Abstract: A motor veicle compartment closure lock with a locking wedge (2) attached on the closure, and lock elements attached on an opening frame for the closure. The locking wedge (2) can be retracted, in a powered way, from an extended, open position into a pushed-in, locked position and, for this purpose, is coupled by a lever mechanism (3) to a power transmission element (5) with a powered drive. The powered drive can be built especially small and light because the drive is made as a drive that operates only in one direction (locking direction) and returns automatically in the opposite direction. Power transmission element (5) is slaved or can be slaved to the locking wedge (2) in the locking direction and moves freely in the opposite direction. A shifting lever (6) is provided that is carried by the power transmission element (5) in the locking direction and is spring-loaded in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch for securing together two relatively movable body parts has a housing mounted on one of the parts, a bolt mounted on the other part and engageable in the housing, a fork pivotal in the housing between a latched position engaging around the bolt when therein and an unlatched position permitting the bolt to enter and exit the housing, and a pawl pivotal in the housing between a holding position retaining the fork in the latched position and a freeing position permitting the fork to move between its positions. A release lever engageable with the pawl is pivotal in the housing between a holding position holding the pawl in its freeing position and a freeing position in which it does not impede movement of the pawl between its positions. A position-holding element engageable in the housing with the lever is movable between a blocking position preventing movement of the lever out of the freeing position and an unblocking position permitting movement of the lever between its positions.

Abstract: The lock device for locking a striker pin is shown, which comprises a base plate to which a latch plate is pivotally connected. The latch plate is formed with a latching notch. The latch plate can assume a full-latch position wherein the latching notch fully latches the striker pin, a half-latch position wherein the latching notch incompletely latches the striker pin and a release position wherein the latching notch fully releases the striker pin. A first spring is used for biasing the latch plate to pivot toward the release position. A locking plate is pivotally connected to the base plate and has a pawl portion which is engageable with the latch plate to provide the latch plate with the full-latch and half-latch positions. A second spring is used for biasing the locking plate to pivot in a direction to achieve the engagement between the pawl portion and the latch plate. A full open lever is pivotally connected to the base plate.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch for securing together two relatively movable body parts has a housing mounted on one of the parts, a bolt mounted on the other part and engageable in the housing, a fork pivotal in the housing between a locked position engaging around the bolt when therein and an unlocked position permitting the bolt to enter and exit the housing, a pawl pivotal in the housing between a holding position retaining the fork in the locked position and a freeing position permitting the fork to move between its positions, and an actuating lever engageable with the pawl and pivotal in the housing between a holding position holding the pawl in its freeing position and a freeing position in which it does not impede movement of the pawl between its position. A position-holding element engageable in the housing with the lever is movable between a blocking position preventing movement of the lever of the freeing position and an unblocking position permitting movement of the lever between its positions.

Abstract: The vehicle has a luggage compartment panel which carries a latch engageable with a striker mounted on the vehicle body. A release trigger carried by the latch is positioned near the striker when the latch engages the striker. An actuator member is movably mounted on the striker and has an actuator arm extending into proximity with the trigger. A remote release handle mounted in the operator compartment is connected to the actuator member so that operator actuation of the release handle moves the actuator member relative the striker to carry the actuator arm into engagement with the trigger and actuate the trigger to unlatch the latch. A hinge is interposed in the actuator member by which the operator may fold the actuator member to a folded condition removing the actuator arm from proximity with the release trigger so that operator actuation of the remote release handle moves the actuator member without releasing the latch.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a lock and control assembly which can be either manually operated after insertion of a key in a lock cylinder or electrically energized by a switch from a remote location so that it can be thereafter manually manipulated without insertion of the key in the lock cylinder. The lock and control assembly also includes a mechanical override means to enable it to be actuated to its locked position, but not its unlocked position, in the event of an electrical power failure or a failure in the energizable means.

Abstract: A lock device of a door for a cargo room of a wagon type vehicle includes a main lock member disposed at the upper edge of a lower door and having a latch and a ratchet for preventing the reverse rotation of the latch; a main striker disposed at the lower edge of the upper door and engaging with the main lock member; side lock members disposed on both right and left sides of the lower side door; two side strikers engaging with the side lock members; a key operation member disposed on the outer surface of the lower door and releasing the engagement between the main lock member and the main striker; and a door opening handle disposed on the outer surface of the lower door and releasing the engagement between the side lock members and the side strikers.

Abstract: A luggage-door lock device includes a latch having a pawl engaged with a striker secured to a body and a spring urging the pawl towards the striker. The engagement is assured by the engagement between the latch and a swing member, by removing the swing member from the latch as a result of a motor-operated mechanism, so that the pawl is removed from the striker. Due to the reaction of the spring after resulting removal, a lid to which the latch is secured is moved in an opening direction.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a removable tailgate on a conventional pickup truck. The tailgate assembly is supported by a pair of hinges located at the bottom of the tailgate for opening movement about a horizontal axis, one of the hinges comprising an elongated pin member and receiver cup, the pin member extending from the truck body into the receiver cup located in the tailgate. An opening is provided in the side wall of the receiver cup to allow the pin member and consequently the tailgate to be removed when the opening is aligned with the narrow axis of the pin member. A cylinder lock and lock bolt is attached to the tailgate, the lock bolt extending through the end wall of the receiver cup.

Abstract: A latch for the tailgate of a pickup truck is provided which employs a conical striker mechanism engaging a resiliently biased jaw, contact surfaces of the jaw and striker being arranged to cause further locking engagement upon attempted withdrawal of the striker from engagement with the jaw in the locked condition, the striker and jaw being arranged in the vehicle body to be self-adjustingly positionable at assembly and utilize a minimal number of separate parts to perform these functions.

Abstract: A remote release actuating system for a deck lid latch includes an actuator lever pivotally mounted on the latch so that pivotal movement on the actuator lever unlatches the latch. At least a first and second remote actuatable actuator means are respectively coupled to the actuator lever by first and second lost motion coupling mechanisms so that the operator actuation of either one of the first and second operator actuatable actuator means pivots the actuator lever about the pivot means to unlatch the latch while the other of the first and second remote actuatable actuator means remains unactuated and free of any backdrive effort being imposed thereon. Accordingly, the effort required to effect a remote release of the deck lid latch is minimized.

Abstract: A motor vehicle trunk with a trunk lid locking device comprising a striker fixed to the lid, a striker receiving and locking mechanism, a motor for actuating this mechanism, and a control device for controlling the motor. The trunk has, in combination with the locking device, a trunk lamp, a trunk lamp switch, and means connected between the control device and its power supply and interlockingly coupling the opening and closing movement of the lid with the operation of the trunk lamp switch, whereby the trunk lamp is lit only when the trunk lid is opened, and the motor becomes operatable in response to the signal from a striker monitoring sensor only when the trunk lamp switch is in the state for extinguishing the trunk lamp.

Abstract: A device for locking a trunk lid of a motor vehicle comprises a base plate secured to a trunk structure, a latch member rotatively supported on the base plate for holding a striker secured to the trunk lid, and a detent lever being engageable with the latch member to hold the latch member in a locking position. Furthermore, the device has a lock lever for rotating the latch member and the detent lever. When the trunk lid is closed, the lock lever rotates the latch member to move the striker in a locking position. When the trunk lid is opened, the lock lever rotates the detent lever to release the detent lever from the latch member.

Abstract: An improved deck lid lock with remote release for motor vehicles. The deck lid lock employs a solenoid operated axially movable armature which is directly coupled to a rotatable lever. The lever is normally biased to a latched position. The lever is lockingly engageable with a rotatable pawl which is normally biased to a latched position. The pawl engages a pair of rotatable, asymmetrically oriented striker cams which are normally biased to an unlatched position. The striker cams define a cavity for engaging a striker. Upon energization of the solenoid, the armature is attracted to the solenoid causing it to rotate the lever so as to disengage the pawl. The normal biasing of the striker cams overcome the biasing of the pawl to rotate the striker cams to the unlatched position thereby opening the deck lid. When the deck lid is closed, contact with the striker over-rotates the striker cams permitting the pawl to rotate to a latched position thereby lockingly engaging the lever.

Abstract: A luggage compartment lid openable upon release of the deck lid latch and a release handle mounted in the operator compartment and connected to the latch by a cable for remotely releasing the latch upon operator actuation of the release handle. A drive gear is rotatably mounted on the latch to release the latch upon rotation of the drive gear. An actuator gear is also rotatably mounted on the latch and has gear teeth meshing with gear teeth of the drive gear. The actuator gear is connected to the cable so that operator actuation of the release handle rotates the actuator gear and the drive gear to release the latch. A shift bar is located inside the luggage compartment and is operable to selectively shaft the actuator gear away from the drive gear so that the gear teeth are disengaged and operator actuation of the release handle is thereby disconnected from the latch so that the deck lid cannot be opened without the use of a key to operate the conventional key cylinder release of the deck lid.

Abstract: A striker assembly includes a striker member fixed to mounting bracket. Studs secured to the bracket extend outwardly through enlarged openings in the body member. Nuts and washers secure the brackets to the member and permit exterior adjustment of the bracket and striker with the closure closed and latched to the striker member. Anti-theft means in the form of a round convex headed stud which extends through aligned openings in the body panel and the support bracket. A nut secures the round headed stud to the second bracket and with the stud clampingly engaging the exterior side of the body panel so that it cannot be removed by any tool.

Abstract: A mechanism for preventing removal of a ramp from its storage space beneath the floor of a truck body when the door for the truck body opening is latched closed. The ramp is insertable into and is removable from the ramp storage space through an opening beneath the truck body opening. The door latching mechanism includes a latch bolt movably mounted on the door and engagable with a catch pin in the truck body floor. The latch bolt carries a pawl which is engagable with a portion of the ramp to prevent removal of the ramp when the ramp is properly stored. The pawl also prevents the latch bolt from engaging the catch pin if the ramp is improperly stored.

Abstract: A completely mechanical hold open device for a swingably mounted vehicle closure includes a pair of telescoping members pivotally connected to the closure and vehicle body and a releasable latching means for automatically holding the telescoping members in an extended position and hence the closure in its open position. The latching means is constructed such that it can be automatically released by merely exerting a downward force in excess of a predetermined magnitude on the closure to move the latter to its closed position.

Abstract: A support arm for a pivoted window to hold the window open until such time as the locking mechanism for the window is manually released. The support arm has a sequencing latch mounted on one of a pair of sliders that are telescopically mounted relative to each other and a pivoted lock lever is pivoted on the other slider. In moving the sequencing latch to an active latch or lock position, the lock lever is pivoted from an active to an inactive position and is not effective to remove the sequencing latch in response to any movement of the sliders relative to each other until such time as the lock lever is manually moved from the inactive position to an active position wherein, upon relative movement between the sliders, the lock lever can engage and move the sequencing latch from the latch position to an unlatch position.

Abstract: The lock (S), intended in particular for an automobile door, includes a rotary bolt (1) intended for cooperation with a keeper (2), and includes motive means arranged to assist at least the closure, as well as manual control means enabling the assurance of the opening and closure of the assisting motive means; it includes a transmission device (T) of the freewheel type (17), mounted in a recess (18) of the bolt (1) and arranged to communicate to the bolt a rotational movement originating in the assist means for the direction that corresponds to the closure of the lock (S); anti-lock means are arranged to be actuated by the manual control means, with a view to preventing the normal action of locking the freewheel (17), and uncoupling the bolt from the assist means in the event of failure of these means.

Abstract: A completely mechanical hold open device for a swingably mounted vehicle closure includes a pair of telescoping members pivotally connected to the closure and vehicle body and a releasable latching means for automatically holding the telescoping members in an extended position and hence the closure in its open position. The latching means is constructed such that it can be automatically released by merely exerting a downward force in excess of a predetermined magnitude on the closure to move the latter to its closed position.

Abstract: A hood latch assembly for latching and unlatching a hood for an automotive vehicle comprises a housing for receiving a striker on the hood, a locking lever spring biased toward an unlatched position in which it releases the striker, but movable to a latched position in reponse to the hood being closed, a detent lever for holding the locking lever in its latched position, a cable release and a release lever disposed between the detent lever and locking lever. The release lever is connected to the cable release and engages the detent lever to provide a high mechanical advantage to the detent lever, when actuated to release the hood, to reduce hood opening effort and the locking lever automatically returns the release lever and cable release to their original positions when moved to its unlatched position whereby no spring return for the cable release is required.

Abstract: A door assembly for an outside compartment in a recreational vehicle consisting of a generally upright rectangular frame member defining an access opening and a rectangular door member of a size to fit in the opening. Hinge members mount the upper end of the door member on the frame for up and down swinging movement between an open position disposed above the access opening and a closed position fitting in the opening. A continuous seal carried by the door engages the frame in order to maintain the compartment water tight. Separate latching and locking functions are incorporated in the door assembly and are separately accessed from side-by-side latch and lock members in the frame at a convenient position above the door.

Abstract: A trunk lid of a motor vehicle is closed by engagement of a striker secured to the trunk lid with a latch body of a locking mechanism secured to the trunk of the vehicle. When the trunk lid is closed, the lowering thereof to its closed position is electrically detected by a trunk lid sensor and, in response to it an electrical driving device including an electric motor, is operated to rotate a claw pivotably secured to the latch body so as to move the striker in a guide slot of the claw to a locking position of the latch body. The operation of the electric motor is transmitted to the claw to rotate the same through wire means, link mechanism or gear arrangement.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an electric locking device for locking a lid to a receptacle member, which comprises a lock proper which is mounted to the receptacle member in a manner to be movable in a given way on the receptacle member and capable of locking the striker when the latter is brought into full engagement therewith, a locked condition sensing switch mounted to the receptacle member for sensing whether the striker is locked by the lock proper or not, an electric mover mounted to the receptacle member for moving, upon energization, the lock proper in the given way, and a control circuit for controlling operation of the electric mover in accordance with operation of the locked condition sensing switch.

Abstract: A lock, particularly for trunk, hatch or engine compartments of automotive vehicles or doors or the like, having a mating closure part adapted to be arranged on a hinged part and to be brought into a closed position by means of an external force, comprising a force accumulator which forms the external force charging by displacement of the hinged part. One end of the force accumulator cooperates with a lock part which grips the mating closure part, the other end of the force accumulator acting upon a swingably mounted charging lever adapted to be released before the force accumulator is charged.

Abstract: A locking device to secure the rear door and tailgate of a truck equipped with a canopy and a rear bumper comprising an elongated member having a loop at the upper end for securing the handle apparatus of a truck canopy and a lower member with circular orifices that extends vertically through an orifice in the bumper. A locking means is accomplished by the use of a padlock in conjunction with the circular orifices in the lower member of the locking device.

Abstract: A centralized door-locking system in a motor vehicle in which all of the doors of the vehicle and a tailgate of the vehicle have lockable latches which can be locked/unlocked electrically using key-operable switches asociated with the lockable latches in the driver's door, front passenger's door and the tailgate of the vehicle. In the system, it is possible to selectively lock/unlock the driver's door and/or the tailgate independently of the remaining doors of the vehicle, thus improving the overall security against unauthorized entry to the vehicle by third persons during usage of the vehicle. This selective locking/unlocking of the driver's door and tailgate may be achieved by using, for example, a key-operable switch in the driver's door having a rotatable key barrel 32 with key slot 160 which is rotatable clockwise or anticlockwise from a central position N to sequential switching positions A and B, or C and D, against an increasing spring bias 162, 164.

Abstract: A power release and pull-down unit particularly adapted for rear compartment panels of motor vehicles. An electric motor rotationally drives a planetary gear set which in turn drives a latch hook. Limit switches are provided to sense the position of the latch hook such that motor rotation stops once the hook reaches one of two dwell positions. A clutching mechanism is provided to prevent excessive torque from being exerted on the latch hook during panel closure. When the panel is closed against the power unit, the latch hook is moved downwardly to securely close the panel against its sealing gaskets. Movement of the latch hook stops once a cam lobe contacts a limit switch. When the operator wishes to open the panel, motor rotation occurs causing the latch hook to move upwardly and out of engagement with the panel latch striker bar.

Abstract: First, second and third pivotal levers are interconnected through a link mechanism in order to operate a latch mechanism which includes a latch plate and a pawl plate. When the first lever assumes its latch position and the third lever assumes its first angular position, pivoting of the second lever toward its second angular position induces a pivoting movement of the first lever toward its unlatch position thereby to release the latched condition of the latch mechanism. When the first lever assumes its latch position and the third lever assumes either its second or third angular position, pivoting of the second lever toward its second angular position has no effect of the first lever thereby holding the latch mechanism in the latched condition.

Abstract: A lock striker assembly includes a striker member fixed to a mounting bracket. Studs secured to the bracket extend outwardly through enlarged openings in a body member. Nuts and washers secure the bracket to the member and permit exterior adjustment of the bracket and striker with the closure closed and the lock latched to the striker member. A second bracket is fixed to the inner side of the body member and has a stud extending through an enlarged opening in the first bracket. A nut secures the stud of the second bracket to the first after the position of the first bracket and striker member is fixed. This provides anti-theft protection.

Abstract: A vehicle body compartment is selectively closed by a spring loaded closure panel movable between an open position and a closed position. A latch assembly is mounted on the panel and has a latch bolt spring biased to an unlatched position and normally maintained in the latched position by a key releasable detent lever. A pull down mechanism includes a housing mounted on a vehicle body and a striker mounted thereon by a motorized vertically reciprocating drive unit for moving the striker between extended position and a retracted position. When the panel is moved toward the closed position, the latch bolt engaes with the extended striker to interconnect the panel with the striker. The drive unit is energized and retracts the striker, thereby pulling the panel to its fully closed position. A cam acts between the detent lever of the latch assembly and the housing of the pull down mechanism.

Abstract: A latch for a pickup truck cover door and the like includes a handle assembly with a pivotable shaft. A lever extends from the shaft and includes a bight section. A hook plate includes inner and outer legs forming a notch therebetween. The latch lever bight section is received in the notch with the latch in its locked position.

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: An electrically actuated rear deck lock mechanism which may be locked or unlocked in a conventional manner or by a remotely actuated solenoid located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The lock mechanism latches the deck lid by engaging a lock bar after closure of the deck lid and through the use of a cam entrapping the lock bar to move it to a locked position. Once in the locked position, the electrical locking mechanism is free of all mechanical forces applied to the latch member such that any forces experienced during normal operation of the vehicle are observed through the mechanical inner lock of the latch with the lock bar without undue effect on the electrical components of the latch. The lock mechanism can also be moved to a locking position without interfering with the electrical locking portion of the mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically actuated rear deck lock mechanism which may be locked or unlocked in a conventional manner. The lock mechanism latches the deck lid by engaging a lock bar after closure of the deck lid and through the use of a cam entrapping the lock bar to move it to a locked position. Once in the locked position, the electrical locking mechanism is free of all mechanical forces applied to the latch member such that any forces experienced during normal operation of the vehicle are observed through the mechanical inner lock of the latch with the lock bar without undue effect on the electrical components of the latch. The lock mechanism can also be moved to a locking position without interfering with the electrical locking portion of the mechanism and may be manually unlocked in the event of an electrical power failure.

Abstract: A striker assembly includes a reinforcement bracket having a threaded stud, a receptacle, and laterally spaced-apart opposed-facing cam shoulders. The reinforcement bracket is welded onto the vehicle body rear panel with the threaded stud at a precise vertical and transverse location determined by a locating fixture which seats against the compartment lid opening of the vehicle body. A striker bracket has the striker rod mounted thereon, an end which fits within the receptacle of the reinforcement bracket, and an aperture which fits over the threaded stud. Flanges bent from the striker bracket define cam faces which overlie the cam shoulders of the reinforcement bracket. As a nut is threaded onto the threaded stud, the striker bracket is forced into overlying engagement with the reinforcement bracket.

Abstract: A device for electrical opening and closing of a motor lid, such as a trunk lid, equipped with a lock of the cocking type includes a case in which a latch and a locking lever are mounted to pivot. The locking of the lock is done mechanically during the closing of the lid and is extended by a complete electrical closing of the lid as a result of a gearmotor which assures the axial sliding of the case inside a sleeve. The partial electrical opening is obtained by rotation in a reverse direction of the gearmotor, which causes the axial exiting of the case outside of the sleeve together with the automatic unlocking of the cocking lock.

Abstract: A latch release arrangement for vehicle bodies which includes drive and driven members interconnected by a flexible cable for conjoint rotation. A key operated member releases the first latch directly or actuates the drive member to release the second latch through the driven member. An actuator can also operate the drive member to release the second latch through the driven member.

Abstract: An isolated striker assembly for use with a closure means or hatchback, preferably a substantially glass hatchback, of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The striker assembly includes an elastomeric means having a plurality of compressible projections thereon which serve to dampen vibrations emanating from the vehicle during certain driving conditions so as to reduce vibrations being imparted to the hatchback, which in turn reduces the noise level due to vibrations caused by flexing movement of the hatchback to and from its normal plane during these driving conditions.

Abstract: An inertial lock for the electric actuated release mechanism of a door latch, said release mechanism comprising a solenoid and plunger and said inertial lock comprising a spring biased inertial ring disposed on an extended portion of the solenoid and operably associated with spring biased locking tabs operable to lock the plunger in place during conditions which would provide forces that might undesireably actuate the release mechanism, such as certain vehicle accident conditions. This inertial lock is set within the confines of a conventional electric latch release mechanism, not requiring additional space, and features have been incorporated into the design to ease assembly of the electric actuated release mechanism and aid in the collection of flux from the solenoid.

Abstract: A device for opening a back door of an automotive vehicle which can be operated by an operator's foot. A foot pedal is located at a rear and lower portion of the automotive vehicle in an accessible position. The foot pedal is connected by actuating means to lifting means for lifting the back door in such a manner that the back door can rotate around the upper edge thereof to be opened. A door-lock release device is actuated in response to operation of the lifting means to release the lock of a locking device. The actuating means includes means for disconnecting the linkage between the lifting means and the foot pedal so that operation of the foot pedal cannot be transmitted to the actuating means.

Abstract: A locking means for a trunk in an automobile is disclosed which can be unlocked by the rotation of a key inserted in a key cylinder of the trunk and which comprises a first switch provided at a proper location in the room of the automobile to open and close a D.C. circuit including an actuator means for unlocking the locking means. A second switch which is usually closed is provided in said D.C. circuit in such a way as to be opened by the rotation of said key inserted in the key cylinder of the trunk in a direction contrary to that for unlocking the locking means, thereby it becomes possible for a proprietor of the automobile who stands outside the automobile near the trunk to actuate the second switch so as to prevent the opening of the trunk by any other person against the will of the proprietor.

Abstract: A device comprising a lock with a rotating knob and incorporated bolt, capable of being blocked by the release of the rotating-knob unlocking control. The release results from the shifting of a blocking lever 13, 113 of the plate of the lock. The lever is operated by either a remote-controlled driving organ, or directly by the cylinder bolt. The blocking lever can, in addition, be inhibited by a locking lever 55, 155 operated from inside the trunk so as to neutralize the remote control.

Abstract: A positioning device for selectively maintaining a vehicle closure member in an opened position and a closed position and including four pivotally interconnected link members which work in pairs for locking the closure member in the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A dual latching mechanism is provided for latching two spaced locations of a flexible lid to a pair of similarly spaced anchors of a compartment to which the flexible lid is movably mounted. The latching mechanism has two latches mounted on the lid by housings each including a pawl pivotally mounted which is spring biased for movement, when released, to an anchor release position and a blocking dog which is spring biased to a pawl blocking position for locking the pawl to its respective anchor. The latches are interconnected by a latch control which includes two rigid links each link having its outer end connected pivotally to a blocking dog and each having its inner end connected by way of an actuator pin to a key operated lock cylinder which is mounted on the flexible lid. The rigid links are connected so as to maintain axial rigidity for operating the two latches concurrently while having the required flexibility necessary to operate two latches on a flexible lid.

Abstract: A lock remote control device comprises a lock assembly and a manipulatable unit positioned spaced a distance from the lock assembly. The lock assembly includes a latch lever for selectively locking and unlocking a movable structural element, a first biasing spring for bringing the latch lever in position to lock the movable structural element. The manipulatable unit includes a movable member connected through a latch cable to the latch lever and movable between projected and retracted position, and an actuator operable to permit the movable member to move from the retracted position towards the projected position to bringing the latch lever against the first biasing spring in position to unlock the movable structural element when an external pushing force is applied thereto, but to block the movement of the movable member in the retracted position during the absence of the external pushing force. This movable member is normally biased to assume the projected position by a second biasing spring.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for lids, hoods, flaps and/or doors, especially in motor vehicles, which cooperates with a cylinder lock whose lock cylinder is provided with a lock part adapted to be pressed-in against the force of a spring. The lock part includes, at its cylindrical outer surface, a pressure pin which is swung by rotation from an operating position to a non-operating position. In addition to the pressure pin, a lug is arranged at the outer surface of the lock part adapted to be pressed-in. The lug is operatively connected with an additional locking mechanism in such a manner that the additional locking mechanism becomes operable only over a limited rotary range of the lock cylinder adjoining the inoperable position of the pressure pin--as viewed in the locking direction.

Abstract: A bracket is secured to a wall member of a luggage compartment to define therebetween an enclosed space within which a swingable plate is disposed. A keeper bar secured to the swingable plate is projectable beyond the bracket into the compartment when the swingable plate is swung to a first predetermined position and is retractable into the enclosed space when the swingable plate is swung to a second predetermined position. A spring is arranged to bias the swingable plate to swing toward the first predetermined position holding the keeper bar to project into the compartment. If the keeper bar having been projected is pushed against the force of the spring, it is retracted into the space.

Abstract: A vehicle body compartment is selectively closed by a spring loaded closure panel movable between an open position and a closed position. A latch assembly is mounted on the panel and has a latch bolt spring biased to an unlatched position and normally maintained in the latched position by a key releasable detent lever. A pull down mechanism includes a housing mounted on a vehicle body and a striker mounted thereon by a motorized vertically reciprocating drive unit for moving the striker between extended position and a retracted position. When the panel is moved toward the closed position, the latch bolt engaes with the extended striker to interconnect the panel with the striker. The drive unit is energized and retracts the striker, thereby pulling the panel to its fully closed position. A cam acts between the detent lever of the latch assembly and the housing of the pull down mechanism.