Rotary actuated latch systems with linearly acting latch rods, and methods of assembling rotary actuated latch systems with linearly acting rods are disclosed. In some aspects, the rotary actuated latch systems are self-engaging and comprise a handle having two guides, the handle operably attached to a spring, two latch rods comprising clevises operably attached to the two guides, and at least two strike plates for actuating the latching system without additional user input. The spring applies equal tension to the two linearly acting latch rods, allowing for smooth operation of the latching system without binding while providing for a compact design that eliminates stresses imposed by conventional latch systems where the latch rods rotate off-axis. In some embodiments, the rotary actuated latch system may be assembled as a complete unit, prior to installation on the mechanism to be latched.

Rotary actuated latch systems with linearly acting latch rods, and methods of assembling rotary actuated latch systems with linearly acting rods are disclosed. In some aspects, the rotary actuated latch systems are self-engaging and comprise a handle having two guides, the handle operably attached to a spring, two latch rods comprising clevises operably attached to the two guides, and at least two strike plates for actuating the latching system without additional user input. The spring applies equal tension to the two linearly acting latch rods, allowing for smooth operation of the latching system without binding while providing for a compact design that eliminates stresses imposed by conventional latch systems where the latch rods rotate off-axis. In some embodiments, the rotary actuated latch system may be assembled as a complete unit, prior to installation on the mechanism to be latched.

An emergency shelter includes a number of reinforced walls that define a substantially enclosed interior space in which people can enter in emergencies; a doorway opening formed in at least one of the walls to permit entry into and exit from the interior space; a door mounted over that doorway opening; and a latching assembly for latching and locking the door in its closed position. The door is configured to slide horizontally relative to the doorway opening between an open position and a closed position so that it can be opened even when debris is blown up against it. The shelter also includes a door jamb adjacent the doorway opening for receiving and partially surrounding a leading edge of the door to prevent movement of the door along an axis transverse to the horizontal sliding direction of the door so that the door does not cave in when struck by debris. A flange on the trailing edge of the door overlaps a flange on the front wall when the door is closed to prevent movement of the door along an axis transverse to the horizontal sliding direction of the door so that the trailing edge of the door does not cave in when struck by debris. The latching assembly securely latches and locks the door in its closed position but permits the door to be opened even when portions of the latching assembly are damaged.

An emergency shelter includes a number of reinforced walls that define a substantially enclosed interior space in which people can enter in emergencies; a doorway opening formed in at least one of the walls to permit entry into and exit from the interior space; a door mounted over that doorway opening; and a latching assembly for latching and locking the door in its closed position. The door is configured to slide horizontally relative to the doorway opening between an open position and a closed position so that it can be opened even when debris is blown up against it. The shelter also includes a door jamb adjacent the doorway opening for receiving and partially surrounding a leading edge of the door to prevent movement of the door along an axis transverse to the horizontal sliding direction of the door so that the door does not cave in when struck by debris. A flange on the trailing edge of the door overlaps a flange on the front wall when the door is closed to prevent movement of the door along an axis transverse to the horizontal sliding direction of the door so that the trailing edge of the door does not cave in when struck by debris. The latching assembly securely latches and locks the door in its closed position but permits the door to be opened even when portions of the latching assembly are damaged.

An integrated casement window operator and lock mechanism including an arm shiftable with a lever handle between a first position of the lever handle wherein the window is closed and the sash is locked to the frame with a hook defined in an arm of the operator and lock mechanism, a second position wherein the hook is disengaged so as to unlock the sash from the frame, and a third position wherein the arm is pivoted outward to move the sash out of the frame, thereby opening the window.

A closure system for a vehicle comprises: a dual-hinge closure comprising a first portion hinged to the vehicle by a first hinge, and a second portion hinged to the first portion by a second hinge; a frame that at least in part surrounds an opening in the vehicle; an adjustable bump stop subassembly mounted to the first portion, wherein the adjustable bump stop subassembly rests on the frame when the first portion is in a closed position; and a latch system comprising a latch configured to engage a horizontal striker, the latch system configured so that an end of the second portion opposite the second hinge latches to and unlatches from a distal portion of the frame by essentially horizontal motion.

A closure system for a vehicle comprises: a dual-hinge closure comprising a first portion hinged to the vehicle by a first hinge, and a second portion hinged to the first portion by a second hinge; a frame that at least in part surrounds an opening in the vehicle; an adjustable bump stop subassembly mounted to the first portion, wherein the adjustable bump stop subassembly rests on the frame when the first portion is in a closed position; and a latch system comprising a latch configured to engage a horizontal striker, the latch system configured so that an end of the second portion opposite the second hinge latches to and unlatches from a distal portion of the frame by essentially horizontal motion.

An emergency shelter includes a number of reinforced walls that define a substantially enclosed interior space in which people can enter in emergencies; a doorway opening formed in at least one of the walls to permit entry into and exit from the interior space; a door mounted over that doorway opening; and a latching assembly for latching and locking the door in its closed position. The door is configured to slide horizontally relative to the doorway opening between an open position and a closed position so that it can be opened even when debris is blown up against it. The shelter also includes a door jamb adjacent the doorway opening for receiving and partially surrounding a leading edge of the door to prevent movement of the door along an axis transverse to the horizontal sliding direction of the door so that the door does not cave in when struck by debris. A flange on the trailing edge of the door overlaps a flange on the front wall when the door is closed to prevent movement of the door along an axis transverse to the horizontal sliding direction of the door so that the trailing edge of the door does not cave in when struck by debris. The latching assembly securely latches and locks the door in its closed position but permits the door to be opened even when portions of the latching assembly are damaged.

This invention relates to a canopy locking and releasing apparatus for mounting a canopy to the fuselage of a vehicle. The canopy locking and releasing apparatus is comprised of several mechanisms. These include internal canopy locking and releasing mechanism, the external (Type A, B, or C) canopy locking and releasing mechanisms, a hinge plate and base mechanism, a hinge retaining pin, and a fuselage locking and releasing device for the hinge base. The apparatus is mounted on the sides of a canopy and attached to the cockpit of a vehicle. This apparatus allows for quick and easy opening of the canopy for routine or emergent access and driver entry or egress. An unique advantage of the canopy side mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism for vehicles is that the cockpit is easily accessible from either side of the vehicle, from the inside and outside of the vehicle, or if necessary, from both sides of the vehicle at once. Additionally, there is shown an alternative use for the internal locking and releasing mechanism and the retaining pin.

The invention concerns a mechanism (1) for a window (2), which is displaceably guided along grooves (4) and mounted pivotably 180 and 360 around a horizontal bearing spindle (5) and which comprises means (6 and 7, respectively) for the guiding and locking, respectively, of the window (2). According to the invention, a single handle (10) or another lever is situated or coupleable in the frame (8) or casement (9) of the window is connected with said locking means (7) for the window (2) and/or is connectable with said guiding means (6) for the window (2), whereby the locking and guiding, respectively, of the window is arranged to be provided by said single handle (10) or lever.