Spring Retracted Patents (Class 292/229)
  • Patent number: 11725423
    Abstract: A locking device for a door located at a door frame having a door strike. The locking device includes an actuator having a neutral position and a displaced position, and a latchbolt assembly having an extended position configured to engage the door strike, and a retracted position configured to move past the door strike. The latchbolt assembly includes a latchbolt link configured to move the latchbolt in response to movement of the actuator. A first dampening device is disposed adjacent to the latchbolt link, with the dampening device resiliently engaging the latchbolt link as the latchbolt link moves from the retracted position to the extended position. The first dampening device limits movement of the latchbolt link. A second dampening device is configured to restrain movement of the latchbolt during movement from the retracted position to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Bhargav Yalamati, Chetan V, Sachin Chandra Shetty, Prabhat Kumar Yadav
  • Patent number: 11702868
    Abstract: A hood safety system for a vehicle prevents a hood of the vehicle from being unlocked in a crash event. The system includes a hood locking mechanism and a crash safety mechanism attached to a front structure in a front section of the vehicle. The hood locking mechanism may manually release the hood from a locked position to an unlocked position. The crash safety mechanism includes a crash pin displaceable between an inactivated state and an activated state. In the inactivated state the crash pin is disengaged from the hood locking mechanism and, in the activated state, the crash pin engages the hood locking mechanism to prevent the hood locking mechanism from displacing the hood into the unlocked position. A front section of the vehicle, when deformed by a crash event, is configured to mechanically displace the crash pin from the inactivated state to the activated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventors: David Gallegos, Siet-ming Law Hing Ping
  • Patent number: 11585127
    Abstract: A motor vehicle lock including configured to pivot along a cinching path, including a first section and a second section, between an open position, a primary closed position, and a secondary closed position. A pawl moveable between a released state, disengaged from the catch, and an engaged state, engaged with the catch. A first cinching mechanism including a first engagement lever configured to engage and pivot the catch along the first section. A second cinching mechanism including a second engagement lever configured to engage and pivot the catch along at least a portion of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: David Rosales
  • Patent number: 11536064
    Abstract: A latch mechanism configured to engage a mating pin is disclosed. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism includes a latch frame; a latch arm pivotally mounted to the latch frame at a pivot axis; and a bias member configured to apply a load to the latch arm in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the pivot axis and to bias the latch arm from rotating in a first rotational direction about the pivot axis and from rotating away from the mating pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc
    Inventors: Steven Micallef, Rosa Gonzalez, Hugo Almaraz
  • Patent number: 11428032
    Abstract: A lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a bonnet lock, having a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a locking pin and an ejector interacting with the locking pin, wherein the locking pin can be brought into a lifting-off position by means of the ejector, and with at least one electrically actuable means for moving the lock holder from the lifting-off position into a locking position, wherein a drive lever can be brought into engagement with the ejector, and wherein the drive lever interacts with a pull-closed lever, wherein the drive lever is connectable to the rotary latch by means of the pull-closed lever only after a securing position is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Christian Sturm, Bernhard Drost
  • Patent number: 11421370
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub. The basket defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The basket is positioned proximate an aperture in the cabinet and, as a result of such positioning, the wash chamber is accessible through the aperture. A door is rotatably mounted to the cabinet. A lock is configured to engage the door and prevent the door from rotating when the door is closed and the lock is locked. A light is mounted to the lock and the light is positioned and oriented to illuminate the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright, Peter Hans Bensel
  • Patent number: 11396762
    Abstract: A cable operated mechanical locking external disconnect enclosure for multi-point latch uses. The enclosures provide safety, in that, once the main enclosure door is closed, and the disconnect is turned on, the main enclosure is locked and only automatically unlocks when the disconnect is turned off. Thus, the door of the disconnect enclosure is locked when the disconnect or circuit breakers are turned to the on position. There is also a manual by-pass latch for each door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Ron Zeitler
  • Patent number: 11098508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1) comprising a locking mechanism that includes a rotary latch (2), at least one pawl (3), a triggering lever (4) that allows the pawl (3) to disengage from the rotary latch (2), and a latching lever function that allows the triggering lever (4) which is actuated for disengaging the rotary latch (2) to be secured in an actuated position; the triggering lever can be guided by the rotary latch (2) only in some sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Holger Schiffer
  • Patent number: 11072433
    Abstract: A locking system for locking a cowl to a fixed structure including first and second parts, the first part including a first hook moveable on the cowl and a first shaft fixed to the fixed structure in which the first hook is moveable between locked and unlocked positions, in which the second part includes a handle actuateable between closed and open positions, a second hook and a second shaft fixed to the fixed structure or to another cowl symmetric with the cowl, in which the second hook is moveable between locked and unlocked positions and in which the second hook is mounted where passage of the handle from the closed to open positions causes the second hook to pass from the locked into the unlocked position and vice versa, and in which the locking system also includes a transmission system to move the first hook from the locked into the unlocked position when the handle passes from the closed into the open position, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Thierry Gaches, Mathieu Kaleta, Pascal Gougeon, Lionel Czapla, Frédéric Piard, Bastian Sabathier, Lionel Sillieres
  • Patent number: 11047155
    Abstract: A concealed anti-tamper device to prevent unauthorized opening and tampering with a manufactured product includes a shell, an anti-dismantling structure concealed in the shell, and at least one key. The shell defines a through hole and a slot. The anti-dismantling structure includes anti-dismantling hook module with hook, driving module, and resetting component anti-dismantling hook module. The anti-dismantling hook module is movable within the shell, and when the product is to be locked, the separate key rotates the driving module, which drives the hook of the anti-dismantling hook module to embed in the slot. The key is rotated in the opposite direction to unlock, until the driving module separates from the anti-dismantling hook module, and the resetting component separates the hook from the slot by the restoring force of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: NANNING FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 10676971
    Abstract: A latch includes a base having a bore extending therethrough defining an axis, a plunger positioned within the bore and rotatable about the axis, a drive shaft positioned adjacent the base and engaged with the plunger such that rotation of the plunger about the axis causes corresponding rotation of the drive shaft about the axis, a bracket positioned adjacent the base and the drive shaft and engaged with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft about the axis causes movement of the bracket, and a closure element coupled to the bracket such that movement of the bracket causes the closure element to move between a position wherein the closure element allows a structure to move with respect to an adjacent structure and a position in which the closure element prevents the structure from moving with respect to the adjacent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Arconic Inc.
    Inventor: Thai Do
  • Patent number: 10604977
    Abstract: A latch including a housing having side members each having an elongated slot, a bolt mounted rotatably to the housing and positioned between the side members of the housing, a trigger mounted rotatably to the housing, and a pin and roller positioned slidably within the elongated slots of the side members of the housing. The bolt is moveable between a first, closed position and a second open position. The trigger is moveable between a first position, in which the pin and roller are engaged with the bolt when the bolt is in its first position, and a second position, in which the pin and roller are disengaged from the bolt. The latch can be opened automatically when a defined load is provided on the bolt, or manually by depressing the trigger to disengage the pin and roller from the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Arconic Inc.
    Inventor: Thai Do
  • Patent number: 10041279
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door arrangement, wherein a pivotable catch and an inlet mouth for a lock striker are provided, wherein the catch can be brought into at least one closed position and into at least one open position, wherein the catch as such in its closed position may hold the lock striker by a holding engagement between the catch and the lock striker and in its open position may release the lock striker, wherein during a closing cycle the lock striker comes into an actuating engagement with the motor vehicle lock such that the catch moves from its open position into the direction of its closed position, preferably into its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventors: David Rosales, Michael Wittelsbuerger
  • Patent number: 9273497
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door latch includes a rotary latch which encompasses a closing element when in the closed position, and is preloaded toward an open position of the closing element. A safety catch is engaged with the rotary latch so that the rotary latch is prevented from moving toward the open position. A coupling section of the safety catch is dynamically coupled with a drive element and moves the safety catch between the engagement position and a releasing position so that the rotary latch can move toward the open position. The opening sound is reduced to a minimum. The drive element moves the safety catch from the engagement position toward the releasing position so that the rotary latch, which is still engaged with the safety catch during such movement, moves toward the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Artur Torka, Udo Orzech
  • Patent number: 9169678
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for use in attaching portions or panels on an aircraft. The latch mechanism and related method include a detent mechanism for releasably coupling a bolt portion of the latch to a handle portion of the latch. The latch allows the bolt and handle to conjointly pivot with respect to a corresponding mounting bracket. The latch operates to relieve pressure in an excess pressure condition when the forces associated with the detention mechanism are overcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy S. Rozema
  • Publication number: 20150108771
    Abstract: A solenoid-driven latch and ejector device to latch and selectively unlatch and eject an object. An electromechanical solenoid produces linear motion, and a latch and ejector arm is operatively coupled to the solenoid for pivotal movement about a pivot axis of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: John Todd Barrett, Fred P. Schoville
  • Publication number: 20140373580
    Abstract: A paddle latch having a pan with a well, a paddle handle, a handle pivot, a rotary latch portion, and a trigger arm arrangement. The paddle handle pivot has a pin that non-rotatably engages with the paddle handle to pivotally attach the paddle handle in the well of the pan and has a pin trigger. The rotary latch portion has a housing containing a rotary hook with a mouth and a rotary trigger. The rotary trigger retains the rotary hook in either an open position where the mouth of the rotary hook is accessible from outside of the housing, or semi-closed or completely closed positions, where the mouth is blocked by the housing. The trigger arm arrangement is adapted to transfer of pivotal movement of the paddle handle to the rotary trigger to release the rotary hook from the semi-closed position or the completely closed position to its open position. Only when the rotary hook is in the semi-closed position will the paddle handle be automatically partially tilted out from the well of the pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: TAM LE
  • Publication number: 20140353984
    Abstract: A locking apparatus is provided that relates to a fastener and is used to solve a problem that time and labor are consumed and installation efficiency is low in a locking process of an existing locking apparatus. The locking apparatus is configured to lock a first module and a second module, and includes a locking body that is installed on the first module and a locking piece that is installed on the second module. The locking body includes a housing and a rotating block disposed inside the housing, where the rotating block is connected to a handle that drives the rotating block to rotate out of or into the housing, and the locking piece has a notch that accommodates the rotating block. The present invention is used to implement locking between modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Chang Shi, Lang Xu
  • Patent number: 8857230
    Abstract: A lock for a retractable cover which overlies a bed of a pickup truck has a cover-connectable housing and a handle that pivots relative to the housing for clamping a pointed tip of a flexibly mounted fastener into engagement with a nearby member such as a guide rail extending along one side of the bed of a pickup truck to retain a housing-connected retractable cover in a chosen position. A push button trigger pivoted on the handle is depressable to unlatch the handle and thereby release the clamping action of the handle. A torsion spring biases the trigger relative to the handle. A compression spring biases the handle relative to the housing. A leaf spring flexibly mounts the fastener on the handle. A key-operated plug assembly may retain the trigger in a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Michael O. Misner
  • Publication number: 20140265784
    Abstract: A compliant drawer latch is provided. The compliant drawer latch includes a first portion affixed to an inside surface of a chassis, and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion includes a latch strike plate, a latch spring cap plate, and a latch return spring arranged between the latch strike plate and the latch spring cap plate. A drawer contacts the latch strike plate when the drawer is seated in the chassis. When the drawer over-travels the latch strike plate compresses the latch return spring up to a predetermined distance, and the compressed latch return spring applies force to the latch strike plate to return the latch strike plate to a latching position when the drawer rebounds from over-travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Dot Hill Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Russell, David Michael Keffeler, Andrew Rudolph Heyd, Christopher Ellis Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20140252784
    Abstract: A rotary latch has a housing having first and second posts therein. A catch is mounted for rotation about the first post between latched and unlatched positions. A pawl is mounted for rotation about the second post between a catch-retaining position and a catch-releasing position. When the catch is in the latched position and the pawl is in the catch-retaining position, the pawl engages the catch and prevents it from rotating out of the latched position. When the pawl is in the catch-releasing position the catch is movable to its unlatched position. A motor and gear train mounted in the housing includes an output gear mounted for rotation about the second post. The output gear is in engagement with the pawl such that activation of the motor causes the output gear to rotate the pawl to the catch-releasing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Dale R. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20140183881
    Abstract: A locking device is described including: a rotary motor; a worm drive arrangement including a worm and a gear; and a pivotally mounted bolt which is rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position; the motor is arranged to drive the worm to rotate the gear; as the gear rotates it cooperates with a cam formation associated with the bolt to move the bolt between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Fire & Security Hardware Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ernest Armari, Michael Trevor Mackle
  • Patent number: 8651535
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide an electric household appliance, especially a dishwasher, comprising a child-proof lock which has a simple and reliable design and is easy to operate. According to the invention, a means for selectively blocking or slide which can be moved between two positions blocks, in a first position, the movement of the locking member, thereby activating the child-safety feature, and in a second position of the means for selectively blocking, does not block the movement of the locking member, thereby deactivating the child-safety feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Oppel, Erich Schmid
  • Publication number: 20130147212
    Abstract: A glove compartment device having a lock body being mounted directly on a lid and of a latch urging spring provided between a pivoting latch and the lock body with a spring force urging the pivoting latch to the side where engagement with a striker is released. A plate spring that is mounted on the lock body urging so as to urge the striker to the side to disengage from the pivoting latch when the plate spring has one end thereof engaged with the lock body before mounting of the plate spring onto the lock body is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: c/o KABUSHIKI KAISHA HONDA LOCK
    Inventors: Takuya Miyagawa, Kazuki Moro
  • Publication number: 20120235426
    Abstract: The invention relates to an unlatching device (20) for public transportation vehicles, comprising a deflection rocker (4) connected to a first rotatable shaft (6), said deflection rock being connected by means of a connecting element (5), to an unlocking element of a lock and being provided with a projecting driving pin (11), and further comprising an actuating lever (8), which is mounted on the first shaft (6) and rotatable about the first shaft (6), and a cam wheel (1) connected to a second rotatable shaft (7), said cam wheel meshing with the deflection rocker (4). A rotation of the cam wheel (1) causes a pivoting of the deflection rocker (4), and thus a movement of the connecting element (5) and unlocking of the lock. Rotating the actuating lever (8) causes the actuating lever (8) to come in contact with the driving pin (11), and to catch said driving pin and during further rotation also the deflection rocker (4), whereby the connecting element (5) is moved and the lock unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GEBR. BODE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Pellegrini, Lars Linnenkohl, Andreas Schunke
  • Publication number: 20110147387
    Abstract: A latch for an electrical device enclosure, wherein the latch comprises a moveable member operable in response to high pressure conditions inside the enclosure, and is configured to prevent opening of the enclosure in the event of high pressure conditions inside the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Peter James Greenwood, Seth Adam Cutler, Maxime Pean
  • Patent number: 7842138
    Abstract: An opposition device for locking and/or braking a swing door of a dishwashing machine, in which the door is movable about a horizontal rotation axis and along a predetermined trajectory, between at least two opposite, respectively open and closed, limit positions. A contoured leaf spring is fitted integrally to a casing of the machine. The contoured leaf spring has a first and second flexible arm projecting forward. A substantially rigid arm is fixed for movement with the door, and projects inward from the door and towards the contoured leaf spring. The first and second flexible arm of the contoured leaf spring, and the rigid arm of the door cooperate, in use, in sliding contact with one another along at least part of the predetermined trajectory of the door, to oppose rotation of the door at least close to the two opposite limit positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gianluca Pardini
  • Publication number: 20100102574
    Abstract: A vehicular container, lid-latching system and method is practiced by outfitting a vehicular container and container lid with an automatic uniquely configured latch mechanism and a latch-engaging structure uniquely configured to cooperably engage the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is automatically operable by way of engagement with structure directed thereagainst and preferably outfitted upon the container at one end thereof. The latch-engaging structure, preferably outfitted upon the lid, engages the latching mechanism under a directed load and for automatic and selective latching securement or latching release of the lid relative to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: John B. Brewster, Stuart H. Thomson, Arthur Poulopoulos, Mark Y. Zhan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090091143
    Abstract: A mechanism for locking a window (5) or door in a closed position, consisting of a bolt (11) with a tap (7) and a driving mechanism (12) to shift the bolt (11) with the tap (7) in an axial direction between two positions corresponding to a locked and a non-locked position respectively of the window (5) or door, wherein the mechanism (1) is provided with a release which is possible to move the tap (7) from the locked position into its non-locked position without using the driving mechanism (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Remi Emiel VAN PARYS
  • Patent number: 7448928
    Abstract: An outboard motor has a cowl having a top cowl and a bottom cowl that are detachably connected using a clamp apparatus. The clamp apparatus has a clamp engaging member on the top cowl, a clamp fixing member on the bottom cowl, and a clamp for connecting the top and bottom cowls. The clamp has an engaging section for engaging the clamp engaging member, a fixing section fixed on the bottom cowl by the clamp fixing member, a mounting pivot formed on the fixing section, and a supporting pivot linked to the mounting pivot. A line is defined between the engaging section and the mounting pivot. In an open clamp state, the supporting pivot is positioned away from the cowl beyond the line. In a closed clamp state, the supporting pivot is positioned adjacent to the cowl within the line. A biasing spring biases the clamp main body toward the cowl at least in the open clamp state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hasegawa, Hideto Arai
  • Publication number: 20080136192
    Abstract: A lid body fixing mechanism is disclosed to fix a lid body that seals an opening of a mechanical housing. The lid body has a through hole. The lid body fixing mechanism includes a blocking unit installed on an inner side of the mechanical housing and corresponding to the through hole, an operation unit installed in the through hole and pivotally connected to the lid body, and an elastic unit installed in an inner wall of the lid body. The operation unit has an operation end, a propping end, and a hook portion located on the operation end for positioning at the blocking unit. By lifting the operation unit, the hook portion is departed from the blocking unit. The elastic unit has a supporting portion protruding into the through hole and supporting the propping end, for bouncing the lifted operation unit back to an initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Tzu-Wen Sung
  • 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: 6863316
    Abstract: A door latching or locking mechanism or module for a self-cleaning oven includes latching linkage of the door latch module that enables use of lighter duty, less expensive motor. The mechanical advantage and vector optimization of the latching linkage avoids stalling especially from a locked position. The latching mechanism includes a plurality of switches having a corresponding plurality of terminals. The terminals are grouped or ganged to allow connection with a single connector interface. The switches are selectively actuable/de-actuable by a cam and cam plate that utilizes linear motion translated from rotational motion of a driven (motor) to selectively actuate and/or de-actuate the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Cole
  • Publication number: 20040104583
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (16) for indicating incorrect closure of locking means consisting of a plurality of locking mechanisms (14) located between two fan cowlings (6) of an aircraft engine nacelle, the device including a body able to adopt, relative to the cowlings, a retracted position as well as a protruding position providing a warning of incorrect closure. According to the invention, the body of the device is able to cover at least partially at least two locking mechanisms (14) when it is in its retracted position, the retracted position being exclusively anthorised when each locking mechanism able to be at least partially covered by the body of the device is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Alain Porte
  • Publication number: 20040100106
    Abstract: A resilient assembly for a vehicle door latch assembly includes two retainers that substantially face each other and a resilient member supported by seats in the retainers. The resilient member is biased to resist a tensile force applied to load application features at the ends of the retainers as the seats of the retainers are moved toward each other. The retainers allow the amount of preload force applied to the resilient assembly to not be limited by the physical characteristics of the resilient member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Sidney Edward Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040032130
    Abstract: This electric strike mechanism has a housing, a keeper pivotally mounted in the housing, at least one locking element pivotally mounted within the housing, for pivoting between a first position where the keeper is prevented from pivoting, and a second position where the keeper is permitted to pivot so that the door can be opened, a solenoid connected to each locking element via an actuation mechanism to move each locking element when the solenoid is energized, and a spring biasing the solenoid towards a non-actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Randall C. Oxley
  • Publication number: 20030151261
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system (12) interposed between two elements (6, 8) that can occupy an open position and a closed position with respect to each other, the said system (12) comprising at least one main locking mechanism (14). The system (12) according to the invention also comprises at least one emergency locking mechanism (16) that is automatically engaged when the two elements (6, 8) are moved from the open position to the closed position, each emergency locking mechanism (16) being able to be activated only when at least one main locking mechanism (14) is not locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Jose Manuel Martin-Oquina, Philippe Fourest
  • Publication number: 20030020285
    Abstract: A rotary-latch lock (1), of which a rotary latch (8) has a fork mouth (9) for accommodating a mating locking part (6) which, in a locked position of the rotary-latch lock (1), is located in front of a blocking flank (16) formed by a fork-mouth leg (11), having a window-like opening (17, 25, 26) which promotes plastic deformation when the blocking flank (16) is subjected to increased loading, wherein the opening (17, 25, 26) forms a bending/extending web (18, 23, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Bernd Kluting, Norbert Kruger
  • Patent number: 6474118
    Abstract: A lock for attaching a cover to a platform includes first and second pivotally mounted latch bars which spread to engage side walls of a strike opening in response to actuation of a key actuated rotatable plug mounted in the housing of the lock. The latch bars are mechanically spread to engage the strike in a positive manner and do not rely upon biasing means to maintain the lock in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20020056998
    Abstract: Door lock switch assembly in a drum type washing machine including a switch case, a switch cover fitted to the switch case, a latch holder rotatably, and elastically mounted in one side portion of the switch case for exerting a restoring force in a door open direction, a slide fitted to one side of the latch holder, for moving up or down in a direction the same with a hinge shaft of the latch holder to arrest or release the latch holder, a solenoid assembly mounted in a central portion of the switch case, for moving up or down the slide, and a switching part located below the slide, for making a switching operation as a terminal thereof makes a seesaw action following the moving up or down of the slide, thereby simplifying a structure of the door lock switch assembly, and improving an operation reliability of door locking and unlocking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Chul Cho, Seung Bong Choi
  • Patent number: 6327879
    Abstract: A lock mechanisms for a fenestration assembly, such as a sliding door, includes a strike element preferably coupled with the door frame and a catch assembly preferably coupled with the fenestration member slidably supported within the frame. The catch assembly includes a catch having structure defining an element receiving slot. The catch is mounted for shifting among a plurality of positions including an engaged position in which the element is received within the slot and retained therein by the catch when the fenestration member is in a closed position, a disengaged position in which the element is disengaged by the catch when the fenestration member is shifted out of the closed position, and an intermediate position in which the element is received within the slot and the catch is positioned between the engaged and disengaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventor: Harlan Malsom
  • Patent number: 6290281
    Abstract: A power latch system is employed for securing a convertible roof to an automotive vehicle body. In another aspect of the present invention, a striker is movably mounted to either a forward or rearward portion of a convertible roof which is operably engaged by an automatically powered latch mounted to the vehicle body. Still another aspect of the present invention employs a rotatable latch having a striker engaging slot internally projecting from a periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Sheryar Durrani, Dennis E. Martin, Richard L. Matsu
  • Patent number: 6079756
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for use with an oven having a door, the latch mechanism including a base plate which pivotably supports a latch member about a pivot point. The latch member is rotatable between a latched and unlatched position and includes a drive surface offset from the pivot point. An actuator pin is supported by the base plate for rectilinear movement wherein the actuator pin has an outer end extending beyond the base plate for engaging the oven door upon closure and an inner end drivingly engaging the drive surface for rotating the latch member into a latched position against a spring bias. The base plate is a molded plastic member having a boss including snap connection means for rotatably supporting the latch member and a sleeve for slidingly supporting the actuator pin for rectilinear movement. A solenoid is mounted to the base plate and has a locking pin selectably movable between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6036241
    Abstract: A mechanism for locking an access door of an appliance includes a spring biased catch member preferably attached to the door and a latching housing insert fixed to a cabinet shell of the appliance. Upon closing the door, the catch member is caused to ride up a ramped retaining element mounted in a latching cavity, while simultaneously pivoting a first locking element between release and set positions. When the door is fully closed, the catch member drops behind the retaining element to releasably hold the door closed. When it is desired to maintain the door in a securely locked position, a linear actuator is activated to shift a second locking element into engagement with the first locking element. Preferably, the first and second locking elements are engaged through a ratchet connection which enables continued rotation of the first locking element to only further lock the catch member in the latching cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Ostdiek, Evan R. Vande Haar, Michael W. Winders
  • Patent number: 5979971
    Abstract: A device for holding a vehicle sliding door at full-open position comprises a striker fixed to a vehicle body and a latch rotatably mounted on the sliding door. The latch has a U-shaped groove for engaging with the striker when the sliding door is fully opened. The latch is displaceable between a first position in which the U-shaped groove is disengaged with the striker and second position in which the U-shaped groove is engaged with the striker. A resilient member is disposed at a location between the latch and the sliding door for holding the latch in either one of the first position and the second position by resilient force thereof. The resilient member is always in contact with the latch directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignees: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuro Mizuki, Patrick Dowling, Yukihide Katoh, Kenji Kobashi
  • Patent number: 5927765
    Abstract: A dogging device for securing a panic exit and actuation device in an unlatched condition. The dogging device uses a U-shaped spring clip to secure a base plate, a dogging adapter and a dogging hook together. The base plate, dogging adapter and dogging hook are rotated about a common axis by an operator, which can either be a hex shaft or a cylinder adapter operated by a keyed lock, from a disengaged position to an engaged position where the dogging hook engages a control rod of the exit device thereby holding, or dogging, the exit device in an unlatched condition. An over center spring is used to bias the dogging hook into either the engaged or the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlin D. Austin, Richard B. Cohrs, Jr., Stephen M. Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: 5826672
    Abstract: A vehicle with a hood latch assembly includes a latch and latch catch having relative positions which are maintained as the hood closed position of the hood is adjusted to thereby maintain a substantially constant load on the latch assembly. The assembly may include a latch catch with a latch body having an upper hood engaging surface for engaging the hood and isolating hood vibrations. An upwardly projecting neck of the latch catch includes an enlarged head portion with a latch engaging pin. A latch mount incorporated into the latch catch is utilized for coupling the latch catch to a vehicle body. The latch mount may be slidably mounted to a flange of a mounting bracket which is fixedly mounted to the vehicle body. A stop mounted to the vehicle hood engages the upper surface of the latch catch when the hood is in the hood closed position. The latch includes a latch base, a handle pivoted thereto, and a latch hook having a pivot portion pivoted within a yoke of the handle and a hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Freightliner Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Holter, Thomas A. Leslie
  • Patent number: 5738391
    Abstract: A fulcrum lock for preventing substantial movement of a window sash when wind forces are directed against the sash. The sash includes a frame that is contained in an outer window frame. The fulcrum lock has an elongated main body provided with a fulcrum or pivot surface located between the ends of the main body, and legs that extend generally perpendicular to the extent of the main body. The fulcrum lock is located in one of the sash or window frames, while the other of said frames is provided with an opening located to receive one of the ends of the fulcrum lock when the other end is engaged by the frame containing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Dayton Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Chaney, Joseph J. Levangie, Ray Garries, David R. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 5673950
    Abstract: There is provided a locking device for fastening a wing element where rotation of a rotor (13) effects smooth locking and unlocking of a wing element and also enables it to smoothly open and close free from interfering with a rocking arm (24); in operation rotation of the rotor (13) causes a slide cam (6) to move linearly rearward so that body (3) is rotated through a pivot (17) into an upright position, and a front-end pushing portion (18) of the arm (24) abuts on a support portion (20) of a stationary frame (19); rotor (13) is prevented from dropping out of the body (3) by ball bearings (15) rotatably mounted between annular grooves (14,9) of the body (3) and of the rotor (13); and a spring (25) rotatably biases the arm (24) to cause a base-end follower portion (23) of the arm (24) to abut on a rear-end surface of the slide cam (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhide Takimoto