Abstract: A lever and latch assembly for a split ring for securing a cover on a drum includes a bar on the lever for disposition in a pocket of latch with a snap action. An enlarged finger engaging flange on the latch facilitates movement to a latched position and an unlatched position with a suitable tool. The assembly is designed to accommodate domestic and international seals for security purposes.

Abstract: A draw latch for latching together two closure member having an open and a closed position and having a keeper, a base bracket, a housing, and a clevis, the keeper secured to one of the closure members, the base bracket attached to the other of the closure members, the housing having a first end and a second end, the first end of the housing pivotally and detachably connected to the keeper, the clevis having a first and a second end, the first end of the clevis pivotally secured to the base bracket, and the second end of the clevis pivotally secured to the second end of the housing; and the draw latch having secondary catches to secure the draw latch in the open and/or closed position.

Abstract: A latch comprises a latch plate, suitable for mounting on the underside of a table leaf, and a lever body which carries a claw, the lever body being suitable for pivotal mounting on the underside of an adjacent table leaf via a base plate. A retaining element, having notches for engaging the claw, prevents the lever body from hanging loose when in the unlatched state of the latch.

Abstract: Latch arrangements for mounting on a first housing section to secure the first housing section to a second housing section are provided. The arrangements are particularly well adapted for utilization with air cleaner housings. Several designs described comprise bent wire arrangements having a first handle segment formed from a single piece of bent wire, and a latch or hook segment formed from a second piece of bent wire. Preferred configurations for utilization with plastic housing sections, are provided. An alternate latch arrangement, comprising a single molded latch member, is also provided.

Abstract: An improvement for a combination steamer and convection oven is described. The improvement includes double access doors in the front of the oven for controlling access to the cooking cavity within. The doors are cam actuated between a closed position, a first open position wherein the doors are cracked to release hot gases from within the cavity and a second open position wherein the doors are fully open. The admission of steam to the cavity is controlled by a positive displacement flapper valve and one or a pair of the ovens can be used, and if a pair is used a single steamer provides steam for either or both cooking cavities.

Abstract: In the clamping type lock assembly, a base-end portion 2a of a latch ring 2 is pivoted to a fixed base plate 1. In a locked position in which a front-end portion 2b of the latch ring 2 engaged with an engaging concave portion 3a of an operating lever 3 passes through a straight line connecting a cross-sectional center of the base-end portion 2a of the latch ring 2 and a cross-sectional center of an axle pin 9 and approaches a fixed seating plate 4, a threaded shaft portion 5b of a fastening bolt 5 is threadably engaged with a threaded hole 21 of the fixed seating plate 4 so that a head portion 5a of the fastening bolt 5 is brought into press-contact with a front surface of a front-end portion of the operating lever 3.

Abstract: A latch assembly (20) for securing opposed catches (24), (24') is provided. The latch includes a housing (32); a stationary center link (34); first and second elongated links (36, 38); first and second intermediate links (40, 42); and first, second, and middle crosspins (44), (46), (48). The housing includes opposed upright side walls (52), (54) each including first and second cam slots (58), (60). The center link includes an upright slot (56). The first and second elongated links each include distal and proximal ends (70), (74) and (68), (72). The distal ends each include a hook (22), (22'). Each elongated link further includes an L-shaped slot (86), (88) located between the link's distal and proximal ends. The first and second intermediate links each include distal and proximal ends (92), (96) and (90), (94).

Abstract: An improved toggle locking release mechanism (8) is provided, including a connecting body (10), and opposing pivoted jaw (22), and multi-pivoted floating links or movable lock/release links (30) and a movable toggle link/release lever (34). The mechanism of the present invention is adapted to provide a secure locking connection as well as facilitating multi-directional quick releasing while the mechanism (8) is under high-tensile load.

Abstract: A clamp for holding an analyzer in place on a horizontal surface, comprising an entrance mouth angled to allow insertion of a bracket of the analyzer without initial accurate alignment, and a tongue-and-opening interlock between the clamp and the bracket on the analyzer, sized to give limited sideways movement between the clamp and analyzer, once the clamp is locked onto the bracket. The clamp is locked to the bracket using a spring effective to adjust for dimensional variations.

Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises a housing, a shaft extending in the housing and having a latch member thereon adjacent to one end thereof, and an actuating lever adjacent to an opposite end of a shaft. The shaft, actuating lever, and housing are interconnected in a manner that causes the shaft to move longitudinally in response to turning of the actuating lever to a predetermined extent from a rest position, so that the latch member moves from a first position to a second position, and for causing the shaft to tilt in response to continued turning of the actuating lever, so that the latch member is turned away from the second position.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided. In the assembly: base-end portions of an operating lever 3 are connected to bearing-plate portions 2 of a base plate 1 through a first pivot 4; base-end portions of a latch arm 5 are connected to intermediate portions of the operating lever 3 through a second pivot 6; and extension-plate portions 12 of a lock plate 11, which are mounted in slots 13 of guide-plate portions 10 of the base plate 1 in insertion manner, are engaged with locking notches 21 of locking-plate portions 20 of a socket plate 19 fixed to the operating lever 3 and slidably urged by a compression coil spring 18 so as to be held in such engagement, whereby the operating lever 3 is locked to the base plate 1.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided.

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: A draw latch assembly is formed of three major components including a base member and a latch or bail member interconnected by a link member. The link member and the base member are capable of being pivotally connected in either of two positions rotated 180.degree. from each other so that the reach of the bail member can selectively be either of two different lengths.

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 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 structural assembly comprises first and second closure parts displaceable between a closed disposition in which they are locked by a locking mechanism and in which they close off the front side of the closure parts from the rear side and an open disposition in which they are spaced apart for access to the rear side of the closure parts and a default indicating device comprising a projection element (34) which is movable to the rear side of the closure parts where it is stowed and which releases when the closure parts move to an open disposition and moves to a projecting position in which it projects from the rear side to the front side of the closure parts to provide a visual warning that the closure parts are not in the closed disposition. The closure parts in one embodiment are fan cowl doors of an aero engine nacelle which are hinged at their upper edges to the upper part of the nacelle and which have bottom edges which move into the closed disposition at the base of the nacelle.

Abstract: A toggle catch for the closing of first and second housing parts of intake air filters for machines which take in air has a toggle lever which pivotally engages in a bearing opening of an abutment, and a hook part. This hook part is pivotally fixed on the toggle lever. The hook part reaches over a projection of the first housing part. A spring band element is provided that has an end-face ear forming the abutment. The spring band element has a hook-shaped end that is engageable in a form-locking manner in a recess of the second housing part.

Abstract: A draw latch includes a handle assembly comprising a base, a lever and a catch. The handle assembly is mounted on a first panel and is adapted for fastening a keeper mounted on a second panel. When the latch is fastened, the catch engages the keeper which operates to draw the panels together. When the latch is unfastened, rotation of the lever provides corresponding rotation or "kick-out" of the catch from engagement with the keeper.

Abstract: A suitcase fastener has a retaining member secured to the cover of a suitcase and a fastening assembly mounted on the case of the suitcase to engage the retaining member for holding the case and the cover together. The fastening assembly includes a base block with a receiving space. A first swing member has one end portion pivoted to the base block and another end portion biased away from the receiving space. A clasp member, pivoted to the other end portion of the first swing member, has a hook element and an engagement element at two end portions thereof and is biased to an unfolded position relative to the first swing member. The swing member and the clasp member are operable to be moved to their folded position in which the hook element is pressed to engage the retaining member and in which the other end portion of the first swing member and the engagement element of the clasp member are pressed into the receiving space.

Abstract: Latch assembly which is free from unlocking accidents, enjoys smooth operations in locking of a wing element and in engaging of a latch arm with a socket member, and properly covers a gap between the wing element and a stationary frame. The gap is resulted from misalignment in assembling of the wing element and the stationary frame. In the assembly: a lever 3 has its base end pivoted to a base plate 1 through a pivot 4; a latch arm 5 has its base end pivoted to the lever 3 through a pivot 6; a locking plate 10 of the plate 1 has a locking socket 14 which is engaged with and disengaged from a front end of a stop member 13 fixed to a rotor 12 of a lock unit 11; a spring 15 has its coiled portion 16 mounted on the pivot 4 to bias the lever 3 upward; a support 30 carries the member 8 movable along a longitudinal direction of the arm 5; and, a spring 36 biases the member 8 away from the pivot 4.

Abstract: Latch assembly which is free from unlocking accidents even when some other articles hit against a front end of an operating lever 3 of the assembly in which: the lever 3 is pivoted to bearing plate portions 2 of a base plate 1 through a first pivot 4; a latch arm 5 is pivoted to the lever 3 through a second pivot 6; a projecting plate portions 12 of a lock plate 11 are inserted in slots 13 of guide plate portions 10 of the base plate 1; a socket-member plate 19 fixed to the lever 3 has a locking plate portions 20 in which locking notches 21 are provided; these notches 21 are engaged with the projecting plate portions 12 of the lock plate 11 and held in such engaging condition under the influence of a compression coil spring 18; and, a push plate 14 for releasing the notches 21, 21 from such engaging condition is disposed in a rear-surface side cavity portion 9 of the lever 3.

Abstract: A vehicle sun roof fastening device, particularly for convertible vehicles, wherein a lever is fitted with a hinged latch element designed to mate with a fixed connecting element, and is hinged to a support so as to oscillate in relation to the support and by virtue of a crank mechanism interposed between the lever and the support and operated by a linear actuator, the output rod of which is connected to one end of a crank having the other end angularly integral with a crank (14) on the crank mechanism.

Abstract: A hinged panel, mounted in a frame, has a latch comprising a toggle mechanism having a first link connected to the panel by a first pivot pin and a second link connected at one end to the first link by a second pivot pin. At its end opposite to the second pivot pin, the second link has an open-ended slot for receiving a third pivot pin which is mounted on the frame. A resilient retention lever is pivotally mounted on the second link and has a hook-like formation adapted to engage with the third pivot pin to retain it in the slot. At least one part of the periphery of the third pivot pin is flattened for that part of its length which is engaged by the hook-like formation. The retention lever is so arranged that the hook-like formation can disengage from the third pivot pin only by traversing the flattened surface.

Abstract: An automatic pull-in mechanism for drawer guides consists of a guide rail and a runner rail, which are made longitudinally displaceable relative to one another by rolling bodies. On the guide rail there is disposed a component that can toggle between two end positions and is biased bistably toward the toggle end positions by a spring system, and has an open-ended slot for a projection projecting downward from the runner rail. The projection and the toggling component are so disposed relative to one another that upon a displacement of the runner rail from the drawer-open position to the drawer-closed position, as the projection approaches the latter it enters into the slot and then, after passing over the dead center of the toggling component, it is carried resiliently by the slot into the drawer-closed position.

Abstract: U-bolt toggle latch clamp actuated by power cylinder having piston rod extending at right angles to toggle linkage reaching aligned relation upon U-bolt retraction to clamping position. The toggle linkage is pivotally connected at one end to a fixed reaction pin, at the other end to a U-bolt crosspin and at the center to the actuating piston rod.

Abstract: A basket for arranging individual boxes in a cryogenic bath, comprises a vertically elongated body (1) of substantially U-shaped transverse cross section having an open access face (6), a plurality of horizontal transverse dividers (8A, 8B) to support boxes (2), and manually actuable locks for locking the boxes in position in the basket. The locks (9) each comprises a principal portion (10) and an end portion (11) mounted pivotably about a substantially vertically axis on a lateral portion (3B) of the body (1). Each lock is displaceable elastically between a stable locking position in which the principal portion (10) extends across the access face (6), and a stable unlocking position freeing the access face. A cryogenic container (20) receives at least one such basket supported by hooking over a neck (24) of the container (20).

Abstract: A locking device for a band or the like comprising a housing having one end fastened to a first portion of the band. The housing extends in the direction of the prevailing tensile force and is formed with a guide for guiding a link means. This comprises a fastening element fastened at its first end to the second portion of the band and at its second end journally connected to a second link at a distance from its first end. The second link is, at its first end, journaled around an axis provided in the housing transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The locking device also comprises a third link journaled at the first end of the housing and a dowel element which, l via the third link, is able to prevent the second link from being turned around the axis to a position where it is released from the axis so that the locking device is opened.

Abstract: A latching mechanism employing a keeper and hook mechanism. The hook mechanism is mounted by means of an overcenter mechanism to a mounting pin. The mounting pin is arranged in a slot through the body of the hook. The mutual pivot axis of the overcenter mechanism also extends in a locked position to seats located on the body of the hook. There seats are recessed in a direction perpendicular to the mutual pivot axis.

Abstract: The locking device is capable selectively of taking up a first operating e for use in the presence of the public in which it provides positive safety unlocking under remote control by interrupting the current feeding an electromagnet, and a second operating mode for use when the public is absent, and which is more secure. The device includes a bolt pivotally mounted about a bolt axis. The pivoting bolt co-operates with a retraction spring which has energy stored therein when the bolt is in its door-closing position, and also with a locking piston which is guided by a guide part to move perpendicularly to the axis. The bolt-locking means includes a toggle mechanism comprising a first link that pivots about a fixed first axis, and a second link hinged about a moving second axis to the first link and about a moving third axis to the piston. The moving second and third axes are parallel to the fixed first axis.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprising a housing (19), including a base (21), a resilient tube (27) and a peristaltic pumping fingers (31) carried by the supporting structure. The tube (27) is positionable on the base (21) in a proper position and an improper position. In the proper position, the peristaltic pumping fingers (31) can properly progressively squeeze the tube to pump a fluid through the tube and in an improper position. A door (23) is mounted on the housing (19) for movement between an open position and a closed position. A latch (25) includes a pivotable latch member (51) on the door (23) and a fixed latch member (55) on the housing (19). The pivotable latch member (51) is movable between a latching position in which the door (23) is locked in the closed position and a releasing position in which the door (23) is not locked in the closed position. If the tube (27) is in the improper position, the pivotable latch member (51) is prevented from being placed in the latching position.

Abstract: A window lock has a window sash mounted housing with a cam which is manually pivotable between a locking position engaging a keeper on a second window sash and an open position clear of the keeper. A bearing post projects from the cam and a spring secured to the housing exerts a biasing force against the post. The spring is a leaf spring having a first portion bearing against the post when the cam is positioned toward the locking position from the neutral position, and a second portion bearing against the post when the cam is positioned toward the open position from the neutral position. A curved portion of the spring connects the first and second portions at an angle relative to each other, and bears against the post when the cam is in the neutral position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking hinge assembly for pivotally attaching a movable cowling panel to a stationary cowling portion in which the locking mechanism is incorporated into the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes pivoting links attaching the movable cowling panel to a stationary fitting member which, in turn, may be attached to the stationary cowling. The links, along with the stationary fitting member and the movable cowling panel form a quadrilateral with four pivot axes located at the apexes of the quadrilateral. The assembly includes a movable hook member mounted on the stationary fitting member such that it moves into engagement with a pivot shaft attaching one of the links to the movable cowling panel when the panel is in its closed position. A cam portion formed on one of the links contacts the hook member as the panel moves toward its closed position so as to move the hook member into engagement with the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for roll-up type doors on a vehicle truck body in which a rotatable rod extends through the truck body adjacent a top edge of the doors and has flanges for engaging the doors. A first lever arm coupled to one end of the rod enables rotation of the rod, and a second lever arm coupled between the first lever arm and the latching mechanism controls the relative rotational position of the rod. The latching mechanism comprises a housing assembly for attachment to the truck body, a rotatable support mounted in the housing and a third lever arm attached to the support and extending from the latching mechanism. An end of the third lever arm is connected to the second lever arm for effecting its movement in response to rotation of the support. First and second stops limit rotation of the support while a tension spring urges the support against the stops.

Abstract: A luggage latch secures a lid to a box. A hasp is mounted on the lid. A bolt and slide are mounted on the box with the bolt being resiliently mounted on the slide. When the lid is closed on the box, the bolt will resiliently snap into position to hold the lid on the box. The latch mechanism is recessed into the luggage so that its external surface is flush with the surface of the luggage.

Abstract: A powered latching device for an automotive vehicle convertible top includes a reversible drive element linked to a latch incorporating a substantially J-shaped keeper for engaging a latch receiving flange portion of the vehicle's windshield header. The modular latching system is mounted to an articulated side rail of the convertible top, and, preferably two such latching systems are employed, one on each side rail of the convertible top.

Abstract: An over-center toggle latch which can be integrally molded with the first and second members of a case. The over-center toggle latch includes a hinge arm that has first and second spaced ends. A first living hinge attaches the first end of the hinge arm to the first case member. A second living hinge is for coupling a lever arm to the second end of the hinge arm. An engagement member-receiving seat is formed on the second member of the case. An engagement member is mounted to the lever arm and is spaced from the second hinge. The engagement member pivotally engages the seat with the hinge arm in an over-center position with respect to the engagement member. The latch is configured for use with first and second case members that have sides and edges. When the first and second case members are secured by the latch, the edges are generally coplanar and perpendicular to the sides.

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 an assembly for a hard disk drive which is removable from a computer. A latch is provided suitable for forcing the the drive into or out of engagement with the computer against resistance from mounting guide rails and an electrical connector. The latch is also suitable for locking the drive securely in place when it is in use and for carrying the drive between computers.

Abstract: A toggle latch is shown which retains a structure, such as an aircraft door, latched against a second structure, such as the fuselage. The latch includes a housing having a latch actuator joined to the housing a first pivot point and a latch member joined to the housing at a second pivot point. A linkage joins the latch actuator and latch member at third and fourth pivot points. In the latched position, the fourth pivot point is positioned past a center line between the first and third pivot points to create the over-center, toggle effect of the latch. A safety catch is pivoted within the latch actuator which extends into a passage in the actuator. The safety catch also engages the housing when the toggle latch is in its latched position to lock the latch closed. Insertion of a tool into the passage engages the safety catch to remove it from its locking contact with the housing and free the latch actuator for opening the latch.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a security lock mechanism being adapted for both deadlocked and slam-lock operation are disclosed with different combinations of features including a housing, a movable locking bolt, a rotatable cam having a pin engaged with a slot in the bolt and a centering device such as a remote drive unit or double-acting spring mechanism coupled with the rotatable cam by a lost motion coupling for facilitating slam-lock and deadlocked operation of the security lock mechanism. With the remote drive unit being a pneumatically operated cylinder and piston, the piston is preferably of split construction to facilitate overriding operation of the remote drive unit, for example, by a key.

Abstract: A latching structure defined by a mount, a handle pivotally mounted to the mount and linked with a latch pin slidably mounted in the mount. The linkage between the handle and the latch pin includes first parallel links pivotally mounted to the handle and pivotally mounted to the latch pin. Second links are pivotally mounted to the first links and to a spring block slidably mounted on the latch pin. A spring is placed in compression between a shoulder on the latch pin and the spring blocks. Consequently, the linkage mechanism operates to actuate the latch pin with the handle and create an overcenter mechanism to bias the entire mechanism to either a fully opened position or a fully closed position. A gasket is provided on a flange associated with the handle to seal the latch mechanism when the mechanism is strongly biased by the spring into the closed position.

Abstract: A catch device is described of the type in which a fork element is thrust by a striker pin during closure of the door of a vehicle to rotate to come into snap engagement with a catch element operable to lock it in a closure position; its principal characteristic lies in the fact that it is provided with a supplementary spring pivotally attached eccentrically at one end to the fork element and at the other end to an attachment point fixed with respect to this latter, in such a way that the initial rotation of the fork element causes an eccentric elastic reaction of the spring which forces the fork element to complete its rotation with a reduced door-closing movement so as to reduce the door closure force.

Abstract: A generally circular cover for closing a hatch opening in a railroad car hopper is connected to a diametral support bar for limited pivotal movement to provide uniform gasket loading between the cover member and the hatch coaming. One end of the support bar is hinged to the hopper roof and the opposite end includes a cam surface and laterally projecting retaining pins for engagement with a latch member. The latch member has a somewhat channel shaped portion pivotally connected to a link which, in turn is also pivotally secured to the hopper roof. The link includes opposed trunnion portions which are engageable with the cam surface to forciby engage the support bar to hold the hatch cover closed. The latch member includes open ended slots which are engageable with the retaining pins in such a way that the latch member will not disengage from the support bar when the latch member is swung to the release position if fluid pressure within the car hopper is sufficient to force the cover toward an open position.

Abstract: A flexible draw latch for use in securing two closure members together comprises a keeper adapted to be affixed to one of the closure members, a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to the other closure members, a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to the other closure member, a lever pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a locking member made of a flexible, resilient material pivotally connected to the lever wherein the locking member is detachable connected to the keeper and wherein the locking member is disposed in overlying relation to the keeper, the mounting bracket and the lever when the latch is in a closed, latched position and wherein the pivot connection between the lever and the locking member is closer to the closure member than the pivot connection between the lever and the mounting bracket when the latch is in a closed, latched position.

Abstract: A flexible draw latch for use in securing two closure members together comprises a keeper adapted to be affixed to one of the closure members, a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to the other closure member, a lever pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a locking member made of a flexible, resilient material pivotally connected to the lever wherein the locking member is detachably connected to the keeper and wherein the locking member is disposed in overlying relation to the keeper, the mounting bracket and the lever when the latch is in a closed, latched position and wherein the pivot connection between the lever and the locking member is closer to the closure member than the pivot connection between the lever and the mounting bracket when the latch is in a closed, latched position. A cross-pin is transversely disposed within the keeper-engageable portion of the locking member to prevent localized deformation and to relieve stress on the locking member.

Abstract: Latch mechanisms for latching two bodies in both tension and shear. A longitudinally extending latching bolt is associated with a latching assembly having an overcenter link mechanism controlled by a lever. The overcenter link mechanism includes a slot cooperating with a pin to provide two effective lengths to the fully extended linkage. A laterally extending notch provides a shoulder intermediate the ends of the slot to receive the pin. A keeper is slidably associated with a keeper assembly to engage the longitudinally extending bolt to prevent its withdrawal from the keeper assembly. Inclined surfaces between the latching bolt and the keeper function to engage or disengage the spring biased keeper with movement of the latching bolt in a preselected direction.

Abstract: A flexible draw latch for use in securing two closure members together comprises a keeper adapted to be affixed to one of the closure members, a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to the other closure member, a lever pivotally connected to the mounting bracket, and a locking member made of a flexible, resilient material pivotally connected to the lever wherein the locking member is detachably connected to the keeper and wherein the locking member is disposed in overlying relation to the keeper, the mounting bracket and the lever when the latch is in a closed, latched position and wherein the pivot connection between the lever and the locking member is closer to the closure member than the pivot connection between the lever and the mounting bracket when the latch is in a closed, latched position.

Abstract: A latch for releaseably securing one body portion, such as a hood, to another body portion, such as a cowl, of a semi-tractor or the like. One of the body portions has a hook member mounted thereon and the other carrys a securing device. The latch is of one-piece molded construction comprising an elongate elastomeric member having a handle at one end, an opening therein adjacent the handle and a tongue in the opening extending from the handle toward the other end, the handle and tongue being integral with the elongate member. The free end of the tongue is adapted for engaging the hook member, and an opening is provided at the other end of the elongate member for connection to the securing device. The free end of the tongue is spaced from the opening a distance less than the distance the hook member is spaced from the securing device when the two body portions are adjacent one another and the elongate member is untensioned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for closing and locking two doors of the cowling of an aircraft engine. This mechanism includes a bolt which is received in a chamber of a receptacle. The bolt is connected to one door and the receptacle is connected to the other door so that, upon closure of the two doors, the bolt slips into the chamber. A cam attached to a rotary member housed within the chamber enables a single mechanic to close the doors and lock them snugly. This cam engages a finger on the bolt upon rotation of the rotary member which draws the bolt into the chamber by pulling against the finger. The cam moves into an over center position which securely locks the bolt in place without locking bolt travel. A locking device is additionally provided for locking the rotatable member in position when the bolt is locked in place. This locking device has a plunger which provides audible signals when the cam is in the fully opened position and when the mechanism is securely locked.