Link And Lever Patents (Class 292/48)
  • Patent number: 11199032
    Abstract: The invention relates to a securing device (1), which has a front hood (2) and a hood lock (3) with a lock holder (10), for a motor vehicle. The hood lock (3) has a rotary latch (4) with a pre-latching position and a main latching position in which the front hood (2) is closed and locked, an electric drive (5) which switches the rotary latch (4) from the main latching position into the pre-latching position, and a bayonet-type closure system (13) with a closed position, a release position, and an intermediate position. In the closed position, the rotary latch (4) is located in the main latching position; in the intermediate position, the rotary latch (4) is located in the pre-latching position and the lock holder (10) is engaged with the rotary latch (4); and in the release position, the lock holder (10) is released by the rotary latch (4) and the front hood (2) is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Johannes Theodor Menke, Thorsten Nottebaum, Thorsten Bendel, Karl Krause
  • Patent number: 11118381
    Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a detent lever attached to a vehicle, and a release lever attached adjacent the detent to move between a pulled position, pushing the detent lever to an unlocked position responsive to activation of a release handle, and a released position, releasing the detent to move to a locked position responsive to deactivation of the release handle. A forkbolt is attached to the vehicle to move between: a first position—engaging the detent, retaining the striker at one location, and latching a compartment closure assembly closed; a second position—disengaging the detent, retaining the striker at another location, and latching the closure assembly in one pop-up position; a third position—reengaging the detent, retaining the striker at yet another location, and latching the closure assembly in another pop-up position; and a fourth position—disengaging the detent and allowing the closure assembly to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, PyeongHwa Automotive Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James N. Nelsen, Sung Han Kim
  • Patent number: 11097823
    Abstract: A mount for a trolling motor pivots the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount includes a base coupled to a deck of a watercraft and upper and lower arms pivotably coupled to the base. A bracket also couples the upper arm to the lower arm. The mount includes one of the following: (1) a deployed-position latch coupled to the upper arm or the base and a corresponding deployed-position striker pin configured to engage with the deployed-position latch in the deployed position of the trolling motor to lock the upper arm to the base; or (2) a pivotable latch and an associated latch blocker on the upper or lower arm or the base and a corresponding striker pin configured to engage with the pivotable latch in the deployed and/or stowed position of the trolling motor to lock the upper or lower arm to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Boks, John Witte
  • Patent number: 11085220
    Abstract: A stopper apparatus for a tailgate of a vehicle includes a latch mechanism mounted on the tailgate of the vehicle, one or more first stopper members secured to the latch mechanism, a striker attached to a vehicle body structure, and a second stopper member disposed around the striker. The second stopper member receives part of the latch mechanism and the first stopper members to constrain the latch mechanism and the first stopper members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Doo Hee Han, In Soo Jung, Myung Taek Lee
  • Patent number: 10934747
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a motor vehicle door lock (1) comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least a lock pawl, a release lever (12), a first actuating lever (8), wherein the locking mechanism can be unlocked by means of the release lever (12) and wherein the release lever (12) can be actuated by means of the actuating lever (8). The invention is characterized in that a further motor vehicle door lock (2) is provided, wherein said further motor vehicle door lock (2) can be actuated by means of the first actuating lever (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Ömer Inan
  • Patent number: 10927572
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock (1) which comprises a locking mechanism having: a rotary latch and at least one pawl; a release lever (12); a locking device (21), the release lever (12) cooperating with the locking device (21) via a coupling lever (13); and an actuating lever (8), the locking mechanism being at least indirectly unlockable by means of the actuating lever (8). An additional motor vehicle door lock (2) is provided, and said vehicle door lock (2) can be actuated via a second coupling lever (14) and by means of the actuating lever (8), the first and the second coupling lever (13, 14) having a common pivot axis (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Ömer Inan
  • Patent number: 10871013
    Abstract: A load transfer interface for a vehicle door that comprises an outer skin and at least one beam that is connected to the outer skin, wherein the outer skin and the at least one beam define a vehicle door plane, the load transfer interface comprising at least one door stop fitting that is provided to transfer pressure loads from the vehicle door to an associated vehicle structural frame, the at least one door stop fitting being provided for rotation in an associated rotation plane, wherein the associated rotation plane is at least approximately parallel to the vehicle door plane. The invention is further related to an aircraft cabin door having such a load transfer interface, as well as to an aircraft having such an aircraft cabin door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Matthias Schwab
  • Patent number: 10590684
    Abstract: The invention provides a door device (1) adapted to provide a watertight condition against an external surface, the door device (1) comprising a main support surface (2), a main spar (10), first and second main closing elements (3, 4), first, second, third and fourth connecting elements (5, 6, 7, 8), primary guiding elements (91, 92), a transversal element (11) comprising an auxiliary closing wedge (111) and secondary guiding elements (93, 94), wherein along the movement of the main spar (10) between a first inactive position and a second watertight position, the movement of each second connecting element (6) is limited by the corresponding primary guiding element (91, 92) to the direction of said primary guiding element (91, 92), making the first and second main closing elements (3, 4) exit a main area (2a). When the main spar (10) is in the watertight position, the watertight gap is equal to the length of the watertight side of the auxiliary closing wedge (111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: PUERTAS Y SISTEMAS ANTI INUNDACIONES S.L.
    Inventor: Lucas Mª Elizalde Salegui
  • Patent number: 10362710
    Abstract: An enclosure for telecommunications equipment suitable for below grade use with fiber optic equipment or electrical equipment is described. The enclosure incorporates a cam operated latching mechanism and compression plates to seal the door closed and create a water resistant or water tight seal. The enclosure may be used in a variety of applications, including above and below grade. The enclosure may also include a lift assist system to allow it to be easily raised and lowered from a below grade stowed position to an above grade service position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN PRODUCTS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Sergio A. Alarcon, William C. Biston, Timothy L. Dudley, Alan L. Rost
  • Patent number: 9297181
    Abstract: There is disclosed a door assembly for use on an electric switch housing which is virtually arc proof. The door assembly includes a rectangular frame with a door pivotally connected to one side of the frame by an elongated piano type hinge. A multi-latch door lock secures the door to the frame by providing a plurality of locking latch points along three sides of the door and door frame. The multi-latch door lock is operated from a single handle to operate the lock between its locked and unlocked conditions. A fail safe mechanism is provided to automatically cut off the flow of current in the electric switch when the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Mario Gasparetto
  • Patent number: 8905278
    Abstract: A cargo box is configured for mounting on crossbars on top of a vehicle. The cargo box includes a control assembly for operating a latch assembly on one side of the cargo box. The control assembly includes a toggle switch which may be enabled or disabled by operation of a lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elliot, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 8881564
    Abstract: A free floating paddle handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door having a latch. The handle assembly includes a housing with a pivotal paddle on the front and a logic assembly on the back. The handle can be pulled from its neutral or rest position to an actuated position so as to rotate the logic assembly when a lock cylinder is unlocked so as to release the latch. When the lock cylinder is locked, the paddle free floats and does not move the logic assembly, such that the logic assembly is inoperative and the latch remains closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Trimark Corporation
    Inventors: Jayden Burns, David L. Root, Alexander C. Everett, Jennifer L Bearman
  • Patent number: 8746756
    Abstract: A vehicle door switch actuation system is provided. The system includes an exterior handle mechanically coupled with a rotatable shaft. The shaft is mechanically coupled with a door latch. Rotation of the exterior handle to an open door position moves the door latch to release a vehicle door. A first arm and a second arm are mounted to the shaft. The first arm engages a close switch in response to rotation of the exterior handle to a close door position. The second arm engages an open switch in response to rotation of the exterior handle to the open door position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Control Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Tezak, James E. Brown, Nicholas J. Scholtes
  • Patent number: 8720956
    Abstract: A tailgate synchronizer for coordinating mechanical communications between handles and locking assemblies in a vehicle V closure includes a synchronizer locking device moveable to a locked state for preventing the handles from unlatching the locking assemblies. The synchronizer further includes a pair of handle levers corresponding to the handles and a pair of actuator levers corresponding to the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is selectively translated into unlatching of the lock assemblies based on a state of the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is prevented from translating into unlatching of the lock assemblies when the synchronizer locking device is in the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sean Murray
  • Patent number: 8579337
    Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a vehicle passenger door or compartment door and has a free floating paddle when the door or compartment is locked. The paddle is pivotally mounted on the exterior of the handle housing, while a logic assembly is mounted on the interior of the housing. The logic assembly includes a pivotal drive plate, a pivotal driven plate, and a pivotal lock arm. The drive plate is independent of the driven plate when the door is locked. The drive plate and driven plate moving in unison when the door is unlocked and the paddle is opened, thereby opening the latch mechanism for the vehicle compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trimark Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew L. Hidding, Toby Schwickerath
  • Patent number: 8167195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 8051688
    Abstract: A lock device includes a main body, a lock that locks and unlocks a lid member, an operating button, an engagement member, a rotor that rotates by locking and unlocking the lock, a coupling member, and an arm disposed on the rotor and coupled to one end of the coupling member. The coupling member interlocks the operation button and the engagement member with unlocking the lock and releases an interlock between the operation button and the engagement member with locking the lock. The engagement member slides through the coupling member to disengage the engagement member from the main body by operating the operating button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Soma
  • Patent number: 7857199
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: United Stated Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7850751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two or three phase separator including a centrifugal separator, a demister (if a three phase separator), and a filter contained within a housing. The filter uses an outside-in flow principle. The filter includes an inner layer or a center core that defines a hollow interior. An outer layer is positioned adjacent and surrounding the inner layer. The outer layer includes a re-enforcement layer, a first particle filter layer, a coalescer layer, and a second particle filter layer. An access cover of the separator includes a cover plug, an actuator cam, a plurality of idler cam plates, and a plurality of mechanisms. The access cover cooperates with an opening and an annular groove in the housing to close off and seal the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20090230699
    Abstract: A latch with dual rotary pawls is disclosed. The latch is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary pawl engages a striker attached to a respective one of the doors to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Carabalona
  • Patent number: 7513541
    Abstract: A rotary latch mechanism that includes at least one support plate that pivotally supports both a latch fork and a lock cam is disclosed. The lock cam is movable from a first position where the lock cam prevents rotation of the latch fork to a second position where the lock cam does not interfere with the movement of the latch fork. A spring is attached to the latch fork and the lock cam and extends between the latch fork and the lock cam, so that the spring biases the lock cam towards the first position while biasing the latch fork to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Shawn Gregory
  • Patent number: 7437899
    Abstract: A suitcase lock assembly formed of a push-button lock and a pin tumbler lock for working with two locking units and two linking units in a suitcase, in which each push button of the push-button lock has two grooves for receiving a movable member to force a movable plate away from the linking units for allowing the linking units to be driven by the push blocks to open the locking covers, and the pin tumbler lock has an actuation block rotatable with the key to move the movable plate away from the linking units for allowing the linking units to be driven by the push blocks to open the locking covers. Thus, the user can selectively use the push-button lock or the pin tumbler lock, enhancing the security and convenience of use of the suitcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Min-Tsung Ma
  • Patent number: 7343762
    Abstract: A garage door locking system includes a central elongated spindle having an inside end and an outside end. An outside locking member is positioned on the outside end of the spindle, and an inside locking member is positioned on the inside end of the spindle. An actuator yoke on the inside end of the spindle includes at least one end configured for connection to an end of an elongated lock bar or a snap latch cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Amarr Company
    Inventors: A. Anthony East, Tracy Edmonds, Tony Jarrett, Martin Murdoch
  • Patent number: 7267377
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing, a first rotor movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position, and a second rotor movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position. The first rotor has a first throat to receive a strike element. The latch assembly further has an operating assembly with a latched state and an unlatched state. The operating assembly in the latched state releasably maintains the first rotor in its first latched position and the second rotor in its first latched position. The first rotor is movable substantially parallel to a reference plane as the first rotor moves between its first latched and release positions. The first rotor has a non-uniform thickness taken orthogonally to the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tri/Mark Corporation
    Inventors: Ricci L. Marzolf, Joe Daniel Knight, Bruce E. Kallevig, Bruce E. Frohman
  • Patent number: 7159908
    Abstract: An improved window sash latch which has a locking mechanism and a keeper is provided with a handle that rotates from a “locked” to an “unlocked” position. An inner cavity of the handle has a spring assembly having a sliding part that can be forced into a detent as the handle slides around a cylindrical extension of an outer surface of the latch. The detents correspond to a “locked” and an “unlocked” position of the latch. The latch also provides two cams where both cams revolve relative to each other; one cam is activated by the handle through the handle's shaft, the other cam engages the keeper, and both cams engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Liang
  • Patent number: 7140649
    Abstract: A rotary latch mechanism that includes at least one support plate that pivotally supports both a latch fork and a lock cam is disclosed. The lock cam is movable from a first position where the lock cam prevents rotation of the latch fork to a second position where the lock cam does not interfere with the movement of the latch fork. A spring is attached to the latch fork and the lock cam and extends between the latch fork and the lock cam, so that the spring biases the lock cam towards the first position while biasing the latch fork to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Tuffy Security Products
    Inventor: Shawn Gregory
  • Patent number: 7070578
    Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette latching mechanism having two pivoting latching rails. The rails are connected to a rotating latching wheel by spring-loaded latching arms. The latching wheel is connected to a motor by a latching pushbar. The cassette is pressed into the rails which initiates the rotation of the rails, which close onto the cassette. The motor next rotates the latching wheel, producing cam-like movement of the latching arms and thereby further pivoting the latching rails to the fully closed and locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Leukanech, Daniel J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7040671
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a casing, two pivotable members pivotally mounted in the casing and meshed with each other, two linking rods, and two hook device each including a hook member and a rocker arm that is pivotally mounted in the casing. Each hook member has a first end pivotally connected to an associated rocker arm and a hooked second end that is passable through an associated one of two openings of the casing. When either pivotable member is pivoted, each rocker arm and each hook member are actuated such that the hooked second end of each hook member is moved between a retracted position in the casing and a locking position out of the casing. Damage to the hooked second ends of the hook members during closing of a door is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Jyh-Huey Su, legal representative, Chuen-Yi Liu, deceased
  • Patent number: 7029041
    Abstract: A door closing mechanism for pulling a door tight to a frame to which the door is mounted comprises a latch arm assembly having a latch arm pivotally secured to a panel of the door and pivotable between a first, open position and a second, latched position. An activating mechanism is operably connected to the latch arm assembly by a connecting apparatus and actuates the latch arm between its first and second positions. A latch member is secured to the jamb in which the door is mounted and is arranged and constructed so that when the latch arm is moved into its second, closed position, the latch arm engages the latch member and exerts force upon the latch member in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the door so as to cause the door to contact the door frame over substantially its entire height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Richard D. Keller
  • Patent number: 6802543
    Abstract: A door handle system for a door employing a plurality of door handles that operate in unison. Each door handle comprised of a lever with a perpendicular shaft, and the shaft extending through sequentially and securing together the following additional elements of the door handle to insure that the latch mechanism rotates together with the lever: a sealing washer, snap bushing, handle opening through the door, second bushing, collar and latch mechanism. An arm provided on each latch mechanism that attaches to a common bus bar. An outwardly extending tongue provided on each latch mechanism for engaging either a door facing or a tongue receiving bracket attached to the door facing to latch the door in a closed position. A lock bracket on the door with a lock opening to align with a lock opening provided the lever for padlocking the lever closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: AAON, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Wakefield
  • Patent number: 6799396
    Abstract: A hinged door panel selectively closing an opening within an enclosure wall is held under adjusted watertight pressure by means of a plurality of elongated closure holding devices pivotally mounted on the enclosure by a frame in surrounding relation to the opening. The closure holding devices are selectively displaced from release positions to closure holding positions overlapping sealing contact surfaces formed by wedge elements on the door panel. Wear pads project from the overlapping closure holding devices to engage the contact sealing surfaces on the wedge elements under the adjusted pressure, to effectively seal the enclosure opening in a watertight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert C. Redfern, Ted A. Heinritz, Constantine V. Pappas
  • Patent number: 6540268
    Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking element for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking element has first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By way of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: PARAT-Werk Schönenbach GmbH +Co. KG
    Inventor: Herbert Berhard Pauser
  • Patent number: 6513353
    Abstract: A flush mountable operating assembly has paddle-type handle nested in a housing-defined recess for pivoting between non-operated and operated positions. An operating linkage for drivingly connecting the paddle handle to one or a plurality of adjacent or remotely located latch assemblies includes overlying first and second arm that are connected to the housing for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis. A lock cylinder is carried by the housing and is coupled to a connecting element for positioning the connecting element at selected locations along the lengths of aligned slots that are formed through the first and second arms. The position of the connecting element in the slots, and the configuration and orientation of the slots determine whether the arms are drivingly connected or disconnected. When connected, the arms pivot in the unison when the handle is moved to its operated position to cause the latch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 6511105
    Abstract: A locking device is to be mounted on a bed of a truck or within an ambulance to lock or fasten goods on the bed or a stretcher within the ambulance. The locking device includes a frame, an operating handle rotatably mounted on the frame, a link mechanism connected to the operating handle and having a recess defined therein, a hook connected to the operating handle via the link mechanism, and a locking pin slidable relative to the operating handle. The hook is locked by introducing the locking pin into the recess and is unlocked by moving the locking pin apart from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6502868
    Abstract: A Dual T-Lock Apparatus for T-handle latch assemblies mountable on toolboxes is a transverse lock rod connecting two T-handle latch assemblies and apparatus mounted on each T-handle latch assembly such that one latch assembly can be released, automatically releasing, through the transverse lock rod, the other latch assembly. A Dual T-Lock comprises two T-handle latch assemblies provided with the Dual T-Lock Apparatus. A toolbox is provided that fitted with a Dual T-Lock and suitable for use in a truck. A toolbox is provided that is fitted with T-handle latch assemblies fitted with a Dual T-Lock Apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Protech Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tevis Dean Laspa, Harold John Newhouse, Ted Eugene Slanker
  • Patent number: 6446393
    Abstract: A watertight door apparatus includes a door, a door frame, a number of dogging elements, and an actuator mechanism for toggling the dogging elements between a latched condition and an unlatched condition. The dogging elements include roller elements for reducing friction between mating parts. A detent mechanism is provided to prevent inadvertent operation of the actuator mechanism. The dogging elements can be configured to rotate into and out of the latched condition, or they can be configured to slide into and out of the latched condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Bath Iron Works Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Jay Marston, Sr., John Alford Miller, Conrad Stone Brooks, Pantelis Zolas, Stephen James Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20020047278
    Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking means for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking means comprises first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By means of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: PARAT-Werk Schonenbach GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Herbert B. Pauser
  • Publication number: 20020043808
    Abstract: A closing device for a folding top of a convertible is provided with a one-handed swiveling handle (5), which is supported in the longitudinal median plane (4) of the vehicle at the roof peak part (2). This one-handed swiveling device (5) has a connecting rod (9), which extends symmetrically to the longitudinal median plane (4) of the vehicle and transfers a swiveling motion (C). In an inventive embodiment, the connecting rod (9) is constructed as a torsion bar (T), which can be shifted jointly with the swiveling handle (5) about the drag bearing (14) of the latter at the roof peak part (2). The end parts (7) of the torsion bar (T) are mounted in each case immovably at the roof peak part (2) in the region of the locking organs (12) engaging the windshield frame (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Deadrick, Frank Marius Geyer, Khais Jumaah, Brad Smith
  • Patent number: 6290268
    Abstract: A dual rotary latch assembly installed in the door of an RV and comprising two rotary latches spaced apart along the free edge of the door and connected by a linkage embedded in the door to open the upper latch along with the lower latch but slightly in advance thereof. The linkage includes a slide mounted on the lower latch with a lost-motion connection and connected to the trip lever of the lower latch to be moved thereby, a spring-loaded adjustable connection between the slide and an elongated link, for adjusting the timing of the operation of the upper latch, and a pivotal connection between the link and the trip lever of the upper latch, to move this to the unlatching position during the movement of the trip lever of the lower latch toward its unlatching position. The spring for the linkage can be selected to resist 30 “G” dynamic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Hehr International, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor I. Cohen, Robert F. Helenick
  • Patent number: 6161881
    Abstract: Disclosed is a window and lock assembly for releasably locking a sash component of a window in a closed position with respect to a frame component; wherein the lock assembly includes two catches mounted on said frame component at spaced apart positions. The catches are rotatably movable between locked and unlocked positions, wherein a slide bar connects the two catches. Rotation of the first catch causes rotation of the second catch, wherein in the unlocked position the first catch is rotationally closer to the first keeper than the second catch is to the second keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Babka, Dave R. Bogenhagen, Todd W. Bruchu, James Robert Harger, Thomas Michael Wright, Arthur Raymond King, IV
  • Patent number: 6101764
    Abstract: A pivoting watertight door has at least one panel with two parallel bars mounted thereon by means of links. At least one link forms a catch for locking the door in a closed position. The links are mounted so as to pivot on the door panel and also on the parallel bars where the bars are connected together at their ends, in pairs, and facing each other. Two connecting links are mounted so as to pivot on the one hand on the panel and on the other hand on two facing ends of the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: L'Industrielle DuPonant SA
    Inventor: Alix Guy-Paul
  • Patent number: 6012747
    Abstract: A locking device is constituted by: a casing; a cover fastened to the casing into a unit construction; a latch plate for latching a striker, the latch plate being rotatably supported by the casing and the cover; a locking plate being rotatably supported by the casing and the cover, the locking plate locking the latch plate in its turn, thereby to ensure the latching of the striker by the latch plate; locking-state removal means for removing the locking of the striker by the latch plate by turning the locking plate; and a striker pressing plate, rotatably supported by the cover, for pressing the striker against the latch plate in a state that the latch plate 16 is locked in its turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Takamura, Noboru Uematsu, Akihiro Takeda
  • Patent number: 5931512
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for a wafer container includes a box sealable to a base plate to form an air-tight space for holding at least one wafer therein. The latch mechanism is located on the base plate and includes a U-shaped latch plate and a cam mechanism. The latch plate has a hook member at a front end thereof. The hook member includes a 7-shape hook with a bottom end pivotly engaged with the base plate and a top end pivotly engaged with the front end of the latch plate. The cam mechanism includes a cam and a linkage bar with a roller disposed therein. One end of the linkage bar attached to the latch plate. Another end of the linkage bar has a pin engaging with a slot formed in the cam. The pin and the roller form a positive and movable engagement with the cam. By turning the cam, the linkage bar and latch plate will have linear motion and trigger the hook to engage the box securely to the base plate or allow the box disengaging with the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Horng-Kuang Fan, Jyhjone Lee, Gwo-Jou Huang
  • Patent number: 5884948
    Abstract: A slam-capable rotary latch employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having a pair of spaced housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining within the confines of the first, second and third U-shaped notches a suitably configured strike formation, with housing side plate portions that define a selected one of the first and second U-shaped notches being rigidified and strengthened by the close proximity presence of a flange 1) that is formed integrally with side plate portions that define the selected notch and 2) that extends transversely to bridge between the housing side plates at a location near the first and second U-shaped notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs, Arthur J. Kuminski
  • Patent number: 5738393
    Abstract: An automotive hood latch includes a striker carried by the hood latch and two separate latching members carried by the vehicle for alternate engagement with the striker, one of the latching members serving as a safety. The separate latching members are sequentially operated in the unlatching direction by double reciprocation of a remote cable operator. The motorist can release the hood from both latching members without leaving the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yi J. Chao
  • Patent number: 5688004
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock arrangement for a double rear hatch having a lower hatch door which can be swung down and which is attached to lower edge (2) and an upper hatch door which can be folded up and which is attached to upper edge (4) of the body opening. Door lock mechanisms for each hatch door are located on each side edge (6, 7) of the body opening and closure blocks therefor are located on side edges (8, 9) of the hatch doors (3, 5). Each lock mechanism has a rotary latch and detent pawl for securing and releasing a respective closure block. Essentially independent opening of each hatch door is possible. Preferably, the lock mechanisms of lower hatch (13) and upper hatch (5) are combined into a single lock unit on a lock carrier at each side of the body opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Karge
  • Patent number: 5564295
    Abstract: A slam-capable rotary latch employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having a pair of spaced housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining within the confines of the first, second and third U-shaped notches a suitably configured strike formation, with housing side plate portions that define a selected one of the first and second U-shaped notches being rigidified and strengthened by the close proximity presence to the selected U-shaped notch of a flange 1) that is formed integrally with the side plate portions that define the selected U-shaped notch, 2) that is connected by a tight radius bend to the side plate portions that define the selected U-shaped notch, and 3) that extends transversely so as to bridge between the pair of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski, James L. Hollingsworth, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5439260
    Abstract: A slam-capable rotary latch employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having a pair of spaced housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining within the confines of the first, second and third U-shaped notches a suitably configured strike formation, with housing side plate portions that define a selected one of the first and second U-shaped notches being rigidified and strengthened by the close proximity presence of a flange 1) that is formed integrally with side plate portions that define the selected notch and 2) that extends transversely to bridge between the housing side plates at a location near the first and second U-shaped notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski, James L. Hollingsworth, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5333920
    Abstract: A clip system for clamping a panel element against a rebate comprises a bolt which is movable between a first position for clamping the panel element against a rebate and a second position for releasing the panel element, and an operating mechanism for moving the bolt. According to the invention, depending on the position of the bolt, there is a variable transmission ratio between the operating mechanism and the bolt, with a reduction which increases as the bolt in a path near the first position nears said first position. Operation of the bolt consequently requires little force and can be carried out with a short movement. The clip system can be achieved by a simple construction requiring little maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Machinefabriek en Handelmaatschappij Winel B.V.
    Inventor: Jan de Rover
  • Patent number: RE35463
    Abstract: An improved structure is provided for a window sash lock having a catch mounted to a face of a window frame to grasp and release a keeper reciprocally mounted to a face of a window sash. A housing (12) is mounted against the frame face (13) that has an opening therethrough with a portion substantially cylindrical about an axis perpendicular to the frame face (13). An operator (52) for the catch (32) comprises a cylindrical pivotal portion (56) which is receivable within the housing cylindrical portion and is adapted to pivot about the axis. The operator also includes a handle portion (54) secured at one end to the operator pivotal portion (56). The operator further comprises an actuator portion having a button (60) at one end for engaging the catch to control movement thereof. The actuator portion is secured at the other end to the operator pivotal portion. A part of the actuator portion is trapped between the housing and the frame face to prevent removal of the operator from the mounted housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Vetter, Daniel G. Tucker, deceased