Patents Examined by Christopher Boswell
  • Patent number: 8978429
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive vehicle key in which a button (30) maintains by means of two legs (32, 33) a rotatable bearing (20) and a housing (40) fixed in mutual rotation at least in a situation where the key is in open position, the rotatable bearing (20) presenting an elongated shape so that the rotatable bearing (20) presents at least a longer dimension (a) and at least a shorter dimension (b) transversal to the said at least one longer dimension (a), wherein one leg (33) of the said at least two legs (32, 33) extends sensibly in the direction of the longer dimension (a) and the other leg (32) of the at least two legs (32,33) extends sensibly in the direction of the shorter transversal dimension (b), and the leg (33) extending in the direction of the longer dimension (a) is longer along said longer direction (a) than the leg (32) which extends in the direction of the transversal dimension (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Climatizacion, SAU
    Inventors: Lin Zhao, Zdenek Mrazek, Victor Villagrasa
  • Patent number: 8973416
    Abstract: A lock includes a bolt having latching and unlatching positions, and a locking component having a locking position in which the bolt is prevented from moving from the latching position to the unlatching position, and an unlocking position in which the locking component does not prevent the bolt from moving. A lock cylinder includes a cam having unlocking and deadlocking positions. A deadlocking component has a disengaging position in which the deadlocking component does not prevent the locking component from moving from its locking position to its unlocking position; and when the locking component is in its locking position, an engaging position in which the deadlocking component prevents the locking component from moving. When the cam is in its unlocking position, the locking component is in its unlocking position and a deadlocking component is in its disengaging position, and conversely when the cylinder cam is in its deadlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Anaru Terei, Peter Gordon Sclater
  • Patent number: 8955361
    Abstract: In a steering device having a steering lock device, stress applied to a base portion of a flange section is reduced. Relief portions have round corners formed where the relief portions meet the outer periphery of the outer column, respectively. With the relief portions concave by ?3 from the mounting surface, radius R1 of each of the round corners of the relief portions can be made larger than radius R2 of a round corner of the mounting surface. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the relief portions and the corner at an inner end, in the vehicle width direction, of the right clamping surface of the steering lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8950225
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle device (10) for a closing device (12) for a displaceable door (11) or similar on a vehicle, comprising a first module (30) which comprises a handle support (31) and which is arranged on the inner side (11.4) of the door (11) by means of the handle support (31), and a second module (50) which is arranged on the outer side (11.5) of the door (11), and contains a handle part (51). Said handle part (51) is displaceably mounted in relation to the door (11) for operating said handle device (10). According to the invention, the second module (50) comprises a handle shell (54) which is arranged on the outer side (11.5) of the door (11), and said handle part (51) is displaceably mounted on said handle shell (54). The invention also relates to a method for mounting a handle device (10) which is used to operate a closing device (12) of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Dirk Muller, Mario Christensen, Stefan Monig, Cristof Brauner, Martin Witte, Norbert Heller
  • Patent number: 8950224
    Abstract: Provided is a temporary secure storage system for firearms. The system is designed to provide convenient, secure storage of handguns. A number of storage containers employing electronic locking mechanisms are stored within a secure facility. Customers can rent a storage container for a predetermined period of time, during which firearms and accoutrement are kept within an individually locked container. Biometric scanners, card readers, and PIN keypads are examples of the types of authenticators used on each storage container to ensure that only the owner gains access to the contents. The system is ideally suited for persons who lawfully carry concealed weapons and seek to abide by local ordinances regarding gun-free areas. In this manner the system provides convenience and peace of mind to gun-carrying persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Spencer
  • Patent number: 8943861
    Abstract: A theft prevention device including a housing comprising a base and a cam ring, the cam ring comprising at least one cam; an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the actuator has a side wall defining a central space configured to receive an object; a coupler generally between the housing and the actuator, the coupler having teeth configured to engage the object in the central space; wherein the theft prevention device has an engaging orientation in which the coupler contacts the cam and wherein the teeth protrude from the side wall of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Gary Fong Photographic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Fong
  • Patent number: 8944263
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a prescription drug lock box consisting of a container and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The container has an integrally formed key post positioned above its open end. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it thus securing contents held within. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 8943864
    Abstract: A system for securing a cam of a locking mechanism to a rotatable shaft, which comprises a cam for actuating a locking mechanism and a clutch that includes, in part, a sleeve body having a distal end affixed to a face of the cam and a sleeve bore having a tapered sleeve journal and a sleeve screw portion with internal threads opposite the sleeve journal. The clutch also includes a collet that is installed within the sleeve bore and which has a collet nut extending outwardly from a proximal end of the sleeve bore, a collet bore, and an outer surface having an axially-split and tapered collet journal abutting the sleeve journal and a collet screw portion with external threads engaged with the sleeve screw portion. The system further includes a rotatable shaft that is secured within the collet bore with a break-away torque that is proportional to an assembly torque applied to the collet nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Rasmussen, Richard C. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 8939301
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a combination locking storage container consisting of a tray and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The tray has an integrally formed key post at its uppermost position. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 8938997
    Abstract: A security device and method to surround merchandise for theft deterrence. The security device includes a cord and housing for a knot in the cord. The cord is pulled from one end about the knot to tighten cord around a product and the cord is pulled from another section to lock cord in place around the product. The device serves to deter breaking in or stealing merchandising product. The security device may also include an additional housing for the cord to pass through. Either housing may include an EAS and/or RFID element for additional security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony F. Piccoli, Wei Wu, Lawrence Appalucci, Gary T. Mazoki, Thomas J. McKeown, Seth Strauser, James Brodzik
  • Patent number: 8938999
    Abstract: A locking cap apparatus includes a cap assembly having an outer cap and an inner cap received within the outer cap, and further includes lock setting members. The outer cap includes an actuator coupled with a plunger. The plunger and the actuator are movable within and relative to the outer and inner cap. The cap assembly is rotatably and releasably coupled with external threads of a bottle. The plunger has a locked position, an unlocked position, and a lock change position, where the outer cap is rotatable relative to the bottle when the plunger is in the locked position, unlocked position, and optionally in the combination change position. Lock setting members are interactively coupled with the shaft of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: protectRx LLC
    Inventor: Derek Dahl
  • Patent number: 8935944
    Abstract: An improved hasp seal lock assembly includes a base member that is attached via a hinge to a cover member. The cover member can be rotated approximately 180° from a fully “closed” position, which is when it overlays a latch and seal, to a fully “open” position. 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 the 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 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: VSI, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas Boesel, Joshua Miller, Jay Yaeso
  • Patent number: 8931316
    Abstract: A method for profiling the broad sides of a flat key, a key blank being clamped in a clamping device so that the broad side of the key blank is exposed. Guide grooves and variation grooves which are complementary to the longitudinal sectional profile of the cutter teeth are milled into the broad side by advance in the longitudinal direction of the key, in one work operation, using a milling cutter that has cutter teeth on its peripheral surface and rotates about a cutter shaft. To produce undercut grooves, the axis of the cutter shaft is inclined at an angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal center plane of the key, ribs of the cutter teeth producing an undercut guide wall using at least one rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: C. ED. Schulte Gesellschaft Mit Beschränkter Haftung Zylinderschlossfabrik
    Inventors: Michael Reine, Thomas Wallberg
  • Patent number: 8931315
    Abstract: A deadbolt lock assembly comprising a retractable and extendable deadbolt, a housing, an outside member movably mounted on the housing, the member being normally disconnected from the deadbolt, and an operator input device on the housing, the device connecting the member to the deadbolt in response to presentation of an appropriate credential, such that a force applied to the member by the operator is mechanically transmitted to the deadbolt to move the deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: George Frolov, John E. Walsh, III, Victor Bogdanov, Alfred S. Levesque, Kevin D. Miller, Don Shilonie, Adam O'Day
  • Patent number: 8925361
    Abstract: A door having a latch mechanism is provided. The door also includes a bracket, and a pawl having a first aperture. The pawl is rotatably attached to the bracket and is operatively connected to the latch. The door additionally includes a key-cylinder adapted to selectively lock and unlock the latch by rotating the pawl, and a shield having a second aperture. Furthermore, the door includes a component connected to the key-cylinder. The component is aligned with and extends through the first and second apertures without contact with the pawl or with the shield, and is configured to not impede the rotation of the pawl by the key-cylinder when the component is aligned with the first and second apertures. The component is also configured to detach the pawl from the bracket and limit the key-cylinder extraction, when the key-cylinder is forcibly manipulated thereby causing the component to contact the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Granny, David M. Trush, John M. Dobish, Glenn L. Traister, Graham J. Spence, Ian S. Buckley, Grant W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8919157
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock body with a shackle. The shackle has a leg. A locking element is disposed in the lock body and is selectively engageable to the shackle. A cam is disposed in the lock body and includes a locked position, an unlocked position and a shackle removal position. The leg includes a shackle removal recess that only partially extends circumferentially about an outer peripheral surface disposed about a longitudinal axis of the leg and is sized to receive the first locking element sufficiently to permit movement of the cam to the shackle removal position. The shackle is rotatable in the unlocked position to expose the shackle removal recess to the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Solidbody Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Fantl, Patrick Smith
  • Patent number: 8915105
    Abstract: A compression latch is provided having a lock bolt operated via a codable cylinder lock. The lock bolt includes a guide having first and second inner surfaces. The lock includes a rotatable portion having a cam with a projection that is movable between the first and second inner surfaces. When the rotatable portion of the cylinder lock rotates via the key to cause the projection to move from a first position to a second position, the projection contacts the second inner surface and urges the lock bolt to engage a control member which prevents a handle of the compression latch from rotating. When the rotatable portion rotates via the key to cause the projection to move from the second position to the first position, the projection contacts the first inner surface and urges the lock bolt to disengage from the control member, which enables the handle to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Fredrick L. Putzier
  • Patent number: 8910499
    Abstract: Disclosed are a multifunctional locking device a housing, and a motor in the housing. An actuator includes a distal end, a filament configured to convey a signal between the distal end and the housing, a first actuator section including a first plurality of engagement members, and a second actuator section including a second plurality of engagement members. There is a reel in the housing, the reel being driven by the motor, the reel being configured to wind up and store the first actuator section at a time when the first engagement members are disengaged from the second engagement members. A combining head is configured to bring the first actuator section together with the second actuator section, to engage the first engagement members with the second engagement members, thereby increasing a rigidity of the actuator, enabling the actuator to impart both a pushing force and a pulling force to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Daniele De Franceschi
  • Patent number: 8904838
    Abstract: A lock device having a lock cylinder and a flat key having a control gate. The lock cylinder has a cylinder housing and a cylinder core rotationally supported in the cylinder housing and a plurality of plate-shaped tumblers that are supported in the cylinder core so as to be radially slidable with respect to the rotational axis of the cylinder core and which each have a key opening and are at least partially pushed by the spring load into a locking channel of the cylinder housing in order to lock the lock cylinder when the flat key is removed and which are slid into an unlocking position by the control cam guided in the control gate when the key is inserted. At least one stop is associated with each of the tumblers in order to limit the sliding path to conceal the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Joerg Havemann, Helge Winkler
  • Patent number: 8899082
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device which comprises a stationary part (2) and a pant (3) which is displacably mounted thereon. Tumblers (Z1-Z5) are arranged by means of a key (19) in order to release the displaceable part (3). Said tumblers (Z1-Z5) are maintained in a locking position by means of the locking element (14, 27, 33). The locking element (14, 27, 33) can be adjusted by means of a drive (13, 23, 30) in order to release the tumblers (Z1-Z5), which can be controlled via an electronic control device (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Assa Abloy (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Ernst Keller