Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Schlaefer

Thomas J. Schlaefer 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).

  • Latching arrangements for a padlock
    Patent number: 8573010
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a padlock includes a rocker having a central through bore and a tongue extending from an outer periphery of the rocker. A latch member is slidably disposed in a cavity in the rocker. A torsion spring is assembled to a spring retaining surface of the rocker and includes first and second legs extending from a center coil portion positioned around the through bore. The first leg extends beyond the outer periphery of the rocker, and the second leg terminates inward of the outer periphery of the rocker and engages a portion of the rocker to apply a biasing force against the rocker when the first leg is in a spring-loaded condition. The rocker comprises at least one spring fastening member securing the torsion spring to the spring retaining surface of the rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Gary Burmesch, Dean A. Paulson, Thomas J. Schlaefer, John Weber
  • LATCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A PADLOCK
    Publication number: 20120085136
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a padlock includes a rocker having a central through bore and a tongue extending from an outer periphery of the rocker. A latch member is slidably disposed in a cavity in the rocker. A torsion spring is assembled to a spring retaining surface of the rocker and includes first and second legs extending from a center coil portion positioned around the through bore. The first leg extends beyond the outer periphery of the rocker, and the second leg terminates inward of the outer periphery of the rocker and engages a portion of the rocker to apply a biasing force against the rocker when the first leg is in a spring-loaded condition. The rocker comprises at least one spring fastening member securing the torsion spring to the spring retaining surface of the rocker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary Burmesch, Dean A. Paulson, Thomas J. Schlaefer, John Weber