Rigid Patents (Class 292/175)
  • Publication number: 20080012352
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for a sash window assembly includes a housing having a top surface with an opening therein and a latch bolt moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch bolt is slidably supported by two clips depending from the housing. A biasing spring biases the bolt toward the extended position. A retaining member is also attached to the housing. A portion of the retaining member extends into the bolt to retain the bolt to the housing. An actuator connected to the bolt is accessible through the opening in the housing. The actuator can be manipulated by a user to move the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Mark B. Eenigenburg, Dean Pettit
  • Patent number: 7272963
    Abstract: A gate latch including a bolt portion, a sleeve portion and a channel bolt. The sleeve portion is mounted on a generally U-shaped clamp assembly that is adapted to fit around tubular gate members. The sleeve portion further includes a receiving notch and a padlock portion. The padlock portion is adapted to receive a standard padlock and to surround the shackle of the padlock so as to deter attempts to attack the shackle with cutting tools. The bolt portion includes a C-shaped channel adapted to be secured around tubular gate members and a sleeve in which the channel bolt slides. The channel bolt generally includes an elongate channel, an adjustable stop, a dead stop, a handle and a locking notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cargo Protectors, Inc.
    Inventors: Avron S. Rosenberg, Ben Bricko
  • Patent number: 7232162
    Abstract: An approved plunger assembly is provided for a door handle. The plunger assembly includes a metallic plunger and a plastic link, which are connected so as to slide together between extended and retracted positions. The plastic link minimizes friction between the plunger assembly and the housing of the door handle, and minimizes wear between the link and the pivot plate which moves the plunger assembly from the extended position to the retracted position. The metallic plunger provides increased wear-resistance from contact with the striker plate or frame which surrounds the door in which the door handle is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Trimark Corporation
    Inventor: Barbara J. Pickar
  • Patent number: 7201409
    Abstract: A retracting locking mechanism for an openable unit includes a striker attached to one of the openable unit and a fixed unit, and a catcher attached to the other of the openable unit and the fixed unit. The catcher includes an inner part, and an outer part for housing the inner part. A coil spring is disposed between the inner and outer parts for biasing the inner part in a retreating direction to pull into the outer part. A dampening device provides dampening force to the retreating movement of the inner part caused by the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takefumi Adachi, Ryuhei Nishida
  • Patent number: 7198306
    Abstract: A spring-biased locking bolt with an operating button and a bolt connected with the operating button is described, wherein the bolt is spring-biased and movable in a sleeve. The sleeve is screwed into a corresponding opening in a machine part or an item of furniture, wherein the bolt can engage in the opening. The locking bolt has an optional catch that fixes the pulled-out bolt in its raised position. A sleeve section oriented in an axial direction is formed on the operating button, wherein the longitudinally movable and spring-biased sleeve engages with its polygonal shoulder with the polygonal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Otto Ganter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Ambs
  • 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: 7146831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lockable latch for securing together a first panel to a second panel or keeper on a second panel or frame. The latch has a housing, a lockplug configured for a key, a lock collar and a return spring. When a user turns a key to rotate the lockplug and thereby lock the lockplug, the lock collar rotates through 90 degrees and a portion thereof occupies the space or gap between an edge of the first panel and a portion of the latch housing configured and dimensioned to receive the edge of the first panel or frame. As a result, space between an edge of the housing and the first panel is taken up by a portion of the locking collar due to rotation of the locking collar in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Antonucci, Robert Neale, Ismael Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7140650
    Abstract: A sliding-action slam latch includes an integrally molded actuator having a rigid portion and an flexible portion, the flexible portion serving to bias the actuator closed. Pins extending from the rigid portion of the actuator contact guide surfaces on the latch body to limit travel of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gert Berg
  • Patent number: 7118142
    Abstract: A latching apparatus for sliding windows or doors, comprising a striker and a latch assembly. The latch assembly comprises a support, a spring biased latch member slideably retained on the support and movable between a latching position in which it engages the striker and a non-latching position, a spring biased retainer connected to the support and movable between a retaining position in which it retains the latch member in the non-latching position and a non-retaining position in which it releases the latch member to move to the latching position. The retainer includes an actuating portion that is externally engageable by the striker as the frames of the closure are slid closed to move the retainer to the non-retaining position. An actuator is connected to the latch member by for returning the latch member to the non-latching position thereby freeing the frames and the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Xiangui Xu
  • Patent number: 7118143
    Abstract: A temporary door latch for a door having a face bore and an edge bore where the edge bore extends from the face bore to a lateral edge of the door. The edge bore is disposed in substantial alignment with a strike bore of a door jam. The temporary door latch includes a longitudinal bolt portion that is dimensioned to extend through the edge bore and into the strike bore when the bolt portion is in a latching position. An actuation member is disposed adjacent one distal end of the bolt portion and is selectively operable to move the bolt portion between the latching position and a non-latching position. A flexible neck portion is also provided to connect the actuation member to the bolt portion, the neck portion selectively permitting the actuation member to bend in a substantially perpendicular direction to a longitudinal axis of the bolt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Ideal Door Components Incorporated
    Inventors: Marc J. L'Heureux, Gary Hanson, Paul O. Beck
  • Patent number: 7096626
    Abstract: A tilt latch and pivot housing which has a collapsible retainer on each of its side walls extending along a substantial portion of the length thereof and angularly outwardly from the side walls of the housing. The inner surface of each retainer is spaced from the surface of the adjacent side wall of the housing, thus forming a crevice or gap designed to receive the retainer when sufficient pressure is applied to the retainer's outer surface causing the retainer to deflect inwardly. According to some embodiments, portions of the retainers adjacent to the upper engagement ends therof are beveled. The retainers may also be beveled on one end to facilitate installation of the housing into a sash. The housing may also include a collapsible retainer formed at the bottom wall of the housing for preventing longitudinal movement of the housing after installation. The present invention is also directed to methods of manufacturing sash windows having tilt latches and/or pivots incorporating the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: International Product Sources, Inc.
    Inventors: Liu Heng, Yi Cheng Hsiung
  • Patent number: 7083205
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch for securing together a panel to a keeper thus permitting opening and closing of a portion of the panel while allowing the remaining portion of the panel to remain closed. When the latch is unlatched from a keeper, a user can refasten the panel by lowering the panel until the main pawl and the keeper are fastened together by the action of the keeper on the pawl of the latch. The latch also provides for the opening and closing of a portion of one of the panels while allowing the remaining portion of that panel to remain closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Hall
  • Patent number: 7069694
    Abstract: A latch mechanism, which is coupled to a window sash that travels within a window frame, is adapted for being coupled to a pocket brace, which extends across the channel opening of the jamb pocket of the side jamb. The latch mechanism includes a main housing, a bolt, and a tension device. The main housing has a sidewall, which includes one or more sidewall sections which extends around at least a portion of the housing and defines an interior space, and has an opening in said sidewall at one end of said housing. The sidewall forms a channel within the interior space of the main housing having an end that coincides with said opening. The bolt is substantially located within the housing and travels along the channel, and has a first end which is adapted for extending through the opening of the housing and extending into the side jamb of a window frame. A first end of the bolt has a protrusion, which projects in the direction of travel of the window sash within the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Ken Fullick
  • Patent number: 7055842
    Abstract: Provided is a folding electric bicycle comprising a front frame section; a rear frame section comprising two bent arms individually having one end pivotably coupled to an axle passed rear wheel, and two auxiliary wheels rotatably mounted in open ends of the bent arms; a crossbar comprising a front end and a rear end pivotably coupled to the front and rear frame sections respectively; a latch detachably interconnected the crossbar and the rear frame section; and a down tube interconnected the front and rear frame sections. The rear frame section can either retract toward the front frame section about the unfastened latch for folding or extend from the front frame section about the unfastened latch for extending. The auxiliary wheels are either disposed above the ground when the bicycle is ready or rotatable and contact with the ground when the bicycle is folded for facilitating moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Kentfa Advanced Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Li-Ju Lin
  • Patent number: 6935661
    Abstract: A protective assembly for electronic components. The protective assembly has a chassis and a removable cover. The removable cover is secured to the chassis by a latch and a catch. The catch is biased by a spring to a first position. The latch slidingly engages the catch to displace the catch during the installation of the cover. The spring returning the catch to the first position when the cover is disposed on the chassis in the securing position. The panel being removeable by sliding the catch against the spring to release the latch from the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Arthur K. Farnsworth, Peter W. Austin
  • Patent number: 6874827
    Abstract: The present invention is a temporary latch for use in an installed door until the permanent latch for the door can be installed. The temporary latch consists of two pieces, i.e. a handle portion with tabs and a tongue portion with slots. The two pieces removably secure together within a door latch opening provided in the door by rotating the tongue portion so that the tabs of the handle portion are reversibly locked in the slots of the handle portion. The handle portion is provided with a ring for grasping and a compressible arm that retracts causing the tongue portion to be withdrawn into the door latch opening as the door is being closed and when the door is being unlocked from its door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Premiere Lock Co., L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Dodson
  • Patent number: 6874825
    Abstract: A drawer locking assembly includes a panel has a first side and a second side. The first side has a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon for selectively attaching the first side to a vertical surface adjacent to a drawer. A post is attached to the second side of the panel. The post has a terminal end. A peripheral lip is attached to and extends along a length of the terminal end. A plate has an inner surface and an outer surface. A sleeve is attached to and extends away from the inner surface. The sleeve has a free end having a well extending therein. An inwardly extending peripheral flange is attached to the free end. The terminal end of the post is positioned within the sleeve. The plate is selectively positionable over the drawer. A biasing member is positioned within the well and biases the lip away from the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Paula M. Rauner
  • Patent number: 6874826
    Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) adapted for releasably securing a pivotable sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11) is disclosed. The sash window (12) comprises a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24,26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) comprises a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44) and a cover (51). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose (47) adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The latch bolt (46) also has a slot (66). The tilt-latch (10) further has an actuator (48) having a post (90). The post (90) is received by the slot (66). The tilt-latch (10) also has a spring (50) for biasing the latch bolt (46) through the outward end opening (44). The actuator (48) is connected to the latch bolt (46) and is sized to be positioned over the entire cover (51) of the housing (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen D. Polowinczak, Vincent F. Eslick
  • Publication number: 20040251694
    Abstract: A spring biased latch mechanism is provided for securing a door to a stationary post. The mechanism includes a latch body secured to a first side of the door, the latch body having first and second striker bar receiving flanges extending from the door, each of the flanges having at least one striker bar receiving aperture formed therein. The latch body further includes a compression spring flange extending from the door proximate the first striker bar receiving flange. A striker plate is connected to a stationary post. The striker plate includes a first flange extending from the post and having a striker bar receiving aperture formed therein. A striker bar supported by the latch body is translatable within the striker bar receiving apertures, and into the striker plate aperture. A compression spring is disposed between the latch body compression spring flange and the striker bar, the compressions spring being operative to urge the striker bar into locking engagement with the striker plate flange aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Gorski
  • Patent number: 6795307
    Abstract: A tool-less latch mechanism for attaching a panel to an enclosure for electronic equipment such as a computer. A lever is mounted to a first enclosure component at a pivot point and is operable to move in a pivot plane. A pawl extends from the lever substantially orthogonal to the pivot plane, and an arcuate slot is fixed on a second enclosure component. When the lever pivots from an open to a closed position, engagement of the pawl with a first surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in a first longitudinal direction. When the lever pivots from the closed to the open position, engagement of the pawl with a second surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in an opposite longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Porter Rodgers Arbogast, Arlen L. Roesner, David W. Mayer, Tom J. Searby, Clint E. Conrady, Tillman Frazier Taylor
  • Patent number: 6746058
    Abstract: A spring-loaded, locking press pin assembly with a pin which extends axially through a guide sleeve and is connected at its upper end with a button, whereby a covered locking device is formed between the button and the guide sleeve. The locking device includes a ring recess, which is located in the button and is downwardly open in the axial direction, into which the guide sleeve engages in a spring-loaded manner with at least two locking teeth, opposite to each other and forming an axial slot between each other. The retainer area for the pressure spring is located in a downwardly open borehole in the guide sleeve and this borehole is located in an axial direction below the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Otto Ganter GmbH & Co. KG Normteilefabrik
    Inventor: Rudolf Kienzler
  • Patent number: 6722713
    Abstract: A slide latch is disclosed that slides between an open position and a closed position to releasably secure a panel in the closed position. The slide latch is moved toward the nearest edge of the panel in order to move the latch to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Straka, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6722712
    Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) adapted for releasably securing a pivotable sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11) is disclosed. The sash window (12) comprises a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24,26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) comprises a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44) and a tongue (76) extending along a bottom wall (45) of the housing (42). The housing (42) also has a cover (51) having an elongated opening (70) defining a pair of rails (72,74). The housing (42) further has an outer edge (110). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose (47) adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The latch bolt (46) has a first bolt channel (82) in cooperative sliding engagement with the first tongue (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6715805
    Abstract: A locking device having a lock latch (5) which is movable between a first protruded lock position and a second withdrawn position. The locking device has an arm (7) and a flange (10). The arm (7), the flange (10) and the lock latch (5) are arranged in a way that the arm (7) turns backwards against action of a resilient force, looked at in relation to the front end of the lock latch, simultaneously as the look latch (5) is moved backwards towards the second position and the flange (10) turns in the same direction as the arm (7) when a pressure is exerted on the side of the arm (7) turned towards the flange (10), and that the arm (7) and the flange (10) turn forward and the lock latch (5) is moved forward towards the lock position during action of the resilient force when the pressure on the arm (7) decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Göran Ågren
  • Patent number: 6709030
    Abstract: A latch for use on boats or the like, presenting a substantially water impervious exterior. The unlatching element is mounted to the exterior by an axle, which is mounted horizontally and extends through the face of the latch at a portion that is substantially vertical when mounted and further substantially filled with the axle or a securement device. The axle rotates with the latch and operates a cam that directly moves the latch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Marine Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Donn Furlong
  • Patent number: 6674641
    Abstract: A computer chassis includes heat generating components and a fan housing adjacent the components. A plate is mounted in the fan housing. A first flexible member extends from the plate. A second flexible member extends from the plate and is spaced apart from the first member. A grip member interconnects a distal end of the first and second members spaced apart from the plate. A latch extends from adjacent the grip member. An anti-buckle member extends between the first and second members for maintaining the flexible members spaced apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Ralph Warren Jensen, Bruce McLellan, Robert Boyd Curtis
  • Publication number: 20030214136
    Abstract: A slidable closure for a pivoting cover of a storing compartment in a vehicle. The slidable closure comprises an integral one-piece plastic member comprising a closure member and a resiliently deformable spring member. The closure member has a gripping portion, a catch and a flange. The slidable closure when mounted within an opening of the pivoting cover, is slidably guided by the flange slidably engaging one side of the pivoting cover and by the catch and the spring member slidably engaging the other side of the pivoting cover, such that the closure member is slidably displaceable relative to a fixedly supported end of the spring member in a longitudinal direction between opening and closing positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Dembowsky, Rainer Sussenbach, Wolfgang Hesse
  • Patent number: 6631931
    Abstract: A lock for a swinging door comprises a lock casing having a fore-end and at least a first side wall. A first bolt is spring-loaded for engagement with a stationary engagement member of a door case or the like and is movable between a locking position in which it does not extend beyond the fore-end, and an open position, in which it is retracted into the lock casing. The lock casing has an opening in its fore-end and its first side wall, said opening enabling engagement between the stationary engagement member and the first bolt in its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Claes Magnusson
  • Patent number: 6618996
    Abstract: An access panel for covering an aperture in a structure such as a wall includes a planar panel member having inner and outer sides and a mounting member attached to the panel member adjacent a first edge thereof The mounting member extends rearwardly from the inner side of the panel and is arranged to engage the structure. A movable clip member is mounted on the panel member and extends rearwardly from the inner side and this member is linearly movable in a direction parallel to the panel from a first position spaced from an edge of the panel to a second position closer to this edge. A spring biases the clip member towards the second position and yieldably holds the clip member in this position. Preferably the panel has a guide track formed therein and the clip member is mounted for sliding movement along this track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Novera Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerzy Marek Szyjkowski
  • Patent number: 6616200
    Abstract: A slide latch assembly (10) includes an elongated housing (18) that slidably receives a latch pawl (36) with a leaf spring (42) having a pair of legs (44) that bias the latch pawl toward a latched position. The construction of the housing (18) and the latch pawl (36) permit the latch assembly to have a relatively thin construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Tiesler
  • Patent number: 6570757
    Abstract: Improved housings for computing devices are disclosed. One improvement pertains to a multi-axis ventilation system. Another improvement pertains to a push button latch for a portable computer. Still another improvement pertains to a media bay ejection system provided with a dampener. These improvements can be provided separately or in any combination in a given computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Andy Johnston, Sung H. Kim, Bart Andre
  • Patent number: 6550838
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a cargo box having a support deck and a wall structure extending therefrom. The tailgate assembly comprises a pair of brackets positioned along the wall structure at spaced apart locations and a tailgate pivotally mounted between the brackets and releasably securable to the wall structure via a latch mechanism. The tailgate assembly has a hinge assembly which allows the tailgate to be installed and removed without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Bobbitt, III, Byron J. Danielson, David N. Schult, Steven D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030067174
    Abstract: A lock for preventing one member from moving relative to another member has a housing securable to one member, and a plunger unit mounted in the housing. The plunger unit has a sleeve, a plunger slidably mounted in the sleeve, and a spring acting between the plunger and the sleeve to resiliently bias the plunger to a locking position in which a free end portion of the plunger projects from one end of the sleeve. The plunger also has a manually operable portion projecting from an opposite end of the sleeve. In the locking position, the free end portion of the plunger projects from the housing to extend into an aperture in the other member, when the housing is secured to the one member, and thereby prevent relative movement between the members. The plunger also has an unlocking position in which the free end portion thereof is withdrawn from the aperture in the other member by pulling the manually operable portion against the action of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Edmond L. Rampen
  • Publication number: 20030001395
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for latching and unlatching a removable cover referred to as a “removable element” on a box referred to as a “fixed element”, the device comprising a latch provided on one of the elements and slidable between a latched position in which one end of the latch is in contact with the other element and unlatched position in which said end is not in contact with the other element, said latch having a gripping surface enabling it to be caused to slide. According to the invention, it has means for locking the latch in the unlatched position, at least until the cover is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Philippe Barthelet, Gilles Durand, Yves Jouffret, Oliver Lautrec
  • Patent number: 6485070
    Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) adapted for releasably securing a pivotable sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11) is disclosed. The sash window (12) comprises a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24,26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) comprises a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44) and a tongue (76) extending along a bottom wall (45) of the housing (42). The housing (42) also has a cover (51) having an elongated opening (70) defining a pair of rails (72,74). The housing (42) further has an outer edge (110). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose (47) adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The latch bolt (46) has a first bolt channel (82) in cooperative sliding engagement with the first tongue (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6485069
    Abstract: The present invention is a two piece plastic door latch for use with hinged doors. The invention is intended as a temporary replacement of a traditional doorknob system, and is specifically designed for use during construction of a building. A typical door includes a cutout for mounting the door knob assembly and a bore extending from the front edge of the door to the cutout, through which passes the door latch bolt. The invention consists of a tubular casing with a latch plate formed at one end and a latch bolt slidably mounted within a glide path formed within the casing. The casing is inserted into the bore and secured to the edge of a door by the latch plate. The latch bolt extends outwardly from the casing to engage a strike plate secured to the doorjamb. A rubber band secured to the casing engages the latch bolt to urge the latch bolt to its extended position, with the head of the latch bolt extending outward of the door edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6457789
    Abstract: A cassette intended for building up drawer cabinets, in which a drawer having a frontal piece is included, a lock is included in the drawer for locking of the same in the cassette. The lock includes a house located inside the frontal piece of the drawer and in connection with an opening therein, inside which house there is a spring-loaded plunger, which is movable vertically in relation to a hole in a bottom piece of the drawer, between a lower, locking position in which a free end of the plunger is behind and below an upper edge of a flange in a frontal frame of the cassette, and an upper, opening position in which the free end of the plunger is located above the flange and goes free therefrom. By the location thereof in the bottom part of the drawer, the lock guarantees that heavily loaded thereby deformed drawers do not risk to unintentionally be pulled out from the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: System Edstrom Biliredningar AB
    Inventor: Lars Hällsten
  • Patent number: 6435572
    Abstract: A console latch for securing a first console closure panel to a first compartment bin and for securing the first compartment bin to a second compartment bin, the latch including a double pawl member with pawl latching elements on each end thereof, and an actuation button for actuating the latch, a locking member being carried on the housing and selectively positionable between a first position which permits actuation of the pawl and a second position which prevents actuation of the pawl. The actuating member including a living spring element which returns the member to its original position after it has been depressed for actuation, and the double pawl member including a spring feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Loc B. Ticu, Gerry Clisham
  • Publication number: 20020070563
    Abstract: A side panel slam action latch comprising a two-piece assembly embodied in a rigid housing and a relatively flexible pawl member. The flexible portion of the pawl serving to actuate the pawl from a closed position to an open position. Locking pegs extend from the pawl to lock the latch, and upon actuation of the pawl, the locking pegs retract and allow for opening and closing of the door panel, which houses the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Fabrice Vitry
  • Patent number: 6371535
    Abstract: An easily releasable locking device includes upper and lower assemblies of latch and cavity members adapted to be disposed between a right lateral wall of a battery pack and a right inner side wall of a bottom wall of a portable battery-powered apparatus respectively, and aligned with each other and spaced apart in a transverse direction. The latch member and the cavity member of each assembly are disposed on the right inner side wall and the right lateral wall, respectively. The latch members are biased by two biasing members to be movable towards the corresponding cavity members. Two ejecting members are disposed between the right lateral wall and the right inner side wall, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Mitac International Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Hsien Wei, Dong-Sen Chen
  • Patent number: 6364377
    Abstract: An improved lock mechanism for connecting an upper lid portion to a lower box portion is provided. The upper lid portion is provided with a locking pin extending downwardly from a lower surface of the upper lid portion. The lower box section has a vertical pin receiving socket extending from an opening in an upper surface of the lower box portion to receive the locking pin. The pin receiving socket opens into a horizontal slide bore extending from an opening in a front surface of the lower box section. A lock button, having a lock slot and a slide slot, is slidably disposed within the slide bore between a forward extended position and a depressed rearward position. A spring biases the lock button to the forward extended position. In the forward extended position, the lock slot secures the upper lid to the lower box by releasably engaging the enlarged head of the locking pin, which extends through the pin receiving socket into the slide bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Gordon A. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6340183
    Abstract: The description relates to a bolt lock for mounting in a thin wall, such as a sheet metal cabinet door, comprising a handle plate which can snap into a rectangular cutout in the thin wall and which has, at one side of the rectangle, a bolt that is supported so as to be displaceable against spring force relative to the thin wall, wherein, the bolt is formed by a second plate which is supported so as to be displaceable against the spring force in the first plate which is held in the thin wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Publication number: 20010045751
    Abstract: An easily releasable locking device includes upper and lower assemblies of latch and cavity members adapted to be disposed between a right lateral wall of a battery pack and a right inner side wall of a bottom wall of a portable battery-powered apparatus respectively, and aligned with each other and spaced apart in a transverse direction. The latch member and the cavity member of each assembly are disposed on the right inner side wall and the right lateral wall, respectively. The latch members are biased by two biasing members to be movable towards the corresponding cavity members. Two ejecting members are disposed between the right lateral wall and the right inner side wall, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: CHIH-HSIEN WEI, DONG-SEN CHEN
  • Patent number: 6305726
    Abstract: A latch assembly of the present invention is configured for latching a first wall member and a second wall member to one another. The latch assembly includes a base portion, a locking member and a spring member. One of the first and second wall members is moveable relative to the other. The base portion is fixed to the second wall portion. The locking member is movably connected to the base portion and is moveable relative to the base portion between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member is adapted to engage the first wall member in a manner to prevent relative movement between the first and second wall members when the locking member is in the locked position, and to permit relative movement between the first and second wall members when the locking member is in the unlocked position. The spring member is adapted for engaging the base portion and the locking member in a manner for urging the locking member toward the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Allibert-Contico, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stephane F. LeTrudet
  • Patent number: 6302454
    Abstract: A battery lock mechanism includes a first sliding operation member and a second sliding operation member. When the second sliding operation member is operated, a battery is released from a locked condition. Initially, an operation knob of the first sliding operation member is exposed through a rectangular window. When the first sliding operation member is driven in a first direction, the operation knob of the second sliding operation member is exposed through the rectangular window so that the second sliding operation member becomes movable in a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinichiro Tsurumaru, Fumio Nakadaira
  • Patent number: 6299223
    Abstract: A plunger latch includes a housing and a generally elongate shaft that is driven in the housing between extended and retracted positions. A spring or similar member can be provided for urging the shaft to its extended position. Also, the plunger latch can be adapted so that the shaft is retained in its extended position and/or its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Lianli Ji, Ralph C. Ulisse
  • Patent number: 6296285
    Abstract: A locking handle for a refrigerator includes a mounting element rigidly secured to a refrigerator door, a hand grip rigidly secured to the mounting element, and a latch attached to the mounting element. The latch has a catch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and an actuator operably connected to the catch for moving the catch from the locked position to the unlocked position. The latch provides a positive lock which is actuated to an unlocked position with a manipulation separate from pulling the hand grip but has an actuator located near the hand grip so that it can be manipulated by a hand grasping and pulling the hand grip. In a first embodiment, the catch is integrally molded with the mounting portion and is laterally deflectable away from a retainer mounted beside the door. In a second embodiment the catch is a vertically extending spindle which is downwardly movable away from a retainer mounted above the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunnar Alvring, Kenneth Anderson, Per-Olof Lindqvist, Andrew Moseley, Bo Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20010019212
    Abstract: A door latch 100 comprises a housing 110 fixed to a hinged door, and a knob 140 is slidably guided within a slit 112 formed to the housing 110. A bolt 130 inserted to a bolt guide 120 is fixed to the knob 140 using a screw 160. The sliding movement of said knob 140 is limited by both end portions 112a and 112b of a slit 112, against which said knob 140 collides. A plastic damper 150 is equipped to the position of collision for muffling collision noise. A ball 136 providing detent for said bolt is also made of plastic, providing a further muffling effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Jamco Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuto Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6183024
    Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) is adapted for releasably securing a pivotable sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11). The sash window 12 comprises a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24,26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch 10 comprises a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44) and a pair of sidewalls (56,58). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The sidewalls (56,58) each have a first segment (80,82) and a second segment (84,86). The first segment (80,82) has a lesser thickness t1 than the second segment 84,86 providing a gap (g1,g2)between each sidewall (56,58) and the latch bolt (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Schultz, James G. Prete
  • Patent number: RE37916
    Abstract: A latch mechanism is described having a housing comprised of a top plate having an aperture, side walls and an end wall depending from the top plate so as to leave a ledge adjacent its periphery, resilient tabs extending outwardly from said side walls and toward said top plate, slots in the side walls parallel to the top plate, a bolt suspended in said housing by wings extending into respective slots and a spring between the end wall of said housing and an end of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Peter Szapucki, Richard Kulkaski