Patents by Inventor Richard B. Langkamp

Richard B. Langkamp 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).

  • Publication number: 20240151084
    Abstract: A hinged system includes a preassembled hinge module for pivotally coupling a first component to a second component. The preassembled hinge module includes a shaft, a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, and a housing. The housing includes a cover, a side wall, and a rear wall that define an interior space enclosed within the housing. The interior space receives the torque element inside the housing. The cover defines a first aperture, and the rear wall defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture aligned with a pivot axis of the shaft. The shaft extends through at least the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture. The shaft is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the first component. The housing is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hector Eduardo Rivas, Mark James Rowley, Pradeep Jayanna, Michael Thomas Holland, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11898387
    Abstract: A hinged system includes a preassembled hinge module for pivotally coupling a first component to a second component. The preassembled hinge module includes a shaft, a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, and a housing. The housing includes a cover, a side wall, and a rear wall that define an interior space enclosed within the housing. The interior space receives the torque element inside the housing. The cover defines a first aperture, and the rear wall defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture aligned with a pivot axis of the shaft. The shaft extends through at least the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture. The shaft is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the first component. The housing is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hector Eduardo Rivas, Mark James Rowley, Pradeep Jayanna, Michael Thomas Holland, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11187009
    Abstract: A striker assembly includes a housing, a striker, and a spring. The housing has opposed sidewalls, each of which defines an aperture. The striker extends between the sidewalls of the housing with end portions of the striker positioned within respective apertures defined in the sidewalls. Each of the pair of end portions defines a surface extending in a transverse direction. The spring has a pair of end portions. Each spring end portion contacts the surface of a respective striker end portion. The spring is engaged with the housing to bias the end portions of the striker toward a centered position of the respective apertures. At least one of the end portions of the striker is movable transversely within the respective aperture away from the centered position of the respective aperture and is biased toward the centered position of the respective aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Butler Frame, Brandon Vaughan Hastings, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., Ismael Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11131423
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a display support arm assembly that includes a proximal housing supporting at least one proximal shaft, a distal housing spaced from the proximal housing and supporting at least one distal shaft, and at least one link extending from the at least one proximal shaft to the at least one distal shaft. The at least one link is coupled for pivotal movement about an axis of the at least one proximal shaft. The display support assembly also includes a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides substantially constant force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm. The display support assembly further includes at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Eric Anderson, Benjamin Gerald Lindo, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210277694
    Abstract: A hinged system includes a preassembled hinge module for pivotally coupling a first component to a second component. The preassembled hinge module includes a shaft, a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, and a housing. The housing includes a cover, a side wall, and a rear wall that define an interior space enclosed within the housing. The interior space receives the torque element inside the housing. The cover defines a first aperture, and the rear wall defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture aligned with a pivot axis of the shaft. The shaft extends through at least the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture. The shaft is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the first component. The housing is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hector Eduardo Rivas, Mark James Rowley, Pradeep Jayanna, Michael Thomas Holland, Richard B. Langkamp, JR.
  • Patent number: 11047156
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a latch is configured to fix a panel relative to a frame. The latch includes a housing configured for engagement to the panel. The latch also includes a cap mounted within the housing and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis within the housing. A spring of the latch is configured to bias the shaft away from the cap along the longitudinal axis, and a sleeve of the latch interposed between the shaft and the housing, the sleeve defining a first slot. The latch also includes a cam interposed between the shaft and the housing, the cam defining a second slot. A pin is provided which extends into the first and second slots. The first and second slots are configured to guide the rotation and axial movement of the shaft as the cap is rotated within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Liu, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., Hailu Wang
  • Publication number: 20190249457
    Abstract: Striker assemblies and latch assemblies are disclosed. One striker assembly includes a housing, a striker, and a spring. The housing has opposed sidewalls, each of which defines an aperture. The striker extends between the sidewalls of the housing with end portions of the striker positioned within respective apertures defined in the sidewalls. Each of the pair of end portions defines a surface extending in a transverse direction. The spring has a pair of end portions. Each spring end portion contacts the surface of a respective striker end portion. The spring is engaged with the housing to bias the end portions of the striker toward a centered position of the respective apertures. At least one of the end portions of the striker is movable transversely within the respective aperture away from the centered position of the respective aperture and is biased toward the centered position of the respective aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Butler Frame, Brandon Vaughan Hastings, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., Ismael Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10329799
    Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided that includes a housing, a cap, and at least one indicator. The cap may include a central axis and may be mounted for selective rotational movement relative to the housing about the central axis between a latched position and an unlatched position. The at least one indicator may be interposed between the cap and the housing, such that the cap is in covering relationship to at least a portion of the at least one indicator. The at least one indicator may also be mounted for radial movement outwardly from the central axis relative to the cap as the cap is rotated from the latched position to the unlatched position such that the cap is no longer in covering relationship to the portion of the at least one indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon V. Hastings, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., Tommy Vu Phi Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20190086022
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a display support arm assembly that includes a proximal housing supporting at least one proximal shaft, a distal housing spaced from the proximal housing and supporting at least one distal shaft, and at least one link extending from the at least one proximal shaft to the at least one distal shaft. The at least one link is coupled for pivotal movement about an axis of the at least one proximal shaft. The display support assembly also includes a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides substantially constant force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm. The display support assembly further includes at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Eric ANDERSON, Benjamin Gerald LINDO, Richard B. LANGKAMP, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180148958
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a latch is configured to fix a panel relative to a frame. The latch includes a housing configured for engagement to the panel. The latch also includes a cap mounted within the housing and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis within the housing. A spring of the latch is configured to bias the shaft away from the cap along the longitudinal axis, and a sleeve of the latch interposed between the shaft and the housing, the sleeve defining a first slot. The latch also includes a cam interposed between the shaft and the housing, the cam defining a second slot. A pin is provided which extends into the first and second slots. The first and second slots are configured to guide the rotation and axial movement of the shaft as the cap is rotated within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Liu, Richard B. Langkamp
  • Publication number: 20170306651
    Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided that includes a housing, a cap, and at least one indicator. The cap may include a central axis and may be mounted for selective rotational movement relative to the housing about the central axis between a latched position and an unlatched position. The at least one indicator may be interposed between the cap and the housing, such that the cap is in covering relationship to at least a portion of the at least one indicator. The at least one indicator may also be mounted for radial movement outwardly from the central axis relative to the cap as the cap is rotated from the latched position to the unlatched position such that the cap is no longer in covering relationship to the portion of the at least one indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon V. Hastings, Richard B. LANGKAMP, JR., Tommy Vu Phi NGUYEN
  • Patent number: 8459703
    Abstract: A pawl assembly that can be installed to the output shaft of a latch mechanism more easily, and in some embodiments without the use of tools, as compared to prior art pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Anderson, Richard E. Schlack, D. Dale Turner, James Vickers, Stephen K. Spatig, Richard B. Langkamp, H. Allen Riblett
  • Patent number: 7726707
    Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a striker in a rotary pawl latch. The latch assembly includes a housing, a rotary pawl, and an actuator. The housing can have one sidewall having a notch for receiving the striker. A trigger can be pivotally attached to the housing such that the actuator releases the rotary pawl thus opening the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Simchayoff, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., D. Dale Turner, James H. Vickers
  • Publication number: 20090267360
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pawl assembly that can be installed to the output shaft of a latch mechanism more easily, and in some embodiments without the use of tools, as compared to prior art pawls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Anderson, Richard E. Schlack, D. Dale Turner, James Vickers, Stephen K. Spatig, Richard B. Langkamp, H. Allen Riblett
  • Patent number: 7296830
    Abstract: Latches including a housing, a rotary pawl, catch means for releasably holding the pawl in a closed configuration, and means for operating the catch means are disclosed. The pawl is pivotally attached to the housing and is rotationally movable between a closed or engaged configuration and an open or disengaged configuration. The pawl is provided with a torsion spring member that biases the pawl toward the open or disengaged configuration. In some embodiments the catch means includes a locking member. In other embodiments the catch means includes a pivotally movable trigger. The means for operating the catch means may be electrically powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan M. Koveal, Robert Speers, Hitesh Cherry, Jeffrey Antonucci, Richard B. Langkamp, D. Dale Turner, Richard John Horton, Phil Kempson, Alan Simchayoff
  • Patent number: 6641182
    Abstract: A multipoint latch system for releasably securing a first panel member against an enclosure cabinet or frame, the latch system having a translatable rod member adapted to be carried on a door panel, a rod guide which is fixably mounted on the door panel, a panel block which is connected to the translatable rod member and a pawl member rotatably mounted to the panel block so that the arm translates with the rod member, there further being a camming mechanism which causes the pawl to move relative to the rod member as the pawl is translated with the rod. A keeper is provided for installation on a corresponding enclosure frame, and an actuator is provided to facilitate translation of the rod member to release the pawl from engagement with a keeper after.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Schlack, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., D. Dale Turner, Stephen Keith Spatig, Paul Dulieu, Richard S. Perriello
  • Publication number: 20010026070
    Abstract: A multipoint latch system for releasably securing a first panel member against an enclosure cabinet or frame, the latch system having a translatable rod member adapted to be carried on a door panel, a rod guide which is fixably mounted on the door panel, a panel block which is connected to the translatable rod member and a pawl member rotatably mounted to the panel block so that the arm translates with the rod member, there further being a camming mechanism which causes the pawl to move relative to the rod member as the pawl is translated with the rod. A keeper is provided for installation on a corresponding enclosure frame, and an actuator is provided to facilitate translation of the rod member to release the pawl from engagement with a keeper after.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Richard E. Schlack, Richard B. Langkamp, D. Dale Turner, Stephen Keith Spatig, Paul Dulieu, Richard S. Perriello
  • Patent number: 6174007
    Abstract: An actuator is used for operating a variety of latching mechanisms. In one embodiment, the latching mechanism includes a rotatable connecting member comprised of a single piece or of separate pieces attached together and the actuator includes a handle assembly operable through pivotal movements of a handle. In operation, the actuator is mountable in a panel or similar member so that the pivoting motion of the handle occurs along a longitudinal axis of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Schlack, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., Richard M. Plummer, D. Dale Turner
  • Patent number: 6116660
    Abstract: A latch has a housing for mounting in a door, panel or the like and a moveable pawl which engages a frame, panel or the like in a fastened position. The latch is provided with a substantially resilient member in the form of a seal, which is adapted to be compressed when the pawl is in the fastened position for inhibiting the passage of matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., D. Dale Turner
  • Patent number: 4890869
    Abstract: A draw latch is provided, of the over-center type, in which the latch has a base, a lever and a catch. The base and lever are pivotally connected to each other, and the catch and lever are pivotally connected to each other. The catch preferably has a lip or hook at its end, for engagement with a member that is to be drawn toward engagement with another member upon which the base is mounted, for drawing those members together, as the lever is moved from an open position to a closed position, through which movements the over-center motion is effected. Dimples or detents are used to provide a resistance to relative motion between the base and the lever on the one hand, and the lever and the catch on the other, through most of the range of their relative movements, but the detents become aligned or nested in one position for assembly of the components under non-frictional conditions, with the detents effecting a spring-like function upon legs of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard B. Langkamp, Jr.