Flexible Patents (Class 292/84)
  • Patent number: 11555335
    Abstract: A double pull mechanism of a vehicle latch including: a release link; a cable lever pivotally mounted to a portion of the vehicle latch; a manual release pawl pivotally mounted to the cable lever; a lock spring mounted to the release link; a cable secured to the cable lever, wherein pivotal movement of the cable lever via actuation of the cable a first time causes movement of the lock spring such that a protrusion of the manual release pawl is received in an opening of the release link and wherein actuation of the cable a second time causes movement of the release link via engagement of the protrusion in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Michael Perkins
  • Patent number: 8985644
    Abstract: A barrier release mechanism for a construction including a barrier and frame has a latch biased towards an unlatching position. An actuation device adjacent the construction is movable, under pressure from a fluid pressure source, into an engaged position in abutment with the latch to urge the latch against the bias to cause constraining of the barrier. Reduction of the pressure allows the actuation device to move to a disengaged position wherein the bias moves the latch to the unlatching position in which the barrier is not constrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Breakout Barrier Release Systems Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Justin Luke Manny, Carlos Alfred Freund, Michael John Watmough
  • Patent number: 8905435
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed which includes a pedestal assembly incorporated into the foot-wells, which cooperate with a removable passenger seat. Furthermore, passenger seat is selectively added or removed from ATV by way of a latch assembly. Hand grips flank the removable seat and are attached to a rear accessory panel. The rear accessory panel also includes an integrated cup holder, and rack tie-downs are formed in a front or rear accessory panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Ripley, Roy A. Sunsdahl, Scott D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8727398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock having the locking elements of a lock catch and a pawl and having a lock mechanism, with it being possible for the lock mechanism to be moved into different functional states such as “unlocked”, “locked”, “anti-theft locked” or “child-safety locked” and with the lock mechanism having for this purpose at least one functional element which can be adjusted into corresponding functional positions. It is proposed that at least one functional element is designed as a resiliently elastically bendable wire or strip, and can thereby be bent in a resiliently elastic manner, as a bendable functional element, into different functional positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Simon Brose, Roman Joschko, David Rosales, Stefanic Josip, Abdelali El Hamoumi
  • 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: 8240721
    Abstract: A cover latching mechanism is provided including a base member, a cover member, and a button assembly. The base member includes an elastic hook. The cover member is detachable assembled to the base member. The button assembly is fixed to the cover member and movable relative to the cover member to latch to or release from the elastic hook. The button assembly includes a button member having a positioning arm and a sleeve portion and further defining a elastic hooking hole. The elastic hook engages into the elastic hooking hole so that the elastic hook latches the button assembly with the base member. The positioning arm secures the button assembly to the cover member. The restoring member can be deformed when the button assembly pressed, so that the elastic hook releases out of the elastic hooking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang Chang, Zhi Li, Zhi-Yun Shen
  • Patent number: 8210578
    Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a housing defining a latching groove, a cover defining a latching hook to engage in the latching groove, and an opening assembly mounted in the housing. The opening assembly includes a sliding member slidably positioned in the latching groove, and an operation member positioned in the housing and connected to sliding member. The sliding member defines an abutting surface on the sliding member. The operating member is capable of pulling the sliding member to slide along the latching groove, so that the abutting surface of the sliding member pushes against the latching hook and disengages the latching hook from the latching groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
  • Patent number: 8194405
    Abstract: An accessory strap securing mechanism is positioned in a portable electronic device to assemble an accessory strap thereon. The portable electronic device defines an assembling slot. The accessory strap securing mechanism includes an assembling portion and a securing member. The assembling portion is formed in the portable electronic device. The securing member includes a fixing portion and a holding portion. The fixing portion is fixed to the assembling portion. The holding portion includes a clasp, and the clasp is deformed to allow the accessory strap to separate when a force applied to the accessory strap exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Shui-Jin Dong
  • Patent number: 8056989
    Abstract: A latch is provided for engagement between the closure member of an enclosure and the frame of the enclosure, the latch comprising a member with a first portion, including a hook portion to engage the frame and prevent the closure member frame from fully opening. The first portion and a complementary second portion each may include buttressing wall sections, one of which must be deflected from alignment with the other to allow the hook portion to be deflected and clear the frame. The latch may be useful as a childproof device to prevent unwanted entry into the enclosure. In addition, a pin may extend from the hook portion and engage a hole in the frame to provide a third feature which must be actuated in order to fully open the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Randall S. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 7909371
    Abstract: A vivarium cover locking clip prevents removal of a cover from a vivarium tank. The clip includes first and second brackets matingly engaging each other in a detent locked position and respectively engaging the cover and the tank and preventing separation thereof. The brackets have a released position permitting separation of the cover and the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Central Garden and Pet Company
    Inventors: Brad L. Mihlbauer, David R. Troop, II
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7547050
    Abstract: A drawer security attachment includes an attachment flange or brackets and a cover extending from the bracket. The flange or brackets attach to the inner surface of the drawer face, and the cover extends across the width of the otherwise open top of the drawer to inhibit access to the drawer contents. The flange and cover may be a single, monolithic sheet of flexible plastic, or may comprise rigid components secured to one another by a hinge. The cover portion includes a catch engagement passage(s), with a pin(s) extending downwardly from the upper portion of the drawer opening. The panel is urged upwardly against the upper portion of the drawer opening, with the engagement passage(s) automatically catching on the pin(s) as the drawer is opened. The cover can include extendable wings to match an overall width of the cover to the drawer width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miglieri, Janet E. Miglieri
  • Publication number: 20080191496
    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. Right-handed and left-handed versions are disclosed, and may be used alone or together, in the same or different orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: BRUCE LEVINE
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20040104580
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a door latch of a household appliance wherein the unit includes at least one memory metal actuator which generates forces desired during use of the door latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Georg Spiessl, Albert Dirnberger, Josef Nothaas, Gunter Zuhlke
  • Patent number: 6510960
    Abstract: A captivated slidable access cover incorporates an integral cantilevered spring to prevent undesired movement resulting from gravitational forces or vibration. The cover has two generally parallel, opposed edges which are slidingly captivated in opposed tracks of the enclosure. The integrally formed cantilevered spring is located adjacent one end of the cover and biases the cover to be in one of a positively open position or a positively closed position. The cantilevered spring presses against a portion of the enclosure at or adjacent one end of the access opening defined in the enclosure. The biased interaction between the cantilevered spring and the enclosure ensures a positive open or closed position of the cover. The cover also includes a handle at its other end for slidably opening and closing the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: David G. Christopherson, Ronald A. Banister
  • Patent number: 5950296
    Abstract: An unlocking tool for opening a container operates by the action of a lever. The container includes a first half and a second half connected to each other for rotation. The first half includes a latch finger, and the second half has a hole for receiving the latch finger and engaging with it to keep the container closed. The second half also includes a second hole adjacent to the first hole for suspension of said container. The unlocking tool of the invention functions as a lever along which the tool has an effort point, a fulcrum and an acting point. The tool is formed to pass in part through the second hole of the second half and rotate around the fulcrum positioned in the second hole. When the tool is rotated around the fulcrum positioned in the second hole, the acting point of the tool urges the latch finger to release the engagement between the latch finger and the first hole of the second member, thereby opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Industrial Equipment Corp. of America
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tatsumi, Lucian Predescu
  • Patent number: 5571272
    Abstract: A metal replacement latch associated with a plastic closure lid provided for the open upper end of a seed box on a seed planter. The replacement latch includes a metal bracket formed into U-shaped or V-shaped configuration having a pair of legs closely associated with and in engagement with the inner and outer surface of a depending flange provided on the plastic closure lid. The bracket is secured in place by fastening devices and includes an upwardly inclined projection on the upper edge of the inner leg of the bracket which extends toward the seed box to engage a downturned plastic flange on the upper end of a seed box to releasably retain the closure lid of the seed box in closed position. The metal latch replaces a plastic latch provided as original equipment on planter in which flexing of the plastic latch results in breakage of the latch which then requires replacement of the entire closure lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Norman E. Roehr, Stanley R. Reiss
  • Patent number: 5476133
    Abstract: A gate latch for a wire gate which is mounted on the upper end of a wooden post for selectively retaining the wooden post of the wire gate therein. The gate latch includes a pocket which is positioned inwardly of a pair of post retention members. The insertion of the wooden post into the pocket of the latch causes the post retention members to deflect outwardly to permit the post to be received in the latch. The post may be removed from the latch by moving one or both of the retention members outwardly with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Loren H. Torkelson
  • Patent number: 4547007
    Abstract: A fuse box is articulated to the front wall of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle so as to be pivotable between a downwardly inclined position and a substantially vertical lowered position for renewal of the fuses. Clasp means hold the fuse box in the inclined position and manual releasing means release the clasp means to allow the lowering of the fuse box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ettore Parisi
  • Patent number: 4164301
    Abstract: An improved dispenser preferably having seven compartments that are each identified to correspond to a day of the week. The dispenser compartments are formed by partitions arranged within a flat cylindrical housing, the partitions extending outwardly as spokes from a center area thereof, the housing having at least one groove or track formed around a top lip area thereof for accommodating the edge of at least one circular disk that travels therein, said disk either accommodating another disk in an appropriate recess formed therein, or another disk is arranged to travel in a separate groove or track formed also in the housing top lip area, said disks being sandwiched together both having openings formed therethrough that, when aligned, form a passage to allow pills or the like to pass from within the dispenser, the invention including a safety locking arrangement for maintaining the disks together prohibiting alignment of said openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Inventor: Arnold A. Thayer
  • Patent number: 3966242
    Abstract: The mechanism comprises two sub-assemblies constituting respectively a keeper and a bolt, one of which sub-assemblies has a mount on which is mounted a spring-biased movable member adapted to cooperate with a part of the other sub-assembly to lock the part when the sub-assemblies are brought together and the movable member is brought to a locking position by a manual control. The mount carries a fixed member having an end portion extending out of the mount and the movable member has an end portion also extending out of the mount. The two end portions define aligned eyes for the manual control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Assignees: Automobiles Peugeot, Regie Nationale des Usines Renault
    Inventor: Raymond Vitalis