Abstract:
A tie down (10, 116, 122, 128) is used for connecting a connecting member (58) such as a rope, cord, chain, wire or hook into operative connection with a supporting structure such as a wall (66). The tie down includes an annular base (16) and a centerpiece (32). An eye (36) is movably mounted in connection with the centerpiece to facilitate the engagement of the eye with a connecting member. A light ring (28, 128) includes at least one light (30). The at least one light is selectively operative to surroundingly illuminate the centerpiece and the eye.
Abstract:
A lock includes: a plug housing rotatable about a central axis to unlatch a closure when the lock is in an unlocked state, wherein the plug housing defines a plug passage therein along the central axis and an intersecting pin slot through a side wall thereof; a plug rotatable within the plug passage to transition the lock between unlocked and locked states, wherein an inner portion thereof defines a helical groove that extends into the intersection of the plug passage and pin slot; and a stop linearly movable parallel to the central axis between inward and outward positions to place the lock in unlocked and locked states, respectively, wherein a stop pin of the stop extends through the pin slot and into the helical groove to interact therewith such that turning the plug causes the stop to linearly move between the inward and outward positions.
Abstract:
Spring-projected latch bolt assemblies each having a retractable latch bolt component are used to upgrade commercially available lock operating mechanisms so that closures carrying the upgraded lock operating mechanisms can lock automatically when the closures reach their fully closed positions. To permit unobstructed closing of each closure, a normally extended component of each associated spring-projected latch bolt assembly retracts during a final segment of the closing of an associated closure, and snaps back to its fully extended position as the associated closure comes to rest in its fully closed position.
Abstract:
A water seal system is provided for a latch assembly that comprises a housing having a receptacle in which a handle extends therein. A trigger extends from the handle through an aperture in the receptacle to a latching mechanism on a rear side of the housing. The trigger is operative to cause the latching mechanism to operate, responsive to movement of the handle. The water seal system includes a gasket mounted to a metal backing plate, with slots extending through the backing plate and gasket. The trigger extends through the slots such that the backing plate abuts a stop surface of the trigger. Movement of the handle from the extended position to the retracted position is operative to cause the stop surface to urge the backing plate to compress the gasket adjacent portions of the receptacle that extend around the aperture.
Abstract:
An actuator (24, 528, 606) is configured to cause a latch assembly (22, 322, 422, 522, 526, 604) to be changed from a closed condition in which an item is latched, to an open condition in which the item is unlatched. A catch jaw (30, 530) is operative in a first position to engage a member (106) connected to the item when the latch assembly is in the closed condition. The catch jaw in a second position enables the member to disengage from the catch jaw when the latch assembly is in the open condition. The actuator assembly includes a drive (152, 526, 608) and a gear system (157, 563, 610). The gear system is operative to move a release member (174, 538, 612). The release member is configured to be in operative connection with the catch jaw such that the movement of the release member causes the catch jaw to be enabled to move to the second position.
Abstract:
A latch, latching system and other components are disclosed that are particularly well suited for use with the heavy doors of armored military vehicles. Some component embodiments are usable in normal and emergency modes to provide access, entry, egress and rescue through vehicle door openings. Included among the disclosed components are latches having separate operating components that can be used to retract spring projected latch bolts and that usable advantageously in pairs and readily reconfigurable for use on left, right, front and rear doors of a vehicle at locations where door thicknesses differ. Also disclosed are operating linkages intended to extend exteriorly of door armor to turn shafts to operate latches situated interiorly of the door armor.