever. A rotatable latch lever is located beyond the handle and a rotatable latch is located opposite the handle. A 4-bar coupling extends between the lever and the latch so that the latch is conveniently rotatable from beyond the pull handle for engaging a cooperating keeper.

Abstract: A rotary motion mechanism including a rotatable element geometrically lockable at two points (e.g., limits) of travel, and a linear motion element linked to the rotatable element, the linear motion element being adapted to move in response to a linear motion imparted thereto and to cause rotation of the rotatable element.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a casing, two pivotable members pivotally mounted in the casing and meshed with each other, two linking rods, and two hook device each including a hook member and a rocker arm that is pivotally mounted in the casing. Each hook member has a first end pivotally connected to an associated rocker arm and a hooked second end that is passable through an associated one of two openings of the casing. When either pivotable member is pivoted, each rocker arm and each hook member are actuated such that the hooked second end of each hook member is moved between a retracted position in the casing and a locking position out of the casing. Damage to the hooked second ends of the hook members during closing of a door is prevented.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a trailer roll up door has a base plate, a handle and hook assembly with a locking flange rotatably mounted to the base plate, a closed keeper to selectively retain the handle in the closed position. The closed keeper is moveably mounted to the base plate for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. The movement of the closed keeper is limited by stops on the base plate and further has a rotation stop that is adapted to contact a portion of the handle when the closed keeper is in the unlatched position and the handle is moved to the closed position to move the closed keeper into the latched position.

Abstract: This fenestration locking system for a swinging sash or door is characterized by the use of a linear member running continuously from an actuating assembly to a locking pin assembly. The linear member can be a flexible linear member, allowing it to convey motion to the locking pin assembly around corners. The locking pin assembly has a moveable locking pin with an actuator and an extension that can engage a keeper. The linear member has multiple actuator engagement sites along its length where the actuator of the locking pin can engage the linear member. The linear member can then be used to move the locking pin with respect to the locking pin assembly so that the extension can engage or disengage a keeper. The locking pin assembly can be mounted on a fenestration frame and the keeper opposingly mounted on a window or door mounted in the fenestration frame.

Abstract: A latch mechanism secures a computer component to a chassis; the mechanism includes a base that is attached to the computer component, a latch handle pivotably mounted on the base, the latch handle being capable of pivoting away from the base. An actuator arm is pivotably mounted to the latch handle so that when the latch is pivoted away from the base, the actuator arm will also move away from the base. A cam plate is also pivotably mounted on the base and is capable of rotating with respect to the base. The cam plate includes at least one notch adapted to cooperate with the chassis so that as the cam plate is rotated, the notch selectively engages and disengages with the chassis.

Abstract: A sliding door has a latch assembly and a vertically disposed pull handle that would normally interfere with convenient operation of the latch lever. A rotatable latch lever is located beyond the handle and a rotatable latch is located opposite the handle. A 4-bar coupling extends between the lever and the latch so that the latch is conveniently rotatable from beyond the pull handle for engaging a cooperating keeper.

Abstract: A door latch is particularly suited for a washing machine door. The device has a pivotally mounted rotary catch for latching onto a locking element and a pivotally mounted blocking or arresting element. The latter is pivotally mounted between a latching position that latches the rotary catch and an unlatching position that releases the rotary catch. The arresting element can be actuated by a bimetallic adjusting element, which can be heated by a heating element, and by an actuator system that, at the same time, is actively connected to the turning catch in a direct manner. A torque component effected on the arresting member by the actuator system is greater in value that a torque component introduced by the bimetallic adjusting element.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a trailer roll up door has a base plate, a handle and hook assembly with a locking flange rotatably mounted to the base plate, a closed keeper to selectively retain the handle in the closed position. The closed keeper is moveably mounted to the base plate for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. The movement of the closed keeper is limited by stops on the base plate and further has a rotation stop that is adapted to contact a portion of the handle when the closed keeper is in the unlatched position and the handle is moved to the closed position to move the closed keeper into the latched position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latch device and method for securing a panel such as a door panel to a frame. The latch device has a housing mounted to the door panel with a catch having a contact portion pivotally mounted in the housing for rotation about a first axis while a handle assembly is mounted in the housing for rotation about a second axis. A strike is mounted on the frame such that the strike can receive the catch. The handle assembly is moveable between a first position where the contact portion of the catch is urged into contact against the strike and second position where the catch is retracted from the strike. A link is pivotally mounted to the catch at one point and to the handle assembly at a second point. An adjustment device is provided. The latch device also has a compliance element that absorbs forces resulting from the engagement of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking element for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking element has first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By way of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.

Abstract: A locking mechanism (10) is produced for holding a sliding door in the open position and has a Bowden cable (22) which acts on its locking element (20), a moving-carriage support (14) and a moving carriage (18), which move relative to one another during the closing of the door. In order to disengage the door handles from the locking mechanism when the sliding door is closed and therefore in order to reduce the actuating forces for unlocking the door lock, the moving-carriage support (14), during the closing movement, shifts a driver (34) which is guided on the moving carriage (14) and carries along the locking element (20) in the direction of its unlocking position. By this, the Bowden cable (22) is moved in its actuating direction, thereby enabling the door handles to be disengaged.

Abstract: An oven door lock for self-cleaning ovens is described. The oven door lock includes a manually operated latch mechanism moveable from an unlatched state. In the latched state, a thermally responsive element is provided with a pin adapted to be received in a hole defined in the latch mechanism to lock the latch mechanism in the latched state during self-cleaning operation. The oven door lock is provided with a nuisance latch which prevents the latch mechanism from being moved to the latched state during non-self-cleaning use of the oven. A switch is provided to indicate when the latch mechanism is in the latched state. An insulation pad is sandwiched between the switch and a mounting bracket of the oven door lock to thermally and electrically insulate the switch from the oven door lock.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in latching a pivotable access door of a cabinet includes a latch housing within which is rotatably mounted a catch member between latching and unlatching positions upon a carrier which, in turn, is rotatably supported in the latch housing. The carrier is biased into engagement with a cam pin which acts as a pivot stop for the carrier. A cross pin extends through a pair of laterally spaced slots formed in the latch housing and terminal ends of the cross pin are adapted to depress electronic switches through movement of the carrier when the latching mechanism assumes the latched position. The catch member is rotated to the latching position upon engagement with a latch striker and can be rotated to release the latch striker, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, either through the use of a handle or upon tugging on the access door.

Abstract: A closing device for a folding top of a convertible is provided with a one-handed swiveling handle (5), which is supported in the longitudinal median plane (4) of the vehicle at the roof peak part (2). This one-handed swiveling device (5) has a connecting rod (9), which extends symmetrically to the longitudinal median plane (4) of the vehicle and transfers a swiveling motion (C). In an inventive embodiment, the connecting rod (9) is constructed as a torsion bar (T), which can be shifted jointly with the swiveling handle (5) about the drag bearing (14) of the latter at the roof peak part (2). The end parts (7) of the torsion bar (T) are mounted in each case immovably at the roof peak part (2) in the region of the locking organs (12) engaging the windshield frame (3).

Abstract: A latch assembly for manually releasably latching an appliance door in a closed position capable of being manually moved between an open position and a closed position features a frame structure constructed and arranged to be fixed with respect to an appliance structure to which the appliance door movably mounts at a position adjacent the appliance door. A handle structure is connected to the frame structure for pivotal movement about a first pivotal axis between door releasing and door latching positions. A latching structure is connected to the handle structure for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a spaced second pivotal axis between an inoperative position, which allows the appliance door to be manually moved between the open and closed positions thereof and an operative position, which latches the appliance door in the closed position thereof.

Abstract: A multi-point sliding door latch adapted to be fitted in a single opening in the lock face of the stile of the sliding door and arranged for coaction with a keeper structure on an associated jamb and for coaction with a handle assembly mounted on the stile of the sliding door and including a tail member operated by a thumb turn or a key lock.

Abstract: A latch is disclosed incorporating features allowing complete actuation i.e., engagement and disengagement of a latching hook on the side of the container from a latch handle on the face of the container thus allowing actuation of the latch hook even when the latch hook is itself inaccessible. The latch also features variability in the stroke of the hook and a design allowing its construction from plastic material.

Abstract: A latching system for an automotive vehicle convertible roof employs a slide having a camming surface which is operably movable in a generally linear direction for moving a cam follower which, in turn, causes a linkage mechanism to pivot a latch. In a further aspect of the present invention, a centrally mounted actuator operably drives a pair of linear slides in a generally cross-car direction for operating a pair of hook-like latches.

Abstract: A security system for cargo loading doors, comprising: a substantially narrow profile housing adapted to being connected to an inside of a cargo loading door; an actuator having a key receptacle, for moving a latch structure between a locked position and an unlocked position; the latch structure and the actuator being coupled by a linkage mechanism and plunger assembly, the latch structure is adapted to be at least partially received in a header of at least one of a cargo carrying enclosure, such as an ISO container, domestic container, semi-trailer and the like, when the latch structure is in the locked position and withdrawn from the header when the latch structure is in the unlocked position; and the linkage mechanism includes a distal section and a proximal section connected by a middle pivot pin, the distal section is coupled to the latch structure with an upper pivot pin and the proximal section is coupled with the plunger assembly, the proximal section is also pivotably connected to the housing with a

Abstract: A multi-point sliding door latch adapted to be fitted in a single opening in the lock face of the stile of the sliding door and arranged for coaction with a keeper structure on an associated jamb and for coaction with a handle assembly mounted on the stile of the sliding door and including a tail member operated by a thumb turn or a key lock.

Abstract: A single-action latch for use on a medical case which includes a storage tray and a closing lid includes a latch base with a mounting surface and rivet holes for attaching the latch base to the storage tray. A hook portion is pivotally attached to the latch base by means of a cylindrical pin. A release/closing lever is pivotally attached to the latch base by means of a cylindrical pin. A pair of oppositely-disposed connecting links is provided so as to interconnect the hook portion with the release/closing lever. The connecting links separate the hook portion from the latch base and the release/closing lever from the latch base. The latch is operable between a closed condition and an open condition and the lever is pivotally movable so as to transition the latch from the closed condition to the opened condition and then back to the closed condition.

Abstract: An overcenter latch for securing a closure to a body panel includes a panel bracket disposed opposite a closure striker block with a rubber link pivotally connecting the bracket and an operating handle. The block has spaced apart outwardly opening recesses each having a transverse raceway providing opposed inboard and outboard pivot sockets. A pair of depending handle prongs, each terminating in an arcuate cam, are adapted to snap overcenter on an associated raceway for pivotal reception between respective inboard and outboard pairs of sockets. The cams are readily positioned in their associated inboard sockets without the link being tensed. During latching, the handle cams are initially rotated about an inboard socket axis to an overcenter point, wherein the link is tensed to a predetermined dimension less than the links theoretical latching overcenter length.

Abstract: A container (20) suitable for use as a truck box for a pick-up truck, includes a base container portion (21) having an open top, and a cover (22) to close the open top. The cover (22) is pivotally attached to the base (21) by hinge mechanisms (23) which are uniquely formed by combining a hinge pin assembly (101) with a pin retaining assembly (102). The cover (22) may also be latched to the base (21) by a latch assembly (24) which includes pivotable handles (56, 57) on each end of the base (21) which, when either is pivoted, rotates latch hooks (68, 74) from a position engaging the cover (22) to a position releasing the cover, without moving the other handle. The container (20) may also receive a tray (150) therein positionable on a ledge (30) and positively located in one direction by ribs (159) and in the other direction by feet (162) positioned in depressions (38) formed between ribs (37) on the inside of the base (21).

Abstract: Prior latches for sliding doors typically lock only from the inside of the door. The present invention provides a lock and latch system which allows the sliding door to be locked using a key from inside or outside the door, allowing the home owner to prevent unauthorized access by the picking of the external lock or breaking of the glass door and releasing of the lock from the inside. This is accomplished by providing a lock and latch in which the latch hook is rotated either by an internal handle or an external key. A rotating lug member, which is rotated from the interior by a key, can be engaged to block rotation of the latch.

Abstract: A latch assembly (12) is adapted for use with a container having a base portion (11) and a cover (10) affixable thereto by the latch assembly (12). The base portion (11) has projections (17) extending from its sidewall and the cover (10) has lugs (14) extending therefrom. A latch plate (19) has laterally spaced ribs (25) between which an upper lever bar (28) is pivotally connected to define an upper pivot point. Ribs (45) on the upper lever bar (28) are adapted to snap over the lugs (14) to attach the latch assembly (12) to the cover (10). The lower end of a lower lever bar (30) is also pivotally connected between the ribs (25) to define a lower pivot point. The upper edge of the lower lever bar (30) is hinge connected (33, 34) to the lower edge of the upper lever bar (28) with the centerline of the hinge (33, 34) being laterally offset from a plane defining both the upper and lower pivot points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latch mechanism particularly adapted to be used with helicopters or other structures subject to intensive vibrational forces. The latch mechanism includes a hook member which grasps a striker rod. The hook member is carried in a body member which has a recess therein for receiving the hook member. A groove provides access to the recess. The groove is along one edge of the body member and it receives the striker rod as the hook member pulls the striker rod inwardly. A pair of spaced apart curved openings in the hook member provide a cam for controlling the path of movement of the hook member so that the hook member moves between an open position and a closed position along a right angle path of travel. As the hook member changes direction, making a 90 degree turn as it moves along its path of travel, it pulls the striker rod inwardly to the locked position. An actuator arm is coupled to the hook member and moves rectilinearly within a channel in the body of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for cases, a large portion of which is contained for operation within a recess located in the lower portion of the case. The locking mechanism includes a latch member for engaging a keeper on the upper portion of the case. A lever length arrangement cooperates with a sliding plate to actuate the latch between locked and unlocked disposition. A spring is secured to the hinge between the latch and the sliding plate to bias the latch toward an unlocked position such that when the lever is moved to an unlocked position the latch will automatically disengage the keeper.

Abstract: An enclosure for the end opening of a vehicle having one or more interior elevated decks includes a pair of door assemblies each comprising a plurality of pivotally joined panels. The door assemblies are suspended in a vertical manner by means of hanger assemblies having tracking elements guided within a rail member disposed above the level of a vehicle elevated deck. Transverse movement of any panel concurrently displaces the entire associated door assembly, as a unitary articulated assembly, between a closed position sealing off the end opening, and an open position with the door assembly well-spaced from a lateral edge of the deck, in which latter position maximum lateral clearance is provided for lading carried by all decks or levels.

Abstract: A safety lock for pin latches of the type including a manually engageable drive plate rotatable approximately 180.degree. and connected through a linkage to a pin latch for reciprocal movement of the pin latch between a retracted disengaged position and an extended latched position, the safety lock being mounted on the linkage in such a manner as to prevent relative movement of the pin latch or linkage unless the safety lock is first manually engaged in a predetermined manner.