Rigid Patents (Class 292/87)
  • Patent number: 11851188
    Abstract: A flexible actuation assembly for an aircraft component may include a flexible linkage including at least one primary element. The at least one primary element may be coupled to at least one locking pin of the flexible actuation assembly via at least one interlocking assembly. The flexible linkage may be coupled to an actuator of an aircraft component. The flexible linkage may be configured to retract the at least one locking pin from a lock position when a load applied to the actuator is translated through the flexible linkage. The flexible linkage may be fabricated from a material with a spring force able to return the at least one locking pin to the lock position when the load is removed from the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A Foisie, Kyler J. Marutzky
  • Patent number: 11817595
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are disclosed for improved reliability in securing a removable battery pack. An example latch mechanism may include a flexible latch disposed on an outer housing of a removable battery pack, the flexible latch defining an inner surface facing the outer housing and an opposing outer surface, wherein a portion of the opposing outer surface of the flexible latch defines one or more locking tabs that are engageable with one or more engaging slots operatively positioned within a receiving battery enclosure, and wherein the flexible latch is deformable from a first open configuration to a second compressed configuration upon insertion into the battery enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Garaga Phani Kumar, Julius Jancarik, Zoltan Alexi
  • Patent number: 11739565
    Abstract: Latch assemblies to secure a door, drawer, or other enclosure are disclosed. An assembly may include a latch and a catch. A latch arm is bendable to transition between an engaging position and a disengaged position. The latch may include a curved flexible support to provide a desired resistance to bending of the latch arm, and the flexible support may be vertically separated from the latch arm. The latch may be made of a unitary piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Elbee Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Marsden
  • Patent number: 11731752
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a removable fuselage expansion window assembly, comprising: a window panel; an outer window frame; a window bracket configured to secure the window panel to the outer window frame; an inner window frame with an indented rim that is aligned with the window bracket; and a latch assembly located below the indented rim of the inner window frame between the outer window frame and the inner window frame. The latch assembly includes one or more retainers to hold a bottom portion of the removable fuselage expansion window assembly within a rectangular frame formed by vertical and horizontal beams in an outer wall of an aircraft, wherein the latch assembly includes a lever that releases the removable fuselage expansion window assembly by disengaging the one or more retainers from the rectangular frame when the lever is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventors: Randy L. Barton, Tracy L. Ogle
  • Patent number: 11725614
    Abstract: A filter housing has a first housing part with a first rim section and a second housing part with a second rim section. The housing parts can be joined and separated from each other in axial mounting direction and define a housing interior for a filter element provided with a circumferentially extending sealing element. The first and second rim sections form a receiving area in which the sealing element is seal-tightly clamped radially between the first and second rim sections when the housing parts are joined in the mounted state. A snap connecting device axially braces the first and second housing parts relative to each other. The snap connecting device is formed integrally on the first and second housing parts such that a clamping force applied by the first and second rim sections on the sealing element in radial direction is decoupled from the snap connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Kuemmerling, Thomas Jessberger, Andreas Weber, Michael Metzger, Bernhard Gau, Naihe Shen, Calogero Colletto, Achim Janner
  • Patent number: 11712112
    Abstract: A sliding type children's drawer lock comprises a lock match arranged on the inner side of the drawer cabinet and located at the opening of the drawer cabinet, and a lock body that is arranged on the inner end surface of the drawer and can cooperatively lock with the lock catch. The lock body comprises a base arranged on the inner end surface of the drawer, a connecting block is arranged in the base, a lock hook matched with the latch is arranged at the end of the connecting block, an inserting plate is located in a chamber and inserted into a jack, a spring is arranged in the chamber, and the connecting block is driven to slide in a chute through a pick. After locking the latch cooperate to lock, the maximum length that the drawer opens is just enough to expose one end of the pick away from slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO FABE CHILD SAFETY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xinjun Wang, Li Dong
  • Patent number: 11661247
    Abstract: A product package assembly may include a first member that is coupleable to a second member via a molded fiber locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a body portion, a pair of end portions, and neck portions that are positioned between each of the end portions and the body portion. The locking mechanism may be repeatedly moveable between a locked position, in which the first member is coupled to the second member in a closed position, and an actuated position, in which the first member is uncoupled from the second member for rotating the first member away from the second member to position the product package in an open position. The locking mechanism may be formed of fiber materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: VERITIV OPERATING COMPANY
    Inventors: Logan Ingram, Grant LaPierre
  • Patent number: 11617278
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a housing having an accommodating cavity. The accommodating cavity has an installation opening. An electrical appliance is adapted to enter the accommodating cavity through the installation opening. A cover is configured to seal the accommodating cavity. The housing has a disassembling hole adapted to receive an insertion of a tool configured to disassemble the cover from the housing. The disassembling hole is in communication with the accommodating cavity and an entrance of the disassembling hole is located outside the installation opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Gerstmayr, Roland Kuemmel, Xiaofei Wu
  • Patent number: 11614240
    Abstract: The ceiling concealed air-conditioning apparatus includes: a body containing a heat exchanger, a fan and an opening port; a decorative panel disposed below the body and configured to cover a periphery of the opening port; and a suction grille including, a rotary shaft attachable to the decorative panel and being configured to cover the opening port, wherein the suction grille includes: a locking element mounted on the suction grille so that it can slide and configured to be locked with the decorative panel; plate springs on respective sides of the locking element perpendicular to a sliding direction of the locking element and extending vertically in opposite directions; and spring supports configured to support both end faces of the respective plate springs at different positions, the plate springs include a long plate spring and a short plate spring placed such that the long plate spring engages the decorative panel first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamaguchi, Tetsuya Tazawa
  • Patent number: 11577911
    Abstract: A sanitary product disposal container includes a container housing having a movable housing top cover, a movable housing bottom cover, and a sensor. A cover actuating mechanism may operably engage the housing top cover to actuate the housing top cover between open and closed positions. The sensor may operably interface with the cover actuating mechanism to facilitate deployment of the housing top cover between the open and closed positions responsive to sensing the presence of a person in proximity to the container housing. Accordingly, a used feminine hygiene product may be placed in the interior space of the container housing in the open position of the housing top cover without having to touch the container housing in order to open the housing top cover. The housing bottom cover may be selectively opened to facilitate removal of the used feminine hygiene products from the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: Kelly Sansone
  • Patent number: 11466751
    Abstract: An anti-vibration device is provided with: an anti-vibration device body, in which an insulator is disposed between a first attachment member and a second attachment member; and a bracket, which has opposing wall portions and to which the anti-vibration device body is fixed by press-fitting via the second attachment member between the wall portions. The second attachment member is provided with interlocking portions that interlock with the wall portions and restrain the anti-vibration device body from moving in the direction opposite the press-fitting direction when the anti-vibration device body is press-fitted to the bracket. Each of the interlocking portions is configured so as to have an arm part extending in the direction opposite the press-fitting direction, and a hook part provided to the extension-direction end of the arm part and caused to interlock with a to-be-interlocked part of one of the wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: YAMASHITA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 11447310
    Abstract: A container (600) includes a base (650) having a floor portion (651) and an outer wall (652) extending upwardly therefrom. A lid (600) includes a ceiling portion (611) and an outer wall (612) extending downwardly therefrom, the lid being movable with respect to the base between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the combined lid and base define a cavity configured to enclose product. One of the base and the lid includes a first maintaining tab (656) extending upwardly from the floor portion or downwardly from the ceiling portion. The first maintaining tab being positioned inwardly of the outer wall of the one of the base and the lid. The other one of the base and the lid including a first opening (622) extending there through. At least a portion of the first maintaining tab extending through the first opening to maintaining the lid in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Ross Perdue, G. F. Alexia Gleason
  • Patent number: 11355907
    Abstract: An integrated latching mechanism includes a slider button extending along a first direction, curved elastic arms that extend from the slider button in a second direction and then curve back in an direction opposite thereto, a locking part contiguous with the slider button and extending away from the slider button and the elastic arms in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. In response to ends of the elastic arms being held at fixed positions and an external force urging the slider button in a direction opposite to the third direction, the locking part moves in the same direction, and the urging of the slider button distorts the elastic arms such that upon removal of the external force, the elastic arms move the slider button and the locking part in the third direction. The elastic arms, slider button, and locking part form a single piece of elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Pedoeem, Gregory Sorrentino, David Paolazzi
  • Patent number: 10743514
    Abstract: A crate assembly includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the crate assembly, where the plurality of members includes a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. A frame is formed in one of the plurality of members, the frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define a door opening. A door is pivotally coupled to the frame about a pivot wire of the frame to move between an open position and a closed position. A latch assembly is pivotally coupled to a horizontal wire of the frame. The latch assembly includes a wire having a first end, a second end and a transverse portion, the wire forming a first portion defined between the first end and the transverse portion and a second portion defined between the second end and the transverse portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Stew Kerr, David J. Nolley, Michael E. Greene
  • Patent number: 10538941
    Abstract: Locks for storage containers having closures such as doors, covers or lids are disclosed. The lock is mounted to she closure and is latched in such a manner as to selectively prevent opening or removal of the closure. The latch of the lock can engage a slot in the storage container, a bracket on the storage container, or a strike on the storage container. Alternatively, the latch can engage a mounting bracket on the door or other portion of the door to selectively block movement of a handle for the door. Further, the latch can have a locking device which can selectively block movement of the latch. Movement of the locking device can be selectively controlled by a magnetic key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TriTeq Luck and Security, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Calin V. Roatis, Gabriel Ribu, William Denison
  • Patent number: 10525853
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for retaining a stow strap is disclosed. The stow strap may be usable with a stowable automotive seat. A seat stowing mechanism may be housed at least partially within the inner portion of the seat. A stow strap may be interoperable with the seat stowing mechanism, wherein the stow strap passes from the inner seat to the outer rear seatback surface of the seat through an opening in the outer rear seatback of the seat. Pulling the stow strap imparts a force in a first direction on the seat stowing mechanism. A stow strap retaining mechanism may be spaced from the opening and may provide a reactive force in a return direction to return the stow strap toward the outer rear seatback surface when the stow strap is pulled away from the rear seatback surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Kubota, Derek S. Lindsay, Ross L. Burghardt
  • Patent number: 9452694
    Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat for use with a passenger seat includes a base and a drawer. The base is adapted to boost a child relative to an underlying vehicle seat. The drawer is coupled to the base to move into and out of a drawer-receiving cavity formed in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O Brady, Erik A Holmen, Robert E Karnick, Jr., Alexander A Hussain, Steven D MacFarlane
  • Patent number: 8986086
    Abstract: An insert (10) for an opening in a base (20) includes a housing (12) having a peripheral side wall (18) defining an interior space (24). The peripheral side wall (18) includes at least one latch member (90) having a latching position. The latch member (90) engages the base (20) to secure the housing (12) in the opening when the latch member (90) is in the latching position. The housing (12) is inserted into the opening in a first direction (A) to engage the latch member (90) with the base (20). At least one indicator (100) shows when the at least one latch member (90) is in the latching position. The indicator (100) is visible in the first direction (A) when the insert (10) is in the opening in the base (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Daniel D. Carlson, Timothy M. Barnes
  • Patent number: 8789901
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a clapboard having a locking hole defined therein and forming part of a receiving portion, and a housing structure defining a latching hole opposite to the locking hole. A locking assembly is mounted to the housing structure and used to disengagably lock the housing structure in the receiving portion, and includes a locking part, a sliding part and a handle. The locking part is fixed to the housing structure and a sliding part including a resisting portion passing through the latching hole and the locking hole to engage with the communication apparatus. The sliding part is movably mounted in the housing structure and includes a resisting portion to engage with the latching portion. The handle slidably passes through the housing structure and is fixed to the sliding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Ming Kuan
  • Patent number: 8776560
    Abstract: A bicycle link having one or more openings that can be ?-shaped and having a slider that closes a portion of the one or more openings is disclosed. The slider can be secured in place in relation to the bicycle link with a padlock or the like being placed in aligned holes in the slide and it the portion of the bicycle link containing the slider. Cables, chains and the like are placed in the openings and secured to immovable objects. When the slider is locked in place to close a portion of the openings, this arrangement secures the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: John Loughlin, Robert Loughlin
  • Publication number: 20140159382
    Abstract: A snap assembly may include a cantilever snap and a retention body. The cantilever snap may include an orifice in a surface of a first component. The orifice may be defined between sidewalls. The cantilever snap may further comprise a cantilevered-slant protrusion extending between the sidewalls and out of the orifice at an angle relative to the surface. The retention body may be attached to a second component and configured to be inserted into the orifice from a side of the first component that is opposite of a side of the first component away from which the cantilevered-slant protrusion extends to secure the retention body to the cantilever snap. The retention body may include a retaining extension comprising a holding assembly. The holding assembly may comprise a plurality of teeth that are arrayed to form a series of step-like protrusions that step away from a contact face of the retention body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HUSQVARNA CONSUMER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, N.A., INC.
    Inventors: Eric Canonge, John Southwell
  • Patent number: 8684422
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fixing mechanism for fixing a component. The fixing mechanism includes a base, a bottom wall disposed on the base, and two lateral walls disposed on the base and connected to the bottom wall. A containing space is formed between the base, the bottom wall, and the two lateral walls. The fixing mechanism further includes a hook. The hook includes a cantilever portion and a hooking portion. The cantilever portion is connected to the bottom wall and for pressing against the component when the component is contained inside the containing space. The hooking portion is connected to the cantilever portion and engages with a lateral surface of the component when the component is contained inside the containing space. The fixing mechanism further includes two engaging parts for laterally engaging against the component when the component is contained inside the containing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Chun-Chien Chen, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang
  • Patent number: 8424927
    Abstract: A coupling structure couples first and second casing parts together. The first casing part is formed with a detachment hole. The coupling structure includes one resilient engaging hook projecting from the first casing part and a coupling member disposed between the first and second casing parts and formed with first and second engaging grooves. The resilient engaging hook hooks the first engaging groove in a right direction. The coupling member has a pushing element tending toward the detachment hole. One rigid engaging hook projects from the second casing part and engaging the second engaging groove in a left direction. Manually leftwise movement of the pushing element in the left direction results in simultaneous bending of the resilient engaging hook in the left direction so as to disengage the rigid engaging hook from the second engaging groove, thereby permitting removal of the second casing part from the first casing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Gemtek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Chuan Tsai
  • 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: 8371539
    Abstract: A shaft 14 is provided on the opposite side of the side provided with a locking mechanism 7 in a remote control; a remote control holder 3 has provided thereon a bearing section 15 abutting on the shaft 14 when the remote control 1 is housed in the remote control holder 3; the remote control holder 3 further has supportingly provided thereon a holding lever 18 gripping the shaft 14 in cooperation with the bearing section 15; the holding lever 18 has provided thereon a coil spring 21 energizing the holding lever 18 toward the shaft 14; and further the remote control 1 has provided thereon a lever engaging section 23 that rotates the holding lever 18 against the resilient force of the coil spring when the remote control 1 is rotated to take out the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Hirota, Takahiro Ikunami
  • Patent number: 8267443
    Abstract: A computer housing (10) is disclosed, that uses a camming action to move a latch (62). The latch (62) is movable between at least two positions—a latching position and an unlatching position. Moving the latch (62) to its unlatching position causes the latch (62) to engage and move one or more latching members or snaps (42) that detachably engage a bezel (38). Once the latching members or snaps (42) have been sufficiently moved, the bezel (38) may be moved away from the remainder of the computer housing (10). Reattaching the bezel (38) to the computer housing (10) automatically moves the latch (62) back to its latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Chen-Chien Kuo, Huai-Wen Fu
  • 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: 8109545
    Abstract: A handle assembly selectively allows the door latch of a door of a motor vehicle to be released. The handle assembly includes a base fixedly secured to the door. The handle assembly also includes a handle portion and a lock trigger. The handle portion is operatively connected to a door latch mechanism effectuating the opening of the door. The lock trigger is movably engaged with the handle portion to allow or disallow the movement of the handle assembly and hence the opening of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc
    Inventors: Troy S. Lukas, Oscar Renautt, Krystof P. Jankowski, Carl Stanek
  • Patent number: 8096593
    Abstract: A latch for a sliding frame may be provided with a mounting end for mounting the latch on a mounting surface over which a sliding frame would travel along a sliding path, and a resilient blocking element having an end portion and a body portion coupled to the mounting end, and a stop element positioned to engage the end portion of the resilient blocking element and adapted to prevent the sliding frame from opening when the frame is in a closed position. A user may disengage the latch by removing the resilient blocking element from the sliding path so that the sliding frame can be moved to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Cindy Lou Gibbons
  • Patent number: 8056942
    Abstract: A lock for releasably locking a movable hatch to a counterpart is equipped with a fitting (1) having a locking assembly (21) and an additional fitting (2) having an additional locking assembly (28) that can be brought into engagement with the locking assembly (21) of the other fitting (1). The fittings (1, 2) are made of plastic and an elastically deformable compensating cushion (7) is present, which is fastened to one fitting (1, 2) and which when the fittings (1, 2) are in the locked position is disposed deformed between the fittings (1, 2) such that it exerts a bias on them (1, 2). The inventive lock is therefore light but strong and compensates tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Aexander Marini, Andy Junge, Rene Dreiocker
  • Patent number: 8047581
    Abstract: A temporary closure device for an opening element on a fixed chassis part of a motor vehicle, in which the opening element includes a housing for receiving a lock and the fixed part includes at least one tapped hole for fixing a strike. The device includes a plastic body equipped with means for mounting it in the tapped hole. An end of the device includes a limit stop element that co-operates with a first rim of the housing as the opening element is closed, while another end of the device includes a means for retaining the opening element in the closed position against the fixed part, which is intended to penetrate the housing behind a second rim thereof. The retaining means is formed by a resilient tongue, which can bend under stress from the second rim when the opening element is moved from the free position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Exsto
    Inventors: Didier Corre, Fabrice Hermetz, Alexandre Astorg, Virginie Huguon
  • Patent number: 8038184
    Abstract: The invention concerns a catching device (1) between a first structure (2) and a second structure (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one bolt (5) linked to the first structure and mounted in opposition to at least one elastic return (9) tending to bring it back to a retracted position, a stop (10) corresponding to the second structure being adapted to maintain it in a taut state when the latter is proximate the first structure, such that when the first structure is rapidly spaced apart from the second structure, each bolt is engaged with at least one corresponding retainer (4) so as to limit the relative spacing and, when the first structure is slowly spaced apart from the second structure, each bolt and corresponding retainer remain separated, thereby allowing complete opening between the first structure and the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Francois Grigis
  • Patent number: 8020901
    Abstract: A housing including a first member, a second member, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism. The first member is configured to engage with second member. The first locking mechanism locks the first member to the second member, and unlocks in accordance with pressure provided from external of the housing. And the second locking mechanism locks the first member to the second member, and unlocks by rotating either of the first member or the second member at the second locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hayato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7984935
    Abstract: An exemplary latching mechanism for connecting a first component (20) and a second component (40). The latching mechanism includes at least one first engaging portion (408) formed/defined on the second component, at least one latch holder (60a, 60b) fixed relative to the first component, and at least one first latching member (80a, 80b). A first latch-clasping piece (604) extends from the at least one latch holder. The at least one first latching member has at least one second engaging portion (806). The second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion of the second component. The first engaging portion of the second component and the first latching member are disposed between the first latch-clasping piece of the latch holder and the first component. The present invention further provides an electronic device employing the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Ping Luo, Jia-Gui Xu, Qi-Mi Huang
  • 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: 7837051
    Abstract: A method of locking a container is shown, wherein the container is provided with a frame which has an access opening, a closure member which has two opposed long edges and two opposed short edges, and which is pivotally mounted in relation to the frame, and a latch member which is axially movable within the closure member between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch member and the frame are each provided with one or more interengageable detents whereby when the closure member is in a closed position and the latch member is in the latched position the detents are engaged and prevent pivoting of the closure member. Movement of the latch member to the unlatched position causes the detents to disengage and permit pivoting of the closure member. The closure member is provided with a locking member for engaging the latch member to retain it against axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Malcolm Broadhead, David Frank Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20100264672
    Abstract: A double slide arm spring mechanism for biasing a primary mechanism to home position after operation and retaining the primary mechanism in the home position pending further operation. The double slide arm spring mechanism includes a pair of slideably interlocking arms each having a longitudinal frame member and a spring engaging flange at each end. The frame members are a disposed to engage one another while permitting relative sliding of the arms. The slide arms are interlocked such that one flange of each arm is situated between the two flanges of the other arm. Two compression springs are retained between the flanges of the arms such that sliding of either arm toward the other necessarily compresses both springs. Potential energy stored in the springs returns the slide to its neutral position when the operator is released thereby also returning the operator to its neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Philip C. Ellis
  • 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: 7686353
    Abstract: A cabinet catch (10) consists of an integrally molded plastic clip (14) and bracket (12) for mounting to a portion of a cabinet structure. The clip (14) is manufactured from a first plastic material. The clip (14) is rotatable relative to the bracket (12) about an axis of rotation (20). The bracket (12) is formed from a second plastic material different from the first material. The first and second plastic materials are dissimilar to each other so they do not bond to each other. A method of manufacturing the cabinet catch (10) includes the steps of injection molding the clip (14) with a first plastic material and then injection molding the bracket (12) with a second plastic material different from the first plastic material so that the clip and the bracket (12) are integrally molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Lewis, Thomas E. Blake, III
  • Publication number: 20090303668
    Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism used in portable electronic device (10) is described including a cover member (11), a housing member (12), a latch base (14), a latch member (13), and a return member (15). The latch base can be securely attached to the housing member. The latch member is mounted on the latch base and movable relative to the latch base to latch the cover member to the housing member. The return member is compressed when the cover member is latched to the housing member. The cover can be detached from the housing either by a movement of the latch member driven by the return member or by another movement further compressing the return member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: XIANG-GUO ZHAO, CHIH-CHIANG CHANG, ZHI LI, SI-QUAN CHEN, ZHI-YUN SHEN
  • Patent number: 7611213
    Abstract: Sliding track assembly is provided. A sliding track assembly includes a first rail, a second rail reciprocally moved with respect to the first rail, a third rail reciprocally moved with respect to the second rail, and a latch mechanism disposed on the second rail. The first rail has a retaining block, and the third rail has a protrusion. The latch mechanism includes a pair of swing arms engaged against the retaining block. When the latch mechanism is forced by the protrusion, the pair of swing arms is swung outwardly and disengaged from the retaining block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Atom International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sui-An Wu, Chih-Hao Yu
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7480132
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a cover (1) unit and a base unit (2) connected with the cover unit. The cover unit includes a movable latch member (30), and a driving button (40). The latch member includes a pair of slanted slots (34) defined therein. The driving button includes a pair of driving posts (44) moving in the slanted slots. The cover unit is latched to the base unit via the latch member to cover the base unit and unlatched from the base unit via moving the latch member by manipulation of the driving button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Chu Wu, Xiao-Gang Jiang, Xin-Hu Gong
  • Patent number: 7475925
    Abstract: A combination structure of base plate and escutcheon comprises a base plate, a fastener and an escutcheon. The base plate has a plate and a ring-like wall surrounding the plate, and the fastener has a fastening portion, a fixing portion and a flexible portion connecting the fastening portion and the fixing portion. The fixing portion is installed on the ring-like wall and the base plate is covered with the escutcheon. The escutcheon has a sidewall, an opening and a limited-portion. The opening is formed on the sidewall and exposes the fastening portion of the fastener. The limited-portion of the escutcheon is restrained by the fastening portion of the fastener to prevent the escutcheon disengaging from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Kuang-Chun Chiang
  • Patent number: 7452011
    Abstract: A safety latch apparatus for retaining a swinging door in a substantially closed position relative to a door frame comprising a receiving assembly having a base portion for mounting to the swinging door or door frame and a single receiving element protruding from said base portion; and a latching assembly engageable with said receiving element and a finger protector. The latching assembly comprising: a biased or curved compliant arm having a hook element coupled at the end, wherein said receiving element engages said hook element at a single point; and a latching assembly mounting mechanism for mounting said complaint arm to said door or door frame such that the receiving assembly and latching assembly are mounted on cooperating doors and door frames. The latching assembly mounting mechanism further comprising an arm retaining plate, and an arm cover plate. The compliant arm also being mountable without a latching assembly mounting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Lind
  • Patent number: 7427085
    Abstract: A catch for articles such as sliding or hinged doors, windows, grilles of a swing opening member, the articles having a catch for preventing their unauthorized opening. The catch has inter-engaging projections which are mounted on flexible shafts, so that if the sliding members are pried apart, the flexible shafts deform and the projections remain engaged and prevent unauthorized opening of the sliding article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Yeok Sing Sio
  • Patent number: 7427088
    Abstract: A housing for a portable hand held device such as a palmtop computer uses a torsional latching system. The housing is made of front and rear housing laminated housing members. The torsional latch arrangement works in conjunction with a plurality of latch fingers along the edge to attach the front housing laminate with the rear housing laminate. The torsional latch arrangement has a pair of L-shaped latch ribs that engage with a T-shaped latch member by torsion of the L-shaped latch ribs into engagement with pockets adjacent the T-shaped latch member prevent movement of the two housing laminates in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: PALM, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Annerino, Sajid Patel, Dan Groebe
  • Publication number: 20080224479
    Abstract: A driving device for actuating a latch via a lock, for a motor-vehicle door closure system, includes a coupling element including a longitudinal body having ends capable of being rotatably coupled with a part, mounted movably in axial rotation, of the lock and with a part, mounted movably in axial rotation, of the latch. At least one cylinder made from rigid plastic is fixed on the body such that longitudinal portions of the body left visible are smaller than 20 mm (millimeters).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Fabrice Giacomin
  • Patent number: 7338096
    Abstract: A press-type latch device for establishing latched and unlatched states with a hook includes: a press member having a press portion and connection portions extending from the press portion; and a spring member having a bottom portion and first and second latch arms extending from the bottom portion. A latch space is formed between the first and second latch arms to allow the hook to enter into the latch space and engage with at least one of the latch arms. The spring member has insertion holes formed on the first latch arm to allow the connection portions to pass through and abut against the second latch arm, when pressing the press portion, the second latch arm is pushed away from the first latch arm by the abutting connection portions, thereby unlatching the hook from the latch space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Shu-Kun Si, Tien-Chang Lin
  • 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