Swinging And Hooked End Patents (Class 292/11)
  • Patent number: 11702870
    Abstract: A hood latch device for a vehicle is provided. The hood latch device includes a base that is secured to a vehicle body member. In addition, the hood latch device further includes a safety hook, a pawl and a claw, each of which is rotatably coupled to the base. Further, a first spring is coupled to a safety hook and to one end of a pawl that protrudes forward from the base. A second spring is coupled to the base and to the claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyeon Woo Cho, Sang Il Kim
  • Patent number: 11261625
    Abstract: A vehicle hood latching mechanism is disclosed. The latching mechanism includes a housing securable to the vehicle body, a latch member pivotally connected to the first side of the housing, the latch member includes an external surface defining an abutment surface, a fork bolt adjustably connected to the second side of the housing and movable between a fully latched position, and an actuator assembly pivotally connected to the second side of the housing. The actuator assembly includes a first lever configured to selectively abut against the engagement surface of the fork bolt and a second lever configured to selectively engage the abutment surface of the latch member. The first lever is pivotally connected proximal to a first end of the mounting plate and the second lever is pivotally connected proximal to a second end of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, PyeongHwa Automotive Co., LTD
    Inventors: James N. Nelsen, Sung Han Kim
  • Patent number: 11220850
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a closure member is provided. The latch assembly includes a housing and a ratchet pivotally coupled to the housing for selectively retaining a striker to secure the closure member. A cinch lever assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a cinch lever for engaging the ratchet. The cinch lever cinches the striker in the ratchet in response to the cinch lever being actuated by a cable coupled to the cinch lever assembly to move the closure panel from a partially closed position to a fully closed position. A cinch subassembly is operatively coupled to the cinch lever assembly with the cable coupled to the cinch lever assembly. The cinch subassembly is configured to freely move between a plurality of positions relative to the housing to accommodate a plurality of orientations of the cable coupled to the cinch lever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES S.P.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Margheritti
  • Patent number: 11110819
    Abstract: A seat latch assembly is provided with a mounting plate with a pair of mounting apertures and a receptacle sized for receipt of a striker. A pair of bushings are each received within one of the pair of mounting apertures. A pawl is pivotally connected to a first bushing, with a latch hook to retain the striker in a latched position. An input member is operably connected to the pawl and oriented and sized relative to the receptacle to extend into the receptacle in an unlatched position to engage the striker and actuate the pawl to a latched position while moving relative to the pawl. A cover plate is mounted to the mounting plate with a guide formed therein. The input member cooperates with the guide to pivot and slide relative to the mounting plate and toward the first bushing during movement from the unlatched position to the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes Barzen, Eckhard Nock, Tobias Krause
  • Patent number: 11105127
    Abstract: A vehicle hood latching mechanism, having a latch member pivotally connected to a housing defining a striker channel. The latch member includes a primary catch portion between the intersection of a first lever arm and a second lever arm, a secondary catch portion on the first lever arm facing the primary catch portion, and a latch cam surface on the second lever arm proximal to the primary catch portion. The latch cam surface is configured such that a force applied onto the latch cam surface causes the latch member to pivot to a first position. A cancel lever is pivotally mounted to an end of the second lever arm of the latch member and includes an exterior cam surface configured such that a force applied onto the exterior cam surface induces a moment M onto the second lever arm causing the latch member to rotate into the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventors: James N. Nelsen, Hee Ra Park
  • Patent number: 10933920
    Abstract: A work vehicle including: a vehicle body frame; a prime mover part located on a front or rear part of the vehicle body frame; a bonnet configured to open and close by swinging, and covering the prime mover part; and an assist unit configured to assist the bonnet to operate to open. A lateral end portion of the vehicle body frame is provided with a first linkage part with which the assist unit is linked. A lateral end portion of a lower end part of the bonnet, which is located closer to an end cover than the first linkage part is, is provided with a second linkage part with which the assist unit is linked. The assist unit is provided with an expansion/contraction mechanism biased so as to expand, and is located laterally outside the prime mover part and spans the first linkage part and the second linkage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Komorida, Koichiro Matsumoto, Masaki Takaoka, Arisa Kimura, Tasuku Teraoka, Azusa Furihata, Tomohisa Yamamoto, Toshiki Kanai, Nobuyuki Yamashita, Masayuki Akita, Takashi Kumashiro, Ryo Matsumoto, Hiroki Nagai, Tatsuki Kago, Akihito Mihara
  • Patent number: 10781897
    Abstract: A latching device (1) for vehicles capable of engaging with and disengaging from a rod-like portion (P1) to lock and unlock the latching device (1) includes: a casing (2) at least partly formed by a first member made of a first material and having an insertion groove (2A) for allowing the rod-like portion to be inserted thereinto; and a second member (latch (30) or reinforcement plate (20)) made of a second material and configured to contact the rod-like portion (P1). The second material has a higher specific gravity and a higher modulus of elasticity than the first material. For example, the first material is resin, whereas the second material is metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sayama, Yutaka Kizawa
  • Patent number: 10655367
    Abstract: A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventors: James J. Ferri, J. R. Scott Mitchell, Csaba Szente, Jagdeep Playia, Dikran Ghorghorian, John Clark, Gabriele Wayne Sabatini, Traian Miu, Aleksandar Jovanovic
  • Patent number: 10557293
    Abstract: Latch assemblies for opening and closing openable structures having a housing defining a cavity, a handle movably mounted to the housing, and a latching mechanism between the handle and the housing. The latching mechanism includes at least one guide pin mounted to the housing, a first body movable along the at least one guide pin and having a first latching element extending through the housing, a second body movable along the at least one guide pin and having a second latching element extending through the housing, a first link attached to the first body, a second link attached to the second body, and a link connector operably connecting the first link to the second link, wherein movement of the link connector urges the first latching element and the second latching element apart through movement of the first link and the second link and the first body and the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sajeesh Kalathil, Lokesh Narayanamurthy, Brad Kaiser
  • Patent number: 10550614
    Abstract: Latch systems for opening and closing openable structures including a first latch assembly, a second latch assembly separated from the first latch assembly, and an assembly connector operably connecting the first latch assembly to the second latch assembly such that operation of one of the first latch assembly and the second latch assembly causes operation of the other of the first latch assembly and the second latch assembly through the assembly connector. Lateral movement of a portion of the first latch assembly in operation causes lateral movement of the assembly connector which causes lateral movement of a portion of the second latch assembly to thus operate the second latch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sajeesh Kalathil, Lokesh Narayanamurthy, Brad Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9716257
    Abstract: A battery locking device and method are provided, wherein the devices comprises a shaft, a rotatable latch, a deformable biasing member, and a stop member. The rotatable latch extends between a proximal portion carried on the shaft and a distal portion opposite of the proximal portion at a distance from the shaft. The proximal portion has opposing first and second ends with the first end having a cylindrical projection with a splined outer profile comprising a plurality of spaced-apart teeth. The distal portion has a configuration for engaging at least a portion of a battery. The deformable biasing member is carried on the shaft adjacent the second end of the proximal portion of the rotatable latch. The stop member is positioned adjacent the cylindrical projection and has a free end engagable with the splined outer profile to prevent rotation of the rotatable latch about the shaft in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Valley Kong, Kevin Xiaoshan
  • Patent number: 9500003
    Abstract: The lock assembly includes a handle and a rod mounted for movement relative to the vehicle door which is movable between a first position wherein the door cannot be opened and a second position wherein the door can be opened. A mechanical linkage, including a bracket and pivot pin, connects the handle and the rod such that the rod moves between the first position and the second position as the handle is moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. The protector includes a rigid member adapted to cover the mechanical linkage and a collar for mounting the cover member on the handle. The cover member extends from the collar wall and includes a section adapted to align with the mechanical linkage which extends in a plane substantially parallel to but offset from the plane of the collar wall to accommodate the increased width of the mechanical linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Greg Haber
  • Patent number: 9404297
    Abstract: A lever operated compression latch has an elongated, hook-ended pawl carrying a longitudinal slot, and is cam guided and pin rotated while translated to engage and withdraw from a keeper cup. The compound movement of the pawl includes a lateral translation towards the keeper cup while rotating there into, followed by a lateral withdrawal to exert a compression force between the latch body which is attached to a door and the keeper cup which is attached to a door frame. A series of interconnected links is operated by a lever handle to fold into one another to provide a compact envelope when the latch is closed and to expand outwardly to open the latch and disengage the pawl from the keeper when operated by the lever. Of this series of links, a pair of release links operates in contact with one another, and rotates on respective individual pivot points to extend outwardly from the latch envelope to engage a striker plate portion of the keeper cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Paul Bennett, Philip John Kempson
  • Patent number: 8934224
    Abstract: A casing 1, a lid component 11 for covering a terminal 13 disposed in an opening of the casing 1, and a water sealing component 12 disposed around the terminal 13, are provided. The lid component 11 is structured such that a support portion 11h of a fixing portion 11g is rotatably fixed to the casing 1, and a slidable portion 11b slides relative to a lid portion 11a. Thus, a projection 11c is engaged with a recess 14, and a pair of engagement portions 11f engages with a pair of fixed projections 16. Thus, the lid component 11 engages with the casing 1 in three directions, and is held by being pressed against the water sealing component 12. With this structure, an electronic device having a lid component which can be assuredly locked is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Iwamoto, Jun Sato, Ryo Yonezawa, Toshiya Senoh, Kenichi Shindo, Masashi Toyota
  • Patent number: 8556303
    Abstract: An apparatus secures a cover onto a housing of a portable electronic device. The apparatus has a first latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a first hinge, so that in a first rotational position, the first latch contacts a first catch on the housing and in a second rotational position, the first latch is remote from the first catch. A second latch assembly has a second latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a second hinge, so that in one rotational position, the second latch contacts a second catch on the housing and in another rotational position, the second latch is remote from the second catch. By squeezing the first and second latches between two fingers, a user is able to disengage those latches from the catches and remove the cover from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Vijai Rajagopal, James Carl Infanti, Timothy Herbert Kyowski
  • Patent number: 8353540
    Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism comprises a housing, a cover and a latch. The housing has at least one hook protruding therefrom. The cover has at least one latching hole defined therethrough and releasably latching with the hook. The latch is rotatably mounted to the cover and resisting the hook. When the latch is rotated relative to the cover, the latch pushes the hook to release the latching engagement of the hook and the latching hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Shui-Jin Dong
  • Patent number: 8336928
    Abstract: An operation rod includes a first rod and a second rod. A one-end portion of the first rod is connected to a lock closer to be rotationally movable. The second rod is supported so as to be slidingly movable relative to a hand lever. A connecting portion connects an opposite-end portion of the first rod and a one-end portion of the second rod to each other. The connecting portion includes: a long hole which is formed in the opposite-end portion of the first rod; and a pin which is formed on the one-end portion of the second rod and which engages with the long hole to be slidingly movable therein. While the hand lever is moving rotationally, the connecting portion allows the opposite-end portion of the first rod to move rotationally and slidingly relative to the one-end portion of the second rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Shigeo Okunaka, Hiromichi Matoba, Kenji Nakanose, Toshio Suhara
  • Patent number: 8313126
    Abstract: A trash container locking apparatus includes a housing which is secured to a surface of a trash container. The housing includes a pivot member rotatably mounted in an outer wall of the housing for rotation about a pivot axis and having an inner portion inside the housing and an outer portion outside the housing. A latch member is secured to the pivot member inside the housing. A swing arm secured to the pivot member outside the housing and associated with a locking bar which extends over a lid of the trash container. A latch paddle is pivotally mounted in the housing to hang vertically in a latch engaging position when the housing is mounted on the trash container. The latch member and latch paddle have interengaging formations which engage in a locking position to prevent the latch member and associated swing arm from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hodge Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Ferkovich, Anthony A. Hodge
  • Patent number: 8226129
    Abstract: A link 11 reaches a locking position in response to movement of a rod 9. A cab lock hook 12 is rotatably supported by the link 11, and arrives at a locking position in response to rotation of the link 11 toward the locking position, thereby engaging with a pin 4 on the chassis side 2. A switch 40 is fixed to a cab 1, and when it is pressed down, the state thereof changes accordingly. A lock close portion 60 is rotatably supported by the other end of the cab 1, and is movable between a closing position and a non-closing position. The lock close portion 60 in the closing position engages with a rod connecting shaft 27 while the link 11 is in the locking position, and prevents movement of the link 11 in a lock release direction. The lock close portion 60 includes a switch pressure section 66, which presses down the switch 40 when the lock close portion 10 reaches the closing position from the non-closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Shigeo Okunaka, Hiromichi Matoba, Eiji Yamashina, Osamu Sekimizu
  • Publication number: 20120153640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device for a vertically movable closing element (1) for the at least partial closing of an opening (2) of a room. According to the invention, the fixing device for fixing of the closing element (1) in a closed state comprises at least one first fixing unit (6), arranged on the closing element (1), and an engaging unit (7), corresponding to the first fixing unit (6), in an opening bottom (2.1) and at least one second fixing unit (11), which is arranged on a guide (3), arranged to the side of the opening (2), for the closing element (1) and has a tensioning hook (11.1), which in the closed state of the closing element (1) can be latched in the closing element (1) in the area of an upper side of the closing element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Werner THOMAS
  • Patent number: 8174396
    Abstract: An apparatus for visually communicating to a pilot in the cockpit of a parked aircraft the status of a preconditioned air (PCA) unit associated with the gate has an electrically controlled PCA indicator box positioned so that it is visible to the pilot in the cockpit. The PCA indicator box has a first appearance when the preconditioned air unit is not operating and a second appearance when the preconditioned air unit is operating. A method of assisting aircraft operators to reduce fuel costs and emissions of an aircraft parked at a gate includes mounting to the gate an electrical PCA indicator and electrically coupling it to a preconditioned air unit at the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Twist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Schrinner, David K. McIntire, James Dillon
  • Patent number: 7798502
    Abstract: A lug cart and support table assembly is disclosed comprising a support table having an upper support surface for supporting a breading machine. A lug tub-shaped lug located in the lug cart and a latching system affixed to the lug cart to removably attach the lug cart to a selected one of a front side and a rear side of the table assembly. The latching system includes a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly affixed to an end of the cart in spaced apart relation, each of the first and second latch assemblies includes a support body, a pivoting arm coupled to the support body and pivoting in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis between a locking position and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Bettcher Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Alexander Sukey, John H. D. LaMarche, II, Scott M. Muniga
  • Patent number: 7758088
    Abstract: A motorized lock for a vending machine provides a simple lever mechanism that provides two separate points of engagement between the door and the machine to resist tampering and provide for more even pull in of a gasketed door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Publication number: 20100060018
    Abstract: A link 11 reaches a locking position in response to movement of a rod 9. A cab lock hook 12 is rotatably supported by the link 11, and arrives at a locking position in response to rotation of the link 11 toward the locking position, thereby engaging with a pin 4 on the chassis side 2. A switch 40 is fixed to a cab 1, and when it is pressed down, the state thereof changes accordingly. A lock close portion 60 is rotatably supported by the other end of the cab 1, and is movable between a closing position and a non-closing position. The lock close portion 60 in the closing position engages with a rod connecting shaft 27 while the link 11 is in the locking position, and prevents movement of the link 11 in a lock release direction. The lock close portion 60 includes a switch pressure section 66, which presses down the switch 40 when the lock close portion 10 reaches the closing position from the non-closing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Shigeo Okunaka, Hiromichi Matoba, Eiji Yamashina, Osamu Sekimizu
  • Patent number: 7578531
    Abstract: A lock is described for sliding aluminium door or window panels, wherein are used discrete hooking and locking mechanisms. The hooking mechanism comprises an oblong hook profile (21) which rotates automatically in a hooking or unhooking position into a vertically extending frame profile (1) which bears a respective recession shaping, as the sliding door/window panel is simply pulled in the opening or shutting direction, respectively. The locking mechanism operates so that, when being controlled by the user, it is set in a position for capturing the hooking mechanism in the hooking position, by capturing the immobilisation arm of the above mentioned, otherwise freely and automatically rotating, oblong hook profile (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Athanasios Leontaridis
  • Patent number: 7506902
    Abstract: An auto-lock mechanism to be mounted on an image input/output device includes a first swingable element and a second swingable element. When the image input/output device is not slantwise and an upper cover of the device is opened, one of the first and second swingable elements swings but does not hook the other of the first and second elements. When the image input/output device is slantwise, both of the first and second swingable elements simultaneously swing, approach and hook each other such that the upper cover remains closed and is free from detachment to hurt a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sheng, Chun-Min Wang
  • Patent number: 7360801
    Abstract: A latching system comprising a base having a first keeper secured thereto, a closable member adapted to engage the base, an elongated member rotatably secured to the closable member, said elongated member including a first connector adapted to engage the first keeper when the closable member engages the base and the elongated member is rotated, and a latch plate assembly hingedly secured to the closable member and adapted to rotate the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Breslin, Michael H. Dilgard, Edward J. Votruba, David L. Simpson, Thomas F. Bone
  • Patent number: 7338097
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing with first and second rotors each movable relative thereto between a first latched position, a release position, and a second latched position. The first and second rotors in their first and second latched positions define a receptacle with an effective diameter and a center line that is angularly disposed to the line of a straight edge on the housing. With the rotors in their first latched positions, the center line of the receptacle is spaced from the first line a first distance. The center line of the receptacle is at a first location with the rotors in their first latched position and a second location with the rotors in their second latched positions. The first and second locations are spaced a second distance. The effective diameter of the receptacle, with the first and second rotors in their first latched positions, varies from each of the first and second distances by no more than ±40%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Tri/Mark Corporation
    Inventors: Ricci L. Marzolf, Joe Daniel Knight, Bruce E. Kallevig, Bruce E. Frohman
  • Patent number: 7152889
    Abstract: A latching system includes a rotatable cam formed of substantially symmetric pieces with a cable, connected to oppositely disposed bolts, extending therethrough. The configuration of the cam is such that when rotated, the cable is pulled in both directions with respect to each of the bolts, allowing for the bolts to move so as to disengage from their respective strikers, unlatching the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Jeffries
  • Patent number: 7137387
    Abstract: An oven lock mechanism is disclosed having a latch mechanism driven by a motor between a latched position wherein the oven door is held in a closed position and an unlatched position wherein the oven door freely opens and closes. The motor is controlled by a switch that enables rotation of the motor when in a first state and prevents rotation of the motor when in a second state. A switch actuator mechanism places the switch in the first state when the door is closed and in the second state when the door is open. The switch is mounted at the rear of the oven away from the front opening of the oven compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Charles V. Edwards, Harry I Courter, Tracy J. Talley
  • Patent number: 7097213
    Abstract: A latching arrangement for a refrigerator door includes a striker unit, a first latch arm and a second latch arm. The striker unit is secured to a cabinet of the refrigerator. The first latch arm is interconnected to the door for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the first arm releasably engages a first striker portion of the striker unit. The second latch arm is interconnected to the door for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the second latch arm releasably engages a second striker portion of the striker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: John M Antos, James C Butler
  • Patent number: 7080531
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch having a button pawl shaft for attaching two panels together at two different points. The shaft of the latch has bezels in which the shaft rotates connected to one of the panels. The shaft has pawls at both ends which engage a keeper on a second panel and disengage and clear the keeper when a force is applied to the button on the shaft thereby rotating the shaft. A precompressed torsion spring provides a force on the button at all times. When a user presses on the button thereby rotating the shaft such that the pawls disengage with keepers the spring will rotate the shaft and button back to the same position as that prior to the user applying a force on the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc
    Inventors: Fabrice Vitry, Andrew Thornton
  • Patent number: 6923478
    Abstract: A lock, especially for motor vehicles, for securing a movable part, such as a pivoting flap, in position with respect to a stationary part, such as a housing, includes two rotary latches at a certain distance apart, wherein two closing pieces engage in the rotary latches when the latches are in the closed position. The locking elements are connected to a shaft and are rotatable synchronously with the shaft. At least certain sections of the shaft have torsional rigidity in the rotational direction, but flexibility in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Huf HĂĽlsbeck & FĂĽrst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Armin Geurden
  • Patent number: 6802543
    Abstract: A door handle system for a door employing a plurality of door handles that operate in unison. Each door handle comprised of a lever with a perpendicular shaft, and the shaft extending through sequentially and securing together the following additional elements of the door handle to insure that the latch mechanism rotates together with the lever: a sealing washer, snap bushing, handle opening through the door, second bushing, collar and latch mechanism. An arm provided on each latch mechanism that attaches to a common bus bar. An outwardly extending tongue provided on each latch mechanism for engaging either a door facing or a tongue receiving bracket attached to the door facing to latch the door in a closed position. A lock bracket on the door with a lock opening to align with a lock opening provided the lever for padlocking the lever closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: AAON, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Wakefield
  • Patent number: 6779818
    Abstract: A door control mechanism including a latching member for aligning and latching a pivotal door on a cargo container. The latching member includes a single tine or locking tongue formed integral with and extending from a head portion of the latching member. A distal end of the locking tongue has a tapered configuration to promote introduction of the tine into latching relation relative to a keeper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Powerbrace Corporation
    Inventor: Brian A. Senn
  • Patent number: 6672632
    Abstract: The device comprises a housing encasing a pair of upper and lower hooks, for counter-rotational movements; a pair of upper and lower adjusting assemblies, vertically spaced in parallel with the pair of upper and lower hooks for positioning the latter within the housing; an actuating assembly including a double-armed pivot having a cylindrical body and a pair of radially extending arms, disposed between the pair of upper and lower hooks; and a pair of upper and lower connecting links, mounted between the double-armed pivot and the pair of upper and lower hooks. Upper and lower connecting links are different, to accommodate the cylindrical body, in all the positions of the hooks. The upper connecting link can partially wrap around, the cylindrical body. The lower connecting link can partially wrap around, the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Daryl F. Speed, Christopher D. Isfeld, Mark Rees-Howlett, Brent A. Foster
  • Publication number: 20040000793
    Abstract: A door control mechanism for aligning and latching a pivotal door on a cargo container is disclosed. A latching member forms part of the door control mechanism. The latching member includes a single tine or locking tongue formed integral with and extending from a head portion of the latching member. A distal end of the locking tongue is tapered to promote introduction of the tine into latching relation relative to a keeper member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Brian A. Senn
  • Patent number: 6669242
    Abstract: A latch device for sliding and hung window systems. The latch device has a mounting base (15) with which a pair of counter-rotatable cam elements (11) are mounted. A lever cover (12) is slidingly mounted on the base (15). The lever cover (12) is coupled to the cam element (11) so that sliding movement of the lever cover (12) causes the cam elements to counter-rotate. Each cam element (11) has a cam portion (22) which is engageable through an opening (41) in a keeper (14) to latchingly engage behind a cam engagement surface (42) associated with the opening (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Financial Services AB
    Inventors: Howard John Fountaine, Rana James Waitai
  • Patent number: 6616199
    Abstract: A two-stage latch is used for a tailgate on a vehicle such as an excavator or skid steer loader. The tailgate forms a cover for an engine compartment or other components of the vehicle, and the two-stage latch has a primary latch dog that will hold the cover fully closed. A secondary catch hook is used and includes a lost motion drive for actuating the latch dog. When opening the tailgate the latch hook engages a retainer bracket and will remain in a holding position so that the cover or tailgate will open slightly when the latch hook is released but cannot be fully opened until the catch hook is manually released from the retainer bracket on the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Bobcat Company
    Inventors: Thomas Tokach, Troy D. Kraft, Daniel J. Krieger
  • Patent number: 6598896
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for receiving a boat bow U-bolt includes a frame member with a receiving channel for receipt of the U-bolt. A pair of spring-biased latching members are attached to the frame member and arranged in a normally-closed condition and therein narrow the width of the receiving channel at an entrance location. The latching members are pivotally moveable to an open condition by the action of the U-bolt pushing against the latching members until the U-bolt enters the receiving channel. A release slide is included as part of the latching mechanism to allow the U-bolt to be released. The release slide is spring biased for movement from a load-launch orientation to a stowed orientation. The latching mechanism is designed to attach to a winch stand and includes two separate mounting connections for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Hyslop
  • Patent number: 6578885
    Abstract: A remotely operated bull rope release comprises a support, a releasable member having a spherical head and a remotely controlled release mechanism for releasing the end of the releasable member for separation from the support. The release mechanism includes a pair of gripping members pivotally mounted on the support on laterally opposite sides of the spherical head for displacement toward and away from the head and having spherical surfaces for capturing the head therebetween to hold the releasable member on the support. A latched, spring biased drive shaft is actuated to displace the gripping members in response to a control signal to release the head and to propel the releasable member away from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry R. Tillman
  • Patent number: 6550824
    Abstract: Disclosed is a snap lock device for a sliding door of a machine casing, which sliding door is preferably reinforced on at least one side by a sheet metal fold or a hollow rectangular profile, with a handle which is swivelably mounted at the reinforced side of the sliding door and which cooperates with a latch bolt device, and with a retaining device for receiving the latch bolt when the door is closed, this retaining device being arranged on or accommodated in a door frame or in a profile defining an opening in the machine casing. The handle comprises a bar whose ends are supported around a swivel pin extending parallel to the reinforced side of the door leaf and located behind the door leaf or inside the sheet metal fold or hollow profile, the ends of the bar being received in a bar holder, and at least one of the two bar holders is coupled with a hook which is mounted so as to be swivelable coaxially to the swivel pin and has free travel and forms the lock latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 6540268
    Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking element for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking element has first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By way of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: PARAT-Werk Schönenbach GmbH +Co. KG
    Inventor: Herbert Berhard Pauser
  • Publication number: 20030047947
    Abstract: An aperture closure system including a primary closure, a secondary closure, a disabling member, and at least one latch, the secondary closure being releasably retained in a closed position by the at least one latch, the secondary closure having an inside release lever operable via a first transmission path to release the at least one latch, the secondary closure including an external release lever operable to release the at least one latch via a second transmission path, the external release lever being connected to the disabling member, in which when the primary closure and the secondary closure are in their closed positions the primary closure cooperates with the external release lever to move the disabling member, such that the first transmission path is blocked or broken by the disabling member thus preventing the inside release lever from releasing the at least one latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nigel Victor Spurr
  • Patent number: 6502868
    Abstract: A Dual T-Lock Apparatus for T-handle latch assemblies mountable on toolboxes is a transverse lock rod connecting two T-handle latch assemblies and apparatus mounted on each T-handle latch assembly such that one latch assembly can be released, automatically releasing, through the transverse lock rod, the other latch assembly. A Dual T-Lock comprises two T-handle latch assemblies provided with the Dual T-Lock Apparatus. A toolbox is provided that fitted with a Dual T-Lock and suitable for use in a truck. A toolbox is provided that is fitted with T-handle latch assemblies fitted with a Dual T-Lock Apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Protech Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tevis Dean Laspa, Harold John Newhouse, Ted Eugene Slanker
  • Publication number: 20020195824
    Abstract: A latch device for sliding and hung window systems. The latch device has a mounting base (15) with which a pair of counter-rotatable cam elements (11) are mounted. A lever cover (12) is slidingly mounted on the base (15). The lever cover (12) is coupled to the cam element (11) so that sliding movement of the lever cover (12) causes the cam elements to counter-rotate. Each cam element (11) has a cam portion (22) which is engageable through an opening (41) in a keeper (14) to latchingly engage behind a cam engagement surface (42) associated with the opening (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Howard John Fountaine, Rana James Waitai
  • Patent number: 6336667
    Abstract: A compact, lightweight latch (38) especially adapted for use with an emergency deployment oxygen mask container (20) is provided which is made up of a minimum of parts and which can be delatched in multiple ways. The latch (38) includes a latch assembly (40) designed to be mounted in the oxygen mask container box (22) and a cooperating latch pin (44) secured to a cover (24). The assembly (40) has a primary latch body (46) supporting a diaphragm (48), latch member (50) and shiftable piston (52); the latch member (50) includes a plurality of laterally displaceable, hook-shaped locking legs (86) configured to interfit with latch pin (44). The piston (52) is shiftable in opposite axial directions within latch member (52), and cooperating surfaces on the member (50) and piston (52) serve to positively displace the latching legs (86) in response to piston movement. During pneumatic operation, the piston (52) is shifted within latch member (50) under the influence of diaphragm (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ford, Gary Hannah, Sebastien A. Ramus, Sara G. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 6213525
    Abstract: A lever action floor latch actuation mechanism for removably securing a seat to a pair of front and rear strikers on the floor of a vehicle. A riser having a forward leg and a rearward leg supports the seat above the vehicle floor. Front and rear latches are pivotally connected to the forward and rearward legs, respectively, for releasably securing the seat to the strikers. A longitudinal links pivotally interconnects the front and rear latches and an actuation member coupled to the link simultaneously moves the latches between a latched position engaging the strikers and an unlatched position disengaging the strikers. Each latch includes a cinch cam pivotally connecting the latch to the riser. The cinch cam has a cylindrical outer surface terminating at a flattened cam surface. A spacer plate is fixedly secured between the latch and the riser and includes a center aperture for rotatably receiving the cinch cam. The aperture forms a circular section and a tangential slot for seating a flexible plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Magna Interior Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk M. Nicola
  • Patent number: 6199414
    Abstract: A quick release lock for a cover is provided. The cover may be a manhole cover for closing onto a manhole ring having a radially extended flange. The quick release lock mainly includes several angularly equal-spaced cross-shaped slots provided on the cover to communicate with through holes below them, and catch elements, push elements, and cotters in the same number as that of the cross-shaped slots. The catch element each is pivotally connected to and between two fixing plates provided at two opposite sides of each through hole. The cotter each is positioned in one cross-shaped slot and extended down into she through hole. The push element each is screwed on a bar portion of the cotter below the cover. When the cotter is depressed, the push element radially pushes the catch element outward to engage with a lower edge of the flange on the ring member and thereby firmly locks the cover to the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Huang Chang
  • Patent number: 6059352
    Abstract: A door assembly for closing a door opening in a side of a body of a pick-up truck includes a rocker at a bottom portion of the door opening and a roof rail at a top portion of the door opening. The door assembly also includes a first door and second door pivotally connected to the body and joined pillarlessly between an open and closed position. The door assembly further includes a vertical reinforcement assembly disposed within either one of the first door and second door, an upper latch assembly interconnecting the vertical reinforcement assembly and the roof rail, and a lower latch assembly interconnecting the vertical reinforcement assembly and the rocker to resist inward movement of the first door and the second door from the closed position with respect to the body of the pick-up truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Eugene Heldt, Ryan Spencer Marshall, Tadeusz Joseph Siedlecki, David Rush