Spring Retracted Patents (Class 292/62)
  • Patent number: 11273850
    Abstract: An auto-rack bridge plate locking assembly including a support bracket, a guide tube, a slidable locking pin partially positioned in the guide tube, a handle assembly removably attachable to the locking pin, a fixed pivot pin partially positioned in the guide tube, and a spring positioned in the guide tube between the pivot pin and the locking pin. An auto-rack railroad car bridge plate may include a plate configured to extend from one auto-rack railroad car to an adjacent auto-rack railroad car with the locking assembly connected to the plate and configured to pivotally attach the plate to one of the auto-rack rail road cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Standard Car Truck Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach
  • Patent number: 11247495
    Abstract: A print head assembly for a media processing device comprises: a print head including an interface and a latch receiver on an upper surface of the print head; and a print head carrier including: (i) a base plate having an opening to receive the latch receiver therethrough when the print head is positioned at a lower surface of the base plate; (ii) an adapter to engage with the interface of the print head; and (iii) a latch bar on an upper surface of the base plate, the latch bar slideable between a first position to engage with the latch receiver and lock the print head to the base plate, and a second position to disengage from the latch receiver and release the print head from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Gotschewski, Daniel V. Carroll, Dwight D. Dipert, Thomas P. Zwier
  • Patent number: 10003156
    Abstract: A mating post and method to retain a first electrical connector to a second electrical connector. The mating post includes a head, a neck portion and a locking portion. The neck portion is configured to be received in a mounting opening of the first connector. The locking portion extends from the neck portion in a direction away from the head. At least one slot is provided in the locking portion. The at least one slot projects from proximate a free end of the locking portion toward the neck portion. A projection receiving recess extends from the at least one slot to cooperate with a projection of the second connector to secure the first connector to the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alex Robert Rengifo
  • Patent number: 9169677
    Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for a door. In an embodiment, the locking device includes a locking slider which is slidable into at least two positions, wherein in the first position the door is locked and in the second position the door is released for opening; and includes a guide within which the locking slider is slidably arranged. The locking slider includes a door interrogator, wherein the door interrogator can be displaced by the door into at least two door interrogator positions, wherein in the first door interrogator position with the door closed the locking slider can be shifted into one of its at least two positions, and wherein in the second door interrogator position with the door open the locking slider cannot be shifted into the first position for locking the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Alexander Hager, Jürgen Kummer
  • Patent number: 8939472
    Abstract: A latching assembly for mounting a printhead to a plate assembly of a printing machine comprises a barrel attached to the printhead and an actuator member having an actuator head disposed for translation and rotation relative to the barrel and a latch element with a circumferential element configured to engage a catch surface on the plate assembly upon rotation of the actuator member. A ratchet mechanism between the actuator head and the barrel is configured to hold the actuator head at different longitudinal positions relative to the barrel upon rotation of the actuator head. A push button is carried by the barrel and a cam mechanism is defined between the push button and the actuator member that is configured to rotate the actuator member relative to the barrel when the proximal face of the push button is manually depressed. As the push button is successively pushed the circumferential element successively engages the catch surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey John Bradway
  • Patent number: 8250811
    Abstract: A cane bolt is spring biased up to allow a movable barrier with which the cane bolt is engaged to move. The cane bolt can be pushed down into a strike hole to prevent movement of the barrier. To hold the cane bolt down, a pin on the cane bolt abuts a slotted stop on the barrier. To raise the cane bolt, the cane bolt is simply rotated so that the pin aligns with and thus passes through the slot, allowing the spring to urge the cane bolt up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Sjirk W. Zijlstra
  • Publication number: 20120044654
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism includes a housing whereon an accommodating space and a fastening slot are formed. The accommodating space is for accommodating a removable module. The fixing mechanism further includes a casing for covering the removable module. The fixing mechanism further includes a latch component installed on the casing in a slidable manner, and a handle connected to the casing in a rotatable manner. An end of the handle pushes the latch component to engage inside the fastening slot for fixing the removable module inside the accommodating space when the handle rotates to a fixing position. The fixing mechanism further includes a resilient component connected to the latch component for driving the latch component to separate from the fastening slot when the handle rotates to a releasing position and the end of the handle separates from the latch component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Cheng-Min Hsiu, Che-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7850215
    Abstract: A closure element for a detachable, locking storage area in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The closure element comprises at least one clamping element designed for securing to a first component, in particular a plate-type component, by means of an elastic element, and with a handle which is pre-clamped by an elastic element for clamping a second component between the clamping element and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Fairchild Fasteners Europe-Camloc GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Taubert, Dieter Juling, Anja Schulze
  • Patent number: 7719421
    Abstract: A security system and security device for securing a piece of luggage having a locking means, the security system and security device having a housing with two or more passageways and defined therethrough and a pawl, wherein said a pawl projects into said two or more passageways, and a security strap that is adapted to be inserted into the locking means and the two or more passageways, wherein the security strap is adapted to engage with the pawl to securely link the housing to the piece of luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: 2049178 Ontario, Inc.
    Inventors: David Zovic, Peter Padula
  • Patent number: 7681752
    Abstract: An animal-resistant system for inhibiting access to refuse containers by animals is disclosed. The system comprises at least one latch mechanism, at least one actuation member, at least one shroud member, and a cover defining an opening which permits access to the actuation member. The actuation member communicates with the latch mechanism so as to move the latch mechanism between the latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the latch mechanism secures the container lid to the container base, substantially inhibiting access to the container. The access hole and actuation member are dimensioned and positioned on the container in a selected manner so as allow human hands access to the actuation member and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals. The shrouds are further configured to inhibit forcible entry into the container when the system is latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Compumeric Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Moore
  • Patent number: 6802962
    Abstract: An easy access deck drain cover assembly with a strainer plate having a removable hinge at one end and a removable locking mechanism opposite the hinge where the locking mechanism includes a J-bolt coupled to the strainer plate and means for engaging the bottom of the J-bolt to secure the strainer plate in a closed position. The strainer plate cover remains connected to the deck drain even when opened so that the deck drain may be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Albert E. Browne, III, Jeffrey W. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6669144
    Abstract: Access apparatus including an access device including at least one of a door and a window, the access device including at least one openable element; and opening apparatus adapted to open the at least one openable element in a presence of a pressure difference of a predefined magnitude between opposite sides of the access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Rav Bariach Security Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Eyal Artsiely
  • Patent number: 6484449
    Abstract: Access apparatus including an access device including at least one of a door and a window, the access device including at least one openable element; and opening apparatus adapted to open the at least one openable element in a presence of a pressure difference of a predefined magnitude between opposite sides of the access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Security Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Eyal Artsiely
  • Patent number: 6224118
    Abstract: A child resistant latch system for minimizing a child's access to cabinets containing potentially harmful items includes a spring loaded biasing assembly for biasing a handle that is operationally coupled to a latch that is positioned proximate a stop plate. Optionally, a latch receiving plate assembly may be attached to a frame of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Gordon J. Ashford
  • Patent number: 6099047
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for cases or containers which includes engagable lock elements, one of which can be rotatable into a lockable and a non-lockable alignment. The exposed surfaces of the lock elements are flush with surrounding wall surfaces of the case or container when the mechanism is locked. The mechanism can be concealed by matching the exposed surfaces of the lock elements with the surrounding surfaces of the case or container. The mechanism include springs which bias the lock elements. Appropriate spring strengths can be selected to prevent infants and young children from opening the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Douglas L. Reiff, Ross A. Weldy
  • Patent number: 6045167
    Abstract: A self-acting locking bolt for doors or the like, more particularly furniture doors, comprising at least one receiving part on one door leaf or frame, and at least one locking part on the other door leaf or on a door leaf, the locking part having a control connecting-link for a pin of a bolt guided so as to be movable vertically in the locking part, the said pin projecting sideways out of the locking part, in that the locking part is substantially flush with the top edge or bottom edge of the door leaf, in that the bolt does not project, or projects only slightly, beyond the top edge of the locking part when the door leaf is in an open position and projects beyond the top edge into a matching location in an associated frame part when the door leaf is in a closed position, and in that the receiving part has a recess with which the pin of the bolt may be brought into engagement in the locking operation and is pushed along the connecting-link guide and in wich the pin is located when the door leaf is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Heinrich Lauterbach
  • Patent number: 5746455
    Abstract: In a bolt latch with a minimum number of parts, compact size, lightweight and operable by a snap action: socket 13 is fixable to stationary frame 1; latch body 3 has longitudinal groove 3a and circumferential groove 3b; latch body 3 is fixable to door 2, the groove 3b and is perpendicular to the groove 3a, communicates with and extends from a front end of the groove 3a; bolt 4 is in the latch body and is axially slidable and rotatable on its axis and engages with the socket 13 in locking operation; pin 5 is fixed to the bolt 4 and slidable slidably received in the grooves 3a, 3b; spring 6 linearly urges the bolt 4 to have its front end received in the latch body 3 and rotatably urges it to have the pin 5 received in the groove 3b; and seat 9 is fixed to the body 3 and butts against the pin 5 in an unlocking operation to prevent the bolt 4 from further moving rearward in the body 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhide Takimoto
  • Patent number: 5671957
    Abstract: A child safety latch which cannot be actuated by those having relatively short fingers. A spring-biased lock is slidably moved within the J-shaped tracks of a guard tube. The latch is in an unlocked position when the locking pin rests in the larger side of the J-shaped track. In this position, the spring biases the locking pin against the top of the larger side of the track. Actuation of the latch, i.e. pushing down on the button located on top of the lock, lowers the lock against the spring. The complete lowering of the lock and the full compression of the spring occurs when the locking pin is at the bottom of the J-shaped track. A slight counter-clockwise twist of the finger urges the locking pin into the smaller side of the J-shaped track, where the lock is spring biased against the top of the smaller side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Roger Raffini
  • Patent number: 5618066
    Abstract: A latch device includes a pin slidably engaged in a housing. The pin includes one end for engaging with a retainer so as to lock a door panel in place. A spring member is engaged between the pin and the housing and is made of shape memory alloy and is deformed to a shorter or longer length different from an original length so as to allow the pin to engage with the retainer. The spring member may be recovered to the original length so as to disengage the pin from the retainer when the spring member is heated such that the door panel may be opened automatically in a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Chen Fu-Hsiang
  • Patent number: 5409271
    Abstract: A latch-pin lock for sliding doors and windows has a latch (1) on a base plate (4) that is attachable to a sliding-door frame (5) adjacent to a sliding-door lock pin (7). The latch retains the sliding-door lock pin (7) in door lock-pin orifices (9) in opposition to vibrational manipulation of the door and door frame (5) generally applied by persons attempting unauthorized entry. The latch can be glued or otherwise fastened to the door frame (5) either after, before or during construction of a building to which the sliding door is attached. With either a pivotal or a sliding contact of the latch (1) with the base plate (4), the latch can be positioned on the lock pin (7) to retain the lock pin (7) in a locking or in an unlocking distance of entry into a lock-pin orifice (9) as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: John K. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5234236
    Abstract: A pawl assembly comprising a threaded shaft of noncircular cross section, a pawl of generally elongate shape having a circular through hole, and a clip that is nonrotatably mounted on the shaft and which contacts the pawl to prevent rotation thereof. The clip has a noncircular through hole that corresponds to the noncircular cross section of the shaft and a bent portion that contacts a side surface of the pawl to prevent rotation. By using such a clip, the pawl can be oriented in multiple angular directions while also providing for precise axial placement on the shaft. The pawl assemblies may be used in latches for cabinets and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Gromotka
  • Patent number: 5125695
    Abstract: A safety latch with a backing member, a latch bolt and a housing for the latch bolt supported by the backing member. A spring is provided to bias the latch bolt in the open or unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Max H. Hartwell
  • Patent number: 5062669
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for safely locking doors, such as trailer-tractor vehicle doors and for controllably releasing same including a reciprocal or rotatable locking member such as a sliding bolt movable up through the floor of a trailer to a first locking position wherein a door is positively locked and a release position wherein the vehicle door is released with the locking member housed in a tamper-proof box with a pivotal panel that is held shut by a latch released by a latch operator means which is activated by an air drive that can be primarily operated only when connected to the air pressure system of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventors: Donald P. McManigal, David G. Yaksic, John McHugh
  • Patent number: 4997218
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positively locking latch or latch/hinge mechanism for use in pplications requiring quick connections and disconnections. The mechanism is comprised of a flange, a pin and base from which a plurality of plate extensions perpendicularly extend. The flange is dimensioned to fit snugly between two of the extensions. The extensions and the flange have axially aligned through holes of equal diameter. The pin axially translates through the aligned holes of the extensions and flange so that the flange is pivotally securable to the base. The diameter of the pin is only slightly less than the diameter of the holes so as to prevent radial movement of the flange relative to the pin axis. The mechanism includes a means for biasing the pin into an engaged position in which the flange is pivotally secured to the base and, alternately, a disengaged position in which the flange is removable from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Robert K. Culling
  • Patent number: 4505501
    Abstract: A latching device to connect two adjacent members (e.g. sections of a stake type truck body) is provided. The latching device is comprised of two basic members, a latching assembly and a receiving member, each attached to one of the adjacent members. The latching assembly includes a latch rod which is slidably and rotatably attached to one of the members and a spring. The spring biases the latch rod away from the receiving member. The receiving member is connected to the second member and may have a slot therein. The latch rod has an engaging end which is received within the slot and has two engaging surfaces. These two engaging surfaces firmly engage two receiving surfaces of the receiving member when the latching device is latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: The Knapheide Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Fuchs, Larry R. Rudd
  • Patent number: 4207655
    Abstract: A self-aligning, self-retracting quarter-turn fastener assembly in which one of two members to be joined rotatably supports the fastener and is provided with an elongated recess into which a crosspin intermediate the ends of the fastener shaft is urged by a spring when the fastener is in such a relative rotary position that the crosspin is aligned with an elongated slot in the member which carries the fastener receptacle. The portion of the fastener shaft extending beyond the crosspin acts as a pilot as the members are brought into cooperative relationship to ensure proper relative positioning of the members. The assembly has special utility in an installation in which a multiplicity of fastener assemblies are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Edward MacMaster
  • Patent number: 4190272
    Abstract: A screw lock permanently mounted on a sliding panel includes a finger engageable means mounted on a lock bolt threaded at its distal end. A spring biases the bolt to an unlatched position. A keeper member formed with a threaded opening is mounted on a fixed panel for registration with the threaded lock bolt in the closed panel position. A flange on the sliding panel interlocks with a flange on the fixed panel in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Inventor: Eugene R. Beard
  • Patent number: 4066284
    Abstract: A latch of the bolt type for use with windows or doors includes a plate member disposed slidably within a latch housing and has engaging means thereon for engaging with the handle of a latch bolt to hold the latter in its extended position. The plate member can be moved in a direction in which the latch bolt is slidable and can be secured relative to the housing by means of a screw, whereby the length of projection of the latch bolt is made variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akio Ikemura
  • Patent number: 4057984
    Abstract: A locking device for a pair of skis is actuable with one hand and includes a first and second attachment mountable on respective skis. A key operated first attachment includes an actuating means having an end which is positionable flush with the underside of its ski in a retracted position and is projectible, as the key is inserted, substantially beyond the underside of its ski in an extended position. The projectible portion includes a head which is part of a lock bolt and it is sized to be received through an orifice on the end of a shank portion of the second attachment. One lock surface is formed on the inward end of the lock bolt head and a second lock surface is provided inward of the orifice on the mounting bolt shank of the second attachment. Rotation of the key causes a mating of the locking surfaces which locks the first and second attachments so that the skis are secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1977
    Inventor: Mauricio V. Avaiusini
  • Patent number: 4053777
    Abstract: A shock-, vibrations- and tampering-proof attachment means of an object, h as a signal producing insert of an ionization alarm system coaxially and non-rotatably to a support, such as for land-, marine- and air vehicles provides a spring assembly with a spring and biased coaxial protrusion in the bottom of the object with a helically wound canal running through the protrusion having end orifices in its surface. The support is provided with a U-shaped fork fixed with its yoke in it. A connecting means equipped with a rod traverses the protrusion perpendicularly to its axis. The rod is fastened to both free ends of the yoke. Optimum shapes and dimensions of the respective parts are established, also with the view of maintaining a minimum size of the object itself. The object with the fixed protrusion is mounted by rotation thereof to the support, thus hiding the attachment means and making them vibration proof and inaccessible from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Assignee: GEBA, Gesellschaft fuer elektronische Brandmeldeanlagen mbH & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Otto Berger, Wolfgang Munstedt
  • Patent number: 4013311
    Abstract: A high security door lock having a crossbar mounted on a door and a keeper mounted on the door frame. A pin with at least one projection is provided to secure the crossbar to the keeper by inserting the pin through at least one slot in the keeper. A locking channel is provided integral with the keeper and located at an angle to the slot in the keeper. When the pin is inserted into the keeper and rotated, the pin projection seats in the locking channel. A biasing means is provided to coact with the pin to hold the projection in the locking channel and prevent uncoupling of the crossbar from the keeper absent depression and rotation of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1977
    Inventor: Richard L. Prezioso
  • Patent number: 3984136
    Abstract: A sliding door comprising a first door, a second door mounted for sliding movement relative to the first door, and a lock assembly mounted on the second door. The lock assembly comprises a housing having an inner wall and an outer wall and side walls. The housing is mounted on the second door with the one side wall engaging the frame of the second door, the inner wall has an opening therein and a plunger is movable through the opening. The first door has at least one opening therein engageable by the plunger. The plunger is rotatably mounted within the housing for movement axially and rotatably. An annular surface is provided concentrically with the plunger and is movable therewith. A cam is supported within the housing for movement into and out of engagement with the annular surface such that when the cam is moved into engagement with the annular surface, the plunger is moved axially through the outer wall into the opening in the front door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Inventor: Marius W. Bills
  • Patent number: 3956911
    Abstract: A lock for the runners, particularly for runners of sliding glass doors on a display case which comprises a box-like housing including at the front sliding glass doors. A locking bolt is displaceable in axial direction and is adapted to enter into a bolt opening of another overlapping, opposing runner. A locking cylinder is operatively connected with the locking bolt, and a device is arranged for moving the locking bolt from its advanced bolt engagement position into its open position independently of the locking cylinder.The present invention relates to a lock for runners, particularly those of sliding glass doors or showcase windows, having a locking bolt on a first runner which can be displaced in axial direction and which engages in a bolt opening of another overlapping mating runner and with which a lock cylinder is coordinated.The one known lock for runners, a lock cylinder and a locking bolt are arranged parallel to one another in a common housing. The latter is fastened to one runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1973
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Assignee: Firma Josef Voss KG.
    Inventor: Gerard Corboud
  • Patent number: 3930552
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an enclosed battery storage compartment with a door separating the compartment from an adjacent support surface that has been roughened to reduce slippage of persons stepping thereon. A battery holder has a mounting base in the compartment and a battery cell support tray mounted on wheels for rolling between a position on top of the mounting base, where the battery cells are housed, and a position on the surface, where the battery cells are inspected and serviced. Mounted to the tray is a handle having a horizontally extending grip portion for grasping to move the handle or tray and a vertical projecting lock portion for engaging a keeper, mounted on the mounting base, to lock the tray in a stationary position. When the handle is in a tray locking position, the grip portion of the handle extends adjacent the tray and the compartment door can be closed, retaining the handle in its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1976
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Calvin S. Kunkle, Hugh A. Little