Spring-arm Catch Patents (Class 292/303)
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Patent number: 11716824Abstract: A cover apparatus for controlling airflow in a computing system. The cover apparatus includes a cover bracket configured to attach to the computing system in alignment with an opening of a module within the computing system. The cover bracket defines an aperture through which one or more components can be inserted into and removed from the module. The cover apparatus includes a cover door attached to the cover bracket and configured to rotate relative to the cover bracket between an open position and a closed position. The cover door closes the first aperture of the cover bracket with the cover door in the closed position. The cover apparatus includes a catch configured to apply a force to the cover door in the closed position. The force is sufficient to maintain the cover door in the closed position but allows a user to manually open the cover door for accessing the module.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Yaw-Tzorng Tsorng, Ming-Lung Wang, Hung-Wei Chen, Liang-Ju Lin
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Patent number: 11541819Abstract: A vehicle center console assembly includes a vehicle body structure and a center console assembly. The vehicle body structure includes a passenger compartment floor with a front seat assembly installed to the floor and a pair of second row seats installed to the floor rearward of the front seat assembly. The center console assembly is releasably attached to the floor between the pair of second row seats. The center console has a manually operated latch mechanism operable between a locked orientation in which the center console is fixedly attached to the floor in an installed orientation and a release orientation in which the center console is released from attachment to the floor and is movable away from the installed orientation and out of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jessica Booth, Christian Dubrock, Katie Andersen
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Patent number: 11511673Abstract: A console element for connection to a vehicle floor of a vehicle, having a main body having a main body base and main body side walls, and having front connectors and rear connectors that are attached in each case to an underside of the main body base and can be inserted in receptacles arranged on the vehicle floor of the vehicle by means of a horizontal movement of the main body along a joining direction, characterized in that the front connectors and the rear connectors are designed to be self-centering.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wadim Gasmann, Thomas Grimbach
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Patent number: 11141339Abstract: In one example, the present invention relates to a casket lid having two long sides and two short sides, including an internal support system and an external face, wherein (i) the internal support system comprises three layers that are each co-extensive with each of the long sides and short sides, (ii) the first layer and the third layer are each in contact with the second layer, and (iii) each of said layers is in contact with the external face on each of said long sides and said short sides.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Inventor: Edward C. Henderson
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Patent number: 9630586Abstract: An airbag module is provided. The airbag module may include an inflator, an inflatable airbag, a housing and a cover. The cover may include a retainer hook and a snap-lock configured to engage the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Douglas Lee Osterfeld, Leonid Golod, Tyrone R. Secord
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Patent number: 8888148Abstract: An integrated snap and handling apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be capable of being assembled with and disassembled from a mating component without damage. The apparatus may include a pair of features that provide an intuitive and easy user interface for removal, handling and installation. The pair of features may allow a user to use a pinching motion to engage and disengage the apparatus from the mating component without the use of a tool. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may provide for low removal forces when the user interface is properly actuated while resisting high separation forces when the user interface is not properly actuated. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a wide variety of assemblies and devices. For example, the integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a cooling duct for the control of airflow around an electronic component.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventor: Li Hsu
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Patent number: 8832939Abstract: A method of attaching a seat cushion to a seat frame includes the steps of providing a spring latch having a spring portion and a brace portion, engaging a spring leg of the spring portion with the seat frame, attaching a cushion engaging leg of the brace portion to the seat cushion, and receiving a brace leg of the brace portion into a lock formation on a locking leg of the spring portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Erik C Wilson, Samuel D Wagoner, Patrick E Temple, Eric DeView
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Patent number: 8783741Abstract: A shutter frame lock formed of thermoplastic material for incorporation between a shutter frame and a mounting frame and having a recess integrally formed in a first one of the frames, a one piece moulded locking member secured in a second one of the frames; in which the locking member defines a main body; attachment extensions on the main body engageable with the second frame; a flexible resilient lock strip integrally moulded with the main body, having a lock portion interlockable with the recess in the first frame, and integral flexible arms extending on either side of the lock portion, joining it to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Maxxmar Inc.Inventor: Mario M Marocco
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Patent number: 8684214Abstract: Provided is a degassing container for a refrigerator in which a portion of air within a storage space is forcedly discharged to allow the storage space to become a low pressure state. The degassing container includes a case, a door, a gasket, a pressing part, and a degassing adjustment part. The case has an opened side. The door selectively shields the opened side of the case. The gasket is interposed between the door and the case and elastically deformed and closely attached when the door is shielded. The pressing part is provided in the door and the case and selectively closely attaches the door by a rotation operation. The degassing adjustment part selectively enters and exits air within the case by operating the pressing part. Therefore, the refrigerator has improved storage performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seok-Min Lim, Jong-Min Shin, Bong-Jun Choi, Su-Won Lee, Ill-Shin Kim, Jeong-Yon Kim
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Patent number: 8474882Abstract: A sliding mechanism for portable electronic device includes a sliding housing, a main housing and a stopping module. The sliding housing includes two ledges. At least one of the ledges defines a first notch and a second notch. The main housing includes two rails and at least one elastic member. The sliding housing is slidingly attached to the main housing by engagement of the ledges and the rails. The at least one elastic member includes a positioning portion. The positioning portion flexibly resists the at least one of the ledges and is selectively engaged in the first notch and the second notch. The stopping module prevents the sliding housing from separating from the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chia-Hsin Chang, Long Chin
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Patent number: 8459703Abstract: A pawl assembly that can be installed to the output shaft of a latch mechanism more easily, and in some embodiments without the use of tools, as compared to prior art pawls.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventors: Glenn E. Anderson, Richard E. Schlack, D. Dale Turner, James Vickers, Stephen K. Spatig, Richard B. Langkamp, H. Allen Riblett
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Patent number: 8444190Abstract: A latching device for at least two housing parts, in which a snap-on connection as well as a latching connection between the housing parts is produced by a correspondingly designed rotary knob/pushbutton function. The actuating button preferably is respectively arranged on two opposing sidewalls of an upper housing part, wherein the actuating button respectively acts upon a spring lever that is arranged on the inner wall of the upper housing part. During assembly of the upper housing part and a lower housing part, a forced snap-on connection between the two housing parts is produced and can only be disengaged again by exerting pressure upon the actuating buttons on both sides.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Martin Schmidt, Frank Quast, Klaus Olejarz
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Patent number: 8419080Abstract: A drawer safety latch that is securable, preferably releasably so, to a top surface of a drawer side structure, such as a sidewall, in one of two different orientations. The safety latch is quickly installed without modifying the drawer, is easily aligned, and can be oriented so that children shorter than the drawer cannot see the release mechanism. The drawer safety latch is preferably of one-piece, injection-molded construction, but other materials and manufacturing methods may be used. The drawer safety latch is preferably secured with releasable adhesive fabric, and so is portable for travel. In some embodiments, the drawer safety latch may have aesthetic and/or traction enhancements. The drawer safety latch has right-handed and left-handed versions that may be used alone or together, in the same or different orientations.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Bruce Levine
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Patent number: 8366156Abstract: A cart has a container body and a lid rotatably affixed to the container body so as to be selectively rotated between an open position and a closed position. A latch has a first end adapted to be rotatably affixed to the lid. A second end is adapted to engage the container body. The first end is connected to the second end by an arched member, the arched member is capable of flexure when a force is applied at a concave surface of the arched member.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: IPL, Inc.Inventors: Louis Mercier, Roch Nolet, Philippe Noel, Marc Talbot-Pouliot
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Publication number: 20130008046Abstract: A door latch for an appliance provides a U-shaped spring for engaging a strike having an expanded tip and passing between the arms of the U-shaped spring in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extent of those arms. Locking of the latch may be provided by collaring the distal ends of the arms to prevent their expansion once the strike is engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.Inventors: Kenyon A. Hapke, Adrian J. Tengler
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Patent number: 8281624Abstract: There is disclosed an anti-shoplifting device for projecting holders (4), in particular for the display of blister packs, comprising a first (1) and a second body (2), which are mutually movable between a locked position, in which they define an opening (21) for the passage of a hooked projecting holder, ensured by locking assembly (8, 9, 10), and an unlocked position achieved by unlocking assembly (12, 13, 14, 15) acting on the locking assembly (8, 9, 10). The locked and unlocked positions are such that the device is respectively hooked or removable from the projecting holder (4). Further, the first and second bodies (1, 2) are rotateably coupled in a separable manner by a rotating structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Designer Club SRLInventor: Daniel Rizzi
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Patent number: 8283065Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a battery cover, and a latching module. The battery cover has at least one protrusion. The latching module includes an elastic positioning element attached to the housing and a resisting element attached to the elastic positioning element. The at least one protrusion of the battery cover impels the resisting element to deform the elastic positioning element during assembly and disassembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) LimitedInventor: Yu Zhang
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Patent number: 8156628Abstract: A holding device for holding a structural component for aircraft to a further structural component; may be coupled to one of the components and is moved from a holding mode, where the first component is held to the second component by the holding device, to a release mode using a magnetic force. Furthermore, a method for deinstalling two components is disclosed, where carrying out deinstallation merely requires pressing a first component against a second component, and placing a magnetic key on or over one of the components in the region of the holding device, where at least some method-related steps may take place at substantially the same time.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Ingo Roth
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Publication number: 20120086223Abstract: A device for supporting in an open position a tilting platform, such as a shelf or window, movably connected to a frame, said device comprising a unitary structure having a platform-contacting portion and an anchor portion, wherein the platform-contacting portion and the anchor portion are connected to form a fixed angle between the portions or are movably connected to one another such that the connection of the portions forms an adjustable angle between the portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Stephen Golden
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Publication number: 20120075800Abstract: A cover latch is provided for coupling a blade server cover to a blade server when the cover latch is in a locked state. Embodiments include a locking surface at one end of the cover latch; a user interface at an end of the cover latch opposite from the end with the locking surface; wherein when the cover latch is in the locked state, the locking surface engages a locking surface enclosure of the blade server cover; wherein when the cover latch is in an unlocked state, the user interface is rotated into the blade server and the locking surface is rotated outward from the blade server, wherein when the locking surface is rotated outward from the blade server, the locking surface is disengaged from the locking surface enclosure of the blade server cover; and a rotational limiter hole in the cover latch that surrounds a peg of the blade server, wherein the rotation of the locking surface and the user interface is limited by the rotational limiter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Nadia Anguiano-Wehde, Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Seth D. Lewis
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Patent number: 8118335Abstract: A cover latching mechanism (100) used in a portable electronic device is described including a latching base (20), a cover member (10), a latching member (40), and a releasing member (30). The cover member has a latching protrusion (14) arranged on it. The latching member is used to latch the cover member to the latching base and defines a latch space (464) and a release space (462). The cover member can be latched to the latching base by latching the latching protrusion into the latch space, and then be released from the latching base by the releasing member engaging into the release space.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) LimitedInventors: Chia-Wei Hu, Chih-Chiang Chang
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Patent number: 8100439Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixing a door or flap, in particular a door or flap of a refrigerator and/or freezer, in the closed position, wherein the device includes a spring element and a holding element, in particular a closing cam, which are arranged such that in the closed position of the door or flap they cooperate such that separating the spring element and the holding element from each other only is possible by applying force, wherein the spring element is a leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Liebherr - Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbHInventors: Jürgen Gerner, Georg Dorner
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Patent number: 8074992Abstract: A side wager for blackjack that allows the player to win when the player loses a hand that the player would have expected to win. If the player is initially dealt a good hand, e.g., 20, and the player still loses, then the player can be rewarded by collecting a “bad beat” award.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Olympian Gaming LLCInventor: Stacy Friedman
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Patent number: 8020902Abstract: An integrated snap and handling apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be capable of being assembled with and disassembled from a mating component without damage. The apparatus may include a pair of features that provide an intuitive and easy user interface for removal, handling and installation. The pair of features may allow a user to use a pinching motion to engage and disengage the apparatus from the mating component without the use of a tool. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may provide for low removal forces when the user interface is properly actuated while resisting high separation forces when the user interface is not properly actuated. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a wide variety of assemblies and devices. For example, the integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a cooling duct for the control of airflow around an electronic component.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventor: Hsu Li
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Patent number: 7959196Abstract: A system and method for locking a door. An assembly has a first engagement surface. A door is coupled to the assembly, the door including a latch member having a second engagement surface for engaging the first engagement surface. A movable member is capable of generating a force against at least one of the assembly and the door to press together and substantially prevent disengagement of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventor: James D. Dale
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Patent number: 7740289Abstract: An exemplary housing of a foldable electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover, and a button disposed on the second cover. The first cover includes a lock receiving portion. The button includes a main body, a lock portion, and a resilient portion. The lock portion is configured for engaging with the lock receiving portion. The lock portion and the resilient portion connect with the main body. The main body includes a contact portion and a pivot portion. The contact portion and the pivot portion are separated from each other at a predetermined distance. The main body is rotatably disposed on the second cover by the pivot portion. The resilient portion is located on another end opposite to the pivot portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignees: Hon Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
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Publication number: 20100127515Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main housing, a moveable housing, and a latching member. The main housing defines a latching groove. The movable housing is slidably positioned on the main housing. The latching member is positioned on the movable housing. When the portable electronic device is nested, the latching member the latching groove such that the movable housing and the main housing are fixed together.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: HUNG-CHEN WU
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Patent number: 7681755Abstract: A container comprising a snap-in closure disposed between an upper part and a lower part of the container, the snap-in closure having a relatively strong holding or locking force and able to be opened relatively easily. The snap-in closure comprises a snap-in tab constructed out of the wall of one part of the container and detached along three sides, with a snap-in key disposed at the upper free end of the said snap-in closure and able to engage in a coordinated snap-in slit at the opposite container part.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Inventor: Peter Roesler
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Patent number: 7562915Abstract: A fastening mechanism for fixing a PCI bracket having a fixing piece in a casing is provided. The fastening mechanism includes a first mating member and a second mating member. The first mating member is fixed to the casing and includes a carrying piece for carrying the fixing piece and a fastening piece bending toward one end of the carrying piece. The second mating member includes a pressing piece for pressing the fixing piece, a first clipping piece bending toward one end of the pressing piece and pivotally connecting with the casing, and a second clipping piece bending toward another end of the pressing piece and corresponding in position to the fastening piece. The second mating member is rotated to combine with the first mating member, thereby securing the fixing piece in place horizontally and vertically.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Inventec CorporationInventor: Wei-Shih Chen
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Publication number: 20090115199Abstract: A system and method for locking a door. An assembly has a first engagement surface. A door is coupled to the assembly, the door including a latch member having a second engagement surface for engaging the first engagement surface. A movable member is capable of generating a force against at least one of the assembly and the door to press together and substantially prevent disengagement of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventor: James D. Dale
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Publication number: 20080231061Abstract: Locking device for the lid (17) of a washing or drying machine, equipped with a locking mechanism comprising an external latch (3) and an internal latch (2) partially housed inside the previous latch. The external latch (3) is firmly attached to an opening handle (15) and subjected to the action of a torsion spring (4), while the internal latch (2) presents on one side a slanted profile (13), and on the side opposite the slanted profile, a shaped profile (12) suitable for inducing a rotation of the latch (3) (FIG. 4).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventor: Onofrio Rocchitelli
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Patent number: 7427088Abstract: A housing for a portable hand held device such as a palmtop computer uses a torsional latching system. The housing is made of front and rear housing laminated housing members. The torsional latch arrangement works in conjunction with a plurality of latch fingers along the edge to attach the front housing laminate with the rear housing laminate. The torsional latch arrangement has a pair of L-shaped latch ribs that engage with a T-shaped latch member by torsion of the L-shaped latch ribs into engagement with pockets adjacent the T-shaped latch member prevent movement of the two housing laminates in relation to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: PALM, Inc.Inventors: Frank Annerino, Sajid Patel, Dan Groebe
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Patent number: 7386923Abstract: A casket latch assembly has a strike plate attached to a casket lid. The strike plate has a strike plate edge and a strike plate surface. A flexible latch arm is attached to a casket lower shell. The latch arm has a latch edge for engaging the strike plate surface of the strike plate to hold the lid in a closed position. A release mechanism for disengaging the latch edge from the strike plate surface to allow the closed lid to open.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.Inventors: Myrl D. Sauder, Steven R. Munday
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Patent number: 7303216Abstract: A latch assembly includes a latch and a casing having a base integrally formed with outer walls, wherein a latch chamber is defined by the base and the outer walls. The casing securely retains the latch within the latch chamber and allows limited movement of the latch within the latch chamber during an impact. Thus, the latch may move within a storage bin door upon impact, thereby preventing unlatching.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Bella, Steven L. Bivens, Paul F. Donovan
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Patent number: 7261329Abstract: A safety latch automatically stops a drawer or cabinet door both when opening and closing. In a preferred embodiment, the safety latch is a one-piece design and catches on the front face of the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Sunbeam Packaging ServicesInventors: Randall K. Julian, Sebastian Barr
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Patent number: 7261383Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a cage (10), a side panel (20) and a latch device (30) for securing the side panel to the cage. The latch device includes a cap (50) attached to the side panel, an actuator (40), a resilient strip (60), and a coil spring (48). The cap includes an end plate (56) having an aperture (562) and a base (52) defining a pair of grooves (524). The actuator includes a shaft (462) fixing the coil spring therearound and extending through the aperture, and a pair of symmetric clamps (422). The resilient strip includes a free portion (64), with a projection (642) extending therefrom. The strip is attached to the base. The actuator is slidably received in the cap and the clamps slide in the grooves to engage with free portion of the strip. The projection moves upwardly and downwardly to engage with and disengage from the cage.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., LtdInventors: Chen-Lu Fan, Li-Ping Chen, Kuo-Chih Lin
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Patent number: 7243462Abstract: An access door has a rectangular outer frame adapted to be set in a wall and having two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides defining four corners and a rectangular inner frame congruent to the outer frame, having longitudinal and transverse sides and four corners, and dimensioned to fit within the outer frame. Hinges at corners at ends of one of the longitudinal sides hold the inner frame in the outer frame and allow pivoting of the inner frame in the outer frame generally about the one longitudinal side. Two transversely effective spring latches are provided at the other longitudinal side near ends thereof between the inner and outer frames, and two longitudinally effective spring latches are provided at the transverse sides near the other longitudinal side between the inner and outer frames.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Knauf Gips KGInventor: Günter Langenhorst
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Patent number: 7036548Abstract: A roller stop (50) for a sectional door (D) having a plurality of hinged panels 20, rollers (30) attached to the panels, and a pair of tracks (T, T?) receiving the rollers for guiding the sectional door between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, the roller stop having a body portion (27), and at least one clamping member 67, 68 associated with the body portion adapted to engage one of the tracks, wherein the body portion is adapted to contact at least one of the rollers to temporarily maintain the sectional door in a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Edward C. Johnston, James M. West
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Patent number: 7021682Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing securing/unsecuring of an access panel from a generally opposing side of a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch for securing the panel disposed on a side of the chassis. A locking mechanism extends from the latch to a side opposite the latch. The locking mechanism provides a locking bar which may be manipulated to either positively secure the panel, via a screw or lock, or release the panel from the side opposite the latch.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Gateway Inc.Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Kevin A. Patin
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Patent number: 6955380Abstract: A drawer safety latch automatically stops the drawer both when opening and closing the drawer. In a preferred embodiment, the safety latch is a one-piece design and includes a large, flat surface for stick-on mounting of the safety latch to the drawer without the need for screws or other fastening devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Sebastian Barr
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Patent number: 6893061Abstract: A latch assembly for a door including a door retainer projection is provided. The latch assembly includes a handle pivotally mounted to the door for rotation about a first end, and a latch actuator contacting the handle and mounted to the door for rotation about a first end. The handle rotates in one direction when actuated and the latch actuator rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. A keeper is engaged to the door retainer projection in a closed position, and the latch actuator is configured to disengage the keeper from the door retainer projection when the handle is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
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Publication number: 20040256864Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for allowing securing/unsecuring of an access panel from a generally opposing side of a chassis. The mechanism includes a latch for securing the panel disposed on a side of the chassis. A locking mechanism extends from the latch to a side opposite the latch. The locking mechanism provides a locking bar which may be manipulated to either positively secure the panel, via a screw or lock, or release the panel from the side opposite the latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: Gateway, Inc.Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Kevin A. Patin
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Publication number: 20040012210Abstract: The invention concerns a device for locking two elongated elements the first of which slides in the second telescopically, comprising means (12, 22) for locking the first element (2) longitudinally relative to the second element (4), comprising a lock washer (13) arranged around the first element and whereof the circumferential part is placed between two longitudinally opposite supports of the second element and an elastic return member (18) placed between said second element and said washer and acting on the washer in a site at some distance from said supports so as to bring the lock washer in an extreme inclined position relative to the first element wherein the two opposite parts of said washer are in contact with the first element so as to lock the first element (2) relative to the second element (4) in the longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Pascal Guidetti
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Patent number: 6612625Abstract: A case locking system (10) includes two pairs of independently movable split levers (16). Split levers (16) are connected to top (12) and form more than two separate latches (20 and 22) movable between an open position and a closed position. Latch receivers (34) are connected to bottom (14) and are conformed to independently receive and retain each separate latch (20 and 22). In a preferred embodiment, two pairs of independently movable split levers (16) form four separate latches (20 and 22). In a further preferred embodiment, locking ramps (36) are connected to bottom (14) for automatically opening latches (20 and 22) when the top (12) is placed on to the bottom (14). In a further embodiment, alignment guides (56) and alignment posts (48) are utilized to automatically position latches (20 and 22) and latch receivers (34) when the top (12) is placed on the bottom (14).Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Genesis Technical Marketing, Inc.Inventors: Kyle L. Barber, Larry J. Watson
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Patent number: 6607224Abstract: Locking or latching mechanism with a striker having an enlarged head and a keep. The enlarged head of the striker is able to pass into an opening of the keep. The keep retains the head of the striker in a locked or latched condition. The keep is loosely mounted to permit automatic alignment between the striker and the keep.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Foster Refrigerator (UK) LimitedInventor: Andrew Hodges
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Publication number: 20030030288Abstract: A latch assembly for a door including a door retainer projection is provided. The latch assembly includes a handle pivotally mounted to the door for rotation about a first end, and a latch actuator contacting said handle and mounted to the door for rotation about a first end. The handle rotates in one direction when actuated and said latch actuator rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. A keeper is engaged to the door retainer projection in a closed position, and the latch actuator is configured to disengage said keeper from the door retainer projection when said handle is actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
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Patent number: 6416090Abstract: A locking mechanism for an enclosure includes a top housing member and a bottom housing member having at least one latch portion. The top housing member includes at least one top housing deflecting tab portion for deflecting the latch portion. The bottom housing member includes at least one bottom housing retaining tab portion. The top housing deflecting tab portion is slidably engaged with the bottom housing retaining tab portion to secure the top housing member to the bottom housing member and to prevent movement of the top housing member relative to the bottom housing member.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: 3Com CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Schechtel, William L. Bollig
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Publication number: 20020021011Abstract: Locking or latching mechanism with a striker having an enlarged head and a keep. The enlarged head of the striker is able to pass into an opening of the keep. The keep retains the head of the striker in a locked or latched condition. The keep is loosely mounted to permit automatic alignment between the striker and the keep.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: Andrew Hodges
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Patent number: 6322114Abstract: A latch unit of the invention includes a casing having a holding chamber for holding a striker and a side chamber situated adjacent to the holding chamber, and a responding member housed in the side chamber. The holding chamber and the side chamber are partitioned by an elastic member projecting toward an introduction opening of the holding chamber for introducing the striker to be attached to the latch unit. The electric member is provided with an engaging projection for engaging the striker as the striker is inserted into the holding chamber. The side chamber is provided with an urging device for urging the responding member toward a base portion of the elastic member. An urging force of the urging device is set such that when an inertia force is applied to release an engagement of the elastic member and the striker to thereby extract the striker from the holding chamber, the responding member is allowed to move to a position for preventing the elastic member from being bent toward the side chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Katsuhito Kurachi, Naohiro Shimajiri
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Patent number: 6129395Abstract: A laptop computer includes a base member and a lid member pivotally attached to the base member. A latch member is mounted in the lid member. The latch member includes a top, a bottom, and opposite sides. A hook member protrudes from the top of the latch member. A spring retaining member is positioned adjacent the bottom of the latch member. A pair of flexible snap-in members are positioned on the opposite sides. A first one of the flexible snap-in members is positioned on a first one of the sides and a second one of the flexible snap-in members is positioned on a second one of the sides. The spring retaining member is positioned between the flexible snap-in members. The base member includes a receiver for receiving the hook member.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: Maria Carmen Schlesener, Mark Ganninger