Abstract: A blind latching system secures a closure element to a storage structure. A keeper sub-assembly is mounted in a fixed position for engagement by a latch sub-assembly which is affixed to and moves with the closure element. The keeper sub-assembly includes a keeper pin defining a generally elongated shaft, a mounting bracket into which the keeper pin is received and a housing for permitting alignment of the keeper pin when fastening with the latch sub-assembly.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a metallic mounting plate, latching elements mounted on the plate and operable to secure a door carrying the latch in a closed position, a latch mechanism connected to the elements for operating same, and a plastic housing. The housing has a part fixed to the metallic mounting plate and a cover surrounding the mechanism and elements and formed with a plurality of mounting pockets. A plurality of conductors imbedded in the cover have exposed ends at least some of which are exposed in each of the pockets. An electrical drive unit fixed in one of the pockets of the housing is connected to the exposed ends in the respective pocket and is connected to the mechanism. At least one switch operable by the mechanism is mounted in another of the pockets and connected to the exposed ends in the respective pocket.

Abstract: A latch structure for a container having mating first and second portions and an improved container assembly, wherein said latch structure has improved strength characteristics. The side legs of the generally rectangular latch are canted so that the outer surface thereof falls away from the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: A door latch assembly (10) for a glove box door (12) includes a pivot plate (16) mounted on the door and a latch handle (18) pivotally mounted on the pivot plate to move selectively between a latched position and an unlatched position. The handle (18) has a catch (20,22) to engage the glove box enclosure (14) when the latch handle is in a latched position, and disengage from the enclosure when the handle is in an unlatched position. A pair of specialized torsion springs (24) is molded to the pivot plate (16) to bias the latch handle (18) and the catch (20) into the engaged position.

Abstract: A latch for attaching a door to a frame, having a latch stud secured to the door having a threaded stud portion and a head portion, the head portion having a driver recess to facilitate axial rotation, and a stud receptacle secured to the frame having a threaded latch stud captivator that allows the latch stud to be longitudinally inserted into said latch stud captivation means and requires the latch stud to be manually axially rotated for removal from the threaded stud captivation means.

Abstract: The assembly includes an integral corner door and a latch assembly, the latch assembly including a user acuatable element, a dog-ear element, a cam receiving element and a door extension. The integral corner door has a hinging portion hingedly connected to a first surface of the housing and a latching portion perpendicular to the hinging portion connectable to a second surface of the housing. The user actuatable element has a user manipulative portion and a rotatable shaft affixed thereto. The user manipulative portion is positioned on the second surface of the housing. The shaft extends through an opening through the second surface. The dog-ear element of the latch assembly is securely affixed to the shaft. The dog-ear element has a first hooked end and a second end. The first hooked end forms a recess. The hooked end has a terminal cam portion. The second end includes a door disengaging portion.

Abstract: A quick-release locking device for locking an article basket on a bicycle handle bar, including a fastener body and a main body. The fastener body is a double-layer plate body formed with insertion slots and a fixing slot for engaging with the main body. One end of the main body is disposed with latch arms for engaging with the fastener body and a resilient engaging section for engaging with a slope engaging block of a push button. Lower edges of two sides of the other end of the main body are respectively disposed with clamping passages in which the bicycle handle bar is clamped and fixed. The locking device serves to lock the article basket on the bicycle with a quick-release function, whereby the basket or bag can be directly taken out from the bicycle for shopping or preventing the article placed in the article basket from being stolen.

Abstract: A power boat helmsman's station chair having a two-section seat bottom articulated by a pivotal hinge framework so that the front section of the seat can be folded up from its normal position as a horizontal extension of the rear section of the seat bottom to a position raised and disposed over the rear section. Port and starboard hinge subassemblies include a L-shape angle corner bracket that is fastened to both the bottom and the side boards of the rear seat section framework, thereby reinforcing the same, and that pivotally carries one end of an associated hinge arm fastened at its other end to the framework of the seat bottom front section. A one piece plastic member of generally inverted V-shaped configuration has one arm fixed to the upright flange of the comer bracket with the other arm disposed for spring latching, camming engagement with a cam follower edge surface of the pivot end of the hinge arm.

Abstract: A locking handle for a refrigerator includes a mounting element rigidly secured to a refrigerator door, a hand grip rigidly secured to the mounting element, and a latch attached to the mounting element. The latch has a catch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and an actuator operably connected to the catch for moving the catch from the locked position to the unlocked position. The latch provides a positive lock which is actuated to an unlocked position with a manipulation separate from pulling the hand grip but has an actuator located near the hand grip so that it can be manipulated by a hand grasping and pulling the hand grip. In a first embodiment, the catch is integrally molded with the mounting portion and is laterally deflectable away from a retainer mounted beside the door. In a second embodiment the catch is a vertically extending spindle which is downwardly movable away from a retainer mounted above the door.

Abstract: A sliding-action slam latch includes an integrally molded rearwardly curving leaf spring for engaging the door panel in which the latch is mounted. A recess in the underside of the latch permits free travel of the leaf spring as the latch is opened.

Abstract: A slide-type lock lever release mechanism includes a slidable member (40) with a second acting surface slidable on the first acting surface of the lock lever (20) by a predetermined stroke for flexing the lock lever away from the second lock engaging member (211) to thereby release the engagement between the first and second lock engaging members, wherein at least one of the first and second acting surfaces having at least two acting surface sections (42, 43) such that a first acting surface section (42) is slidable on the other one of the acting surfaces (23) in a first segment of the predetermined stroke and a second acting surface section (43) is slidable on the other one (23) in a second segment of the predetermined stroke to thereby provide smooth release of the lock engagement with a relatively short stroke of the slidable means.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for selectively securing a movable panel to a stationary member. The latching mechanism includes a latch for attachment to the movable panel and a striker for attachment to the stationary member. The latch includes an actuation arm having a blade and a base plate defining an aperture. The striker includes a post having a bulbous end disposable in the aperture and a slot extending inwardly from the bulbous end. The actuation arm is coupled to the base plate for movement between an engaged position where the blade is operably disposed in the slot and a released position where the blade is operably removed from the slot.

Abstract: FIG. 2 shows a cash box 1 provided with a hinged lid 2. The internal width and length dimensions of the lid 2 are slightly larger than the external length and width dimensions of the base 4 to provide a snug, overhanging fit. Lid 2 has a downwardly depending lip 2a with plain free edge and box 4 has a non-joggled plain free edge 4a with opposed side wall portions 4b and 4c having indented support portion 4e and 4f, to support flange portions 6a and 6b of coin tray 6. The cash box 1 has a key operated locking mechanism with rotatable locking tongue 9 and a push button operated catch means 11 including flat square spring portion 11b mounted on shaft S of the locking mechanism 8.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis and an access panel mounted on the chassis. The panel includes multiple spaced apart interlocks for mounting the panel on the chassis. A latch is operably connected to the chassis to engage and release the interlocks. The latch includes a main body, a latch member extending from each opposite end of the body for engagement with the interlocks, a single point pressure member and a pair of cantilevered support members extending from the single point pressure member. The support members include extensions for engaging the chassis and retaining the single point pressure member and each latch member in a raised position relative to the chassis for engagement with the interlocks. The application of pressure to the single point pressure member, moves the device to release the latches out of engagement with the interlocks.

Abstract: A cover for covering a recessed portion of the case of a computer monitor. The cover includes a cover strip, a first engaging protrusion and a second engaging protrusion. The first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion can be engaged with a first aperture and a second aperture formed in the recessed portion.

Abstract: A lock assembly is formed from a two-piece plastic unit that is held together and to the compartment door by a planar lanced metal spring. The latch projection is ramped relative to the latch retainer slot within the compartment door to cause the latch piece to become jammed within the retainer slot in the event the door is subjected to severe internally-generated gas pressures.

Abstract: A sliding-action slam latch for securing a door panel, especially a hinged door panel, in closed position with a latch body constructed of one piece and carrying a spring which is installed therein; the latch being installed in a single opening in the door panel and is self-retained therein. The latch operates by spring-biased sliding action to engage the door frame or striker place. The spring bias is provided by a separate spring member and the latch is further provided with a spring guide to facilitate installation of the spring into the latch. A method of assembly of the latch is also provided.

Abstract: A housing assembly includes a housing (100) and a door (102). The housing has a first opening (115) and includes a selective call receiver (200). The door is coupled to the housing for gaining access to the selective call receiver by way of the first opening. The door is slidable between first and second positions with the housing, wherein the first position the door is latched, and wherein the second position the door is unlatched and pivots to gain access to the first opening. The door includes a plurality of springless latches (107), wherein each springless latch comprises at least two arms (106), each arm having an external detent (108), and an internal detent (110). Additionally, the housing includes a corresponding snap post (112) for latching to a corresponding springless latch in the first position.

Abstract: A cover for a housing is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the housing by a latch arrangement that has at least one edge surface disposed along one edge of a flange which engages a mating surface on the housing when the cover is assembled with the housing. The other side of the flange is integrally formed with an elongated beam that is attached to the cover structure. The elongated beam is torsionally loaded upon assembly of the cover with the housing, and provides a bias force on the edge surface of the flange to maintain the forcible engagement of the edge surface with a mating surface of the housing. The latch arrangement combines the cost effectiveness and space efficiency characteristics of plastic latch designs with the durability, dependability and tactile qualities of mechanical spring arrangements.

Abstract: A yieldable plastic collar is mounted on the latch housing to surround the entry recess of the housing and be engaged by the striker to thereby isolate the striker from noise producing contact with the housing. The plastic collar has a base portion attached to the housing and a striker contacting portion projecting from the base portion into the entry recess of the latch housing. The contacting portion is connected to the base portion by an integrally molded living hinge so that the contacting portion yields to remain in full time contacting engagement with the striker irrespective of shifting movement or misalignment between the housing and the striker.

Abstract: A locking slide latch comprises components that are easily assembled without the need for separate fasteners or adhesives. A preferred latch comprises a gripable base member having a spring member mounted thereon, a locking member rotatably mounted on the spring member and a rotatable lock plug mounted in the spring member and contacting the locking member. These components are assembled together without the use of separate fasteners or adhesives, thereby simplifying assembly and allowing for interchangeability of parts to meet varying latch requirements. The latches are preferably manufactured from corrosion resistant materials such as plastics, composites and corrosion resistant metals, and are highly suitable for use in automotive, recreational vehicle and marine applications.

Abstract: A locking slide latch comprises components that are easily assembled without the need for separate fasteners or adhesives. A preferred latch comprises a gripable base member having a spring member mounted thereon, a locking member rotatably mounted on the spring member and a rotatable lock plug mounted in the spring member and contacting the locking member. These components are assembled together without the use of separate fasteners or adhesives, thereby simplifying assembly and allowing for interchangeability of parts to meet varying latch requirements. The latches are preferably manufactured from corrosion resistant materials such as plastics, composites and corrosion resistant metals, and are highly suitable for use in automotive, recreational vehicle and marine applications.

Abstract: A locking mechanism of the present invention is for locking a cover to a body of an apparatus when the cover closes the body. The locking mechanism includes a strip-shaped portion having a free end portion and an engagement hole into which the free end portion projects when the cover is closed. The strip-shaped portion is formed on the cover and engages the body to resiliently deform when the cover is moved in a closing direction in which the cover closes the body. The strip-shaped portion engages the body to resiliently deform when the cover is moved in an opening direction in which the cover opens the body. The opening direction is opposite to the closing direction. The body has a portion defining an engagement hole into which the free end portion projects to engage the wall of the engagement hole when the cover closes the body, and from which the free end portion projects out of the engagement with the wall when the cover is moved in the opening direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molded plastic lever for a door latch, and more particularly, provides a serviceable retainer bushing for connecting an operating rod to the lever.

Abstract: A motion detection system housing includes a base having a back portion attachable to a wall, a cover having a front portion for mounting operative components of the detection system, a primary living hinge integrally connecting lower portions of the base and cover to one another such that the cover can undergo pivotal movement toward and away from the base between opened and closed conditions, and a latch releasably securing upper portions of the base and cover to one another. The cover and base have configurations that permit telescoping of the cover at least partially over the base into the closed condition. The latch can secure the cover to the base at different fixed telescoped positions with the front portion of the cover correspondingly disposed at different fixed declination adjustment positions relative to a reference plane.

Abstract: A mortise lock assembly is provided for mounting in a door opposite a strike plate on a door jamb. The assembly includes an automatic deadbolt feature with a bolt retractor arm that directly contacts and applies inward retraction pressure to a latch bolt and a deadbolt in response to bolt retractor hub rotation to retract the latch bolt and the deadbolt. Two deadbolt stops engage two housing stops when the deadbolt reaches the deadbolt extended position and restrain the deadbolt against further outward movement. Coil extension springs continuously bias the deadbolt and the latch bolt against retraction. A dead lock blocker releasably holds the deadbolt in the deadbolt extended position. The bolt retractor arm is additionally engageable with the blocker to release the blocker in response to bolt retractor hub rotation. A trigger releasably engages and retains the deadbolt in the deadbolt retracted position.

Abstract: A door lock device is described, which has a recessed body having an outside surface. The body has an opening through which the interior of the body is exposed to a back side of the body which faces the outside surface. A latch lever is pivotally installed in the body and engageable with a striker. A locking lever is pivotally installed in the body and operatively engageable with the latch lever. An extra lever is pivotally connected to the outside surface of the body and has an opening formed therethrough. A metal pin is secured to the locking lever and projects toward the back side of the body through the opening of the body and is slidably and pivotally engaged with the opening of the extra lever. A plastic layer entirely covers the pin.

Abstract: A storage container assembly including a housing, a door pivotally connected to the housing, and an elastomeric lock handle removably connected to the door. The lock handle includes a groove having an entrance. The groove is operable to selectively engage or disengage a tongue extending outwardly from the housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the tongue includes an enlarged nub operable to be received in a complementary cavity of the groove when the door is closed. A restricted passage in the groove between the entrance and the cavity maintains the nub within the cavity until the door is intentionally opened. This inexpensive and simple-to-assemble arrangement allows the door to be easily and quietly opened or closed with minimal force by one hand or even a single finger.

Abstract: A locking fastener for an enclosure cover includes base and cover components. The base includes a pair of L-shaped flanges disposed on an internal surface of the base and a notch formed in the internal surface of the base. The cover includes a plate beam having ends that engage the L-shaped flanges of the base when the cover is assembled with the base. The plate beam also includes a tab that forcibly engages the notch in the in base when the cover is assembled with the base. The locking cover arrangement provides an economical and effective arrangement for permanently securing a cover over an opening.

Abstract: An anti-tamper device for use with apparatus of the type having a slot for receiving a component needed in use. In one embodiment, a first portion is insertable into the tape receiving slot of a cassette player mounted in a vehicle. When inserted, the portion lies in front of the tape player. The first portion has sprung projections which protrude outwardly therefrom and prevent the device as a whole from being withdrawn from the cassette player when inserted therein. To insert the device the first portion is simply pushed home into the cassette receiving slot. In order to remove the device from the cassette player, the projections must first be compressed by sliding them beneath the first portion. The projections are connected to a slider which is moved to and fro by turning a key in a lock barrel. The device is secured to the steering wheel of a vehicle by a cable having a loop at one end.

Abstract: A bracket for a readily detachable prong receives and retains the prong in both its operative (upright) and inoperative (inverted) positions. The bracket may also provide an internal chamber or sheath for storing a detached prong.

Abstract: A snap-latch mechanism for releasably connecting two components comprises a male latch member extending from a first component and a female latch frame disposed on a second component. The latch frame defines a passageway through which the latch member is inserted, and the latch member undergoes a torsional deflection as it passes therethrough to achieve locking engagement with the latch frame. The torsional deflection is caused by two oppositely inclined ramp surfaces disposed on the interior of the lock frame to apply a camming action and rotate an enlarged head portion of the latch member as it passes through the passageway. When the head portion has passed completely through the frame, it is released from the ramp surfaces and the latch member returns to its undeformed configuration and is latchingly engaged with the latch frame.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes a latch assembly including a completely symmetrical metal frame and a polymeric isolation plate mounted between the frame and levers. The polymeric isolation plate is not symmetrical but serves as a templet to assure that only the proper holes are being used on the metal frame for either right-hand or left-hand drive latch assemblies. The polymeric isolation plate also includes integral cylindrical bushings. Detent and fork-bolt levers are trapped onto the respective bushings by metal rivets so that the levers actually rotate on the low friction bushings and not on the metal rivets. The isolator plate includes an integral flange which is interposed between the striker of the vehicle and the throat of the frame to avoid rubbing metal-to-metal contact, to protect the throat, frame and striker and for quieter operation.

Abstract: A flexible over-center draw latch is disclosed which is adapted for securing together two closure members. The latch comprises a keeper mounted on the one closure member and a latch assembly mounted on the other closure member. The latch assembly includes a base which is adapted to be mounted on the second closure member, a substantially elastic latch body pivotally connected to the base and a lever which is pivotally connected to the latch body. As the latch is fastened, the lever engages the keeper to secure the panels together. The substantially elastic body member becomes elongated along its longitudinal axis as the latch is fastened. The loads which are produced by the latch body as it is elongated are distributed over the latch which ensures the connection of the components. The latch assembly also provides reinforced connection between the latch body with the base and the lever. The latch also provides a more secured fastened position due to engagement of the lever and the keeper.

Abstract: A hinged access display and dispensing device for lottery-type tickets includes a housing of box-like configuration with a door that is pivotally attached at a lower portion of the housing rear end. A lock assembly is secured in an upper portion of the door and has a head portion located adjacent the door exterior and a body portion extending from the head portion through the door. Projections are formed on the exterior of the lock assembly body portion and the door to coact with one another to secure the lock assembly in the door. In a preferred embodiment, the projections on the lock assembly are in the form of threads on the body portion and the projections on the door are in the form of tabs that extend into the grooves of the lock assembly body portion threads.

Abstract: A storage organizer, which includes a housing and drawers which are slidably accommodated within the housing. The drawers feature a locking mechanism connected to said front wall for immobilizing said drawer in said housing. The drawers further feature a downwardly extending protrusion which serves to slidably engage the housing and thereby reduce play between the drawer and the housing. The drawers further feature removable vertical dividers.

Abstract: An enclosure for a personal computer having a latch and release mechanism having at least two parallel cantilevered arms that allow the mechanism to have both strength for holding the enclosure to the personal computer and restrained flexibility that causes the distal end of the latch and release mechanism to travel translationally for releasing the enclosure.

Abstract: Sash lock for double hung windows which substantially limits movement of the sashes upon engagement of the sash lock. The sash lock also has an improved latching construction which results in a simple, easily manufactured latching portion.

Abstract: A lock for a refrigerator door (11) has a metallic cylinder lock (22) adapted to be mounted to the outside of the door and a metallic latch (13) adapted to be rotatably and releasably mounted adjacent the inside of the door. The metallic cylinder lock is coupled to the metallic latch by a rod (21) and a non-metallic bolt (17) which is adapted to be rotatably mounted at least partially within the door (11). The bolt (17) has a keyway in which the rod (21) is received.

Abstract: A snap fit locking mechanism is provided for releasably joining a pair of components. The locking mechanism contains a resilient locking arm integrally formed on a first component. The locking arm includes an outwardly extending projection which defines a step portion and a cam surface. A rigid rectangular locking frame extends outwardly from a second component and defines a substantially rectangular aperture adapted to receive and secure the locking arm. A resilient tab extends outwardly from the second component and into the locking frame aperture and is deflected upon insertion of the locking arm into the locking frame aperture. The resilient tab maintains the locking arm in a secure engagement with the locking frame.

Abstract: A lock fastener for bags or other receptacles (B) comprises a plug member and a socket member releasably engageable therewith, the plug member having an engaging tongue which is resiliently lockable with the socket member and unlockable therefrom by a means movable toward and away from the plug member and resiliently retractable to its original position upon releasing the plug member 11 from the socket member 12.

Abstract: A latch (10) for latching or locking a battery housing (80) to an electronic device (70) which automatically locks in place upon the removal of pressure to a biased cantilevered beam (52) (54). Latch (10) is removal from a first position, in which the battery housing (80) is latched to the electronic device to a second position in which the battery housing (80) is unlocked from the electronic device.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a molded synthetic-resin housing having a floor side plate, a perimeter wall projecting laterally from an inside face of the plate, and a cover plate. The housing is unitarily formed with a plurality of pivots. Mechanism inside the housing includes a latching fork, a latching pawl, and operating levers mounted on respective pivots. A metal reinforcing plate is imbedded in the floor side plate only in the region of the fork and pawl and is unitarily formed with upstanding tabs extending into and imbedded in the pivots of the fork and pawl only. The pivots of the operating levers are substantially wholly formed of the plastic of the housing.

Abstract: The instant invention is used in combination with a door-post surface and a motor-vehicle door latch having a pivotable latch element. It is a bolt assembly having a metal plate unitarily formed with a pair of flat coplanar flanges each formed with a mounting hole and a holding portion projecting laterally from the flanges. A mass of a durable plastic material generally covers at least the flanges of the plate and forms an outside surface engaging the door-post surface and an inside surface turned away from the door-post surface. The bolt is formed at the holding portion with a transversely open recess adapted to receive the latch element. The flanges have raised portions extending to and exposed at the outside surface for direct contact with the door-post surface but otherwise are wholly imbedded beneath the inside and outside surfaces of the mass at the flanges.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for securing a first cabinet panel member having an opening therein to a second cabinet panel member having an opening therein. The locking device includes a base flange, an upper body portion, and a lower body portion. The lower body portion is inserted into the opening in the second cabinet panel member and a plurality of spring legs engage the second cabinet panel member to lock the two together. The first cabinet panel member is moved toward the upper portion of the locking device until the upper portion of the locking device is within the opening in the first cabinet panel member. A catch pawl retentively engages the first cabinet panel member in that position. The base flange of the locking device separates the upper and lower body members from one another and isolates the first cabinet panel member from the second cabinet panel member.

Abstract: A door latching and seal assembly wherein a movable seal provides a combined latching and seal function with a detent action as the door engages and disengages a movable seal. In a preferred manner, the assembly has an extending lip for engagement with the door and the detent action is provided by lobe portions extending into cutouts in a mounting member. The latching and seal assembly is particularly suited for use with a curved shower door.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a door hingedly mounted thereon, with a latch assembly mounted on the door and cooperable with a latch opening in the storage compartment. The latch assembly includes a mounting bracket and a handle interconnected by a pair of flexible straps, a latch extension formed on the handle, an opening formed in the mounting bracket, and a latch spring having a fixed end secured to an edge of the opening, and a downward bend portion extending from the fixed end to a free distal end, adapted to contact a fixed surface and become compressed when the door is closed to prevent the door from rattling under vehicle operation.

Abstract: A lock fastener for attachment to a bag or the like comprises a socket member and a plug member releasably engageable therewith. A slide member has resilient means for supporting the slide member resiliently movably within the socket member. The socket member and the slide member are provided with respective circular apertures and of substantially equal diameter which are brought out of registry to lock and into registry to unlock the plug member relative to the socket member.

Abstract: A latch secured to a cabinet door includes dual flexible prongs having bulbous ends for engaging an anchor mounted within a cabinet. Upon closing of the cabinet door, the prongs flex and the bulbous ends snap into depressions within the anchor to restrict opening of the cabinet door to a limited extent. Upon initial opening of the cabinet door, both prongs must be manually simultaneously flexed to disengage the bulbous ends from the anchor and permit full opening of the cabinet door.

Abstract: A sharps disposal system providing a frame and a container having an opening and being selectively mountable to the frame. A lid is pivotally attached to the frame and is selectively movable into engagement with the container when the container is mounted to the frame. Engaging the container with the lid closes the opening except for an aperture through which sharps can be inserted into the container but which impedes insertion of human hands. Engaging the container with the lid also impedes removal of the container from the frame. The system employs a means for selectively locking the lid into engagement with the container. The system further provides a cover for selectively sealing said opening.