Patents by Inventor Nathanael S. Murphy

Nathanael S. Murphy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11920388
    Abstract: A retention bracket configured for use with a latch mechanism including a laterally extending housing. The retention bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, a collar, and a deformable section. The first and second walls are longitudinally offset from one another and are structured to receive the housing therebetween. The collar extends longitudinally outward from one of the walls and defines an opening having an effective diameter. The deformable section has a natural state in which the effective diameter is a first diameter, and a deformed state in which the effective diameter is a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Nathanael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11828088
    Abstract: A latch assembly that is adjustable between first and second backset settings. A cam is rotatable about a cam axis, and facilitates linear displacement of a latch link in a first direction. A multiplier link is rotatable about a multiplier link axis that is offset from the cam axis can be rotated in the first rotational direction by engagement with the latch link. A latch bar is coupled to the multiplier link and is linearly displaced in a second direction by rotation of the multiplier link in the first direction. The latch apparatus also includes a latch bolt that is coupled to the latch bar, the latch bolt being displaced toward a retracted position by the displacement of the latch bar in the second direction. The latch assembly can also include a dead latch link can block retraction of at least the latch bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Hassan C. Kumar, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic, Allen Mani, Madhu H. Siddaramaiah
  • Publication number: 20220364391
    Abstract: A latch assembly that is adjustable between first and second backset settings. A cam is rotatable about a cam axis, and facilitates linear displacement of a latch link in a first direction. A multiplier link is rotatable about a multiplier link axis that is offset from the cam axis can be rotated in the first rotational direction by engagement with the latch link. A latch bar is coupled to the multiplier link and is linearly displaced in a second direction by rotation of the multiplier link in the first direction. The latch apparatus also includes a latch bolt that is coupled to the latch bar, the latch bolt being displaced toward a retracted position by the displacement of the latch bar in the second direction. The latch assembly can also include a dead latch link can block retraction of at least the latch bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Hassan C. Kumar, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic, Allen Mani, Madhu H. Siddaramaiah
  • Patent number: 11359402
    Abstract: An apparatus including a chassis assembly having a housing, a spindle rotatably mounted to the housing, a spring collar rotatably mourned to the housing, a first biasing element rotationally urging the spindle toward a spindle home position, and a second biasing element rotationally urging the spring collar toward a spring collar home position. The apparatus may further include a handle mounted on the chassis such that the chassis biases the handle to a handle home position with a return torque. The handle is engaged with the spindle such that the first biasing element contributes to the return torque. In certain embodiments, the handle may further be engaged with the spring collar such that the second biasing element contributes to the return torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Holman, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Patent number: 11332956
    Abstract: A rose assembly for a door lock and a method of removably securing the rose assembly to a lock chassis. The rose assembly is secured to the lock chassis through the use of an intermediate spring steel attaching plate, which provides both a secure attachment to the lock and orientation of the rose assembly to the lock housing. A single spring plate with integrated retention clip features provides a removably attachable interface between the rose and the lock chassis. The spring plate includes a hook feature to provide positive retention of the rose that is independent of the spring clip features. Additionally, the spring clips are located to minimize the possibility that one clip deflects substantially more than another. The installation process includes inserting the hook feature into a slot in the chassis housing, and then snapping the clip features over the housing to seat and retain the rose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Nathanael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11236527
    Abstract: A latch assembly that is adjustable between first and second backset settings. A cam is rotatable about a cam axis, and facilitates linear displacement of a latch link in a first direction. A multiplier link is rotatable about a multiplier link axis that is offset from the cam axis can be rotated in the first rotational direction by engagement with the latch link. A latch bar is coupled to the multiplier link and is linearly displaced in a second direction by rotation of the multiplier link in the first direction. The latch apparatus also includes a latch bolt that is coupled to the latch bar, the latch bolt being displaced toward a retracted position by the displacement of the latch bar in the second direction. The latch assembly can also include a dead latch link can block retraction of at least the latch bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Hassan C. Kumar, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic, Allen Mani, Madhu H. Siddaramaiah
  • Patent number: 11236524
    Abstract: An apparatus that at least assists in maintaining a lever or knob of a lock device in a relatively neutral and static position. The apparatus includes a biasing element that can be constructed from a compliant material that may at least assist in reducing impact forces between interfacing surfaces at least when the lever or knob is returns to the neutral, static position from one or more activated positions. The compliant nature of the damper can further alleviate issues relating to manufacturing tolerances and wear between interfacing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Patent number: 11220837
    Abstract: A lock device that prevents operation of at least one chassis spindle from retracting a latch bolt, and which may provide auto-unlock features. Locking of the lock device can effectuate linear displacement of a slider body from an unlocked position to a locked position. Linear displacement of the slider body is translated into rotational displacement of a cam body that includes, or is coupled to, a locking shaft having a cam protrusion, thereby rotating the cam protrusion. As the cam protrusion rotates, the cam protrusion lifts a locking lug to a locked position wherein the locking lug prevents rotational displacement of a first chassis spindle. When in the locked position, a slider arm of the slider body can be positioned in a retention slot. Subsequent rotable displacement of a second chassis spindle can effectuate displacement of the slider arm from the retention slot and facilitate unlocking of the lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Publication number: 20210189762
    Abstract: A retention bracket configured for use with a latch mechanism including a laterally extending housing. The retention bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, a collar, and a deformable section. The first and second walls are longitudinally offset from one another and are structured to receive the housing therebetween. The collar extends longitudinally outward from one of the walls and defines an opening having an effective diameter. The deformable section has a natural state in which the effective diameter is a first diameter, and a deformed state in which the effective diameter is a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventor: Nathanael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10941586
    Abstract: A retention bracket configured for use with a latch mechanism including a laterally extending housing. The retention bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, a collar, and a deformable section. The first and second walls are longitudinally offset from one another and are structured to receive the housing therebetween. The collar extends longitudinally outward from one of the walls and defines an opening having an effective diameter. The deformable section has a natural state in which the effective diameter is a first diameter, and a deformed state in which the effective diameter is a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Nathanael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10900254
    Abstract: A lock for a door including a configurable lock function. The lock includes a removable and user accessible actuator which when removed from the lock disables a lock function, and when inserted into the lock enables the lock function. Removal of the actuator places the lock in a disabled condition in which the lock cannot be locked by other means. Insertion of the actuator into the lock places the lock in an enabled condition in which the lock is locked or unlocked by the position of the actuator. The lock is installed without the actuator when the lock is intended to be used only in a passage operation where the door provides access only, but does not restrict access. The lock is installed with the actuator when the lock is intended to be used in a privacy operation where the lock is intended to restrict access to an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Michael Holman
  • Publication number: 20210010297
    Abstract: A handle set including a chassis and a handle mounted on the chassis. The handle includes a shank having a load bearing section, a primary actuating section, and a secondary actuating section. The chassis includes a housing, a support spindle, a primary actuator, and a secondary actuator. The support spindle is longitudinally coupled with the load bearing section, and the primary actuator is rotationally coupled with the primary actuating section of the handle. The handle set has a first configuration in which the secondary actuating section is engaged with the secondary actuator, and a second configuration in which the secondary actuating section is disengaged from the secondary actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Publication number: 20200318385
    Abstract: An apparatus including a chassis assembly having a housing, a spindle rotatably mounted to the housing, a spring collar rotatably mourned to the housing, a first biasing element rotationally urging the spindle toward a spindle home position, and a second biasing element rotationally urging the spring collar toward a spring collar home position. The apparatus may further include a handle mounted on the chassis such that the chassis biases the handle to a handle home position with a return torque. The handle is engaged with the spindle such that the first biasing element contributes to the return torque. In certain embodiments, the handle may further be engaged with the spring collar such that the second biasing element contributes to the return torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Holman, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Publication number: 20200308874
    Abstract: A latch assembly that is adjustable between first and second backset settings. A cam is rotatable about a cam axis, and facilitates linear displacement of a latch link in a first direction. A multiplier link is rotatable about a multiplier link axis that is offset from the cam axis can be rotated in the first rotational direction by engagement with the latch link. A latch bar is coupled to the multiplier link and is linearly displaced in a second direction by rotation of the multiplier link in the first direction. The latch apparatus also includes a latch bolt that is coupled to the latch bar, the latch bolt being displaced toward a retracted position by the displacement of the latch bar in the second direction. The latch assembly can also include a dead latch link can block retraction of at least the latch bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Hassan C. Kumar, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic, Allen Mani, Madhu H. Siddaramaiah
  • Patent number: 10724274
    Abstract: A handle set including a chassis and a handle mounted on the chassis. The handle includes a shank having a load bearing section, a primary actuating section, and a secondary actuating section. The chassis includes a housing, a support spindle, a primary actuator, and a secondary actuator. The support spindle is longitudinally coupled with the load bearing section, and the primary actuator is rotationally coupled with the primary actuating section of the handle. The handle set has a first configuration in which the secondary actuating section is engaged with the secondary actuator, and a second configuration in which the secondary actuating section is disengaged from the secondary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Publication number: 20200232251
    Abstract: An apparatus that at least assists in maintaining a lever or knob of a lock device in a relatively neutral and static position. The apparatus includes a biasing element that can be constructed from a compliant material that may at least assist in reducing impact forces between interfacing surfaces at least when the lever or knob is returns to the neutral, static position from one or more activated positions. The compliant nature of the damper can further alleviate issues relating to manufacturing tolerances and wear between interfacing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Publication number: 20200224450
    Abstract: A lock device that prevents operation of at least one chassis spindle from retracting a latch bolt, and which may provide auto-unlock features. Locking of the lock device can effectuate linear displacement of a slider body from an unlocked position to a locked position. Linear displacement of the slider body is translated into rotational displacement of a cam body that includes, or is coupled to, a locking shaft having a cam protrusion, thereby rotating the cam protrusion. As the cam protrusion rotates, the cam protrusion lifts a locking lug to a locked position wherein the locking lug prevents rotational displacement of a first chassis spindle. When in the locked position, a slider arm of the slider body can be positioned in a retention slot. Subsequent rotable displacement of a second chassis spindle can effectuate displacement of the slider arm from the retention slot and facilitate unlocking of the lock device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Patent number: 10604964
    Abstract: A lock for a door including a configurable lock function. The lock includes a removable and user accessible actuator which when removed from the lock disables a lock function, and when inserted into the lock enables the lock function. Removal of the actuator places the lock in a disabled condition in which the lock cannot be locked by other means. Insertion of the actuator into the lock places the lock in an enabled condition in which the lock is locked or unlocked by the position of the actuator. The lock is installed without the actuator when the lock is intended to be used only in a passage operation where the door provides access only, but does not restrict access. The lock is installed with the actuator when the lock is intended to be used in a privacy operation where the lock is intended to restrict access to an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Michael Holman
  • Patent number: 10597900
    Abstract: An apparatus including a chassis assembly having a housing, a spindle rotatably mounted to the housing, a spring collar rotatably mounted to the housing, a first biasing element rotationally urging the spindle toward a spindle home position, and a second biasing element rotationally urging the spring collar toward a spring collar home position. The apparatus may further include a handle mounted on the chassis such that the chassis biases the handle to a handle home position with a return torque. The handle is engaged with the spindle such that the first biasing element contributes to the return torque. In certain embodiments, the handle may further be engaged with the spring collar such that the second biasing element contributes to the return torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Holman, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Patent number: 10513872
    Abstract: A latch assembly that is adjustable between first and second backset settings. A cam is rotatable about a cam axis, and facilitates linear displacement of a latch link in a first direction. A multiplier link is rotatable about a multiplier link axis that is offset from the cam axis can be rotated in the first rotational direction by engagement with the latch link. A latch bar is coupled to the multiplier link and is linearly displaced in a second direction by rotation of the multiplier link in the first direction. The latch apparatus also includes a latch bolt that is coupled to the latch bar, the latch bolt being displaced toward a retracted position by the displacement of the latch bar in the second direction. The latch assembly can also include a dead latch link can block retraction of at least the latch bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Hassan C. Kumar, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic, Allen Mani, Madhu H. Siddaramaiah