Sliding Patents (Class 292/137)
  • Patent number: 7543862
    Abstract: A magnet latch applying magnetic force for opening and closing the upper and lower cases is provided. The magnet latch includes a push button, a sliding block, a magnet, a magnetic hook, and an elastic member. To close the upper and lower cases, one moves the push button to slide the sliding block to one side. The magnetic hook is attracted by the magnet to move upwards. Once the magnetic hook attaches to the magnet, the push button is released and the sliding block moves toward and holds the magnetic hook, so as to achieve the purpose of magnetic latching. On the other hand, to open the upper case, one moves the push button to slide the sliding block to the other side, thereby opening up the upper case. Due to the weakened magnetic force and its own gravity, the magnetic hook returns back into the lower case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Jung-Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 7543860
    Abstract: A slide bolt assembly is slideably engaged in an astragal disposed at a free end of a semi-active door in a double-door set. The slide bolt assembly includes an elongated base that slideably engages the astragal. The slide bolt assembly defines a threaded hole and a screw lock is rotatably disposed in the threaded hole between an unlocked position and a locked position to lock the elongated base within the astragal. The screw lock defines a central portion and a rim portion peripherally surrounding the central portion. The rim portion presents a contact surface that is planar. A nipple protrudes from the central portion further than the rim portion. When the screw lock is rotated to the locked position, the nipple pierces a wall of the astragal and the contact surface of the rim portion frictionally engages the wall to lock the slide bolt assembly within the astragal at any point along the astragal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Quanex Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Meeks, Michael E. Pepper, Brian S. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 7529569
    Abstract: A mobile telephone battery cover locking mechanism includes at least one latching member and at least one spring loaded locking member adapted to securely engage the latching member at one end when the latching member is fully inserted in at least one spacing provided at that end. The latching member forces the spring loaded locking member to move against its spring bias when the latching member is being inserted in the spacing with the spring loaded locking member having moved under its spring bias when the latching member is fully inserted in the spacing. The spring loaded locking member may be moved against its spring bias to allow the fully inserted latching member to disengage from the spring loaded locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Woong Ahn, Yun-Taek Jung
  • Publication number: 20090091142
    Abstract: Doors, especially exterior doors are installed in a building long before the construction is finished. Many doors utilize multipoint lock assemblies or mortise locks, these doors typically have expensive hardware that needs to be installed in order to open, use or lock these doors. Continued use and handling of this hardware results in damage to the same. For this reason, the inventive concept includes low cost handles that can easily be installed and can be used over and over again. The low cost hardware consists of low cost handle that are passed through existing lock mechanisms within the door. The low cost handles include a grommet on one side of the door that will be inserted into an existing opening in the door as sealant against dirt and debris. Also included on the handle is a compressible tube on another side of the handle that acts to reduce any play within the temporary mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Michael L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7515404
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for fixing a cover unit to a base unit of a foldable electronic device in a closed position is provided. The latch mechanism includes a locking member, an operating member, and at least one resilient member. The base unit includes a pair of recessed portions. The locking member is adapted for be pivotably received in the cover unit. The locking member includes a pair of locking portions for engaging with the corresponding recessed portions of the base unit. The operating member is adapted for be slidably mounted to the cover unit. The operating member includes at least one latch slidable toward the locking member to drive the locking member to pivot. The resilient member is connectable with the operating member and adapted for engage with the cover unit of the foldable electronic device, for urging the operating member away from the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jie Zhang, Chien-Li Tsai, Ke-Cheng Lin, Hsuan-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7488012
    Abstract: A pin assembly includes a spring held in compression inside a case by a thermal fuse located at the back end of the pin. The fuse is thermally activated to collapse, which allows the back end of the pin to move forward. The spring drives the front end of the pin out of the case into latching engagement between a first object, such as a fire door, and a second object, such as a floor or a doorframe. The fuse and spring are located on opposite sides of a restrictive opening at the back end of the case. The fuse is preferably cylindrical, surrounds the back end of the pin and is provided with holes oriented perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the fuse forming a web. The holes weaken the fuse and cause it to collapse in a controlled manner at the desired activation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Darren C Eller, Brett E Tannone
  • Patent number: 7481468
    Abstract: A blocking apparatus is cooperable with the latch lever of a vehicle door latching mechanism to prevent the latch lever from moving during a crash event, which prevents the latching mechanism from allowing the vehicle door to open. The blocking apparatus includes a housing supporting a linearly movable plunger engagable with a cam surface on the latch lever and a blocking member pivotally mounted for movement between a normal position and a blocking position. The blocking member moves into the blocking position due to the imposition of crash forces on the blocking member during a crash event. A centering spring mechanism biases the blocking member into the normal position and can return the blocking member into the normal position to permit movement of the latch lever after the crash event has occurred. The plunger is biased into engagement with the latch lever so as to move with the cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Merideth, Kelly Kohlstrand, James Loschiavo, Venky Krishnan, Mahmoud Ghannam
  • Publication number: 20090014606
    Abstract: A foldable display stand or a display package incorporates a releasable sliding locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a folded portion which forms a pair of latching members which engage in a die-cut button opening of a panel for locking the sliding member in position. The locking mechanism may be released by depressing the latch to disengage from the opening. The sliding locking mechanism is also applicable in conjunction with locking struts for erecting a display stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: STRUCTURAL GRAPHICS, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Robert Kelly
  • Publication number: 20080302017
    Abstract: A latch for use in a window with a top sash and a bottom sash. The latch includes a housing with a bottom wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, and a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall between the opposed sidewalls. A top edge of each sidewall and a top edge of the rear wall define a first aperture, a front edge of each sidewall and a front edge of the bottom wall define a second aperture, the first aperture and the second apertures form a bolt aperture that opens into a bolt cavity. A pair of opposed guide rails depend inwardly from the top edges of the sidewalls. A bolt is slidably received by the housing, the bolt having a body with a nose, a top and a pair of opposed grooves, the grooves slidably receiving the guide rails. The body is slidably received in the bolt cavity between a first position in which the nose extends outwardly through the second aperture and a second position in which the nose is disposed entirely within the bolt cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jim Phillips
  • Patent number: 7458441
    Abstract: Latches and associated devices, including galley carts, are disclosed. An aircraft galley cart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can include a body having a payload compartment and sized to move along an aircraft seat aisle. A door can be attached to the body to be movable between an open position and a closed position. A latch can be coupled to at least one of the door and the body, and at least a portion of the latch can be movable between a secured position and an unsecured position. When the latch is in the secured position, the door can be secured with the latch releasably coupling the door and the body together at fewer than three locations. When the latch is in the unsecured position, the door can be movable from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ben P. Hu
  • Patent number: 7448164
    Abstract: A double-hung window having a uniform interior wood appearance is disclosed. The window has a head jamb and side jambs. The window has an upper and lower sash, each having a wood frame. The upper and lower sashes are held in the window by the side jambs. Lock-pins are extendable from each side of the lower sash. A concealed jamb liner cover for selective engagement with each upper side jamb is provided which has an exposed wood surface and a channel for receiving the lock-pin of the lower sash. An upper sash lock housing attached to an upper portion of the wood frame of the upper sash, is provided which holds an upper sash lock-pin for each side of the upper sash. A wooden interior upper parting stop connected to the head jamb conceals the upper sash lock housing when the window is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome J. McCabe
  • Publication number: 20080246286
    Abstract: A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: CARDINAL HEALTH 303, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Allen Ostrowski
  • Patent number: 7431354
    Abstract: A door lock includes a latch bolt and an auxiliary bolt. A stop member is supported by the auxiliary bolt and is movable relative to the auxiliary bolt between a position in which it prevents a guide element moving to a position providing deadlocking of the latch bolt, while the auxiliary bolt is in a protruding position, and a position in which it allows the guide element to move to a position providing the deadlocking of the latch bolt. The stop member allows the guide element to move to the position providing deadlocking of the latch bolt only in case both the auxiliary bolt and the latch bolt are first moved to retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventor: Juha Raatikainen
  • Patent number: 7426758
    Abstract: A crib assembly for permitting access to an infant in a crib without lifting the infant over the top of the crib includes a base panel supporting an infant when the infant is placed on the base panel. Each of a pair of opposing ends of the base panel has one of a first and second end walls coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. A front wall is hingedly coupled to the first end wall and is pivotal between a closed position and an open position. The front wall inhibits the infant sliding over the front edge of the base panel when the front wall is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Sandy A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20080211239
    Abstract: An improved version of a solenoid-releasable Baldwin® mortise lockset having thumb-lever actuators is provided. Components from a thumb-lever-actuated mortise lockset are combined with those of a knob-actuated mortise lock from the same manufacturer. The sheet metal of the rocking bolt-locking plate of the knob-actuated lockset and of the exterior thumb-lever actuator bracket from the other lockset are thinned in certain regions. In addition, a new vertical-to-horizontal motion converter arm has been designed and installed in the improved lockset. A rounded upper portion of the new converter arm operates on a bottom edge of the bolt-locking plate, causing it to pivot and release the latch bolt. The new converter arm retracts the latch bolt by operating on a projection on the front side, rather than on the back side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jon Edward Keller
  • Publication number: 20080150302
    Abstract: A bolt assembly includes a bolt head, a draw bar, and a pin. The bolt head includes a latching portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion includes an axial bore and a pin hole extending in a direction transverse to the axial bore and intersecting the axial bore. The draw bar includes a front end mounted in the axial bore of the attachment portion. The front end of the draw bar includes a notch that is aligned with the pin hole. The rear end of the draw bar includes a reference face in a fixed positional relationship to a bottom wall of the notch. The pin is mounted in the pin hole of the attachment portion and the notch of the draw bar, securing the bolt head and the draw bar together. The reference face indicates the orientation of the notch when the notch is received in the axial bore of the attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Chung-Liang Lin
  • Publication number: 20080135684
    Abstract: An aircraft door mechanism includes a solenoid connected to a support assembly. The solenoid displaces the latch pin between a solenoid energized and a solenoid de-energized position. A catch assembly rotatably connected to the support assembly is positioned to engage a 3½ degree or less taper portion of the latch pin in the solenoid energized position. When the latch pin moves to the solenoid de-energized position, a latch bolt supported by the door rotates the catch assembly. The latch bolt includes a distal bulbous end which multiplies the force applied to the door to rotate the catch assembly. If the latch pin is extended, a substantially greater force is required to force the latch pin to the solenoid de-energized position owing to the reduced taper of the latch pin. Authorized door entry is therefore easier and unauthorized door entry is made more difficult.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: James J. Kunda, Shannon J. Kupfer, Michael E. Renzelmann
  • Patent number: 7380843
    Abstract: A lock device which includes a bolt actuated by a flexible shape memory element. The memory element can assume an extended or a shortened configuration as a result of heating. A constraining element which includes two points between which an intermediate portion of the shape memory extends is also provided. At least of the two points belongs to a moveable transmission element which moves when the shape memory element extends. As a result, a controlled element is moved from between an operating position and a non-operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Stefano Alacqua, Francesco Butera, Alessandro Zanella, Gianluca Capretti
  • Patent number: 7377559
    Abstract: The tank flap of an automobile is locked via a wire spring with which an extension connected to the tank flap will cooperate. A spring-biased locking body keeps the wire spring in the releasing position when the tank flap initially is forced inwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Gramss, Carsten Albracht
  • Patent number: 7377558
    Abstract: A locking device contains a displaceable bolt and internal and external control components. In a normal state of the locking device, the internal control component and the external control component displace the bolt and, in an override state of the locking device, only the external control component engages the bolt in order to displace it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Marc Schimmler
  • Publication number: 20080111381
    Abstract: A blocking apparatus is cooperable with the latch lever of a vehicle door latching mechanism to prevent the latch lever from moving during a crash event, which prevents the latching mechanism from allowing the vehicle door to open. The blocking apparatus includes a housing supporting a linearly movable plunger engagable with a cam surface on the latch lever and a blocking member pivotally mounted for movement between a normal position and a blocking position. The blocking member moves into the blocking position due to the imposition of crash forces on the blocking member during a crash event. A centering spring mechanism biases the blocking member into the normal position and can return the blocking member into the normal position to permit movement of the latch lever after the crash event has occurred. The plunger is biased into engagement with the latch lever so as to move with the cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Marcus Merideth, Kelly Kohlstrand, James Loschiavo, Venky Krishnan, Mahmoud Ghannam
  • Patent number: 7354080
    Abstract: A lock mechanism configured to be disposed in an electronic device is provided, including a first lock element, a recovering element, a balancing element, and a second lock element. The first lock element has a lock portion and is disposed in a first body of the electronic device along a moving axis in a sliding manner. The recovering element is disposed between the first lock element and the first body and supplies a recovering force along the moving axis. One side of the balancing element is lodged into the first body, and the other side is lodged into the first lock element. The second lock element is disposed on the second body of the electronic device, and lodged into the lock portion. The balancing element ensures that the first lock element moves smoothly along the moving axis without deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Liang Lee
  • Patent number: 7338096
    Abstract: A press-type latch device for establishing latched and unlatched states with a hook includes: a press member having a press portion and connection portions extending from the press portion; and a spring member having a bottom portion and first and second latch arms extending from the bottom portion. A latch space is formed between the first and second latch arms to allow the hook to enter into the latch space and engage with at least one of the latch arms. The spring member has insertion holes formed on the first latch arm to allow the connection portions to pass through and abut against the second latch arm, when pressing the press portion, the second latch arm is pushed away from the first latch arm by the abutting connection portions, thereby unlatching the hook from the latch space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Shu-Kun Si, Tien-Chang Lin
  • Publication number: 20080042448
    Abstract: A cover latching assembly (60) for a portable electronic device (100) is provided. The portable electronic device includes a housing (10) and a cover (20) configured for attaching to the housing. The cover has a latching portion (26) formed thereon. The cover latching assembly includes a button (30) and an elastic member (40). The button includes a recessed portion (344), and the button is slidably secured on the housing. The elastic member enables the latching portion of the cover to engage with the recessed portion of the button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO,.LTD., SUTECH TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: PENG-JIN GE, HSIAO-HUA TU, JUN WANG, GANG YANG, YONG-HUI SUN, WEN-WEI SONG
  • Patent number: 7325846
    Abstract: A mechanical assist apparatus is provided for biasing an access cover relative to a housing. The mechanical assist apparatus comprises a user-engageable lever, an arm rotatably coupled to the user-engageable lever at a first joint, and a sled rotatably coupled to the arm at a second joint offset from the first joint, wherein the sled comprises a biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kelly K. Smith, Karl J. Dobler
  • Publication number: 20080023969
    Abstract: Disclosed is a temporary door lock assembly. The assembly is formed from five major components: a rosette; a bolt; a barrel; a locking arm; and an inside plate. These components are lockingly interconnected without any fasteners or the use of any tools to form a door lock. The lock can be temporarily secured within the lock opening and barrel of a door frame during residential or commercial construction to thereby delay the need to install more complicated and expensive permanent locks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Hugh Christopher MacDonald, Carl Christopher Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7316309
    Abstract: A tool container has a pair of housing members pivotally coupled with one another to provide an opened and closed position. At least one of the members defines a cavity to receive tools. The cavity is defined by a base and a wall extending from the base. A tool retaining insert is permanently secured in the cavity. The insert and wall include tenons and grooves to secure the insert in the housing member. Also, an arcuate locking mechanism is included to maintain the pair of housing members in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John P Streich, Daniel G Findle, Patrick S Keenan, David Namey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070284890
    Abstract: There is described a locking device for a mandrel shaft (2) of a motorised tool, comprising a rigid body (9) which is selectively mobile between a resting position stressed by elastic means (10) and a locking position of the mandrel shaft (2) wherein a locking portion (11) of said rigid body (9) couples with the end (12) of the mandrel shaft (2) so as to prevent the rotation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Valentini Guido
  • Patent number: 7287787
    Abstract: This invention provides a thumb-piece door latch mechanism which has ergonomic features, is modular and can be used with any escutcheon, can be used with all type locks, and which in the locked door mode provides greater resistance to abusive attack of the door latch mechanism and makes the thumb-piece and latch mechanism more durable and less susceptible to vandalism. The thumb-piece moves linearly up and down and is connected to a thumb-piece guide plate which likewise moves up and down when the thumb-piece is moved. A permissive spring having one end connected to a spindle turn plate and the other end connected to the guide plate moves a rotatably mounted spindle, which in turn rotates a spindle tail and a latch connected to the spindle tail. The permissive spring provides greater resistance to abusive attacks of the door lock and mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Brett E Tannone
  • Patent number: 7273655
    Abstract: A slidably movable member such as an adjusting shim used in a valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The slidably movable member is used in contact with lubricating oil and comprises a substrate. A hard carbon-based film is coated on a surface of the substrate. The hard carbon-based film has a surface section which contains at least one of nitrogen and oxygen in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 30 at % and/or hydrogen in an amount of not more than 10 at %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shojiro Miyake, Yoshiteru Yasuda, Makoto Kano, Yutaka Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 7267379
    Abstract: A flush bolt includes a bolt head and a strike. The bolt head moves out of the flush bolt in response to movement of the strike into the flush bolt, through a movable cam surface in the flush bolt. The bolt head is withdrawn towards the flush bolt when the strike is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Architectural Builders Hardware Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Arturo D. Rusiana
  • Patent number: 7261342
    Abstract: An automatic locking window latch including a housing for holding a handle with a fully integrated bolt for securing a window, and a catch for engaging the window to release the bolt to secure the window, as well as to hold the bolt open to open the window. The catch may include a catch body, a spring guide, and a trigger pin. The spring guide slideably fits over a post attached to the housing for guiding the catch body and positioning a catch spring. In an unlocked position, an external force acting against the trigger pin causes the catch body to slide from between the bolt and a slide surface of the housing along the post. As the catch body moves past the bolt, bolt springs push bolt extensions of the bolt through the housing and into an adjoining window molding to secure the window. The catch spring presses the catch body against the bolt until the handle pulls the bolt from the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Richard B. Smith
  • Patent number: 7201408
    Abstract: A slidable bolt assembly (4) having a tension spring (16) mounted to a slide bolt rod (5). The actuating lever (8) is adapted to be pivotally mounted and is hand-operated. The actuating lever (8) is attached to a leaf tension spring (16) at one end and securely fastened to a bolt rod (5) on the other. The bolt member (5) is projected and retracted within the door by pivotal action of the actuating lever (8). Because the slidable bolt assembly (4) is attachable to the front of a door, the assembly (4) may be used on either an active (2) or inactive (3) door. In addition, the decorative mounting plate (7) allows a user to tastefully protect his or her home or business from excessive force caused by winds, intruders or other undesirable elements and promotes safety by restricting unauthorized individuals from access into or out of a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Michael F. Cennamo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7196901
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an expansion base module, a pair of sliding members mounted slidably on the expansion base module, a system module connected to the sliding members, and a synchronizing unit including a pair of first front and rear pulleys, a pair of second front and rear pulleys, and an endless cord that is connected to the sliding members and that trains on the first front and rear and second front and rear pulleys in such a manner to permit synchronous sliding movements of the sliding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Acer Inc.
    Inventors: Arif Maskatia, Stephen Cheung, Erich Elkins, Christopher Fruhauf
  • Patent number: 7172222
    Abstract: A latch useable to secure a gate such as typically found on a pontoon boat includes a latch bolt slidably received within a barrel. A spring interposed between the bolt and the back end of the barrel maintains the bolt in an extended position protruding out the mouth of the barrel until the bolt is retracted back within the barrel. A cover carried by the latch bolt prevents debris from entering the spring area in the barrel, which could interfere with the latch's action. The latch secures the gate in its closed position with the bolt extending into a complementary receiver carried by the adjacent wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Hotovy
  • Patent number: 7165791
    Abstract: A positive action fenestration lock, i.e. adaptable to be attached to a moving window profile and to interact, by sliding, with a fixed window profile, said positive action fenestration lock comprises: a hollow body closed by a base plate; a bolt-wedge displaceable rectilinearly with respect to the hollow body and the base plate, respectively; a button located generally in the hollow body and pivotally connected to the base; an actuator and a flat spring, the latter being attached to the former, controlling together the rectilinear movement of the bolt-wedge, while the latter is activated by the button; a pair of restoring torsion springs, located between the base plate and the button, for resisting against a torque caused by the button, the latter being adaptable to be finger pressed by an operator; and a helical compression spring acting permanently on the actuator and, impliedly, on the flat spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Jacob Rebel, Kai Zhang
  • Patent number: 7114753
    Abstract: A door-latching system for a sectional door with multiple door panels helps hold the door at its fully open position in case the door's counterweight torsion spring fails to do so. The door-latching system includes a latch assembly that moves between a maintained release position and a door-blocking position. In the door-blocking position, the latch assembly helps hold the door open by providing an obstruction to the door panels. In the maintained release position, the latch assembly allows the door to move freely between open and closed positions without the door-latching system clacking as the door panels or their guide rollers travel past the latch assembly. Movement of the door panels automatically shifts the latch assembly from its release position to its door-blocking position, and manual actuation returns the latch assembly back to its release position. The latch assembly is especially suited for mounting to a track that guides the movement of the door panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Nodorft
  • Patent number: 7097212
    Abstract: A mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a vehicle door latch, comprising a rheological fluid in operable connection with an output and an input, the fluid acting so as to in a first state prevent actuation of the output upon actuation of the input and in a second state permit such actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin Willats, John Emson, Sidney Fisher, Gurbinder Kalsi, Nigel Spurr, Jean Didier, Alan Dixon, Stephen Drysdale
  • Patent number: 7050295
    Abstract: Embodiments of a bidirectional latch assembly, methods for using same and an electronic apparatus using the same can provide a bidirectional latch assembly whereby both faces of one of two bodies constituting an electronic apparatus can be selectively latched to the other body. A bidirectional latch assembly can include a casing having a seating groove formed with a passage hole, a pressure member in the seating groove and having a seating surface on one side thereof, and a latch insertable into the passage hole and having one surface seated on the seating surface. The latch can include a frame formed with a pair of latching holes on opposite sides therein, and a pair of catching protrusions integrally formed with the frame at opposite edges along the sides (e.g., middle) of the frame. A keeper can selectively engage with either one of the pair of latching holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Lai-O Kang
  • Patent number: 7048312
    Abstract: A walk-in chamber has a door opening closable by a door, which, when in the closed position can be either in a locked position or an unlocked position, dependent on the locking device, which includes a sliding bolt engageable with a locking bolt. To enable a person in the chamber to disengage the locking device, a safety mechanism is provided which enables moving the sliding bolt from an engaging position to a retracted position to enable a person to open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Rational AG
    Inventor: Hubert Brunner
  • Patent number: 7004515
    Abstract: This fenestration locking system for a swinging sash or door is characterized by the use of a linear member running continuously from an actuating assembly to a locking pin assembly. The linear member can be a flexible linear member, allowing it to convey motion to the locking pin assembly around corners. The locking pin assembly has a moveable locking pin with an actuator and an extension that can engage a keeper. The linear member has multiple actuator engagement sites along its length where the actuator of the locking pin can engage the linear member. The linear member can then be used to move the locking pin with respect to the locking pin assembly so that the extension can engage or disengage a keeper. The locking pin assembly can be mounted on a fenestration frame and the keeper opposingly mounted on a window or door mounted in the fenestration frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Patent number: 6957836
    Abstract: A lock assembly having a housing containing a push rod movable along its longitudinal axis between a locked position where the push rod is extended outwardly of the housing and a retracted, unlocked position. A movable latch moves radially to engage with the push rod to hold it in the locked position and to disengage from the push rod to allow the push rod to move to its unlocked position. The latch member has an opening that, when aligned with the main axis of the push rod, allows the push rod to pass through the opening but when the latch member is offset with respect to that axis the latch member abuts against the push rod to prevent the push rod from moving to its unlocked position. A pushbutton moves the latch member and a locking assembly blocks the movement of the pushbutton when the lock assembly is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Tactile Lock, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Briley, George T. Croft, Robert E. Schmeck
  • Patent number: 6938376
    Abstract: A door reinforcement system comprises two pairs of assemblies, each assembly having subassemblies on the inside and the outside of the door. The inside subassemblies include a plate with a channel for housing a sliding bolt, and may include three subassemblies with two bolts, each of which spans a subassembly attached to the wall structure and a subassembly attached to the door. By providing the at least two pairs of assemblies, a better reinforment is obtained by reinforcing against the torque that would be present with a single dead bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Magdy Morssi Youssef
  • Patent number: 6880997
    Abstract: There is provided a lock system for securing a printer door to prevent theft of an ink cartridge. The lock system comprises a lock housing that is attachable adjacent the printer door and which has a lateral aperture extending generally parallel thereto. The lock system further comprises a locking member disposed within the lateral aperture and which is slidable therealong between unlock and lock positions. Its locking portion becomes substantially retracted within the lateral aperture when in the unlock position. The locking portion becomes extended over the printer door when in the lock position to secure the same and prevent theft of the ink cartridge thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Security Works, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Waguespack, Christopher E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6844068
    Abstract: A slidably movable member such as an adjusting shim used in a valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The slidably movable member is used in contact with lubricating oil and comprises a substrate. A hard carbon-based film is coated on a surface of the substrate. The hard carbon-based film has a surface section which contains at least one of nitrogen and oxygen in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 30 at % and/or hydrogen in an amount of not more than 10 at %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shojiro Miyake, Yoshiteru Yasuda, Makoto Kano, Yutaka Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 6767038
    Abstract: A plastic casement windows operator has a plastic housing, a plastic sliding tounge and a plastic operating lever. The housing has a plastic main body and a plastic cover with complementary peripheral steps and peripheral energy directors and inward extending receivers and pins with energy directors for joining the cover and main body after the plastic sliding tounge and plastic operating lever are installed. The main body has an inward extending cylindrical bearing opening, which holds a cylindrical bearing integrally formed between an operating handle and an activator arm. An activator cylinder at a remote end of the arm moves in an oval groove in the sliding tounge. Wings on the tounge support opposite jugs and cylindrical guides which slide along inner guides on the cover and main body. An extension on the flat body tounge has a U-shaped opening for connecting a window linkage. Integral rims extend around the tounge, the U-shaped opening and the oval groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: G-U Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan M. Huml
  • Patent number: 6746158
    Abstract: A delatch mechanism includes wedges that reside in pockets adjacent to a post on a module when the module is latched in a cage. Pulling on a handle pulls the wedges out of the pockets so that the wedges rise and lift a tab. Pulling the delatch mechanism to a limit of its motion frees the post on the module from the tab, and further pulling transfers to the module to pull the module out of the cage. The delatch mechanism can include a spring system that returns the wedges to their pockets for latching, allows movement of the wedges relative to the module for lifting of the tab, and locks into the module to pull the module free of the cage. Handles for the latch mechanism can include a bail, a flexible tab, or fixed handle that is part of an integrated structure including the wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Merrick
  • Patent number: 6733050
    Abstract: An improved bolt dock for a door lock and particularly a bolt dock capable of locking automatically when the door is closed and preventing the bolt from deforming mainly consists of an upper bolt set and a lower bolt set covered by a lid to couple with an inner handle and an outer handle to be installed on a door. The bolt dock thus made can achieve safe locking and increase the durability of the door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Shyang Feng Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Celina Yao
  • Patent number: 6722710
    Abstract: A lock for a door comprises a casing, a bolt, a pivoted operation handle, operable to retract the bolt, a locking member to deadlock the bolt against retraction, and a unitary spring steel connecting member between the handle and the locking member. The connecting member has a central coil around a rod which acts as a pivot for the locking member and one end of the connecting member is cranked to engage in a recess of the locking member. The other end of the connecting member is shaped such that when engaged by the handle, as the handle is pivoted to retract the bolt, it transmits a force to the end at the locking member to overcome the force of a spring holding the locking member against the bolt, thereby to release the deadlocking and allow bolt retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Banham Patent Locks Limited
    Inventor: Brian Edward Cowper
  • Patent number: 6708625
    Abstract: A greaseless door lock for doors on railroad cars which eliminates the need to lubricate the door locks. The greaseless door lock includes a C-shaped bracket having a side wall and spaced apart end walls attached to the side wall wherein the end walls include aligned aperatures for slidably receiving a locking pin. The greaseless door lock includes at least one bushing mounted in each aperature to prevent the locking pin from engaging the end walls. Two semi-clyindrical bushings or one cylindrical bushing may be mounted in each aperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: ZefTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Burke, John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach