Panel Patents (Class 292/93)
  • Patent number: 11655655
    Abstract: A door lock device is provided and includes a lock assembly and an operation assembly interlocked with the lock assembly so as to bury the lock assembly in a door frame, thereby protecting the lock assembly from being damaged or stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: THASE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jui-Ming Chen, Ching-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 11427063
    Abstract: A locking device for fixing a top of a convertible vehicle at a front header of a convertible vehicle, including an actuating portion and an engagement portion, said actuating portion having a locking hook that can be pivoted between a cleared position and a closed position in which it is engaged with the engagement portion. A securing element is provided that assumes a rest position during normal operation and is pretensioned in the direction of a blocked position using a spring and that is secured in the rest position using a retaining element that can be adjusted by way of a trigger element in such a manner that the securing element is released and that the spring shifts the securing element into its blocked position so that it secures the locking hook in the closed position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Franz Haberl, Christian Rudolfi, Johannes Haidl
  • Patent number: 11384573
    Abstract: A method for the actuation of an actuating device and to an actuating device with at least one lock, in particular a lock for a front bonnet of a motor vehicle, comprising a rotary latch, wherein the rotary latch can be brought by means of a lock holder into a locked position, with an actuating element connected to the lock, wherein, after a first actuation of the actuating element, the front bonnet can be brought from a locked position into a supported position and wherein, after at least one further actuation of the actuating element, the front bonnet can be brought into a release position, and with an actuation transmission means, in particular a Bowden cable, between the actuating element and the lock, wherein a means for disabling the actuating device is provided, with the result that an actuation of the lock by means of the actuating element can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Christian Sturm, Bernhard Drost, Murat Özdogan
  • Patent number: 10648201
    Abstract: A release cable assembly having a release cable and an inertial locking device is provided. The release cable includes a cable wire configured to operably interconnect a release handle to a moveable latch release component of a latch assembly. The inertial locking device is configured to normally permit translational movement of the cable wire, via actuation of the release handle, to move the latch release component from a latched position to an unlatched position when the inertial locking device is exposed to an acceleration that is less than a predetermined acceleration threshold. When the inertial locking device is exposed to an acceleration exceeding the predetermined acceleration threshold, the inertial locking device prevents translational movement of the release cable, thereby preventing unintentional movement of the latch release component from the latched position to the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Luca Bigazzi
  • Patent number: 9810005
    Abstract: The vehicle door handle (2) is arranged in such a way that an inertial mass (18) in the handle passes irreversibly from a rest configuration in which it allows the door to be opened into a locking configuration which it prevents opening and passes from the locking configuration into an unlocked configuration, different from the rest configuration and from the locking configuration, the handle being arranged so that placement of the inertial mass (18) in the unlocking configuration has the effect of it once again being possible for the door to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: U-SHIN ITALIA S.P.A
    Inventors: Antonio Rocci, Guillaume Lesueur
  • Patent number: 9200477
    Abstract: A lock, which is designed as a panic lock for a door of freezing room, includes a chassis (1, 2) and a latch bolt (3), which is displaceably guided into the chassis, impinged upon by a spring force in the direction of extension and beveled at least on one side. A two-part nut is rotationally mounted inside the lock. The inside part is able to be actuated by an inner operating lever, including an inner catch which enables the latch bolt (3) to be actuated at least in the insertion direction. An outer nut part (7), which can be actuated by an outer operating lever, includes an outer catch (10) enabling the latch bolt (3) to be actuated in the insertion and extraction direction. When the operating lever is not actuated, structure (15, 16) places the catch (10) of the nut part (7) in a neutral position in which the catch (10) is not in contact with the latch bolt (3). Structure (21-24) are also provided for locking the outer catch (10) in the neutral position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Frinova GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Dück
  • Patent number: 9140032
    Abstract: A door lock (3) includes a latch device (30) and an inner operational device (20) mounted to a first side (1A) of a door (1) and an outer operational device (16) mounted to a second side (1B) of the door (1). The inner and outer operational devices (20, 16) can be operated to retract a latch (38) of a latch device (30) from an extended, latching position to a retracted, unlatching position. A tooth (223) on an actuator (219) of the outer operational device (16) breaks if a large force is applied to a handle (197). A spindle (191) pivots freely without moving the latch (38), preventing damage to components of the outer operational device (16) and the latch device (30). A base (811) of the latch device (30) can be comprised of first, second, and third plates (813, 847, 883) to allow sheet metal processing without sacrificing structural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 9039051
    Abstract: A push/pull operating device includes first and second operational devices mounted to two sides of a door. The first operating device includes a first bracket having a plurality of non-circular mounting holes. Two engaging rods extend through two of the mounting holes of the first bracket, the door, and a latch device mounted in the door. Each engaging rod has a limiting portion fixedly received in one of the mounting holes. A head of each engaging rod presses against the first bracket. The second operational device includes a second bracket having a plurality of non-circular mounting holes. A bolt is extended through one of the mounting holes of the second bracket and the door and engaged with one of the engaging rods. A head of each bolt presses against the second bracket. Thus, the first and second brackets are securely fixed to the sides of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jimmy Shen
  • Patent number: 8978305
    Abstract: A retractor element includes a rigid slide connected between a latch bolt and a solenoid plunger for movement between a first position and a second position, the slide operably connected to plunger. A pivoting link defines a slot having an inner end portion extending transversely, the slot configured for pivoting the link when the slide moves between the first position and the second position of the slide. When the retracting mechanism is energized the plunger retracts causing movement of the slide to the second position of slide and the pin to enter the transverse end of the slot in the link. A bearing surface intersects the path of movement of the pin such that significantly less current is required for retaining the plunger in the retracted position than to retract the plunger for blocking the return of the latch bolt to the projected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Scott G. Morstatt, Jeffrey Sharps, Anthony Benitez
  • Patent number: 8915523
    Abstract: An apparatus provided for releasing the dogging function of a panic device for an exit door without the use of a key or other external device includes an end cap button; an adjustable connecting rod assembly; and a modified latch plate; Depressing the end cap button pushes the rod assembly to rotate the modified latch plate to release the dogging function of the panic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Christopher Tillman, Jeffrey Edward Bensinger
  • Patent number: 8840153
    Abstract: The upper lock system of the passive door blade of a double door according to the invention comprises a bolt (19) arranged to be installed to the upper surface of the passive door blade and arranged to be controlled by means of a pull bar (9). The bolt is a part of the lock (18). The lock also has a power transmission connection part (23) for the interface part (17) of the upper lock system. The interface part comprises a grabber module (24), power transmission module (32, 34) and a spring (26). The grabber module (24) is arranged to linearly move between the extended position and the retracted position. A spring (26) is arranged to push the grabber module towards the extended position. The power transmission mechanism (32, 34) is operationally connected with the grabber module (4) and the power transmission connection part (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventor: Raatikainen Juha
  • Patent number: 8764071
    Abstract: A system for use with a emergency exit door, comprising: a door opener including a stationary actuator with a movable distal arm for pushing the door open; a door strike mountable to a door frame having an opening to receive a latch of the emergency exit door, the electric door strike including a gate having a locked condition and a release condition; a controller connected to the door opener and the door strike; a remote activator having a triggered condition, which provides a signal to the controller when the remote activator is triggered, to unlock the gate and then the door opener, to open the emergency exit door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Systems & Technology, LLC
    Inventors: William P. Lanigan, John J. Wepfer, Maciej Labowicz, Gary A. Naese, Gerald F. Chalko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8702132
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a base having two sidewalls each having first and second guiding slots. A latch is pivotably connected to the base. A follower plate is movably received in the base and includes two sidewalls each having a restraining slot and an engaging notch. A safety plate is mounted between the sidewalls of the follower plate. A pin extends through the first guiding slots of the base, the restraining slots of the follower plate, and the safety plate. A positioning pin extends through the second guiding slots. A spring is attached between the positioning pin and the pin. When latch moves from a latching position to an unlatching position, the positioning pin moves along the second guiding slots of the base under action of the spring and engages with the engaging notches of the follower plate to retain the latch in the unlatching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg., Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Tien
  • Patent number: 8528946
    Abstract: A door lock (2) includes a linking rod (730) movable in an unlatching direction for moving a latch (38) to an unlatching position and movable in a latching direction for moving the latch (38) to a latching position. When a draw bar (640) is in an extended position and when an operative member (688) is operated, a follower plate (482) and the connecting rod (730) are moved in the unlatching direction through a connecting member (498) and a connecting rod (512). When the draw bar (640) is in a retracted position and when the operative member (688) is operated, the connecting member (498) and the connecting rod (512) are moved in the unlatching direction. Movement of the follower plate (482) in the unlatching direction is stopped by a stop member (668), preventing movement of the linking rod (730) in the unlatching direction and retaining the latch (38) in the latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Meng Shen
  • Patent number: 8474885
    Abstract: A fire door lock structure includes a stopper disposed at a door frame and a latch assembly disposed at a fire door, wherein the latch assembly comprises a lock base, a latch unit, a blocking member, a pair of male and female means and a linking set. The latch unit includes a latch bolt. The latch unit and the blocking member are swingably disposed at an accommodating slot of the lock base. The blocking member is fastened at the stopper by the pair of male and female means, wherein the male means comprises a fastener formed at the blocking member. In the locked state, the fastener of the male means can be fastened at the stopper to prevent the stopper from being unable to block the latch bolt caused by a deformed fire door or deformed door frame under a fire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Min Lu, Fu-Chih Huang
  • Patent number: 8424929
    Abstract: A sliding panic bar is provided with a case which includes a configuration for electrical installation and rails for the frames of the self-locking latch, the release of which is produced by acting on a locking lever that centralizes different actuation situations. The activation by pressure of the movable half-bar causes the tilting of operating lever rocker arms which displace the shuttles, synchronous shaft and retaining springs. The system includes a mechanism for adjusting the width of the door, adjustment for use by physically handicapped people, as well as for vertical spagnolette systems, with both vertical and horizontal latch. The locks of the system are adjustable for absorbing possible expansions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: José Ramón Baragaño Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20130093195
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a base having two sidewalls each having a positioning hole. A follower plate includes two sidewalls each having an engagement hole that is aligned with the positioning holes when the latch is in a latching position and that is not aligned with the positioning holes when the latch is in an unlatching position. Two sleeves are mounted between the sidewalls of the follower plate. An end of each sleeve is received in the engagement hole of one of the sidewalls of the follower plate. A stop having a low melting point is received in each sleeve to retain a safety pin in the sleeve. When the stops melt due to heat of a fire while the latch is in the latching position, the safety pins are moved by a spring into the positioning holes of the base to retain the latch in the latching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Tien
  • Patent number: 8414036
    Abstract: An anti-panic bar comprises a fixed part (3) with a lock controlling element (5), and a support bar (4) mounted to pivot on the fixed part (3) about a longitudinal axis. In an inactive position, the support bar (4) takes up a position spaced apart from the fixed part (3), and in an active position, the support bar (4) takes up a position closer to the fixed part (3) and also activates the lock controlling element (5). The support bar (4) is an extruded profile binged about the longitudinal axis through a pivot point (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: JPM SAS
    Inventor: Quentin Baillia-Prel
  • Patent number: 8398128
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch system configured to temporarily prevent door latch mechanisms from unlatching during a predetermined event is provided. The vehicle door latch system includes a forkbolt pivotally mounted to a housing portion of the vehicle door latch. The forkbolt is capable of moving between a latching position and an unlatching position. The door latch system also includes a block out mechanism configured for movement between a blocking position and an unblocking position. The block out mechanism is configured to prevent the forkbolt from moving from the latching position to the unlatching position when the block out mechanism is in the blocking position. A biasing member biases the block out mechanism into the unblocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Inteva Products, LLC
    Inventors: Frank J. Arabia, Xinhua He, Todd A. Suddon, Joseph D. Long, Thomas A. Dzurko
  • Patent number: 8322077
    Abstract: A door handle assembly includes a door handle that engages a bell crank to actuate a door release latch. A locking member moves relative to the bell crank, and shifts to a locked position wherein the locking member engages an engagement member to prevent rotation of the bell crank when the door handle assembly experiences an inertial force due to an impact or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kosta Papanikolaou, Venky Krishnan, Jeff Stokes, Cort Corwin
  • Patent number: 8267442
    Abstract: An outer operational device includes a cover mounted to a side of a door. An actuating member is mounted in the cover and includes an end engaged with a handle to rotate therewith. A driving member is pivotably received in the cover and includes a wing. A link includes an upper end pivotably coupled with the wing and a lower end pivotably coupled with an end of the actuating member. A driving rod is coupled with the driving member and operably connected to a latch of a lock mounted in the door, so that rotation of the handle causes retraction of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Jen Tien, Chen-Wei Huang
  • Publication number: 20120167476
    Abstract: A latch, latching system and other components are disclosed that are particularly well suited for use with the heavy doors of armored military vehicles. Some component embodiments are usable in normal and emergency modes to provide access, entry, egress and rescue through vehicle door openings. Included among the disclosed components are latches having separate operating components that can be used to retract spring projected latch bolts and that usable advantageously in pairs and readily reconfigurable for use on left, right, front and rear doors of a vehicle at locations where door thicknesses differ. Also disclosed are operating linkages intended to extend exteriorly of door armor to turn shafts to operate latches situated interiorly of the door armor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs, David J. Wolf, Gerald M. Szpak, John W. Jostworth
  • Patent number: 8201857
    Abstract: A door lock includes a bracket fixed to a door. An engaging member is pivotably mounted to the bracket. A draw member includes a first end pivotably connected to the engaging member and a second end operably connected to a retractor. A linking rod is connected between the draw member and an operative member mounted to the door such that operation of the operative member causes movement of the linking rod and pivotal movement of the draw member, which in turn, urges the retractor to move a latch bolt from an extended position to a retracted position. A follower is coupled to the first end of draw member to move therewith. An adjusting member is in threading connection with the follower and rotatable to move the follower relative to the engaging member to adjust a position of the second end of the draw member relative to the retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Tien
  • Patent number: 8156671
    Abstract: A photoluminescent member is provided for an exit device. The photoluminescent member comprises a housing member for mounting to the exterior surface of the exit device. The housing member includes a photoluminescent portion for being energized by exposure to an ambient light source and operable to automatically emit visible light photoluminescently for a substantial period of time in low ambient light or dark conditions and without being energized by an electrical current so that the photoluminescent portion provides illumination to identify the exit device in the low ambient light or dark conditions for providing a visual cue directing a person to a location of the exit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: John Presley, Mike Ott, Blue Houser, Tony Kirby, Tom Harris
  • Patent number: 8146962
    Abstract: A latch structure of fire door lock includes a lock base, a latch unit, a blocking member, an elastic member and a linking set. The lock base comprises an accommodating slot, a first lateral portion having a first sliding slot, and a second lateral portion having a second sliding slot. The latch unit has a combining pin. The blocking member is disposed in the accommodating slot and includes a contacting portion. The contacting portion is pressed by the elastic member. The combining pin is connected at the linking set and the latch unit. Two end portions of the combining pin are slidably disposed at the first sliding slot and the second sliding slot respectively. The end portions of the combining pin are restrained within a first recess of the first sliding slot and a second recess of the second sliding slot respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Min Lu, Fu-Chih Huang
  • Patent number: 8042843
    Abstract: A door lock includes a bracket fixed to a door. A linking rod is slideably mounted to the bracket and includes a slot. A draw member includes a first end pivotably connected to the bracket and a second end operably connected to a retractor. The draw member further includes a guide slot. A pin slideably extends through the slot and the guide slot such that the movement of the linking rod causes pivotal movement of the draw member, which in turn, urges the retractor to move a latch bolt from an extended position to a retracted position. A follower is coupled to the pin to move therewith. An adjusting member is in threading connection with the follower and rotatable to move the follower and the pin relative to the linking rod to adjust a position of the second end of the draw member relative to the retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Tien
  • Publication number: 20110084521
    Abstract: A vehicle emergency egress system. In one embodiment, an emergency egress system for providing an opening for egress from a vehicle includes a frame configured to be directly attached to the vehicle, the frame having a cavity formed therein and defined on a first side by a back surface facing an exterior of the vehicle, the back surface having an opening fanned therethrough; a panel removably received in the cavity for covering the opening, the back surface retaining the panel in a first direction; and at least a bracket removably attached to the frame on the exterior of the vehicle and retaining the panel in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the bracket is detachable from the frame by an occupant inside the vehicle for removal of the panel to the exterior of the vehicle in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Russell W. Shellenberger, Carlo A. Scarinci, David R. Avitia
  • Patent number: 7918487
    Abstract: An unlock transmission mechanism for escape doors is disclosed, including a base, a transmission member, a first drive unit and a second drive unit, wherein the transmission member, the first drive unit and second drive unit are all disposed on the base, and the transmission member is actuated to move relative to the first drive unit and the second drive unit, respectively. In the case that the unlock transmission mechanism is to be installed in an escape door that has a different installation orientation, the transmission member and the first drive unit provided therein have the characteristics of multi-directional changeability, thereby enabling flexible installation of the escape door lock and eliminating the necessity to replace an existing door handle mechanism as encountered in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Thase Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 7905522
    Abstract: An exit device for latching a door in tornado-prone areas keeps the door closed when the door is subjected to tornado debris impact by incorporating a blocking arm that swings outward away from the door as impact energy is transferred through the door to the blocking arm in the exit device. The blocking arm prevents a pushbar actuator from moving towards the door during impact or rebound which would allow the door to open. The blocking arm is biased close to the door in a non-blocking position where it initially receives the transferred impact energy. During the impact event the blocking arm rapidly rotates on a pivot from the non-blocking position to a blocking position away from the door. After the impact event, the blocking arm returns to the non-blocking position so that the exit device operates normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Daniel J. Picard
  • Patent number: 7896407
    Abstract: Auxiliary safety module for doors provided with an anti-panic opening device, comprising, a rotating locking member movable between an extracted position and a recessed position, a first elastic element tending to maintain the locking member in its extracted position, a cursor movable between a first position and a second position, a transmission mechanism operatively associated to the cursor and to the locking member and arranged to establish a univocal correlation between the positions of the cursor and of the locking member, so that when the cursor is in its first position, the locking member is in the extracted position and when the cursor is in the second position, the locking member is in the recessed position, a movable feeler having a projecting portion and a retaining portion which co-operates with the cursor, the feeler being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, a second elastic element associated to the feeler and tending to maintain the feeler in said engaged position, wh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Savio S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio
  • Patent number: 7887107
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a base mounted to a door and a latch bolt having a latch pivotably connected to the base. The latch bolt further includes a link pivotably connected to the latch and the base. A follower plate is pivotably connected to the link, allowing pivotal movement of the follower plate and the link relative to the base and allowing relative pivotal movement between the follower plate and the link. A linking rod is coupled with the follower plate to move therewith. When the linking rod moves in a vertical direction, the follower plate moves together with the linking rod to pivot the latch between a latching position and an unlatching position. The latch assembly can be utilized as a surfaced-type or concealed-type bottom latch. After adding some parts, the latch assembly can be converted into a surfaced-type or concealed-type top latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Meng Shen
  • Patent number: 7862091
    Abstract: An apparatus, circuit and method for operating a solenoid-actuated electromechanical door latching mechanism that includes a capacitor to meet the power surge requirements needed to move a door latching mechanism. A power supply at one end of a transmission line is coupled with a capacitor adjacent the solenoid at the other end of the transmission line to reduce the need for a larger capacity power, heavy gauge transmission lines and increases the distance at which a power supply may be located from a door latching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Command Access Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Escobar
  • Publication number: 20100301618
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a door assembly having an outside door handle, a latching assembly, and a cable-actuated inertial lock having a moveable linkage disposed within a cavity of a stationary housing. A first end of the cable is connected to the handle, and a second end is connected to the linkage. The inertial lock includes a lever for actuating the latch under normal conditions when the handle is actuated, and also contains a deployable toggle piece that is stowed in the linkage. The toggle piece is configured to rotate within the linkage, and thereafter lock against a shaped inner surface of the housing in response to a threshold acceleration of the type set forth in FMVSS 206 or other standards. A torsion spring may be used to bias the toggle piece into a stowed position within the linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Costigan, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Frank J. Arabia, JR.
  • Patent number: 7832778
    Abstract: A touch bar (24) exit device (20) comprises a retractor element (50) disposed in the housing (22) for substantially restilinear movement. The retractor element (50) connects the touch bar (24) and the latch bolt (82) such that the retractor element (50) and the latch bolt (82) are moved toward the retracted position in response to movement of the touch bar (24). An electrically energizable locking mechanism (104) in the exit device (20) includes a reciprocating plunger (106) moving transverse to the retractor element (50). When energized, the locking mechanism (104) is operative to move the plunger (106) to the projected locking position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. A time delay circuit is connected to the locking mechanism (104). A switch (120) actuated in response to movement of the touch bar (24) is connected to the time delay circuit for starting a predetermined time interval for temporarily delaying deenergization of the locking mechanism (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Whitaker, John Steven Gray, Larry R. Hunt, Sidney J. Lampley, Michael L. Ensley
  • Patent number: 7832777
    Abstract: A lock assembly for use with a door movably coupled to a door frame. The lock assembly includes a housing, a control member, a latchbolt, and a locking member. The control member is movably coupled to the housing from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow the door to move with respect to the door frame. The latchbolt moves with respect to the housing in a first direction and a second direction. The locking member is configured for engagement with the control member to move the locking member with respect to the housing into and out of an engaged position with respect to the latchbolt. The locking member includes a surface that contacts the latchbolt when the locking member is in the engaged position to substantially prevent movement of the latchbolt in the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Banks, Bradley W. Trent
  • Patent number: 7784578
    Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle includes a window actuator connected to a window system of the vehicle for moving a window to an open position, a door lock actuator connected to a door lock system of the vehicle for moving the door lock system to the unlocked position, a seat belt actuator connected to a seat belt release connector for disengaging the release connector from a first connector of a seat belt system, a trunk system for opening a trunk compartment and a trigger in operational connection with the actuator(s). When the trigger is operated, the system is substantially simultaneously actuated moving the window to the open position, moving the door lock system to the unlocked position, disengaging the release connector from the first connector of the seat belt system, and/or opening part of the trunk system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Maria Dolores Cantu
  • Publication number: 20100140961
    Abstract: An outer operational device includes a cover mounted to a side of a door. An actuating member is mounted in the cover and includes an end engaged with a handle to rotate therewith. A driving member is pivotably received in the cover and includes a wing. A link includes an upper end pivotably coupled with the wing and a lower end pivotably coupled with an end of the actuating member. A driving rod is coupled with the driving member and operably connected to a latch of a lock mounted in the door, so that rotation of the handle causes retraction of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Hung-Jen Tien, Chen-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 7722096
    Abstract: A latchbolt configured for use with a door lock assembly. The door lock assembly is configured for interaction with a strike coupled to a door frame, and operable to place the latchbolt in a locked configuration using the strike to generally prevent rotation of the door and an unlocked configuration to allow rotation of the door. The latchbolt includes a first member and a second member movably coupled to the first member. When the latchbolt is in the locked configuration the second member is movable relative to the first member from a first position to a second position in response to a predetermined force applied to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Arlinghaus, Bradley W. Trent, Rick L. Brennaman, James W. Overbey, Kenneth P. Cook, Russell A. Banks, Michael D. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20100102573
    Abstract: The invention involves the creation of a security lock system that allows a room's occupant to quickly secure the room against entry from the outside without the need to exit the room and without the need to use a key for activating the lock mechanism; the lock is a retrofit device that fits onto a typical inner lever arm door handle, and provides a frictional means for maintaining the inner door handle in an open position; in an emergency, the handle can be manually rotated into the closed, position, rendering the door non operable from outside without the use of the appropriate key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Rancatore
  • Publication number: 20090243307
    Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism associated with a door latch mechanism of a vehicle obstructs operation of a door handle assembly when the inertia activated mechanism is subjected to acceleration forces from a vehicle event. Delaying structure in the inertia activated mechanism momentarily delays return to the pre-event condition during rapidly changing acceleration of the vehicle event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: JOEL R. LEE
  • Publication number: 20090230700
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch system configured to temporarily prevent door latch mechanisms from unlatching during a predetermined event is provided. The vehicle door latch system includes a forkbolt pivotally mounted to a housing portion of the vehicle door latch. The forkbolt is capable of moving between a latching position and an unlatching position. The door latch system also includes a block out mechanism configured for movement between a blocking position and an unblocking position. The block out mechanism is configured to prevent the forkbolt from moving from the latching position to the unlatching position when the block out mechanism is in the blocking position. A biasing member biases the block out mechanism into the unblocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Frank J. Arabia, Xinhua He, Todd A. Suddon, Joseph D. Long, Thomas A. Dzurko
  • Patent number: 7578475
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema, Frank T. Jackson, Sr., William Bourne, Manuel Andres Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20090079204
    Abstract: A touch bar (24) exit device (20) comprises a retractor element (50) disposed in the housing (22) for substantially restilinear movement. The retractor element (50) connects the touch bar (24) and the latch bolt (82) such that the retractor element (50) and the latch bolt (82) are moved toward the retracted position in response to movement of the touch bar (24). An electrically energizable locking mechanism (104) in the exit device (20) includes a reciprocating plunger (106) moving transverse to the retractor element (50). When energized, the locking mechanism (104) is operative to move the plunger (106) to the projected locking position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. A time delay circuit is connected to the locking mechanism (104). A switch (120) actuated in response to movement of the touch bar (24) is connected to the time delay circuit for starting a predetermined time interval for temporarily delaying deenergization of the locking mechanism (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Whitaker, J. Steven Gray, Larry R. Hunt, Sidney J. Lampley, Michael Ensley
  • Patent number: 7469942
    Abstract: A touch bar (24) exit device (20) comprises a retractor element (50) disposed in the housing (22) for substantially restilinear movement. The retractor element (50) connects the touch bar (24) and the latch bolt (82) such that the retractor element (50) and the latch bolt (82) are moved toward the retracted position in response to movement of the touch bar (24). An electrically energizable locking mechanism (104) in the exit device (20) includes a reciprocating plunger (106) moving transverse to the retractor element (50). When energized, the locking mechanism (104) is operative to move the plunger (106) to the projected locking position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. A time delay circuit is connected to the locking mechanism (104). A switch (120) actuated in response to movement of the touch bar (24) is connected to the time delay circuit for starting a predetermined time interval for temporarily delaying deenergization of the locking mechanism (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Whitaker, J. Steven Gray, Sidney J. Lampley, Michael Ensley, Larry R. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7293805
    Abstract: This invention relates to a type of safety door central release device which can be used to close the safety door automatically when electric power is disrupted. It comprises a cord that is tied to a mechanism having potential energy on one end, and extended to a far distance on the other end; a pair of crank arms of which one end molded as a grip and gripping the cord, and the other end is connected to a sliding bar, having potential energy which assists the grip in release the cord. When electric power is supplied, the sliding bar will be attracted to an electromagnet. As a result, while electric power is disrupted, the release device can immediately release the cord. Due to release of the cord, a brake for a door operator is released by means of the mechanism such that the safety door slides down and then it is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7287784
    Abstract: A fire-blocking door lock structure is mounted on a fire-blocking door including a frame member, a push handle and a casing. The casing has the bottom thereof fixed to a plate member and connected to a base body. The fire-blocking door lock structure includes a middle latch mechanism mounted in the casing, an upper latch mechanism and a lower latch mechanism symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the middle latch mechanism and connected to the middle latch mechanism, and an actuation mechanism connected to the middle latch mechanism. When the push handle is pressed, the actuation mechanism is driven to actuate the middle latch mechanism, and the upper latch mechanism and the lower latch mechanism are simultaneously actuated by the middle latch mechanism to unlatch the door lock. When the push handle is released, the door lock is restored to the lock-up status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 7204050
    Abstract: An exit device includes an electroluminescent exit sign assembly, preferably mounted on a push rail actuator of the exit device. An electroluminescent illuminator, an opaque material and a transparent protective cover form the electroluminescent sign assembly. The push rail actuator operates a latch mechanism and opens an associated exit door when pressure is applied. An inverter may be located within the exit device to power the electroluminescent illuminator with an AC or voltage. The electroluminescent sign assembly is preferably removable for repair or replacement without removing the exit device from the exit door and is located within a surface cavity in an electrically insulating touchpad on the exit device actuator. Additional transparent nonconductive material surrounds the electroluminescent material to provide further electrical insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thanasis Molokotos, Daniel J Picard
  • Patent number: 7201405
    Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism that may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and counteracts a crash force. When the crash force is applied, a locking tab is in a lock position to prevent a latch mechanism from releasing and opening the vehicle door. When the crash force is removed, the locking tab returns to a normal position, allowing the latch mechanism to function normally. The locking tab is attached to a weight by a cable. The weight moves and causes displacement of the locking tab when the crash force is applied and is restrained by a spring when the crash force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Le, Stephen J. Milchuck, Jr., Craig W. Gurtatowski, Paul G. Ledebuhr
  • Patent number: 7163256
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a lock with a movable locking element, particularly a rotary latch, which lock, in addition to being equipped with an electric unlocking device for the locking element, is equipped with a mechanical emergency unlocking device for the locking element. The emergency unlocking device includes a first pulling element which triggers the locking element independently of the electric unlocking device into a release position, in which release position a closing element is released which is fastened to a vehicle body part to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Frank Haunstetter
  • Patent number: 7144050
    Abstract: A fire-blocking door lock structure includes a bolt member mounted inside thereof connected to an actuation mechanism and a latch member connected to the other side of actuation mechanism inside the door lock structure away from the direction of the bolt member by a pull rod. The bolt member includes a pivot joint member, an operating piece, and a retaining piece; the latch member includes a latching frame, a latching support movably installed inside the latching frame, a latching body rotatably positioned inside the latching support, a stop piece movably installed inside the latching frame, and a driving piece having one end thereof pivotally connected with the stop piece and having the other end connected with the pull rod for adapting the force from the pull rod to shift the stop piece and the latching body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Lin