An openable roof lock structure for an automobile includes an engaged member fixed to a front header, and an automatic lock device fixed to an openable roof, the automatic lock device being attachable to and detachable from the engaged member. The automatic lock device includes a hook member having a leading end portion in one end, the leading end portion to be engaged with the engaged member, and a drive part to which the other end of the hook member is coupled, the drive part turning the hook member to an upper side of a vehicle to engage the hook member with the engaged member. The hook member includes a buffering member that has elasticity and is abutted with the engaged member on the upper side of the vehicle in a state that the leading end portion is not engaged with the engaged member.

An openable roof lock structure for an automobile includes an engaged member fixed to a front header, and an automatic lock device fixed to an openable roof, the automatic lock device being attachable to and detachable from the engaged member. The automatic lock device includes a hook member having a leading end portion in one end, the leading end portion to be engaged with the engaged member, and a drive part to which the other end of the hook member is coupled, the drive part turning the hook member to an upper side of a vehicle to engage the hook member with the engaged member. The hook member includes a buffering member that has elasticity and is abutted with the engaged member on the upper side of the vehicle in a state that the leading end portion is not engaged with the engaged member.

A locking system includes a tamper-resistant lock and key. The tamper-resistant lock can include a cylindrical lock body with an upper portion having an engagement surface defining a pattern of engagement features, a housing, and a hidden component sized and shaped to fit within the housing that includes an internal lock base into which the cylindrical lock body fastens and a padlock pin configured to secure the internal lock base to a hasp or staple. The key operable for use with the tamper-resistant lock can include a cylindrical key body defining an engagement cavity configured to receive the engagement surface of the cylindrical lock body, a set of complementary engagement features, a plurality of retractable engagement members, and a retractable collar at least partially covering the cylindrical key body.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a latch assembly for an access panel of a housing includes a latch structure having a first surface, a second surface, and an intermediate step therebetween. The latch assembly also includes a fastener configured to facilitate coupling of the first surface to the access panel, and a locking system configured to engage with a structural support of the housing via the second surface. The locking system is configured to be rotated to secure the second surface to the structural support and rotated to release the second surface from the structural support.

Latches are disclosed. One latch includes a housing, a cap, a bushing, and a ball. The housing is configured for engagement to the panel. The housing has a longitudinal axis and defines an aperture along the longitudinal axis. The aperture includes a cutout area. The cap and the bushing are mounted within the aperture for rotation about the longitudinal axis. The cap comprises an outer surface including a drive projection and a cutout area. The bushing comprises an upper surface and a sidewall positioned between the cap and the housing. The sidewall defines a drive surface positioned to contact the drive projection of the cap and an opening. The ball is positioned within the opening of the bushing. The ball is configured to be positioned at least partially within the cutout area of the housing or the cutout area of the cap.

A push to release fuel filler door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door on the exterior of the vehicle having a latch that cooperates with a spring biased plunger which rotates and translates axially. The plunger includes radially extending pins which are received in complementary helical tracks on the inner surface of an inner housing. The tracks define a closed path having a first segment, in which the pins travel while the fuel door is being closed, a second segment in which they travel while the fuel door is opening and a latching recess between the first and second segments in which the pins reside when the door is closed. The inner housing typically includes three segments or sections and is, in turn, received and retained within an outer housing which mounts on a fuel door inlet assembly.

A push to release fuel filler door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door on the exterior of the vehicle having a latch that cooperates with a spring biased plunger which rotates and translates axially. The plunger includes radially extending pins which are received in complementary helical tracks on the inner surface of an inner housing. The tracks define a closed path having a first segment, in which the pins travel while the fuel door is being closed, a second segment in which they travel while the fuel door is opening and a latching recess between the first and second segments in which the pins reside when the door is closed. The inner housing typically includes three segments or sections and is, in turn, received and retained within an outer housing which mounts on a fuel door inlet assembly.

A fastening system for attaching two components with a spring force is disclosed. The fastening system utilizes O-rings to provide the spring force, eliminating the need for any metal components. The O-ring may be disposed in an O-ring holder that has a plurality of spokes. When compressed, indentations are created in the O-ring by the spokes. The number of spokes and their size and shape determine the spring force of the fastening system. In another embodiment, vertically oriented O-rings are utilized. The fastening system may be used to fasten various components of an ion source.

A locking system includes a tamper-resistant lock and key. The tamper-resistant lock can include a cylindrical lock body with an upper portion having an engagement surface defining a pattern of engagement features, a housing, and a hidden component sized and shaped to fit within the housing that includes an internal lock base into which the cylindrical lock body fastens and a padlock pin configured to secure the internal lock base to a hasp or staple. The key operable for use with the tamper-resistant lock can include a cylindrical key body defining an engagement cavity configured to receive the engagement surface of the cylindrical lock body, a set of complementary engagement features, a plurality of retractable engagement members, and a retractable collar at least partially covering the cylindrical key body.

A latch is configured to fix a panel relative to a frame. The latch includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and defining an aperture along the longitudinal axis; a cap mounted within the aperture of the housing for rotation about the longitudinal axis, the cap comprising a drive surface; and a cover coupled to the housing to pivot about a lateral axis, the cover pivotable to be in a closed position in which the cover covers the cap; wherein when the cap is in an unlatched position, the drive surface of the cap is aligned with an engagement surface of the cover and positioned to block the cover from pivoting to the closed position; and wherein when the cap is in a latched position, the drive surface is unaligned with the engagement surface and positioned to permit the cover to pivot to the closed position.