A vehicle includes a compartment mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The compartment includes a box coupled to the frame in a fixed position relative to the frame and a latch system coupled to the box to allow a user to access the box. The latch system includes a shape-memory alloy wire guided by a pulley during actuation of the latch system.

A latch assembly is provided that includes a latch arm having a rotational axis and an engagement surface on a distal end of the latch arm a length from the rotational axis. The engagement surface is stowed in a stowed state of the latch arm. The latch arm is configured to receive a pushing force to depress the latch arm a predetermined distance along the rotational axis. The latch assembly also includes a turret assembly having a top end with the latch arm mounted thereon. The turret assembly is configured to, in response to the pushing force being applied to the latch arm, raise and rotate the latch arm about the rotational axis to thereby transition the latch arm from the stowed state to a deployed state in which the engagement surface is exposed.

According to one aspect of the invention, a latch is configured to fix a panel relative to a frame. The latch includes a housing configured for engagement to the panel. The latch also includes a cap mounted within the housing and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis within the housing. A spring of the latch is configured to bias the shaft away from the cap along the longitudinal axis, and a sleeve of the latch interposed between the shaft and the housing, the sleeve defining a first slot. The latch also includes a cam interposed between the shaft and the housing, the cam defining a second slot. A pin is provided which extends into the first and second slots. The first and second slots are configured to guide the rotation and axial movement of the shaft as the cap is rotated within the housing.

According to one aspect of the invention, a latch is configured to fix a panel relative to a frame. The latch includes a housing configured for engagement to the panel. The latch also includes a cap mounted within the housing and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis within the housing. A spring of the latch is configured to bias the shaft away from the cap along the longitudinal axis, and a sleeve of the latch interposed between the shaft and the housing, the sleeve defining a first slot. The latch also includes a cam interposed between the shaft and the housing, the cam defining a second slot. A pin is provided which extends into the first and second slots. The first and second slots are configured to guide the rotation and axial movement of the shaft as the cap is rotated within the housing.

A quick release connecting device includes an actuating retainer and a fixing member movably assembled to the actuating retainer. The fixing member includes a pivot portion and a pivot member movably mounted to the pivot portion; and the pivot member is coupled with a second object. The fixing member includes a limiting section and the pivot member includes a corresponding limiting section, such that the limiting section and the corresponding limiting section limit or stop each other at a specific location when the fixing member is moved or rotated. With these arrangements, the quick release connecting device can be applied to conveniently and repeatedly connect and separate a circuit board, a drawer, or a window to and from a corresponding rack, chassis, cabinet or window frame.

A gate assembly has a gate panel with a hinge, a latch assembly, and a base member connected to a wall. The latch assembly has a catch member for engaging the base member when the gate panel is in a closed position, and a channel member for locking the catch member against rotation. The catch member is rotatable about a vertical axis and has an open channel facing the base member. The channel member has an open channel facing downwardly that can be lowered onto the catch member to prevent rotation. The channel member has released positions in which one side of the channel member is above the catch member to allow the gate panel to open, and another side of the channel member remains below an upper end of the catch member to prevent the catch member from pivoting past the latched position when the gate panel is closed.

A vehicle hood locking mechanism includes a housing and a hood lock having a locking portion positioned exterior of the housing. The hood lock is coupled to the housing such that the locking portion is rotatable with respect to the housing between a first rotational position and a second rotational position different from the first rotational position. Rotation of the locking portion to the first rotational position enables insertion of the locking portion through a shaped opening formed in the hood. Rotation of the locking portion to the second rotational position after insertion of the locking portion through the opening prevents withdrawal of the locking portion through the opening until the locking portion is rotated back to the first rotational position. This prevents the hood lock from being inadvertently detached from the raised hood, thereby maintaining the hood in the raised condition.

A vehicle hood locking mechanism includes a housing and a hood lock having a locking portion positioned exterior of the housing. The hood lock is coupled to the housing such that the locking portion is rotatable with respect to the housing between a first rotational position and a second rotational position different from the first rotational position. Rotation of the locking portion to the first rotational position enables insertion of the locking portion through a shaped opening formed in the hood. Rotation of the locking portion to the second rotational position after insertion of the locking portion through the opening prevents withdrawal of the locking portion through the opening until the locking portion is rotated back to the first rotational position. This prevents the hood lock from being inadvertently detached from the raised hood, thereby maintaining the hood in the raised condition.

An appliance lock assembly is provided which allows conversion of a residential or static structure-type appliance having at least one door or drawer to be utilized in a mobile structure, such as a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or other mobile environment wherein the at least one door or drawer should be locked to inhibit unintentional opening during mobile operations and scattering of contents from within the appliance. The lock assembly comprises a lock bar which is disposed between a handle and a front surface of an appliance door. The lock bar pivots between an unlocked position, and a locked position wherein the lock bar engages a striker.

An appliance lock assembly is provided which allows conversion of a residential or static structure-type appliance having at least one door or drawer to be utilized in a mobile structure, such as a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or other mobile environment wherein the at least one door or drawer should be locked to inhibit unintentional opening during mobile operations and scattering of contents from within the appliance. The lock assembly comprises a lock bar which is disposed between a handle and a front surface of an appliance door. The lock bar pivots between an unlocked position, and a locked position wherein the lock bar engages a striker.