Spring-arm Catch Patents (Class 292/303)
  • Patent number: 11716824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yaw-Tzorng Tsorng, Ming-Lung Wang, Hung-Wei Chen, Liang-Ju Lin
  • Patent number: 11541819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jessica Booth, Christian Dubrock, Katie Andersen
  • Patent number: 11511673
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wadim Gasmann, Thomas Grimbach
  • Patent number: 11141339
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Edward C. Henderson
  • Patent number: 9630586
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Lee Osterfeld, Leonid Golod, Tyrone R. Secord
  • Patent number: 8888148
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Li Hsu
  • Patent number: 8832939
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Erik C Wilson, Samuel D Wagoner, Patrick E Temple, Eric DeView
  • Patent number: 8783741
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Maxxmar Inc.
    Inventor: Mario M Marocco
  • Patent number: 8684214
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok-Min Lim, Jong-Min Shin, Bong-Jun Choi, Su-Won Lee, Ill-Shin Kim, Jeong-Yon Kim
  • Patent number: 8474882
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Hsin Chang, Long Chin
  • Patent number: 8459703
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Anderson, Richard E. Schlack, D. Dale Turner, James Vickers, Stephen K. Spatig, Richard B. Langkamp, H. Allen Riblett
  • Patent number: 8444190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Schmidt, Frank Quast, Klaus Olejarz
  • Patent number: 8419080
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce Levine
  • Patent number: 8366156
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: IPL, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Mercier, Roch Nolet, Philippe Noel, Marc Talbot-Pouliot
  • Publication number: 20130008046
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenyon A. Hapke, Adrian J. Tengler
  • Patent number: 8281624
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Designer Club SRL
    Inventor: Daniel Rizzi
  • Patent number: 8283065
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 8156628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Ingo Roth
  • Publication number: 20120086223
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Golden
  • Publication number: 20120075800
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nadia Anguiano-Wehde, Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Seth D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8118335
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Hu, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8100439
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Liebherr - Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Gerner, Georg Dorner
  • Patent number: 8074992
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Olympian Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Stacy Friedman
  • Patent number: 8020902
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Hsu Li
  • Patent number: 7959196
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: James D. Dale
  • Patent number: 7740289
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignees: Hon Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
  • Publication number: 20100127515
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: HUNG-CHEN WU
  • Patent number: 7681755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Roesler
  • Patent number: 7562915
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Wei-Shih Chen
  • Publication number: 20090115199
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: James D. Dale
  • Publication number: 20080231061
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Onofrio Rocchitelli
  • Patent number: 7427088
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: PALM, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Annerino, Sajid Patel, Dan Groebe
  • Patent number: 7386923
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.
    Inventors: Myrl D. Sauder, Steven R. Munday
  • Patent number: 7303216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Bella, Steven L. Bivens, Paul F. Donovan
  • Patent number: 7261329
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Sunbeam Packaging Services
    Inventors: Randall K. Julian, Sebastian Barr
  • Patent number: 7261383
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chen-Lu Fan, Li-Ping Chen, Kuo-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 7243462
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Knauf Gips KG
    Inventor: Günter Langenhorst
  • Patent number: 7036548
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Edward C. Johnston, James M. West
  • Patent number: 7021682
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Kevin A. Patin
  • Patent number: 6955380
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Sebastian Barr
  • Patent number: 6893061
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
  • Publication number: 20040256864
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Kevin A. Patin
  • Publication number: 20040012210
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Pascal Guidetti
  • Patent number: 6612625
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Genesis Technical Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Barber, Larry J. Watson
  • Patent number: 6607224
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Foster Refrigerator (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Hodges
  • Publication number: 20030030288
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
  • Patent number: 6416090
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Schechtel, William L. Bollig
  • Publication number: 20020021011
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew Hodges
  • Patent number: 6322114
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuhito Kurachi, Naohiro Shimajiri
  • Patent number: 6129395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Maria Carmen Schlesener, Mark Ganninger