Lever Patents (Class 292/100)
  • Patent number: 11359421
    Abstract: A compression latch includes a cylindrical housing (1). A locking shaft (2) is rotatably and axially movable in the housing. The locking shaft includes an axial free end (14) that engages a locking element (12). A cylindrical sleeve (3) engages an axial end of the locking shaft opposed of the free end. The sleeve includes an axially tapered annular sleeve slot (19) in which a shaft engagement pin (7) is engaged to cause axial movement of the locking shaft with rotational movement sleeve until the pin engages a slot end. After pin engagement with the slot end, further rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the locking shaft. A cylindrical securing element (4) is rotatably engaged with and is axially movable relative to the sleeve. The securing element includes a circumferentially extending guiding recess (17) and a transversely extending latching recess (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: EMKA BESCHLAGTEILE GMBH & Co KG
    Inventors: Friedhelm Runge, Michael Backhaus
  • Patent number: 11142927
    Abstract: A door locking apparatus is provided including a first plate, a second plate, a front assembly, a lock clip, and at least one control. The first plate includes at least one vertical slot. The lock clip is rotatably attached to the front assembly and includes at least one horizontal slot in a first end. The at least one control is mounted to the first plate and includes at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion projects through the at least on vertical slot and through the at least one horizontal slot. The at least one control moves vertically between a first position and a second position. The lock clip is in an open position when the at least one control is in the first position and a locked position when the at least one control is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Katerra Inc.
    Inventors: Will Root, Michael Martin Uhl, Alex Couweleers
  • Patent number: 10279995
    Abstract: A locking device for a container having a hinged lid, comprises a base unit adapted to be fixed to the container and a pivotable unit mounted to the base unit and pivotally movable between open and closed positions. The base unit includes a locking mechanism comprising a casing, a rotatable shaft, a blocking member fixed to the shaft and disposed in the casing, and a rolling member. The pivotable unit is mounted to the shaft of the base unit. The rolling member is provided to move within the casing between a blocking position wherein the rolling member blocks movement of the pivotable unit relative to the casing to prevent unauthorized opening of the lid, and a release position wherein the rolling member moves away from the blocking member to permit the movement of the blocking member relative to the casing thereby permitting opening of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Serio-Us Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Reeb
  • Patent number: 10060069
    Abstract: A laundry treatment machine is provided. The laundry treatment machine may include a top cover, a control panel, a lid assembly, and a lid handle. The top cover may be disposed over a cabinet and have a laundry loading hole. The control panel may be disposed at a front upper side of the top cover. The lid assembly may be disposed over the top cover at a rear side of the control panel and open/close the laundry loading hole. The lid handle may protrude in a forward direction from a front surface of the lid assembly and protrude in an upward direction with respect to a top surface of the lid assembly to form a gap such that a hand of a user may enter the gap between the lid handle and the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Youngbae Park, Jimaeng Kim
  • Patent number: 9725100
    Abstract: A railcar hatch cover assembly having a cover, a latch engaging structure, a latch coupled to the cover, and a handle coupled to the latch. The handle is configured to be grasped by an operator. When a substantially vertical force is applied to the handle, it moves the latch from a latched position to an unlatched position and moves the cover from a closed position to an open position. When the cover is dropped from the open position to the closed position, the latch contacts the latch engaging structure and moves from the unlatched position to the latched position. A railcar latch assembly having a latch coupled to the cover and a handle coupled to the latch. The latch has an arcuate bottom surface that contacts the latch engaging structure to move the latch from an unlatched position to a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: AERO TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Early
  • Patent number: 9717335
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drawer stop mechanism for a sliding drawer, and the drawer stop mechanism is assembled on a drawer panel of the sliding drawer. The drawer stop mechanism includes an upper decoration strip, a lower decoration strip, at least one spring and at least one lock hook. The upper decoration strip is fixed on the drawer panel. The lower decoration strip is movably connected with the upper decoration strip by a pivot. The at least one spring is mounted between the upper decoration strip and the lower decoration strip. The at least one lock hook is fixed at the lower decoration strip. The drawer stop mechanism provided by the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to use and can lock the drawer perfectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Jiangsu Tongrun Equipment Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9422750
    Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latchable structure and a latch member assembled with the latchable structure and movable between a latching position and a releasing position. The latch member includes a first stop portion positioned to engage a second stop portion carried by the latchable structure when the latch member is in one of the latching position and the releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: WATERLOO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sergio Herrera Gutierrez, Jiju Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150145261
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism for actuation of the locking slide of a disconnector on a control box, includes a setting mechanism, that may be disposed between a locking position and a released position and that is pre-loaded toward the locking position, wherein the setting mechanism comprises a shaft that is pivoted around a rotation axis, wherein the shaft comprises at a first end a first lever that may be coupled with the locking slide of a disconnector, and wherein the shaft comprises at a second end opposing the first end a second lever having an actuating bolt so that upon pivoting the second lever the first lever conducts a respective pivoting; and a locking nose to be mounted at the inside of a control box door wherein the locking nose comprises starting from its tip an approach slope turning into a catch that turns into a contour slope so that upon closing the control box door the actuating bolt is guided along the contour slope in direction of the release position and against the pre-load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: PAUL ROOT
  • Patent number: 9027971
    Abstract: A hood latch having an extra-long fishmouth for enabling a vehicle hood to deflect downwardly upon impact, such as when hit by a pedestrian in a frontal crash. To prevent this deflection when the hood is slammed shut in ordinary use, a stop lever is pivotally mounted to the latch housing. The stop lever features first and second arms defining a slot therein. One arm has a proboscis thereon and is biased to align the slot with the fishmouth, with the proboscis jutting into the fishmouth. The proboscis receives an impact from the striker and rotates the stop lever to a blocking position wherein the non-proboscis arm intercepts the striker and prevents it from reaching the bottom end of the fishmouth. In the closed position the ratchet retains the striker at an intermediate depth in the fishmouth, enabling the striker to travel toward the bottom end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Darek Barczynski, Hongying Wang, Jianjun Yu, Dikran Ghorghorian
  • Publication number: 20150123407
    Abstract: A vehicle latch is disclosed herein, the vehicle latch, having: a first gear with a first gear pitch radius that reduces from a first gear tooth to an ending gear tooth; a second gear with a second gear pitch radius that increases from a first gear tooth to an ending gear tooth, the second gear being rotatably mounted to the latch for movement about a second gear axis; and wherein rotation of the second gear causes a claw of the latch to move from a first position to a second position, the second position corresponding to a closed state of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Steven Frank Wilkes, David Peatey
  • Patent number: 8960735
    Abstract: A latch system includes a catch member and a sear element engaged with the catch member when the catch member is in a latch position. A swing lever is in geared engagement with the sear element. When the latch system is subjected to an acceleration event, the swing lever pivots in one direction so that the sear element pivots in the opposite direction to move the sear element out of engagement with the catch member. The latch system may be installed on a container so that the catch member engages with a latch receptacle coupled to a hinged lid of the container. When the container experiences the acceleration event, the sear element disengages from the catch element and the hinged lid falls open thereby causing the catch member to pivot to the release position. The latch system automatically re-engages when the container is returned to its upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Northland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Michael, Reed A. Davis, Patrick A. Hodan
  • Publication number: 20150042105
    Abstract: A door-lock device for a door of a household appliance is described. The door is provided with a locking prong, the door-lock device having a mechanical unit with a locking hook provided with a cam and pivoted so as to rotate in order to assume a disengagement position from the locking prong, when the door is open, and an engagement position with said closing prong, when the door is closed, a lever, pivoted so as to rotate with respect to an rotation axis and provided with a contact surface interacting with the cam of the locking hook, the contact surface being shaped in such a way that the lever is capable of assuming a first position, in which it holds the locking hook in the disengagement position from the prong, and a second position, in which it holds the locking hook in the engagement position with the prong, and pushing means arranged to exert a force on the lever to maintain the contact surface of the lever in contact with the cam of the locking hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Fabrizio Promutico, Emiliano Coccia
  • Publication number: 20140292000
    Abstract: A latch is disclosed herein. The latch having: a fork bolt movably mounted to the latch for movement between an open position and a closed position; a detent lever movably mounted to the latch for movement between a latched position and a released position, wherein the detent lever prevents the fork bolt from moving from the closed position to the open position when the detent lever is in the latched position; a hold open lever configured to engage and retain the detent lever when it moves from the latched position to the released position; and wherein the fork bolt is configured to disengage the hold open lever from the detent lever when the fork bolt travels away from the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Vazquez, Alfredo Martinez, Donald M. Perkins
  • Patent number: 8844749
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure can include a bracket having a back side mechanically coupled to a bottom side at a first angle and to a top side at a second angle, where the top side includes an engagement portion, where the first angle is substantially parallel to an under side of the body flange, and where the second angle is substantially parallel to a top side of the cover flange. The fastening device can also include a cam fixedly coupled to an outer surface of the cover flange and hingedly coupled to the engagement portion. The fastening device can further include a lever fixedly coupled to the cam and having a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, Yabin Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140284939
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for a door, comprising a catch and a pawl. The catch can be in an open or closed position. The catch may be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker. The pawl may be brought into an engagement position. The pawl may be deflected into a release position, to release the catch. A pawl actuation lever can deflect the pawl into the release position. A switchable coupling arrangement is provided between the pawl actuation lever and the pawl. The switchable coupling arrangement may be brought into a closing and an opening state. When the actuation movement of the pawl actuation lever surpasses a threshold, an inertial characteristic of the lock causes the switchable coupling arrangement to switch into the opening state such that the pawl actuation lever runs without deflecting the pawl into its release state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Wittelsbuerger, David Rosales
  • Publication number: 20140284941
    Abstract: The invention is directed to lock for a vehicle door arrangement, wherein a catch and a pawl are provided. The catch can be brought into an opening position and into a closed position, wherein the catch, which is in the closed position, is or may be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker. The pawl may be brought into an engagement position. A pawl actuation lever is provided for deflecting the pawl into the release position. A switchable coupling arrangement comprises a first coupling lever on the side of the pawl actuation lever, a second coupling lever on the side of the pawl and a moveable coupling element that may be moved into a closing position for a coupling engagement with the two coupling levers and into an opening position for decoupling the two coupling levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Wittelsbuerger, David Rosales
  • Publication number: 20140062100
    Abstract: A latch device includes: a base plate; an open lever rotatably attached to the base plate; a biasing unit that biases the open lever; and an electric release unit to be installed in an electric release type latch device in which the open lever is operated by power and a manual release unit to be installed in a manual release type latch device in which the open lever is manually operated are capable of being selectively installed in the base plate. The open lever includes an action end portion to press a ratchet engaged with a latch and disengaging the ratchet from the latch. The biasing unit biases the open lever. The manual release unit is provided with a manual release stopping unit to abut against a driven portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunsuke TAMURA
  • Publication number: 20140062101
    Abstract: In a vehicle, a striker engages with a latch which engages with a ratchet. A door of the vehicle is closed. A motion-transmitting path for transmitting power to the ratchet from an electric drive mechanism is provided. A release-canceling mechanism connects or cuts off the motion-transmitting path. When the ratchet is released from the latch, the door-cooperating lever cuts off the release-canceling mechanism to enable the ratchet to engage with the latch again. Hence the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhito YOKOMORI, Kohei YAMASHITA
  • Patent number: 8651535
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide an electric household appliance, especially a dishwasher, comprising a child-proof lock which has a simple and reliable design and is easy to operate. According to the invention, a means for selectively blocking or slide which can be moved between two positions blocks, in a first position, the movement of the locking member, thereby activating the child-safety feature, and in a second position of the means for selectively blocking, does not block the movement of the locking member, thereby deactivating the child-safety feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Oppel, Erich Schmid
  • Publication number: 20140035295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2, 3), an actuation lever unit that acts on the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) and includes a release lever (4), and a catch lever (10). The catch lever (10) blocks the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) at least when acceleration forces of a given magnitude occur, e.g. in case of an accident (crash). According to the invention, the catch lever (10) blocks the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) in the event of a crash while releasing the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) only for normal opening operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorsten Bendel, Claus Töpfer
  • Publication number: 20140015258
    Abstract: A hood latch having an extra-long fishmouth for enabling a vehicle hood to deflect downwardly upon impact, such as when hit by a pedestrian in a frontal crash. To prevent this deflection when the hood is slammed shut in ordinary use, a stop lever is pivotally mounted to the latch housing. The stop lever features first and second arms defining a slot therein. One arm has a proboscis thereon and is biased to align the slot with the fishmouth, with the proboscis jutting into the fishmouth. The proboscis receives an impact from the striker and rotates the stop lever to a blocking position wherein the non-proboscis arm intercepts the striker and prevents it from reaching the bottom end of the fishmouth. In the closed position the ratchet retains the striker at an intermediate depth in the fishmouth, enabling the striker to travel toward the bottom end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA CLOSURES, INC
    Inventors: Darek Barczynski, Hongying Wang, Jianjun Yu, Dikran Ghorghorian
  • Publication number: 20140001771
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing device includes: an inside handle mounted to a vehicle door and operated from a vehicle Interior to perform a door opening/closing operation; an outside handle mounted to the door and operated from a vehicle exterior to perform the door opening/closing operation; a locking mechanism actuated to lock the door at a predetermined position; an open mechanism; a release mechanism; and a cancel mechanism. The open mechanism is actuated according to operation of the inside and outside handles to release the lock by the locking mechanism. The release mechanism includes an and a power-transmission member transmitting electric motor power to the open mechanism, and actuates the open mechanism to release the lock. Further, the cancel mechanism Is actuated in accordance with operation of the inside and outside handles to interrupt transmission of the electric motor driving force to the open mechanism by the power-transmission member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicants: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC., AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi SHIBAYAMA, Toshio MACHIDA, Satoshi TAKENO, Emiko OKUMA
  • Publication number: 20130328325
    Abstract: A switching mechanism of vehicle door lock device includes a pivotable first lever and a second lever that pivotably acts on a pawl. An inertial lever is provided on the first lever and is pivotable about an axis (X3) from an initial position when an inertial force is applied thereto. A transmitting portion is provided on the second lever and transmits the pivotal movement of the first lever to the second lever when the inertial lever is disposed in its initial position. In contrast, the transmitting portion does not transmit the pivotal movement of the first lever to the second lever when the inertial lever has been pivoted away from its initial position. A first axial center of pivotal movement of the first lever and a second axial center of pivotal movement of the second lever are coaxial axial centers of pivotal movement (X1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: ANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Uehara, Hiroshi Kawai
  • Publication number: 20130300133
    Abstract: A vehicle latch (1) comprising a ratchet (15); a primary pawl (25) movable between a ratchet checking position and a ratchet release position; an auxiliary ratchet (26) movable between an enabling position and a disabling position; a secondary pawl (27) movable between an auxiliary ratchet holding position, in which the secondary pawl (27) is positioned to hold the auxiliary ratchet (26) in its enabling position, and an auxiliary ratchet release position; electrically-operated actuator means (6) for moving the secondary pawl (27) to the auxiliary ratchet release position and the auxiliary ratchet (26) to the enabling position; a back-up mechanism (7) for moving the secondary pawl (27) to the auxiliary ratchet release position or the auxiliary ratchet (26) to the enabling position; and an inhibiting lever (81) for selectively preventing interaction of the back-up mechanism (7) with the auxiliary ratchet (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Enrico Margheritti
  • Publication number: 20130285389
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes a latch mechanism having a latch and a pawl, and a lock mechanism having an open lever linked with the pawl. The lock mechanism is combined with the latch mechanism. A latch-side axial support portion is provided in a latch housing of the latch mechanism. The latch-side axial support portion rotatably supports a coil portion of a pawl spring for biasing the pawl toward a default position. A lock-side axial support portion is provided in a lock housing of the lock mechanism. The lock-side axial support portion rotatably supports a coil portion of an open lever spring for biasing the open lever toward a default position. At least part of the latch-side axial support portion overlaps with the lock-side axial support portion, so that pulling out of the open lever spring is prevented by means of the latch-side axial support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryujiro Akizuki, Takashi Nishio, Nobuko Watanabe, Yasuhiko Sono
  • Publication number: 20130270841
    Abstract: A latch and a method for preventing a latch from failing to open while a connected handle is lifted are provided. The latch includes a primary pawl pivotally mounted to the latch. An end piece having a protrusion extending from it is fixed to the primary pawl. An inner lever is rotatably coupled to the end piece. The inner lever includes a tail adjacent the protrusion of the end piece. The inner lever is movable between a first position and a second position. A secondary pawl is pivotally mounted to the latch and is movable between a first position and a second position. A blocking lever is also coupled to the latch and movable between a first position and a second position. When the inner lever is in a second position, the tail abuts the protrusion and the blocking lever limits movement of the inner lever and the primary pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Coleman
  • Publication number: 20130270840
    Abstract: A latch is provided including a claw configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. A pawl is rotatable in and out of engagement with the claw. The latch includes a first release mechanism, a second release mechanism, and a third release mechanism. The first release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The second release mechanism applies a rotational force to a second portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The third release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Lujan, Ian J. Dow, Fernando Burciaga, Rodrigo Alonso Galindo, Donald M. Perkins, John R. Rice
  • Patent number: 8544900
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably latching or holding a first member with respect to a second member in a structure. The latch mechanism includes a bolt assembly, mounting brackets, and a locking trigger. The latch mechanism also includes a rotatable locking cam for providing retention of the bolt assembly in a latched or locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventors: Steven P. Elbrecht, James R. Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20130161961
    Abstract: A latch including a locking lever pivotally mounted to the latch. The latch also including an intermittent lever pivotally coupled to the locking lever at a first end, wherein movement of the locking lever causes a movement of the intermittent lever. A gear is pivotally coupled to a second end of the locking lever such that rotation of the gear causes movement of the locking lever. The locking lever is formed from a resilient material and has an area of reduced thickness reproducing a spring effect. Movement of the second end of the locking lever with respect to the first end of the locking lever creates a biasing force in the locking lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Fernando Burciaga, Adrian Sinai Perez Mora, Luis Ricardo Martinez, Francisco Javier Vazquez
  • Patent number: 8398126
    Abstract: A multipoint lock for sliding doors. The multipoint lock mounted to a sliding door generally includes an active locking device having an active latch, and two passive locking devices, each having a passive latch. The latches are independently depth adjustable relative to an edge of the sliding door. The active locking device further includes sets of fastener apertures for receiving and securing a handle assembly thereto in at least two different positions. A lever having an actuator pin of the handling assembly can be positioned at various locations on the handle assembly such that fastener apertures of the handle assembly align with a different set of handle apertures of the active locking device depending on the position of the lever, Actuation of the active locking device by movement of the lever shifts the active latch and the passive latches simultaneously between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakanishi, Manabu Shimoji
  • Publication number: 20130015670
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly is disclosed herein, having: a fork bolt movably secured to the latch assembly; a detent lever movably secured to the latch assembly, the detent lever being capable of movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the detent lever retains the fork bolt in a latched position when the detent lever is in the engaged position and an engagement surface of the detent lever contacts an engagement surface of the fork bolt; an inertia block out assembly for preventing the detent lever from moving into the disengaged position when the inertia block out assembly is in a blocking position; and a manual override mechanism for the inertia block out assembly, wherein the manual override mechanism requires at least three independent actions to be performed to move the inertia block out assembly from the blocking position to an unblocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Donald M. Perkins
  • Patent number: 8210579
    Abstract: The invention provides an automatic latch having a first latch member and a second latch member. The first latch member may include an opening and a cam structure. The second latch member may include a pivoted structure that includes a protrusion and a cam surface. The second latch member may also include a spring having first and second spring portions. As the cam structure is advanced towards the cam surface of the pivoted structure such that the cam structure passes over the protrusion of the pivoted structure, the first spring portion applies a bias causing the protrusion to protrude through the opening of the first latch member when the cam structure clears the protrusion. Thus, the latch is placed in a locked configuration. When in the locked configuration, the second spring portion applies a bias that tends to separate the first latch member from the second latch member, so that the latch may spring apart when intentionally unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Stanley Works Israel Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil Vilkomirski
  • Publication number: 20120086230
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a driving apparatus, and a sensor. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The bearing end is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is movable between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus has a driving arm and a crank mechanism. The crank mechanism has a crank that is arranged eccentric to an axis of rotation and is rotationally adjustable around the rotation axis. The crank is connected with the driving arm such that the crank actuates the driving arm while rotating around the rotation axis. The driving arm drives the locking hook to move the locking hook between the closed and opened positions upon the driving arm being actuated by the crank. The sensor cooperates with the crank mechanism to sense when the locking hook is in the closed and opened positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Gunnar Wilke, Christof Blech
  • Patent number: 8136849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture closure for doors, shutters and drawers, in particular for cabinets and the like in the vehicle sector. In order to provide a furniture closure which, while being particularly straightforward to design and produce, ensures sealed and secured closure of doors, shutters (3) and drawers, a profile rail (5) having a seal (6), a grip strip and a locking element (7) is arranged along the peripheral region thereof and can be pivoted about a horizontal axis (23). The seal (6) has a spring force which retains the locking element (7) in the closure position and can be compressed for the opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Fritz Hakemann
  • Publication number: 20120043978
    Abstract: A sensor for monitoring external loads acting on a pin assembly includes a pin having an axial interior bore defined therein and having a length defined from a first end to an opposed second end thereof. A core pin is mounted axially within the interior bore of the pin spaced radially inwardly from the interior bore for relative displacement with respect to the pin. A capacitor is provided having an inner capacitor plate mounted to the core pin, and an outer capacitor plate mounted to the pin, such that relative displacement of the core and the pin due to external loading on the pin results in relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates. The capacitor is configured and adapted to be connected to an electrical circuit to produce signals indicative of external loading on the pin based on relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Odd Harald Steen Eriksen, Alexander Spivak, Christopher Sanden
  • Patent number: 8061165
    Abstract: A door latch for securing a door of a building in a closed condition, the door latch including a housing, a handle rod, a lock set assembled into the housing and including a movable key tab, a main lock pivotally connected to the handle rod and including a connecting slot, the main lock being movable for lifting an engagement end, an unlocking latch pivotally connected to the handle rod and including an engagement structure for coupling with the connecting slot and a lock bar assembled to the housing and being movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. Wherein, when the lock bar is in the locked position, the main lock is not pivotable from a position exterior to the building by the use of the handle rod, the main lock being pivotable from a position interior to the building by manual lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: David Cassini
  • Patent number: 8056943
    Abstract: A latching overlay for a tool storage unit drawer includes a drawer pull with a substantially horizontal flange portion perpendicular to a front face of the drawer and extending across at least a portion of the drawer width. In a preferred embodiment, the latching overlay includes a trim channel having a first surface for engaging a top face of the horizontal flange portion of the drawer pull, a second surface for engaging a bottom face of the horizontal flange portion of the drawer pull, and a release connected between the first surface and the second surface such that the trim channel is capable of pivoting about the horizontal flange portion. At least one drawer latch hook connected to the trim channel is provided, wherein the drawer latch hook engages and disengages from a latching component of the tool storage unit in response to the pivoting movement of the trim channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Clark Scheffy, Andy Deakin, Sarah Hall “Sally” Madsen
  • Patent number: 7976604
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filter housing having two abutting filter housing portions with a filter element sized and configured to be installed the housing. At least one quick release retention clip is pivotally secured to the filter housing and operable between an engaged and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the retention clip retentively closes the housing. In the disengaged position the retention clip is operable to apply a separating force urge the filter housing portions to separate and release the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Desjardins
  • Patent number: 7942027
    Abstract: A door latch for securing a door of a building in a closed condition, the door latch including a housing, a handle rod, a lock set assembled into the housing and including a movable key tab, a main lock pivotally connected to the handle rod and including a connecting slot, the main lock being movable for lifting an engagement end, an unlocking latch pivotally connected to the handle rod and including an engagement structure for coupling with the connecting slot and a lock bar assembled to the housing and being movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. Wherein, when the lock bar is in the locked position, the main lock is not pivotable from a position exterior to the building by the use of the handle rod, the main lock being pivotable from a position interior to the building by manual lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: David Cassini
  • Patent number: 7900978
    Abstract: A return spring assembly for returning a handle to the horizontal orientation includes a spring housing having an outer flange that contacts an outer surface of a door around the perimeter of a bored opening and an inner portion with a curved section that securely supports a latchbolt lock mechanism when an identical return spring assembly is installed on an opposite side of the door. A spring is driven by two spring drivers operating with a lost motion connection to the handle spindle to alternately compress the spring from opposite directions as the handle is rotated in opposite directions. The spring is positioned to not interfere with a linkage extending out from the latchbolt lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Todd C Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20100264673
    Abstract: A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively movable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Zeljko Baic
  • Patent number: 7731249
    Abstract: A vent assembly has a locking mechanism to retain its cover on its base. The locking mechanism includes a latch and linkage coupled with the latch to move the latch between a locked and an unlocked position. A post member extends from the cover to cooperate with the latch such that in a locked condition, the cover is locked with the base in a closed position. When the latch is moved to a second position, the cover is enabled to pivot away from the base to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Fan-Tastic Vent
    Inventors: Stephen A. Milks, Penny Milks, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7591492
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a sliding door includes a latch base having a generally channel-shaped configuration for receiving the stile of a sliding door and a handle pivotally coupled to the latch base having a lift portion facing outward from the door. When the lift portion is pulled, the door stile is released from the latch base and the door is pushed away from the doorjamb by a tab portion of the handle, both actions occurring substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Shower Enclosures America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ali Nikkhah
  • Patent number: 7556040
    Abstract: A hyperbaric capsule has a base forming a seat that can be enclosed by an elongate oval canopy having a large transparent window formed therein. The bottom of the front of the canopy is pivotally attached to the front of the base by a hinge assembly and can be locked in the closed position on the base by a plurality of latches that are conjointly operated by an external lever and an internal lever. The weight of the canopy upon opening is borne by a pair of side gas or spring struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Oxygen Therapy International Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan Dolph Meyer, Norman Michael Berry, Martin James Davidson
  • Patent number: 7552950
    Abstract: A latching overlay for a tool storage unit drawer includes a drawer pull with a substantially horizontal flange portion perpendicular to a front face of the drawer and extending across at least a portion of the drawer width. In a preferred embodiment, the latching overlay includes a trim channel having a first surface for engaging a top face of the horizontal flange portion of the drawer pull, a second surface for engaging a bottom face of the horizontal flange portion of the drawer pull, and a release connected between the first surface and the second surface such that the trim channel is capable of pivoting about the horizontal flange portion. At least one drawer latch hook connected to the trim channel is provided, wherein the drawer latch hook engages and disengages from a latching component of the tool storage unit in response to the pivoting movement of the trim channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Clark Scheffy, Andy Deakin, Sarah Hall (“Sally”) Madsen
  • Publication number: 20090051170
    Abstract: A latch and keeper combination is utilized for securing a radome to an aircraft fuselage. The keeper has a keeper housing and an eyebolt member which extends toward the latch from the keeper housing. The latch has a pivoting handle member pivotally attached to a latch housing. A hook member depends from the handle member. Once the hook member is generally placed about the eye bolt, depressing the handle member further causes the hook to rotate within the latch housing. As the handle member is completely depressed, the hook member fully engages the eye bolt, while at the same time members axially extend from the latch to engage the keeper which provides a resistance to shear between the latch and keeper. The apparatus may also have a safety which prevents the handle from fully closing until the eye bolt is fully engaged by the hook member, thereby providing visual confirmation that the latch has completely engaged the keeper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Zarko Baic, Zeljko Baic
  • Patent number: 7452010
    Abstract: A latch for use with a boat hatch including a housing having a well, a floor, and a flange mounted against the boat hatch. The housing has a boss with a bushing and a vertical bore. A slot extends transversely through the boss and the vertical bore. A pull shaft with an annular O-ring is mounted in the bushing bore. A rotation stop pin on the pull shaft will contact the slot, limiting the rotation to one-half turn. A latch bar projects outward from the pull shaft lower end. A D-shaped handle is pivotally mounted on the pull shaft upper end. A spring is disposed below the rotation stop, to bias the pull shaft downward. A lock shaft is mounted for rotation in the housing. A hook with a finger is attached to the lock shaft. A key rotates the hook into engagement with the second pin. The second pin, enclosed between the finger and the boss slot, prevents rotation of the pull shaft and unlatching of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Oren Cotton
  • Patent number: 7399009
    Abstract: A load floor latch for securing a first closure member to a second closure member panel such that when the first and second closure members are fastened, the latch is opened by actuating the handle and the pawl is retracted into the latch. A biasing device such as a torsion spring acts on a locking arm so as to pivot the locking arm such that it engages a slot on the pawl. This maintains the pawl in the retracted position. When the first closure member to which the latch is attached is closed so as to bring the first closure member into a closed position with respect to the second closure member, a projection on the locking arm contacts a contact member such that the locking arm is pivoted and the locking arm no longer remains in the slot in the pawl. The pawl is then free to extend out of the latch to a latched position by the action of a compression spring and engage a keeper on the second closure member to thus fasten the first and second closure members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hall, Gert Berg, Richard Horton
  • Publication number: 20080129056
    Abstract: A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively moveable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: HARTWELL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manuel Andres Hernandez, Thomas J. Helsley, Timothy S. Rozema
  • Publication number: 20080116696
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for a carrying case includes a latch body pivotally attached to a top cover of the case, a trigger pivotally attached to the latch body, and an actuator that pivots about the same axis as the trigger. The trigger is pivotable between a latching position for keeping the latch body closed, and a release position to allow the case to be opened. The actuator is pivotable toward and away from a nominal actuator position in which a panel of the actuator assumes a predetermined alignment with the latch body. A torsion spring biases the trigger toward the latching position, and through trigger/actuator contact biases the actuator into the nominal position. The trigger can move toward the release position while the actuator is held in the nominal position, to maintain the selected alignment for a more natural, intuitive latching mechanism closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Schmitt, Jon E. Leikvold, Brett Johnson