Rigid Patents (Class 292/87)
  • Patent number: 7048464
    Abstract: One first aspect of the invention relates to a connection device for the bottom (1) and lid (3) of a box with side-panels (2). The device comprises one or more first attachment means (5) firmly connected to the bottom (1) and lid (3) and one or more attachment means (6) firmly connected to at least one side panel (2). Connection means (7) are also provided for connecting the bottom (1) and lid (3) to the side panel (2) ny interaction with the attachment means (5, 6). Each connection means (7) consists of a clamp with a resilient body (7.1), a first hook (7.2) being arranged at one end and a second hook (7.3) being arranged at the other end. The first attachment means consists of a first rail (5), arranged along an edge on the bottom (1) and lid (3) respectively, equipped with connection means consisting of one or more slots (5.4). The second attachment means consists of a second rail (6) arranged on a side panel (2) essentially parallel to the edge of the side panel (2). The first hook (7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Foldy Pac Supply BV
    Inventor: Lennart Ronnquist
  • Patent number: 7021680
    Abstract: A latch operable between a locked position and an unlocked position for securing a hood to a litter pan includes a rim adapted to be disposed on the hood. The hood rim includes a top wall and a sidewall. The top wall includes an aperture and the sidewall includes a rib. A rim is disposed on the pan and includes a top wall and a sidewall. The top wall includes a rib for insertion into the hood rim top wall aperture. When the latch secures the hood and pan in the locked position, the hood rim is disposed adjacent the pan rim such that the pan rim rib is disposed in the hood rim aperture and the hood rim rib engages the pan rim sidewall to prevent separation of the hood and pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph VanSkiver, Mike Harper
  • Patent number: 6955379
    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: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Annerino, Sajid Patel, Dan Groebe
  • Patent number: 6893061
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a door including a door retainer projection is provided. The latch assembly includes a handle pivotally mounted to the door for rotation about a first end, and a latch actuator contacting the handle and mounted to the door for rotation about a first end. The handle rotates in one direction when actuated and the latch actuator rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. A keeper is engaged to the door retainer projection in a closed position, and the latch actuator is configured to disengage the keeper from the door retainer projection when the handle is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
  • Patent number: 6741474
    Abstract: An electrical device with a revolvable display panel. The electrical device comprises a housing, a guidance means, a sliding means, and a revolving means. The housing has a plurality of housing walls. One of the housing walls contains an opening. The guidance means is set inside the housing close to the opening. The sliding means is guided by the guidance means to slide into an inside position and an outside position of the housing. The revolving means has a display panel and is pivotally connected to the sliding means. When the sliding means is in the inside position, the sliding means with the display panel of the revolving means is situated inside the housing. When the sliding means slides into the outside position, the sliding means with the display panel is situated outside of the housing, thus the display panel can revolve to change an angle of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Micro-Star Int'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Wen Hung, Te-Ming Hsu
  • Patent number: 6712404
    Abstract: A handle for a movable closure, such as a screen having at least one edge frame preferably for retaining a screen cloth, said closure being movable into a slot-like recess disposed in a structure against which the closure engages. The handle comprising a first inside flexible member and a second outside flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Preferred Engineering Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Sean Davies, Sinnathamby Kupenthirarajan
  • Patent number: 6612625
    Abstract: A case locking system (10) includes two pairs of independently movable split levers (16). Split levers (16) are connected to top (12) and form more than two separate latches (20 and 22) movable between an open position and a closed position. Latch receivers (34) are connected to bottom (14) and are conformed to independently receive and retain each separate latch (20 and 22). In a preferred embodiment, two pairs of independently movable split levers (16) form four separate latches (20 and 22). In a further preferred embodiment, locking ramps (36) are connected to bottom (14) for automatically opening latches (20 and 22) when the top (12) is placed on to the bottom (14). In a further embodiment, alignment guides (56) and alignment posts (48) are utilized to automatically position latches (20 and 22) and latch receivers (34) when the top (12) is placed on the bottom (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Genesis Technical Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Barber, Larry J. Watson
  • Patent number: 6595605
    Abstract: A chassis for a computer, computer related or other electronic device includes a door that closes an access opening in the chassis when in the closed position and permits access to the interior of the chassis when opened for a user or service technician. A latch releasably secures the door in the closed position and is operable by a user or service technician for opening the door from the closed position and closing the door from the open position without the benefit of a screwdriver, wrench or other tool. In selected embodiments, the latch is biased to account for compression reaction forces of a seal or gasket surrounding the access opening while still providing for manual manipulation of the door and access to the interior of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Floyd Babcock, Matthew Allen Butterbaugh, David George Lund, John Harold Mohlke, Christopher Lee Tuma
  • Patent number: 6561554
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a computer or other electronic device includes a lever which is adapted to receive a spring arm integrally molded with a latch. The latch also includes integrally molded pivot pins which are guided by ramps into pivot holes in the lever to mate the latch and lever together. Once assembled, the latch is movable to and between engaged and disengaged positions for closure with a catch on the computer, electronic or other workpiece device. The latch assembly incorporates specific changes to existing parts while reducing the number of parts and the cost of and complexity for assembly. The design is much more easily accommodated in automated assembly equipment to further reduce assembly costs and increase productivity throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Lee Colbert, Steven Dale Greseth, William Michael Monson
  • Publication number: 20030001394
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a computer or other electronic device includes a lever which is adapted to receive a spring arm integrally molded with a latch. The latch also includes integrally molded pivot pins which are guided by ramps into pivot holes in the lever to mate the latch and lever together. Once assembled, the latch is movable to and between engaged and disengaged positions for closure with a catch on the computer, electronic or other workpiece device. The latch assembly incorporates specific changes to existing parts while reducing the number of parts and the cost of and complexity for assembly. The design is much more easily accommodated in automated assembly equipment to further reduce assembly costs and increase productivity throughput.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Lee Colbert, Steven Dale Greseth, William Michael Monson
  • Publication number: 20020180217
    Abstract: A handle for a movable closure such as a screen having at least one edge frame preferably for retaining a screen cloth, said closure being movable into a slot-like recess disposed in a structure against which the closure engages;
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Sean Davies, Sinnathamby Kupenthirarajan
  • Patent number: 6481811
    Abstract: A furniture clip includes a mounting member, two clip arms, and a securing member that extends in a direction generally perpendicular to that of the first clip arm and that is adapted to secure the clip to the fixed frame of a cabinet or set of drawers. The clip arms are each attached at one end to the mounting member and are designed to contact opposing surfaces of a movable member such as a door or drawer. The second clip arm will exert a force onto a movable member that is enough to secure the movable member against the first clip arm. The clip arms extend in a direction generally parallel to one another, thereby forming a gap between them. The gap has a portion that tapers from wide to narrow with increasing distance from the ends of the clip arms that are attached to the mounting member, and towards the free ends of the clip arms, the gap may also taper out again from narrow to wide to facilitate attachment and removal of the clip from a movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Tenn-Tex Platics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Marsh
  • Patent number: 6464102
    Abstract: A housing for a circuit breaker motor operating mechanism is disclosed. The housing comprises a base having a plurality of walls connected to a floor thereby defining an interior volume; a cover hingedly attached to one wall of the plurality of walls; and a locking device including a first member connected to the base and a second member connected to the cover and engaged to the first member, the locking device positively securing the cover to the base thereby enclosing the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Harmon, Ranganadha Kumar Erra, Pankaj Shrivastava, Prakash Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 6406071
    Abstract: A latch mechanism having a flexible catch attached to a base with a centering disk for cooperative self-alignment with the door through which the latch mechanism is to be inserted and a shaft having a plurality of retention disks at spaced apart locations on the shaft is preferably molded into a single piece construction for cooperative combination with a handle (or knob) which is preferably molded in two sections and connected by a flexible hinge such that each section is a mirror image of the other. Each handle section has arrayed along its centerline a series of receivers for the plurality of disks on the latch shaft such that the disks are captured and retained in the receivers when the two sections of the handle are folded over onto one another and snap locked in place by cooperating projections and receivers positioned in opposing positions on each section of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Elastolatch, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. LaViola, Salvatore P. J. Vito
  • Patent number: 6378918
    Abstract: A pair of hold pieces 19, which elastically hold the two side edges 25 of an elastic securing member 21 for mounting a cover member 12 onto a housing 11 to thereby be able to position the shifting inclination position of the elastic securing member 21 provisionally at an arbitrary position, are disposed in either of the housing 11 or cover member 12 which supports the elastic securing member 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Chikara Mita, Hiromi Etsumi
  • Patent number: 6375283
    Abstract: There is provided a radio device housing, without the risk of causing deterioration of the mechanical strength and the rigidity of the housing with respect to bend or twist deriving from a small size and a thin shape of the radio device main body. First ribs are provided in either an upper case or a lower case on the entire periphery along the joint surface of the upper case and the lower case. A plurality of fitting nails are provided in either the upper case or the lower case for holding and fixing with each other. Second ribs are provided in the rifts in the case not having the first ribs. Third ribs are provided on the fitting nails and the second ribs for contacting the upper case and the lower case when they are fitted with each other so that they are not displaced in the thrust direction with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Kitamura, Akinori Ohira
  • Patent number: 6371534
    Abstract: A vehicle body panel is rotatable about a lower horizontal axis and has a clip latch at the upper portion of the panel that catches the edge portion of an adjacent stationary panel to trap the edge portion of an adjacent panel between the clip latch and the movable panel. The clip latch has a ramp surface engagable with the adjacent stationary panel to slightly deflect the movable panel away from the stationary panel until the ramp portion has cleared the edge of the stationary panel. The clip latch only locks the movable panel in the closed position, not the open position, so that the panel can be moved from the open to the closed position when standing in a position in which the clip latch can not be reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jay Harold Olson, Dana Albert Sackfield
  • Patent number: 6373690
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a panel to a chassis of a computer. The apparatus includes a release member movably mounted on a top surface of the chassis and a flange fixedly mounted to a base portion of the chassis. The release member is movable between a static position and a release position. A panel is pivotally attached adjacent to a base portion of the chassis. The panel is movable between a closed position and an open position. A resilient retention member is attached to the panel. The retention member is engaged with the flange when the panel is in the closed position. The release member resiliently deflects the retention member from engagement with the flange when the release member is moved from the static position toward the release position to allow the panel to be moved from the closed position to the open position. The panel can be accurately and consistently aligned and attached to the chassis of the computer system after each removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Eugene Buican, Greg George
  • Patent number: 6354680
    Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a base and a side panel attached to the base. The side panel includes a plastic bezel and a shielding plate attached to the plastic bezel. The plastic bezel forms a latch proximate a rear end thereof which includes a body and a ledge extending from the body proximate the central portion of the body for engaging with an inner surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonas Lin, Nien-Chiang Liao
  • Patent number: 6325240
    Abstract: A refueling cap assembly for opening and closing a filler neck of a fuel tank has a frame which is mounted to the filler neck of the fuel tank. A cover is pivotally mounted to the frame to move between open and closed positions for opening and closing the filler neck. A locking mechanism, having a locking body, is mounted to the frame for securing the cover to the filler neck in the closed position. The locking body moves between a locked position engaging a finger projecting from the cover to secure the cover to the filler neck, and a release position releasing the cover from the filler neck. The cap assembly is characterized by the locking body moveable in a flip flop manner and having a first abutment to retain the locking body in the locked position when the cover is in the closed position, and a second abutment to retain the locking body in the released position when the cover is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Tesma International, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Gruber
  • Patent number: 6299266
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting in a computer a subsystem unit, such as a CD-ROM or hard disk drive, provided with side fixing holes, the arrangement comprising a tray having two upstanding side walls that generally define a space for receiving a subsystem unit, at least one of the side walls being provided with at least one retractable stud and a resilient member for biasing the stud into a position in which the stud extends into the space defined by the side walls in order to engage a side fixing hole in a subsystem unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Frederic Justice, Chin-Shun Chang
  • Patent number: 6283512
    Abstract: A panel latch 10 includes at least one flexible latch member 24, 26 having a base portion 36, a first leg 32, and a second leg 34 attached to the first leg via the base portion. The flexible latch member 24, 26 further has a latch portion 46 and a stop member 82 disposed on the first leg 32. The latch portion 46 is separated from the stop member 82 to accommodate therebetween at least two separate parts 12, 14 that are to be latched together. The legs 32, 34 of the flexible latch member can be flexed so as to shift the latch portion 46 and the stop member 82 in a direction toward the second leg 34 to allow the two parts 12, 14 to be unlatched from each other. A generally U-shaped, rigid latch retaining member 28 is provided that has a first leg 54 with free end. A second leg 56 of the latch retaining member 28 is connected to the flexible latch member 24, 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Butterbaugh, James Larry Peacock
  • Patent number: 6244635
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for a pedestal closure assembly has a pair of substantially channel-shaped slots, each slot having two arms, a flanged base and first and second ends. Each flanged base has a cam-like edge and is connected to the second end of each respective slot. The cam-like edge interconnects the upper and lower surfaces of the flanged base. A pair of legs adapted to be received by each slot are also included in the claimed latching mechanism. Each leg has a limiting edge and includes an end portion adapted to limit the motion of the legs when they are received in the respective slots. At least one flexible latch arm adapted to engage the flanged base of at least one of the slots is connected to one of the legs. Each latch arm includes a finger element beyond the end portion of the limiting edge of the leg. The finger element includes an engagement portion which abuts the lower surface of the flanged base of the leg when the leg is received in its respective slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Leschinger, Lawrence Santo Dolan, Thomas Potosnak
  • Patent number: 6220637
    Abstract: Two parts (120, 160) can be mated and secured from relative movement in three different orthogonal directions or planes by the use of a novel, two piece, plastic fastener structure. The snap fastener has an integral interlocking tab (170) that serves to constrain the movement in a third direction or plane. The snap fastener additionally consists of an operative component (110) and a securing component (150). The operative component has a resilient member (112) that deforms to receive a catch member (152) on the securing component when the operative component and the securing component are snapped or mated together. One of the two components contains an opening (180), while the other contains a body portion shaped more or less like a tab or tongue which is capable of being inserted within the opening when the two components are mated. When so inserted, the relative movement of the two components is restricted in three directions, without the use of a remotely located securing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Kierl
  • Patent number: 6220678
    Abstract: An electrical cabinet having a latchable door for providing regular access to electrical components stored therein and a mounting apparatus for holding electrical components therein. The latchable door having a latching member for holding the door in an open position. The mounting apparatus molded to the electrical cabinet and capable of securing electrical components within the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Claprood, Lawrence G. Pignolet
  • Patent number: 6189938
    Abstract: A locking structure for releasably locking a covering element in a closed position on a unit housing. The locking structure includes a resiliently engaging member integrally formed on the covering element, and a supporting member pivotably connected to the covering element. The resiliently engaging member includes a pair of resilient first supports projecting from the covering element, a bar connecting the respective free ends of the resilient first supports with each other and a pair of projections formed on the bar to be releasably engaged with the housing. The supporting member includes a base plate pivotably connected to the covering element and a second support extending from the base plate to be releasably engaged with the resiliently engaging member. In a locked position of the locking structure, the bar is stably supported by the second support so that the projections are kept in engagement with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Kiden LTD
    Inventors: Fumio Nakadaira, Mitsuaki Kumagai, Takao Obata, Toshiyuki Kobayashi
  • 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: 6076869
    Abstract: A pressing and latching structure for a notebook-type computer screen, includes a pressing section disposed on the computer screen and a latching section disposed on a main body of the computer. By pressing the pressing section with one hand, the computer screen is unlatched from the main body, permitting the computer screen to be easily pivoted up from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying-Hu Chen, Po-An Lin
  • Patent number: 6075693
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for securing a computer system. A security loop or tab is attached to a computer chassis and used to engage a cover that encloses at least a portion of a side of the computer chassis. Structure is provided in embodiments of the invention to releasably engage the cover with the security tab and to provide a means of locking the cover on the chassis to prevent unauthorized access to the computer system. Additionally, the securing apparatus is place in a location not readily visible to users of the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Leman
  • Patent number: 6073978
    Abstract: A dishwasher lock includes a first component adapted to be secured to the underside of a counter top directly above the forward upper edge of a dishwasher and a second component slidably and detachably secured to the first component. The second component includes an L-shaped plate adapted to be disposed in overlying engagement with the front of a dishwasher to prevent opening of the dishwasher door when the second component is secured to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald Sherman
  • Patent number: 6042157
    Abstract: A slide-type lock lever release mechanism includes a slidable member (40) with a second acting surface slidable on the first acting surface of the lock lever (20) by a predetermined stroke for flexing the lock lever away from the second lock engaging member (211) to thereby release the engagement between the first and second lock engaging members, wherein at least one of the first and second acting surfaces having at least two acting surface sections (42, 43) such that a first acting surface section (42) is slidable on the other one of the acting surfaces (23) in a first segment of the predetermined stroke and a second acting surface section (43) is slidable on the other one (23) in a second segment of the predetermined stroke to thereby provide smooth release of the lock engagement with a relatively short stroke of the slidable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Shimotsu
  • Patent number: 5975593
    Abstract: A foot operated cabinet latch concealed in the cabinet kick-space of commonly used storage cabinets in, for example, kitchens and bathrooms. The cabinet latch has an operator knob located in the cabinet kick-space and a flexible lever and strike located inside the cabinet. Operation of the latch is accomplished by engaging a person's foot with the knob and pushing in an upwards direction. This action serves to disengage the lever from the strike and the cabinet door can then be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: David R. Cress
  • Patent number: 5931513
    Abstract: A housing assembly includes a housing (100) and a door (102). The housing has a first opening (115) and includes a selective call receiver (200). The door is coupled to the housing for gaining access to the selective call receiver by way of the first opening. The door is slidable between first and second positions with the housing, wherein the first position the door is latched, and wherein the second position the door is unlatched and pivots to gain access to the first opening. The door includes a plurality of springless latches (107), wherein each springless latch comprises at least two arms (106), each arm having an external detent (108), and an internal detent (110). Additionally, the housing includes a corresponding snap post (112) for latching to a corresponding springless latch in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola
    Inventor: Brian V. Conti
  • Patent number: 5931514
    Abstract: A detachable connection between two housing sections (1, 2) has two cooperating latching elements formed by a resilient tongue (7) with a peripheral portion (9) on one housing section (1) and a projection (10) on the other housing section (2), the projection (10) engaging behind the peripheral portion (9) in an interconnected condition of the housing sections. In order to enable the housing sections to be separated easily from one another, the housing sections have two other cooperating latching element formed by a second projection (15) and a second peripheral portion (14), one of the latching elements being connected to the tongue (7). To unlatch the housing sections, the resilient tongue (7) is pressed back, thereby unlatching the first projection (10) and also locking the tongue against springing back in that the second projection (15) engages behind the second peripheral portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Kai Tang Chung
  • Patent number: 5924749
    Abstract: A cover for a housing is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the housing by a latch arrangement that has at least one edge surface disposed along one edge of a flange which engages a mating surface on the housing when the cover is assembled with the housing. The other side of the flange is integrally formed with an elongated beam that is attached to the cover structure. The elongated beam is torsionally loaded upon assembly of the cover with the housing, and provides a bias force on the edge surface of the flange to maintain the forcible engagement of the edge surface with a mating surface of the housing. The latch arrangement combines the cost effectiveness and space efficiency characteristics of plastic latch designs with the durability, dependability and tactile qualities of mechanical spring arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Weadon, Gregory S. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5853205
    Abstract: A locking mechanism of the present invention is for locking a cover to a body of an apparatus when the cover closes the body. The locking mechanism includes a strip-shaped portion having a free end portion and an engagement hole into which the free end portion projects when the cover is closed. The strip-shaped portion is formed on the cover and engages the body to resiliently deform when the cover is moved in a closing direction in which the cover closes the body. The strip-shaped portion engages the body to resiliently deform when the cover is moved in an opening direction in which the cover opens the body. The opening direction is opposite to the closing direction. The body has a portion defining an engagement hole into which the free end portion projects to engage the wall of the engagement hole when the cover closes the body, and from which the free end portion projects out of the engagement with the wall when the cover is moved in the opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: OkiData Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Enomoto, Kenichi Egawa
  • Patent number: 5806947
    Abstract: A foldable workbench includes a tray assembly which is supported by the support structure of the workbench. The tray assembly is releasably secured to a rear cross member of the support structure and rests against a front cross member. As the foldable workbench is moved between its open and closed position, the tray assembly pivots on the rear cross member such that is does not interfere with the folding of the workbench. The tray assembly includes a housing which is the member which is pivotably secured to the workbench and a drawer which is slidably received within the housing. The drawer includes an integrally formed latch which releasably locks the drawer in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Meisner, Keith C. Kristiansen, John E. Kiely, Murray Hunter
  • Patent number: 5795044
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic drawer safety latch for preventing unwanted opening of drawers or the like includes a mounting section mounted to an exterior of the drawer and a latching section which normally projects forwardly toward a front of the drawer and outwardly at an angle relative thereto. The latching section includes a forward facing step which abuts against an opposing surface of a cabinet front wall to prevent complete opening of the drawer. The latching section includes a finger tab which projects out of the cabinet housing when the drawer is partially open such that a user can manually press the latch section inwardly to disengage the step from the cabinet frame and permit complete opening of the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Glassmaster Controls Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Trewhella, Jr., James B. Greene
  • Patent number: 5755350
    Abstract: A storage container assembly including a housing, a door pivotally connected to the housing, and an elastomeric lock handle removably connected to the door. The lock handle includes a groove having an entrance. The groove is operable to selectively engage or disengage a tongue extending outwardly from the housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the tongue includes an enlarged nub operable to be received in a complementary cavity of the groove when the door is closed. A restricted passage in the groove between the entrance and the cavity maintains the nub within the cavity until the door is intentionally opened. This inexpensive and simple-to-assemble arrangement allows the door to be easily and quietly opened or closed with minimal force by one hand or even a single finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Marthaler
  • Patent number: 5738390
    Abstract: A hingeable latch for detachably or hingedly connecting a base and a cover, most particularly as part of a box. The cover includes a rod and a latch plate which is mounted on the rod so that the latch plate is rotatable relative to the rod. The base includes a latch catch which is designed to engage a portion of the catch plate so as to connect the base and cover. The base further features a rod seat which is designed to hingedly accommodate at least a portion of the rod so that when the latch plate and the latch catch are engaged, the rod is rotatable in the rod seat to permit the cover to be hinged relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Zag Ltd.
    Inventor: Evi Yemini
  • Patent number: 5722705
    Abstract: A lock structure for locking a battery cover 3, the lock fitted to a battery storage portion 2 in a housing body 1 of an electronic applicance. The lock structure includes a manipulation member 9, which is elastically deformed in a depth direction thereof by a slot formed in a portion of the housing body 1. The manipulation member 9 supports a lock member 6 with a spring, a top portion of the lock member 6 protruding into the battery storage portion. The battery cover 3 includes a rib with a notch portion 5 having a slanted edge. The battery cover 3 is locked with an engagement of the lock member with the notch portion. Further, when the manipulation member 9 is elastically deformed by being pushed, the lock member 6 moves integrally with the member 9, and the lock member is released from the engagement with the notch portion 5 so that the cover 3 is released from the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Deguchi
  • Patent number: 5711554
    Abstract: A safety latch for latching a door of an enclosure to the enclosure includes a receiving member mounted to the enclosure and a latching member engageable with the receiving member, adapted to be mounted to the enclosure door. The receiving member includes a base portion for mounting to the enclosure and a receiving post-extending from the base portion. The receiving post has first and second diverging surfaces. The latching member has first and second generally symmetrical, opposingly oriented, spaced apart, biased latching elements. The latching elements are biased toward one another, and are configured for independent locking engagement with the receiving post when the receiving post is inserted into the latching member. Each of the latching elements includes a releasing member extending therefrom and operably connected thereto for releasing the latching member from locking engagement with the receiving post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Brown, Michael C. Thuma, Craig S. Scherer
  • Patent number: 5700042
    Abstract: A cover for a housing is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the housing by a latch arrangement that has at least one edge surface disposed along one edge of a flange which engages a mating surface on the housing when the cover is assembled with the housing. The other side of the flange is integrally formed with an elongated beam that is attached to the cover structure. The elongated beam is torsionally loaded upon assembly of the cover with the housing, and provides a bias force on the edge surface of the flange to maintain the forcible engagement of the edge surface with a mating surface of the housing. The latch arrangement combines the cost effectiveness and space efficiency characteristics of plastic latch designs with the durability, dependability and tactile qualities of mechanical spring arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Ericsson, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Weadon, Gregory S. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5641186
    Abstract: A locking arrangement is provided for releasably locking door panels made of flexible material. The locking arrangement is adapted to be used on door panels of conventional vehicle shelters. The locking arrangement comprises a pair of generally hook-shaped locking members attached to the inner peripheral edges of the door panels. The locking members have mutually engaging hooking sections. A resiliently biased portion of the door panel biases the hooking members away from each other, thus lockingly forcing the hooking sections against each other. The specific configuration of the locking members is adapted to prevent the members from being unlocked by external pressure caused by the wind blowing onto the exterior surface of the door panels. A pair of gripping apertures extending through the door panels adjacent the locking structures facilitate the handling of the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Damien Ross
  • Patent number: 5634675
    Abstract: The cover of a battery compartment is releaseably secured by a compressible U-shaped latch carried by the cover and provided with a pair of projections for engaging a side wail of the battery compartment. Both the side wall and latch are provided with corresponding recesses which define an opening for receiving a pointed object to compress the latch and release the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Dialer & Business Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Mo
  • Patent number: 5626372
    Abstract: A mechanically operated latch includes a stop member and a restraining member which are disposable between an engageable position and a disengageable position. In which a restraining member (14) is displaceable between a first position in which an abutment surface is engageable with the stop member (18) which is attached to the cabinet frame to permit only limited opening movement of the panel and a second position in which the abutment surface is not engageable with the stop member to permit unlimited opening movement of the panel. The force required to activate the latch is such that it can be overcome by an adult but not by a small child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Peter A. Vogt
  • Patent number: 5501356
    Abstract: A closure catch of resilient plastics material comprising two co-operating body parts (124, 126) adapted to fit onto the edges of the lid and sidewalls of a box file to hold it closed. The first member (124) carries an outwardly facing projection (160) which is engaged by a corresponding inwardly-facing projection (162) on a tongue (138) of the second member (126) which fits into the recess and has an actuating member (164) for opening the catch. The part (124) may also carry an inwardly projecting retaining member (128) to releasably retain an insert (130) in the box, for example a concertina file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Paul R. Billingham
  • Patent number: 5488537
    Abstract: A portable carrier module having a safety interconnect latch mechanism for securing the portable carrier module to a portable product. The portable carrier has a rail on one of its outer walls for engaging with a track on the portable product and for aligning the portable product to the portable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin S. Heald, Per O. Hoel
  • Patent number: 5478126
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a door hingedly mounted thereon, with a latch assembly mounted on the door and cooperable with a latch opening in the storage compartment. The latch assembly includes a mounting bracket and a handle interconnected by a pair of flexible straps, a latch extension formed on the handle, an opening formed in the mounting bracket, and a latch spring having a fixed end secured to an edge of the opening, and a downward bend portion extending from the fixed end to a free distal end, adapted to contact a fixed surface and become compressed when the door is closed to prevent the door from rattling under vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Laesch
  • Patent number: 5476052
    Abstract: A bed structure for an overlock machine comprises a fixed bed formed by connecting an extension bed to a portion of the front side of a main bed, a substantially box-shaped free arm cover transversely slidably and removably disposed contiguously with a main frame beside a throat plate so as to cover a looper; and a substantially U-shaped auxiliary bed having a front portion, a side portion and a rear portion, disposed so as to surround all sides of of the free arm cover excluding one side of the free arm cover adjacent to the main frame with the front portion thereof inserted in a gap between the extension bed and the free arm cover and with the end surfaces of the lower wall and the lower side wall of the side portion thereof in contact with the side surfaces of the main frame and joined to the extension bed with a horizontal land portion formed in the surface of the front portion thereof fitted in a horizontal groove formed in the corresponding surface of the extension bed so as to be transversely movable r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: The Singer Company N.V.
    Inventors: Shinji Kojima, Masanori Mizunuma, Koichi Nakayama