Extension Link Patents (Class 292/262)
  • Patent number: 11919376
    Abstract: A smart bar lock that includes a pole with a length that corresponds to a length of an area that a sliding portion of a sliding door slides along, a motorized hinge coupled to an end of the pole, where the motorized hinge is configured to rotate to the pole by the end of the pole, and a processor. The processor is configured to perform operations of determining to lock the sliding door, moving the pole from a vertical position into a horizontal position with the motorized hinge, determining to unlock the sliding door while leaving the sliding door closed, and moving the pole into the vertical position with the motorized hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: Colby Kevin Clark
  • Patent number: 11913265
    Abstract: A vehicular door device includes an inclinable lever provided at an open-side end portion of a door opening being opened and closed by a door, based on an operation of a link mechanism formed of first and second link arms, a biasing member that biases the inclinable lever and holds the inclinable lever in an erect state, and a check mechanism that engages with the inclinable lever in the erect state by movement of the door to a full opened position, and holds the door at the full opened position. The first link arm is provided at a position close to the open-side end portion of the door opening by an opening operation of the door, and the check mechanism is provided integrally with the first link arm. Then, the inclinable lever is stored in a clearance between the door and the open-side end portion of the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiichi Sumiya
  • Patent number: 11643858
    Abstract: A door check device for installation between a vehicle body and a vehicle door that swings in opposing opening and closing directions relative to the vehicle body is provided. The door check device comprises a housing assembly and an elongated link member. The housing assembly comprises a first mounting structure, and a plastic housing member containing a biasing structure, a first link member engaging structure and a second link member engaging structure therein. The plastic housing member has a first engagement structure. The first mounting structure includes a plastic cover that has a second engagement structure that is constructed and arranged to engage with the first engagement structure to form an area of contact therebetween. The plastic housing member and the plastic cover are secured by fusion of the materials to each other in the area of contact between the first and the second engagement structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Ventra Group Co.
    Inventors: Tim G. Rossi, W. Murray Dobson
  • Patent number: 11613195
    Abstract: A boarding and exiting handrail including: a base part provided near an entrance-and-exit of a vehicle so as to be rotatable with an axis oriented in an up-down direction; a handrail main part capable of being gripped by passengers boarding and exiting through the entrance-and-exit; and a rail part slidably holding a sliding member mounted on a sliding door that opens and closes the entrance-and-exit by moving along an outer wall surface of the vehicle. When the sliding door opens the entrance-and-exit, the boarding and exiting handrail assumes a deployed posture with the handrail main part and the rail part protruded toward the outside of the vehicle as seen from above, and when the sliding door closes the entrance-and-exit, the boarding and exiting handrail assumes a retracted posture with the handrail main part and the rail part disposed along the sliding door as seen from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideyuki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 11591836
    Abstract: The door prop apparatus disclosed herein is configured to secure a door in a partially opened position relative to a door frame defining a doorway, in various aspects. The door prop apparatus includes a mounting member adapted to attach to the door frame latch jamb and thereby secure the apparatus to the latch jamb, in various aspects. The door prop apparatus includes a latch receiving member adapted to receive the door latch therein, in various aspects. As the door is urged from an open position towards a closed position, the latch receiving member receives the door latch therein and thereby secures the door in the partially opened position, in various aspects. The door handle is operable to retract the latch into the door and thereby release the door from the secured partially opened position, in various aspects. Related methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Scott W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11310578
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a microphone apparatus for attachment to an exterior portion of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a microphone element, a cover, and a grille cover. The microphone element is positioned on the PCB. The cover extends over the printed circuit board and defines a first opening to enable ambient sound external to the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element. The grille cover is positioned on the exterior portion of the vehicle defining a plurality of openings for directly receiving the ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to the first opening of the cover and to the microphone element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Zoltan Giang-Son Kleinheincz, Zsolt Marton, Laszlo Csaszar, Pablo Diego Regla, Balazs Varga, Viktor Dobos
  • Patent number: 10815708
    Abstract: The present invention is a positioning mechanism device to prevent the motion of one surface with respect to a second surface, in one direction. The positioning mechanism uses a linear adjusting lock, an actuator, and an over-ride mechanism. The linear adjusting lock uses a coil spring to hold a rod in place. When firmly coiled, the coil spring is able to grip a smooth rod and prevent axial motion. When the coil spring is uncoiled, slightly, it releases its grip on the smooth rod, allowing axial motion. The positioner mechanism uses an actuator and release blade to release the coil spring. Additionally, the over-ride mechanism can be used to release the release blade in one direction without use of the actuator. When the coil spring is released by either the actuator or over-ride mechanism the two surfaces can be re-positioned relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Porter Systems
    Inventors: Robert Lee Haeske, Steve Lin, Edward Poulos, Richard T. Oliver
  • Patent number: 10508816
    Abstract: An interlock switch structure and a microwave oven are disclosed. The interlock switch structure includes a substrate, a sliding latch, a tactile disk member, a door hook, a first elastic member, and multiple micro-switches. The substrate is provided with a chute structure, the sliding latch slidably matches with a chute of the chute structure, the sliding latch is provided with a sliding surface to match with the door hook. The tactile disk member is pivotally communicated with the substrate, the micro-switch is located on a periphery of the tactile disk member, and contact points of the micro-switches are toward the tactile disk member. The tactile disk member is provided with a seesaw to match with the door hook; a circumferential surface of the tactile disk member is provided with a rotating surface to match with the sliding latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: GUANGDONG MIDEA KITCHEN APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun Tian, Baikang Wu, Yuliang Dang
  • Patent number: 10377463
    Abstract: An aircraft having a hatch and a fall-protection device includes a structure comprising a roof pierced with an opening, a cover plate, and a lock provided to adopt a locking position, in which the lock holds the cover plate in the closed position in the opening, or, alternatively, an unlocked position, in which the lock does not hold the cover plate. The aircraft further comprises at least one fall-protection device provided so that, when the lock moves into the unlocked position, it is in a first position to allow movement of the cover plate under the influence of gravity from its closed position to an intermediate position, in which the cover plate is suspended from the structure and then moves from the first position into a second position, during which movement the cover plate moves from the intermediate position into an open position, no longer attached to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Yannick Chourreau, Loic Challancin
  • Patent number: 10352353
    Abstract: A hinge assembly including a flat plate and a bent plate is provided. The flat plate includes a first slot extending at least partially along a width of the flat plate and disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to a central axis of the flat plate. The bent plate includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The second portion includes a second slot extending at least partially along a width of the bent plate and disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to a central axis of the bent plate. The second slot is adapted to interconnect with respect to the first slot to pivotally move the hinge assembly between an open position and a close position. In the open position, the first portion of the bent plate is adapted to contact a first half section on a first side of the flat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Andrew McGregor
  • Patent number: 10352734
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining operation of an openable barrier and direction of movement of a person through an opening controlled by the barrier. A method includes detecting with a hinge sensor a closed position for the barrier, the hinge sensor being mounted to a hinge of the barrier, determining with the hinge sensor when the barrier changes position from the closed position to an open position, detecting with at least one motion sensor motion of an object in proximity to the opening, and determining a direction of movement of the object through the opening based on whether the motion is detected before or after detecting the change in position of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Ricks, Jeremy B. Warren
  • Patent number: 10267080
    Abstract: A device for coordinated control and operation of double doors having a plate with a rectilinear motion that is associated with links with adjustable lengths that connect the plate to the double doors, with both the first and the second doors opened when one of the doors is opened and sequentially closed when one of the doors is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: L&L CDC, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Lamb, Alice Lee, Dennis Lee
  • Patent number: 10077575
    Abstract: A door lock extender and method of using the door lock extender in connection with a control panel box. The door lock extender includes an extender base having a lock slot for accepting a tang latch of a lock and an extender latch that is configured to engage a catch member of a control panel box. In use, the tang latch of the lock is inserted into the lock slot of the extender base. The extender latch engages the catch member on a housing of the control panel box locking a door to the housing while providing sufficient clearance for passage of a cable between the door and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Steven T. Varieur, James T. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10041609
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for restraining sink and shower handles. In a first aspect of a sink handle restraint, a first sink handle cuff fits over a first sink handle of a sink faucet, and a second sink handle cuff fits over a second sink handle of the sink faucet. The first sink handle cuff and second sink handle cuff slide along an elongated element that locks the first sink handle cuff and second sink handle cuff into place, preventing the first and second sink handles from being rotated into an “on” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Larry Holmes
  • Patent number: 10006237
    Abstract: An automatic door stopping-closing device comprises a cylinder with a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to a door; a bracket assembly on the door frame, comprising a hook connected with the other end of the rod, a movable lug cooperated with the hook, and a pull rod cooperated with the movable lug, wherein the pull rod and the hook can be engaged or disengaged. After the door is opened, the door can be kept open securely through the cooperation between the hook and the movable lug; and the door can be closed automatically by a slight push, through the cooperation between two of the hook, the movable lug and the pull rod. The automatic door stopping-closing device holds the door open without external force after the door is opened, and closes the door automatically after a slight push.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Cmech (Guangzhou) Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia Sen Qiu
  • Patent number: 9981802
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rocking device for waste containers, particularly residential or commercial waste containers. In particular, the invention provides a waste container locking device which keeps the container closed when a sudden jerk or jarring, such as by ground impact, is applied on the container, so that the container does not open when it is accidentally knocked over, but may be opened when tipped during dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Serio-Us Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Reeb, James L. Martin, II
  • Patent number: 9724984
    Abstract: A door for utility vehicle including a door body part provided with a grip part used for opening and closing the door. The door body part is supported by a vehicle body frame in a manner of being capable of being set at a plurality of closed states each having a different gap between the door body part and the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Teruaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9663969
    Abstract: A door latch (100, 400, 500, 600, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900) resists opening of a door (200) beyond a predetermined amount when it is engaged and also allows the opening of the door when it is disengaged. The door latch includes a catch (220, 220?, 3220) and a base (191) that is connected to a deformable member (140, 3140, 4140, 5140, 6140) at a joint (90). The joint configures the door latch and may include a pin (190). The catch (e.g., a hook) engages a catching portion (e.g., a loop 148, 3148, 6148) of the deformable member when engaged. The deformable member may stretch at least five percent when resisting an intrusion load (F) on the door. The base may mount to a door frame (300), and the catch may mount to the door. A spring (180) may urge the deformable member toward engagement. A shield (280, 2280, 4280, 5280, 6280) may protect the deformable member and resist cutting and may pivot with the deformable member urged by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Flexible Security LLC
    Inventor: Bradley A. Lila
  • Patent number: 9586731
    Abstract: A lid opening/closing mechanism includes an arm, an arc-shaped gear, a first fixed gear, a damper, a second fixed gear, and a tension spring. The arm is disposed integrally to project from the lid to swing about a swing center as the lid opens and closes. The arc-shaped gear is formed in the arm. The first fixed gear is disposed in the body, and meshes with the arc-shaped gear. The damper is disposed in the arm, and includes a damper gear. The second fixed gear is disposed in the body, is formed along a movement locus of the damper moving as the lid moves to open and close, and meshes with the damper gear. The tension spring is disposed between the body and the arc-shaped gear to urge the lid in an opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sawada, Nobuhiko Yokota, Kunihito Kondo
  • Patent number: 9482399
    Abstract: A light tube kit for skylight with a light tunnel and a spring clip. The light tunnel may be configured from a sheet member rolled upon itself such that two opposite edges overlap, such overlapped edges secured with the spring clip engaged through slots proximate to the overlapped edges. The spring clip has first and second hooks that are engaged through such slots and a handle disposed between the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Charles Joseph Rimsky, Jeffrey Joseph Ronan, Alan John Ruhoff
  • Patent number: 9234724
    Abstract: A classroom barrier comprising a sliding panel or hinged panel designed to block a classroom door or window opening in certain emergency situations such as the presence of an armed assailant. The barrier is locked from the inside with no chance for it to be unlocked from the exterior. The classroom barrier is simple to operate, bullet resistant, and impenetrable for some predetermined length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: DAW Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Spransy
  • Patent number: 9085252
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly adjacent a vehicle body panel includes a vehicle seat that has a seat bottom and a seat back pivotable with respect to the seat bottom. The vehicle seat assembly includes a striker assembly with a fixed striker fixed to the vehicle body panel, and a pivotable striker pivotably supported on the fixed striker. The pivotable striker is pivotable between a first position in which the pivotable striker extends further than the fixed striker toward the seat back, and a second position in which the fixed striker extends further than the pivotable striker toward the seat back. A latching mechanism fixed to the seat back latches to the pivotable striker when the pivotable striker is in the first position, and latches to the fixed striker when the pivotable striker is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shrikant A. Gholap, Anand V. Iyer
  • Publication number: 20150097381
    Abstract: The present invention provides a latch structure which includes a fixing mount having a side fixed to a wall and the other side with two protruding pieces that are spaced with a first spacing; a base having a side assembled to a door panel that is pivotally embedded in the wall and able to be opened or closed, and the other side with an extending bent portion; a movable body in a U-shape hinged to each of the protruding pieces, respectively, and having a gap formed therein and a second spacing between two ends thereof; and a pivoting locking portion mounted to the end of the bent portion away from the base, having a configuration and size smaller than the first and second spacings but greater than a width of the gap, and with a protruding lever having a length greater than the smaller of the spacings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Shih-Ming HWANG
  • Patent number: 8939476
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include door-securing latches that allow an occupant of a room or other space accessed through a door to secure the door, from inside the room or other space, in order to prevent entry or access by others. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanically strong and secure latch that cannot be easily broken or compromised by application of force to the door or by insertion of a tool or device between the door and an adjacent door frame to disable the latch, but that can be disabled by a knowledgeable individual, such as an apartment manger seeking to rescue a disabled apartment occupant in an emergency situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Gordon C. Tang
  • Patent number: 8931815
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include door-securing latches that allow an occupant of a room or other space accessed through a door to secure the door, from inside the room or other space, in order to prevent entry or access by others. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanically strong and secure latch that cannot be easily broken or compromised by application of force to the door or by insertion of a tool or device between the door and an adjacent door frame to disable the latch, but that can be disabled by a knowledgeable individual, such as an apartment manger seeking to rescue a disabled apartment occupant in an emergency situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Gordon C. Tang
  • Publication number: 20140325914
    Abstract: A device to limit an opening of a window having a sash selectively movable between a window closed position in which the sash is received in a window frame, and a window open position in which the sash is pivoted outwardly relative to the window frame. The device includes a sash bracket, a limiting arm assembly with an engagement structure, and a securing structure with a selectively operable release mechanism. The securing structure receives the engagement structure of the limiting arm assembly so that the limiting arm inhibits pivoting of the sash toward the window open position beyond a distance of travel defined by a length of the limiting arm, and the engagement structure is releasable from the securing structure by operating the release mechanism so that the sash can be further pivoted toward the window open position beyond the distance of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: TRUTH HARDWARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nghi Christopher Nguyen, Derek Ronald Gramstad, Scot J. Berkley
  • Patent number: 8870249
    Abstract: The invention provides tie-down devices and related methods for securing oversized items in a vehicle trunk or rear storage compartment in preparation for transport. The tie-down devices include sections connected by a releasable buckle that allows for separately cinching the strap sections to desired lengths. The tie-down devices incorporate specialized connectors at each end in the form of at least one grip that is curved to attach to the edge of a panel on the vehicle and a latch that attaches to a fixed attachment mechanism at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Global Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gail Bruce, Bob A. Schouten, Connie S. Schouten, David Voigts, Reid Alan Bruce
  • Patent number: 8864195
    Abstract: An adjustable lock for a sliding member such as a sliding door, sliding panel, or sliding window is provided by a tubular mechanism adapted to be placed into a position wedging the tubular mechanism between the frame and the sliding member, with the tubular mechanism including an inner tubular member selectively threadably extendable from within an outer tubular member attached to the frame to a locked position locking the outer and inner tubular members together, with a free end of the inner tubular member is proximate an edge portion of the associated sliding member, whereby the locked together outer and inner tubes are rotatable in one direction for extending and forcing a free end of the inner tubular member into intimate contact with the edge portion of the sliding member, thereby wedging the sliding member into a locked position preventing movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Accession, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140232120
    Abstract: A remote-controlled security apparatus for a door or window (opening) including a security bar, a motor-driven apparatus such as a linear actuator, and a remote control. The security bar has a first end hingeably connected to a first portion, such as a frame or jamb, of the door or window opening and a second end sized to extend substantially across at least a portion of a width or height of the door or window opening. The motor-driven apparatus includes a first end affixed and a second end coupled to the security bar. The remote control directs the motor-driven apparatus (e.g., actuator) to move the security bar between locked and unlocked positions. When locked, the security bar extends substantially across at least a portion of the width or the height of the opening. The security apparatus can securely lock a pair of sliding doors, or a hinged door, and control access remotely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Brandt Wolf
  • Patent number: 8789873
    Abstract: A vehicle door system comprises: a door (16) formed from a plurality of panels (18, 20) which define a door cavity (22), one of the panels (20) having an aperture (44) therein at a hinged end of the door; and a check mechanism. The check mechanism comprises a check arm housing (40) mounted within the door cavity (22) and a check arm (42) connected to the vehicle body and extending through the aperture (44) and through the check arm housing (40). The check arm (42) is movable through the check arm housing (40) to allow opening and closing of the door (16). The check arm (42) has a flow restrictor formed on it arranged to restrict the flow of water along the check arm through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Land Rover
    Inventors: Dean Nigel, Robin Warmington, Henry Bain
  • Patent number: 8752870
    Abstract: A remote-controlled security apparatus for a door or window (opening) including a security bar, a motor-driven apparatus such as a linear actuator, and a remote control. The security bar has a first end hingeably connected to a first portion, such as a frame or jamb, of the opening and a second end sized to extend substantially across at least a portion of a width or height of the opening. The motor-driven apparatus includes a first end affixed to a second portion of the frame of the opening and a second end coupled to the security bar. The remote control directs the actuator to move the security bar between locked and unlocked positions. When locked, the security bar extends substantially across at least a portion of the width or the height of the opening. The security apparatus can securely lock a pair of sliding doors and control access remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Brandt Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140000171
    Abstract: A device to limit an opening of a window having a hinged sash coupled to a window frame including a window opening limiting structure having a first member and a second member. One of them is securable to the sash and the other of the first member and the second member being securable to the frame. A selectively releasable coupler by which the first member and the second member are couplable is shiftable between a coupled status and a released status. The first member and the second member bridge a preselected distance such that the sash is inhibited from opening beyond a predetermined distance. The coupler is releasable so that the sash can be opened beyond the predetermined distance and re-engages automatically when the sash is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Nghi Christopher Nguyen, Derek Ronald Gramstad, Scot J. Berkley
  • Patent number: 8616593
    Abstract: The invention provides tie-down devices and related methods for securing oversized items in a vehicle trunk or rear storage compartment in preparation for transport. The tie-down devices include sections connected by a releasable buckle that allows for separately cinching the strap sections to desired lengths. The tie-down devices incorporate specialized connectors at each end in the form of at least one grip that is curved to attach to the edge of a panel on the vehicle and a latch that attaches to a fixed attachment mechanism at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Global Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gail Bruce, Bob A Schouten, Connie S Schouten, David Voigts
  • Patent number: 8556307
    Abstract: This invention provides an easily removable locking mechanism used on single hung, double hung, sliding window and sliding doors that will lock these items at various intervals. Two mounting bases are provided and designed to be interchangeable with each end of the locking mechanism and to provide ease of removal/installation of the locking mechanism in case of emergencies. The locking mechanism is comprised of two telescoping tubes with a permanent interlocking pin to hold the telescoping tubes at various intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: John Michael Schaffhausen
  • Publication number: 20130257089
    Abstract: A fuel housing assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel door. A primary fuel door lock system includes a locking shaft having a locked configuration where a locking end of the locking shaft engages a locking member of the fuel door to inhibit opening of the fuel door and an unlocked configuration where the locking end of the locking shaft is removed from the locking member to allow opening of the fuel door. A secondary fuel door lock system is connected to the locking shaft by a decoupling structure that allows movement of the locking shaft between the locked and unlocked configurations relative to the secondary fuel door lock system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lafayette Minock
  • Patent number: 8480141
    Abstract: A hood stay apparatus for an engine room in heavy construction equipment. The hood stay apparatus can safely keep an engine hood in an open state even if an external force is abruptly generated due to vibration, wind, and the like. The hood stay apparatus can also facilitate an opening/closing operation of the engine hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Taek Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 8474096
    Abstract: An overhead door safety system includes a loading dock having a loading dock wall defining an opening. A truck and trailer door safety device is mounted to the loading dock wall. The truck and trailer door safety device includes a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the loading dock wall and a swing arm. The swing arm includes an arm extension portion and a pivot portion. The pivot portion is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket so that the swing arm pivots about a pivot axis between a retaining position and a storage position. In the retaining position, the arm extension portion is disposed beneath an overhead door of a truck positioned adjacent to the opening of the loading dock wall to prevent the overhead door from closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Supervalu, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Thompson, Jeffrey C. Bassett, Nicholas R. Tonozzi, Richard T. Rundle, Mike E. Daly, Dale H. Peleski, Tom G. Peterson, Harvey E. Boyles, Bennie L. Dickerson, Claudie D. Morgan, William H. Hough, Danny R. Dale
  • Publication number: 20130056998
    Abstract: A staggered multiple loop fastening strap/leash is securable between a door and its associated frame to provide partial access/restraint through a doorway. On one end of the strap/leash is a swivel snap that secures to an eye bolt that is screwed into a door structure. The other end has staggered loops spaced evenly apart. Each loop can go over a door knob/handle. A quick-release snap is on the strap located closer to the end with the swivel snap. When the quick-release snap is unconnected, the strap/leash becomes 2 straps. The doorway access is restricted when the 1) swivel snap is connected to the eye bolt; 2) the quick-release snap is connected; and 3) a loop is placed over a door knob/handle. The width of the doorway opening can be increased or decreased by the selection of one of the staggered loops spaced evenly apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Armando Chincarini, JR., Daniel Augustin Chincarini, Jean Elizabeth Chincarini
  • Patent number: 8376422
    Abstract: A door latch assembly is attachable to a door jamb. The door latch assembly includes a base member and an extension member. The base member is mountable to the door jamb. The extension member is connectable to the base member such that the extension member extends from the base member. The extension member has a door stop member and a latch cup member. The door stop member is disposed substantially perpendicular to the latch cup member so that the door stop member provides a support for the door and the latch cup member receives a latch of the door so that the door is maintained in an ajar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kerry Swink
  • Patent number: 8276317
    Abstract: A door stay device for automatically locking a door in an open position includes a first component adapted to be attached to a stationary support, the first component including a plate having a curved cam edge with a radius matched to a swinging movement of the door between closed and open positions. The plate has a slot open at the cam edge at a location corresponding to the open position of the door. A second component is adapted to be secured at a lower or upper edge of a door, the second component having a locking member arranged to move into the slot when the locking member is aligned with the slot and the door is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alun Williams, William Eyers, Christopher R. Norman, Martin Phillips
  • Patent number: 8231152
    Abstract: A latch extension device for lockedly securing a hinged hatch panel or liftgate of a vehicle in a rigid, partially open position, the device having a pair of arms, each arm having a jaw end, a handle end, and a pivotable coupling interconnecting the arms between the jaw end and the handle end for imparting a scissors action. By clamping the jaws of the device around a striker bolt of the vehicle and inserting the opposite end into the lock, the hinged hatch or door is locked in a partially open position, thereby providing a fixed air gap for ventilation and cooling, as is useful when children, pets or groceries are in the vehicle, while preventing the hatch or door from being opened further or shut. In a preferred embodiment, both arms of the device are joined by a pivot pin and are identical, simplifying manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Kerry A Carlson
  • Patent number: 8214971
    Abstract: A pneumatic door closer with a protective external telescoping cylinder and angled handhold. Such a closer is generally outfitted with a structural tubular support that follows the telescoping and collapsing of the closer's piston and that has sufficient stiffness to limit the stresses imposed on the piston throughout its extension. The support provides a resistance to perpendicular force. Moreover, when the piston is collapsed within the exterior chamber, the support pivots to the exterior chamber with bushing(s) fixed to the end of the support that travel along the length of the exterior column as the closer telescopes or collapses, to permit continued smooth sliding motion throughout the extension stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward V. Carter, Charles Hull
  • Patent number: 8177266
    Abstract: A door latch assembly for engagement in a mounted position to a side edge of a door. The device features an angled or biased latch member which employs a hooked end to engage the door stop molding of a doorjamb to secure the door in a slightly open position. The latch member is engaged to a side edge of the door using frictional engagement or mechanical engagement. The latch member is releasable from either side of the door without placing a user's fingers in between the door and jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Kristian W. Yates
  • Patent number: 8096593
    Abstract: A latch for a sliding frame may be provided with a mounting end for mounting the latch on a mounting surface over which a sliding frame would travel along a sliding path, and a resilient blocking element having an end portion and a body portion coupled to the mounting end, and a stop element positioned to engage the end portion of the resilient blocking element and adapted to prevent the sliding frame from opening when the frame is in a closed position. A user may disengage the latch by removing the resilient blocking element from the sliding path so that the sliding frame can be moved to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Cindy Lou Gibbons
  • Patent number: 8047581
    Abstract: A temporary closure device for an opening element on a fixed chassis part of a motor vehicle, in which the opening element includes a housing for receiving a lock and the fixed part includes at least one tapped hole for fixing a strike. The device includes a plastic body equipped with means for mounting it in the tapped hole. An end of the device includes a limit stop element that co-operates with a first rim of the housing as the opening element is closed, while another end of the device includes a means for retaining the opening element in the closed position against the fixed part, which is intended to penetrate the housing behind a second rim thereof. The retaining means is formed by a resilient tongue, which can bend under stress from the second rim when the opening element is moved from the free position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Exsto
    Inventors: Didier Corre, Fabrice Hermetz, Alexandre Astorg, Virginie Huguon
  • Publication number: 20110248517
    Abstract: A security device is provided for securing a sliding closure movable in one direction against one aperture frame and movable in an opposite direction toward an opposed aperture frame. The security device includes a handle, a press bar, and a fulcrum component for interconnecting the handle and the press bar to one another. The press bar is disposable between the sliding closure and the opposed aperture frame. Also, the handle promotes release of the press bar from its disposition between the sliding closure and the opposed aperture frame when a force is applied to the handle and the handle is movable between a release ready position and a stowage position in the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Susan Gornichec, Robert A. Burnham
  • Patent number: 8028376
    Abstract: A door safety device, comprising: a door clasp, an anti-door-closing member, and a casing. The anti-door-closing member includes an elongated stem having opposite proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end comprises a raised spacer, and wherein the distal end of the elongated stem includes a stem button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Albert Karapetyan
  • Patent number: 7976079
    Abstract: A retaining element for the lid of a cabinet has a linkage in the form of an eccentric sliding crank drive with an arm (1) as a slider link of the sliding crank drive. The arms (1) can be fixed to a cabinet housing (27) and pivotably connected to the lid and is pivotable around a first arm axis (5) of a first joint (6). A lever (2) can be fixed to the cabinet housing (27) and is pivotable around a first lever axis (7) of a second joint (8). A slider element (3) is guided at the arm (1) and is displaceable along a slider axis (12). The lever (2) is connected to the slider element (3) and is pivotable around a second lever axis (9). A force element (14) force-loads the arm (1) and slider element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toplifter Beteiligungs-und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Publication number: 20110133492
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly is provided, the latch assembly having: a release lever rotatably secured to the latch assembly, the release lever being capable of being moved between a latched position and an unlatched position; an actuating link rotatably secured to the latch assembly; a bypass member rotatably secured to the latch assembly; and wherein the actuating link is capable of linear movement such that a center of rotation of the actuating link is movable between a first position and a second position and wherein the actuating link couples the release lever to the bypass member when the center of rotation of the actuating link is in the first position and the actuating link does not couple the release lever to the bypass member when the center of rotation of the actuating link is in the second position. A method for coupling a release lever of a latch assembly to a bypass lever of the latch assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Donald M. Perkins, Francisco J. Lujan, Carlos I. Tostado
  • Patent number: 7905525
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a security latch device comprises a security latching arm configured to move, pivot, swing or slide from a operative position, non-operative position or door-ajaring position and a security latching arm cover. The cover comprises a sleeve configured to conform to the security latching arm and to slip on or install on, over or around the security latching arm and being made of impact absorbing material to protect an impacted surface (e.g., a door's surface, door frame or door jamb) when the security latching arm is impacted by a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: James Badia