Patents Examined by Christopher Boswell
  • Patent number: 9074389
    Abstract: A lock apparatus includes a housing, a rotor having a bearing portion, rods, a return spring, and a knob having a holding portion and a presser element. The presser element is formed so as to overlap the bearing portion with a predetermined overlap width. When the rods are kept engaged with the engagement portions, a rotating center of the knob is positioned closer to the holding portion than a contact point between the bearing portion and the presser element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC
    Inventor: Toshihiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9067630
    Abstract: A locking device according to the present invention, for use with a trailer gooseneck, the trailer gooseneck having a post with upper and lower ends, the upper end being attached to a trailer and the lower end. The lower end forms a recess and a pair of bore holes at a right angle to the centerline of the recess for accepting a coupler for receiving a hitch. The coupler is removed to allow insertion of the locking device. The locking device includes a body adapted to fit into the recess of the lower end, a pair of locking pins within the body of the locking device, a cam within the body of the locking device and a lock to prevent the cam from being turned when the lock is engaged. The locking pins face opposite directions and are adapted to be inserted into the bore hole on the two sides of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Cline
  • Patent number: 9051762
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism adapted to an electro-mechanical lock and for driving a latch assembly to be unlocked is disclosed. The transmission mechanism includes a bottom board, a pushing member, a clutch member and an electro-actuating member. The bottom board includes at least one first pushed structure. The pushing member includes at least one second pushed structure. The clutch member abuts against the pushing member. The electro-actuating member is for driving the pushing member to rotate toward a first direction. The at least one second pushed structure cooperates with the at least one first pushed structure to move the pushing member relative to the bottom board, so that the clutch member is pushed with movement of the pushing member to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Jian-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 9051761
    Abstract: An exterior actuator assembly for a manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly includes a torque blade driver having a perimetrical lock recess, and is rotatable about a first rotational axis. A clutch assembly is drivably interposed between an exterior turnpiece and the torque blade driver. A motor shaft is arranged to rotate about a second rotational axis that is non-coaxial with the first rotational axis. A locking shifter is configured for axial translation along the second rotational axis. The locking shifter has a blocking tab portion configured for selective engagement with the perimetrical lock recess of the torque blade driver. A rotational-to-linear motion converter is drivably interposed between the motor shaft and the locking shifter and is configured such that a rotation of the motor shaft results in an axial displacement of the locking shifter to one of a locked position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventor: Oscar Romero
  • Patent number: 9045915
    Abstract: A key with one or more movable elements that slide within the blade of a substantially flat key for operating a lock includes a blade configured to be inserted into a keyway of a lock and including contour features formed on an outer surface of the blade that mate with corresponding contour features of the keyway. The key includes at least one movable element disposed within a recess formed in the blade and including a contour surface exposed to the exterior of the key blade. The contour surface may include external contour features that correspond in shape to at least a portion of the contour features of the keyway. The movable element may be movable within the recess, when it engages a blocking member within the keyway, and after such movement, the element will engage a locking element within the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: MEDECO SECURITY LOCKS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, Clyde T. Roberson, Dan Boadwine
  • Patent number: 9038427
    Abstract: A lock cylinder includes a housing and first and second key plugs rotatably received in the housing about an axis. The first and second key plugs are axially spaced in the housing and each includes a keyway for insertion of a corresponding key. The keyways of the first and second key plugs are aligned with each other along the axis. The lock cylinder further includes a blocking core fixedly mounted in the housing and between the first and second key plugs along the axis. The blocking core includes a through-hole aligned with the keyways of the first and second key plugs along the axis. The lock cylinder can effectively prevent an illegal picking tool from inserting into the keyways of the first and second key plugs and from turning the key plugs, thereby providing an enhanced anti-theft effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Li-Szu Shen
  • Patent number: 9038426
    Abstract: A manacle configured to detain or arrest a person by placing pressure on a spring-loaded handle which closes a clamp. The clamp dynamically adjusts to the wrist size of a target individual or subject. When the clamp is open, the first end and the second end are systematically disposed on either side. When the clamp is closed around the wrist of an individual, they provide a maximum gripping force capable of detaining the individual from movement. Furthermore, the ratchet portion of the tool allows for the device to close around a wrist in an adjustable fashion, meaning the tool will automatically adjust to the circumference of an individual's wrist upon deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Flynn
  • Patent number: 9032766
    Abstract: An anti-theft mechanism for electronic devices includes an upper protecting frame and a lower protecting frame. The upper and lower protecting frames of the embodiment provide protection for the 3C products, and the first and second assembling space of the upper and lower protecting frames provide adjustable dimensions to be suitable for different sizes of 3C products. The upper and lower protecting frames can further be provided with a locking mechanism to limit the movement of the positioning member after the upper and lower protecting frames being attached onto the 3C products, which prevents the upper and lower protecting frames from being removed easily. Furthermore, with the steel wire of the locking mechanism can be attached to a secured object to secure the upper and lower protecting frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: INGAMAR CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Jason Su
  • Patent number: 9032768
    Abstract: A device includes an actuating device, and the actuating device includes: a locking device having a lock; an actuating member which pivots about an axis of rotation to move a movable furniture part; and a spring device which biases the actuating member to pivot about the axis of rotation in an opening direction. The lock is lockable by a key for preventing the actuating member from pivoting about the axis of rotation, and the lock is unlockable by the key for enabling the actuating member from pivoting about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: JULIUS BLUM GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Hauer
  • Patent number: 9032765
    Abstract: A hasp seal lock assembly includes a base member that is attached via a hinge to a cover member. The cover member, when rotated such that the cover member engages the base member, is functionally adapted to overlay a latch and seal. The base member and the cover member each have a plurality of apertures defined in adjacent side walls that allow the horizontal latch arm to extend through the assembly. The base member and the cover member also include a second plurality of cooperating apertures whereby the base member and the cover member may be locked together by use of a padlock. In a first preferred embodiment, each cover side wall includes a tab and tab-receiving apertures are defined within the base member. The tabs require that the cover be lifted vertically prior to rotation of the cover member about the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: VSI, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas Boesel, Joshua Miller, Jay Yaeso
  • Patent number: 9027372
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a coupling mechanism connected to a spindle assembly. The coupling mechanism has an outer sleeve having a longitudinal interior opening that extends along a first axis. An operator handle includes a proximal lock core opening, and a distal shaft portion having an axial opening configured to receive the outer sleeve. The distal shaft portion and the outer sleeve are configured to define a through path oriented across the longitudinal interior opening of the outer sleeve. A portion of the through path at the outer sleeve is configured to threadably receive a setscrew to fasten the operator handle to the outer sleeve. A keyed lock core has a tailpiece that is positioned in the longitudinal interior opening of the outer sleeve to obstruct the through path and block access to the setscrew via the through path to prevent unauthorized removal of the operator handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad A. Hickman
  • Patent number: 9021840
    Abstract: A gun safe is configured to be mounted underneath a portion of an item of furniture and to be deployable from a storage position underneath the portion of the item of furniture into a readily-accessible position adjacent the item of furniture. The gun safe includes a lockable container sized to receive a weapon therein and an articulating mount configured to secure the lockable container underneath the portion of the item of furniture in the storage position. The articulating mount includes a fixed element configured to be fixed underneath the portion of the item of furniture and an articulating element attached between the fixed element and the lockable container, the articulating element being configured to facilitate movement of the lockable container from the storage position outward and upward to a deployed position adjacent the item of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Andrews
  • Patent number: 9016096
    Abstract: A locking lug nut system includes a primary locking lug nut, a secondary locking lug nut, and a key. The locking lug nuts each have non-hexagonal irregular key surfaces and the key has a non-hexagonal key element engageable with the key surface of at least one of the locking lug nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Winnie
  • Patent number: 9010162
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus to retractably store multiple keys. The apparatus is designed to permit a user to install up to eight (8) custom keys in a compact “key wallet.” Individual keys are pivotally deployed by pressing a designated button on the apparatus and are returned to a stowed position by rotating the key back into the apparatus until it locks into position. The apparatus uses a spring-loaded key release mechanism to release and retract the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Rudi A Thyn
  • Patent number: 9010161
    Abstract: A protective device, particularly for a lock of a door or leaf, comprising a covering element which is associated slidingly with a plate that can be fixed to the door or leaf and can be positioned selectively so as to close an opening for access to the lock which is provided in the plate. Two pins are associated transversely with the plate and are adapted to block temporarily the sliding of the covering element with respect to the plate. The device has at least one cam, freely mounted rotatably within a cavity provided in the plate. At least one first recess and at least one second recess are provided in the lateral surface of the at least one cam, which have, in plan view, a mutually different shape and are adapted respectively to allow and prevent the sliding of the covering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Pier Luigi Oliana
  • Patent number: 9003843
    Abstract: Disclosed in one aspect is the fixed door pull handle assembly that includes an elongated door pull handle with two or more support standoffs projecting away from the elongated door pull handle and securing the elongated door pull handle to the doorframe or to the body of the door. One of the support standoffs is user rotatable, and rotatably engages a door latch assembly within the door. In another aspect, the support standoff is not user rotatable. Instead, a center-pivoting handle is mounted in-line with one of the support standoffs and rotatably engages the door latch assembly within the door. The center-pivoting handle is recessed within the elongated handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Header
  • Patent number: 8997535
    Abstract: A latch assembly is described. The latch assembly includes a casing. The latch assembly provides for the transfer of rotational force to translation plates. The rotational force drives translation plates and extends the translation plates from the latch assembly. A first translation plate is mechanically engaged to the casing. A second translation plate is mechanically engaged to the casing. The latch assembly includes a key assembly including a rotatable cam. A toggle cam is pivotally engaged to the casing via a pivot axle, and rotating the cam contacts the toggle cam to extend or retract both the first translation plate and the second translation plate from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Austin Hardware and Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Steven Jeffries
  • Patent number: 8997537
    Abstract: A door (200) of a motor vehicle has an outer panel (100) and an opening apparatus. The opening apparatus has a door handle (30) and a door lock (20) with a lock barrel (10). The lock barrel (10) and the door handle (30) are arranged completely on the inner side of the outer panel (100) of the door (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jens Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8991228
    Abstract: An outer shell member positioning device includes a mounting base member mounted at an outer shell member, a bracket pivotally coupled to the mounting base member and biasable between a first position where constraint bars of the bracket are engaged in a locating hole of an inner shell member to stop the inner shell member in place and a second position where the inner shell member is released from the constraint of the constraint bars and movable out of the outer shell member, a sliding hook member mounted in one end of the bracket and hookable to the mounting base member to secure the bracket in the first position, and a locking device mounted in the bracket and operable to lock the sliding hook member to the mounting base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Chenbro Micom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Feng Yang
  • Patent number: 8991225
    Abstract: A burglarproof device for electronic device including a fastener, a control unit, and a lock core is provided. The fastener includes a plurality of lever arms surrounding a virtual axis. The control unit moves relative to the fastener and drives ends of the lever arms to move toward each other when approaching the fastener; the ends of the lever arms move away from each other when the control unit leaves the fastener. The lock core in an unlocked status permits the movement of the control unit relative to the fastener while the lock core in a locked status restricts the control unit from moving relative to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sinox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Wu, Chun-Sheng Wu