Lever Operator, Flush Patents (Class 292/DIG31)
  • Patent number: 5004277
    Abstract: A flush bolt including override protection is disclosed for flush mounting on the inactive one of a pair of swinging doors. In one embodiment of the invention, an automatic flush bolt comprising a trigger member senses whether the active door is closed. If closed, the flush bolt assumes an engaged position securing a bolt into a securing surface. If open, the flush bolt assumes its disengaged position with the bolt retracted into the mechanism. In a second embodiment of the invention, a semi-automatic flush bolt is provided with a slotted member and a spring to bias the bolt toward the engaged position. When the door containing the mechanism is closed, the bolt may temporarily and automatically override the securing surface and engage the securing surface without damage to the mechanism, the door, or the door frame. Opening the door requires manual intervention through a activation of a control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Triangle Brass Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Campbell, Ira J. Simon
  • Patent number: 4991885
    Abstract: A latch handle assembly for securing a latch having a trigger pin includes a handle pivotally joined to the latch. A trigger latch is pivotally joined to the handle and includes an opening engageable onto the trigger pin. A cam is pivotally joined to the handle and is engageable onto the trigger pin to compensate for any clearances between the parts, and thereby prevent chattering and excessive wear within the handle assembly due to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: The Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: L. Richard Poe
  • Patent number: 4989907
    Abstract: A paddle handle latch includes a frame which defines a recess, and a peripheral handle which is mounted for pivotal movement in the recess. A retainer is mounted to the frame to define a channel having a latching axis and this retainer is shaped to receive a striker moving along the latching axis and to retain the striker against movement transverse to the latching axis. A catch is pivotably mounted in the retainer to move between an open position and a closed position. A linkage interconnects the paddle handle and the catch such that the paddle handle operates to move the catch between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Versch Lock Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Edmonds, David Perotto, Kenneth Cain
  • Patent number: 4986576
    Abstract: A locking entry door latch equipped with a positive locking dead bolt and a latch bolt. The latch includes a housing, a sliding latch bolt mechanism, a sliding dead bolt mechanism, a center bolt to resist longitudinal loading, a strike assembly with a precatch that holds the door latched when it is not completely closed and a final catch for the latch bolt and dead bolt, a locking mechanism and inside and outside operating handles. Both the locking mechanism and the operating handles are independently operable from inside or outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: The Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4984982
    Abstract: An access flooring module, which makes available the power and signal cable to a user, is configured to be easily adaptable and user friendly. The module has a movable dividing wall provided therein, the dividing wall being positioned between the power and the signal transmissions to insure the reliability thereof. A pivot arm is provided which allows the module to move between a first position and a second position. A deformable member is positioned on the module, such that as the module is moved between the first and the second positions, the deformable member controls the movement of the module. A latch member is provided on the module, the latch member being moveable between an open position and a closed position. The latch member is provided to secure the access flooring module in the first position, and to provide an opening through which electrical cords can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan W. Brownlie, Jack W. Lawhead
  • Patent number: 4969916
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with push-to-operate handles that are pivotally movable relative to the housings to effect unlatching movements of spring-biased, pivotally mounted latch bolts. The lock-type embodiment has a locking mechanism that is mounted on the housing to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of its pivotal latch bolt. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled, installed and serviced with ease. Improved features include the provision of a plural part handle assembly having portions that are configured to cooperate with a resilient, weather resistant boot that optionally may be interposed between housing and handle assembly components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Joel T. Vargus, Thomas V. McLinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4951486
    Abstract: A nested paddle lock assembly comprises inside and outside pan assemblies mounted in alignment with one another on a door and respectively having inside and outside selectively pivotal paddle handles, slide means in said door selectively linearly actuated by either handle when pulled, pivotal lever means pivoted by said linearly moving slide means upon handle actuation to unlatch said door, spring means to return the pivotal lever means, slide means and handles to their respective normally closed positions and lock means selectively actuated from inside or outside the door either to lock the door by obstructing slide means movement or to unlock the door by allowing slide means movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Cleveland Hardware & Forging
    Inventors: Jack A. Braun, Michael J. Rachocki
  • Patent number: 4925221
    Abstract: A toggle latch is shown which retains a structure, such as an aircraft door, latched against a second structure, such as the fuselage. The latch includes a housing having a latch actuator joined to the housing a first pivot point and a latch member joined to the housing at a second pivot point. A linkage joins the latch actuator and latch member at third and fourth pivot points. In the latched position, the fourth pivot point is positioned past a center line between the first and third pivot points to create the over-center, toggle effect of the latch. A safety catch is pivoted within the latch actuator which extends into a passage in the actuator. The safety catch also engages the housing when the toggle latch is in its latched position to lock the latch closed. Insertion of a tool into the passage engages the safety catch to remove it from its locking contact with the housing and free the latch actuator for opening the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: VSI Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Carmody, William R. Bourne, Jr., John Stammreich
  • Patent number: 4914779
    Abstract: An automotive outer door operating member is integrally formed of a thermoplastic resin and comprises a handle and arms extending from the handle; characterized in that the thickness ratio of the root of each arm to the handle at the junctions of the arms and the handle is 0.5 or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Polyplastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Nakai, Naotoshi Inamura
  • Patent number: 4911487
    Abstract: The rotary paddle latch of the present invention has a latched position, an intermediate safety position and an unlatched position and includes an assembly for locking the external rotary paddle while permitting an optional internal handle to override the lock to move the latch to its unlatched position. The rotary paddle latch assembly includes a pivotally mounted latch bar pivotally actuated by the external rotary paddle, a spring biased, pivotally mounted tripping pawl selectively pivotally actuated by the latch bar or by the optional internal handle, a pivotally mounted stepped cam having an abutment surface engaged by said tripping pawl, and a spring biased, pivotally mounted latch plate having a throat therein for receiving a striker bar. The latch plate includes a cam follower riding along the stepped cam when the tripping pawl is moved to allow pivotal movement of the latch plate between the three latch positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Cleveland Hardware & Forging Co.
    Inventor: Michael J. Rachocki
  • Patent number: 4911485
    Abstract: A latching structure defined by a mount, a handle pivotally mounted to the mount and linked with a latch pin slidably mounted in the mount. The linkage between the handle and the latch pin includes first parallel links pivotally mounted to the handle and pivotally mounted to the latch pin. Second links are pivotally mounted to the first links and to a spring block slidably mounted on the latch pin. A spring is placed in compression between a shoulder on the latch pin and the spring blocks. Consequently, the linkage mechanism operates to actuate the latch pin with the handle and create an overcenter mechanism to bias the entire mechanism to either a fully opened position or a fully closed position. A gasket is provided on a flange associated with the handle to seal the latch mechanism when the mechanism is strongly biased by the spring into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: The Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Wasilewski
  • Patent number: 4898413
    Abstract: A knob (3) capable of pivoting an actuating lever (4) of a latch and articulated to a case (1) which is open toward the exterior and capable of receiving the knob (3). The latter is laterally articulated to pivot, on one hand, about two pins (16, 17) fixed to the case (1) and, on the other hand, about two movable pins (14, 15) integral with the knob. All of the pins are within the case (1). Each pin (16, 17) fixed to the case is connected by a link (9, 11; 12, 13) to a movable pin (14, 15) and all the pins (14 to 17) are so positioned that straight lines (D1, D2) each passing through a fixed pin (16, 17) and through a movable pin (14, 15) interconnected by the same link intersect outside the case. This articulated mechanism permits mounting on the door the unit comprising the case (1) and the knob (3) by a simple succession of horizontal movements of translation which may also be effected by a robot of very simple design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Rockwell-CIM
    Inventor: Carlo Bertolini
  • Patent number: 4898415
    Abstract: The apparatus for mounting the outer door handle assembly to the automotive door according to the invention comprises: an outer handle body consisting of an engagement projection, an engagement surface, and a flange; and a mounting fitting consisting of an engagement portion for engagement with the engagement projection, a rotatable engagement claw for engagement with the engagement surface, and a projection edge.The outer handle body is inserted from outside into the mounting opening in the outer plate of the door; the engagement portion of the mounting fitting is engaged from inside the door with the engagement projection; and the engagement claw is rotated to engage with the engagement surface. As a result the outer plate of the door is tightly clamped by the flange and the projection edge, thus permitting the outer door handle assembly to be securely mounted to the door without the use of bolts and nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seiki Satoh
  • Patent number: 4898408
    Abstract: A latch for a camper shell door in which the inside pull is operable to unlatch or latch the door whether or not the latch is locked from the outside, thereby giving the occupants of the shell the security of a locked environment, and the safety of ready unlatching from within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventor: Peter Hauber
  • Patent number: 4895403
    Abstract: A door handle in which the handle bar is first pushed inwardly about one pivot axis to permit the user to grip the handle, and then the handle bar is pulled outwardly about a second pivot axis in order to unlatch the door. Springs normally establish the handle bar at a normal position substantially filling the recess and are yieldable to permit the inward swinging movement of the handle about the first pivot axis and the pulling of the door handle outwardly about the second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph M. Osenkowski
  • Patent number: 4889373
    Abstract: A handle unit for a vehicle door lock system has a lever door handle mounted on a pivot in a housing. The lever can be locked in the position which corresponds to a "door locked" condition. A release button allows the lever to be locked or released so that the lever can be operated. The lever is locked by a detent which captures the lever and can be released by pushing the detent away from the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Marcus J. S. Ward, Peter J. Seymour
  • Patent number: 4882919
    Abstract: A panel lock comprises an elongated housing having a generally rectangular shape with a longitudinal and transverse direction. The housing includes a cavity adapted to receive a bolt which is slidably retained for transverse movement within the housing and which projects through a passage or opening in one side of the housing. A push plate is pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the cavity in the housing fand includes a cam surface cooperative with a follower associated with the bolt. Pivotal action of the push plate drives the bolt into and out of engagement with a strike that is external from the housing. A key operated latch is retained within the push plate and cooperatively engages with the housing to latch or release the plate and thereby permit pivotal action of the push plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Valhi Inc.
    Inventor: Clark E. Craig
  • Patent number: 4880261
    Abstract: A remote latching mechanism is provided having a connecting member, preferably a cylindrical rod, means for rotating the connecting member about its longitudinal axis, and a latch assembly connected to the connecting member for movement between latched and unlatched conditions in response to the rotation of the connecting member. The means for rotating the rod may be a handle assembly, having a handle journalled within a handle cup, and/or a socket member affixed to the end of the rod for rotation of the rod upon application of torque of the socket member. The latch assembly comprises a crank, at least one link member having over-center action, a pawl support and a pawl, all inter-connected so that upon rotation of the crank, the pawl is pivoted and slid relative to a latch housing between latched and unlatched positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Bisbing
  • Patent number: 4877274
    Abstract: A latch handle assembly for securing a latch having a trigger pin includes a handle pivotally joined to the latch. A trigger latch is pivotally joined to the handle and includes an opening engageable onto the trigger pin. A cam is pivotally joined to the handle and is engageable onto the trigger pin to compensate for any clearances between the parts, and thereby prevent chattering and excessive wear within the handle assembly due to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: The Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: L. Richard Poe
  • Patent number: 4875726
    Abstract: An escutcheon plate having a length, height and depth, the plate comprising a peripheral flange carrying an outer surface surrounding a central opening, the other side of the flange carrying a surface for engaging the material of the exterior door panel of a vehicle door surrounding the opening or aperture provided through the exterior door panel for access to the handle to open and close the door, at least three parallel rows of ridges, triangular in cross-section directed laterally of the escutcheon plate to permit an assembly carrying the handle to be secured thereto by at least three staggered rows of ridges triangular in cross-section and directed laterally to permit the meshing of the rows of ridges until the desired relative lateral positions of the components are reached at which point the escutcheon plate may be anchored relative to the assembly by a screw to the assembly for the handle and which intermeshed rows of ridges may only be joined or separated by moving them laterally towards or away from
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Thau
  • Patent number: 4872366
    Abstract: A hood release assembly which can be snap fittingly attached to an instrument panel having a rectangular opening. The assembly includes a plastic housing having one end slidably connected to the panel via a tongue and groove connection and its opposite end snap fittingly attached to the panel via an integral fastener on the housing, a cable release lever having integral pivot pins which are snap fittingly received within complementary shaped openings in the housing and a rear cover which is integrally connected to the housing via a living hinge at one end and releasably detentable with the housing at its other end to permit access to the housing from the rear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Appleby, James Bolsworth, Charles M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4858973
    Abstract: A inside door handle assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a bezel fixedly secured to a door, a handle freely rotatably retained by opposing side walls of the bezel, an arm integral with the handle on one side of the two opposing side walls of the bezel, a spring arranged on the handle and having one end fixedly engaged with the bezel and another end fixedly engaged with the handle, the spring biasing the handle at all times in a direction for closing the door, and an engagement portion integral with the handle on the other side of the two opposing side walls of the bezel, the engagement portion coming into abutting contact with the spring when the handle is turned in a direction which opens the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Ogasawara, Yukio Isomura, Souichiro Okudaira
  • Patent number: 4858970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile latch for joining two members of an aircraft having a keeper mounted upon one member. The latch is rotatably mounted about a mounting bushing at one end of a pair of compression links whose opposite end pivotally mounts a hook that engages the keeper. Mounted at the pivot point between the hook and compression links is a first part of a two part handle whose second part is attached from the first handle part to a pair of side plates that form a further linkage. The side plates rotate about the mounting bushing, while the opposite ends thereof are connected by control links to the hook. The further linkage formed by the cover, side plates, and control links stabilizes the handle and hook and provides a smooth, controlled movement of the hook as the handle is opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Rexnord Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Albert D. Tedesco, John C. Stammreich, Raymond E. Harmon, William R. Rourne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4850208
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with push-to-operate handles that are pivotally movable relative to the housings to effect unlatching movements of spring-biased, pivotally mounted latch bolts. The lock-type embodiment has a locking mechanism that is mounted on the housing to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of its pivotal latch bolt. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled, installed and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Thomas V. McLinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4850209
    Abstract: Flush mountable pulls, latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize a versatile housing together with other components of novel form mounted on the housing to provide a variety of desired features. Pull handles as well as latch and lock operating handles of a wide variety of types can be connected to the housing, as can a wide variety of latch bolt mechanisms that are configured to engage various types of strikers or keeper formations. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy pull, latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of parts that can be assembled, installed and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Joel T. Vargus, Frank R. Albris, Richard H. Russell, Thomas V. McLinden, Richard M. O'Grady, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4841755
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with a variety of types of handles that are movable relative to the housing to effect unlatching movements of spring-projected slide bolts. Locking mechanisms are mountable on the housings to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of the latch bolts. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employs a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Joel T. Vargus, Frank R. Albris, Richard H. Russell, Thomas V. McLinden, Richard M. O'Grady, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4838590
    Abstract: An inside handle device for a vehicle comprises a bracket, a handle disposed inside the bracket, a locking knob disposed inside the handle, and a single hinge pin for rotatably pivoting the handle and the locking knob inside both side portions of the bracket. The hinge pin has a circumferential groove formed therein. One of the bracket, handle and locking knob has elastic pawls projecting toward the hinge pin which are engaged in the groove of the hinge pin to prevent the hinge pin from shifting axially. Each elastic pawl has notches at its root portion to allow easy elastic deformation thereof. Around the hinge pin is disposed a torsion spring whose one end is locked on the bracket with the other end on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukio Isomura
  • Patent number: 4838054
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with pivotally nestable and extensible handles that are movable relative to the housing to effect latching and unlatching movements of a resilient foot that is movable by the handle between clamped and released engagement with a keeper, and that is movable with a latch arm between latched and unlatched positions. The lock-type embodiment has a locking mechanism that is mounted on the housing to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of the resilient latch member. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Frank R. Albris, Thomas V. McClinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4838056
    Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with pivotally nestable and extensible handles that are movable relative to their housings to effect latching and unlatching movements of a resilient, expansible latch member. Locking mechanisms are mountable on the housings to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of the latch member. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Steven A. Mayo, Thomas V. McLinden, Timothy H. Wentzell
  • Patent number: 4834433
    Abstract: The support member underlying the door outer panel has coaxially aligned apertures formed in spaced apart walls thereof. First and second telescopically engaged axle members molded of plastic have integral axle spindles projecting from the ends thereof. A spring acts between the axle members to permit axial contraction of the axle members relative one another so that the axle spindles may be inserted between the spaced apart aperture panel walls. The spring then functions to extend the axle members axially apart to position the axle spindles within the panel apertures and thereby rotatably mount the axle members on the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventor: John F. Keller
  • Patent number: 4828299
    Abstract: Latch mechanisms for latching two bodies in both tension and shear. A longitudinally extending latching bolt is associated with a latching assembly having an overcenter link mechanism controlled by a lever. The overcenter link mechanism includes a slot cooperating with a pin to provide two effective lengths to the fully extended linkage. A laterally extending notch provides a shoulder intermediate the ends of the slot to receive the pin. A keeper is slidably associated with a keeper assembly to engage the longitudinally extending bolt to prevent its withdrawal from the keeper assembly. Inclined surfaces between the latching bolt and the keeper function to engage or disengage the spring biased keeper with movement of the latching bolt in a preselected direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: L. Richard Poe
  • Patent number: 4818003
    Abstract: An inside handle device for an automotive vehicle door in which a compression spring (18) for urging a handle (8) to its closed position is provided in an air gap (17a) in a bracket member (7) pivotally securing the handle (8) to reduce the size of the entire device and to simplify the assembly. The handle (8) is pivotally secured to the bracket member (7) which is secured to a door panel (15), and is connected via a connecting rod (3) to a door locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventors: Osamu Seko, Masaichi Moriya
  • Patent number: 4813722
    Abstract: An improved locking device for a latching and locking mechanism wherein upon a motor vehicle rear seatback being unlocked it adapted to be unlatched for swinging to a fold-down position by pivoting a handle portion of an operating lever providing pass through access between the vehicle passenger compartment and rear storage trunk. The locking device provides a key locking cylinder which in its locked mode has a lock bar biased in one direction such that its one end contacts a cam segment on the cylinder. The lock bar is formed with a pair of notches spaced on centers equal to the spacing between support webs of a pivoting operating lever. The notches are positioned to block the pivoting of the lever in the cylinder locked mode by being misaligned with the support webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis M. Viscome, Wilbur E. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4807914
    Abstract: A window lock assembly is provided for facilitated locking of a pane-carrying frame or sash in a closed position with respect to a window casement. The lock assembly comprises a handle unit in a recessed, substantially flush-mounted position on the casement and including a movable operator handle connected by a concealed rack or the like to at least one locking cam unit mounted on the casement at a remote position relative to the operator handle. The operator handle is accessible for manual movement to displace a locking cam of the cam unit into releasable locking engagement with a keeper mounted on the sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: W & F Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Fleming, Nandor Gajer
  • Patent number: 4778207
    Abstract: A release handle assembly for vehicle closure latches includes a release handle mounted within a recess of a housing for operation of a closure latch. A blocking member blocks insertion of the operator's fingers behind the handle when the closure latch is in locked position to provide the operator with a sensory indication of the position of the closure latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bela Gergoe
  • Patent number: 4758031
    Abstract: A retractable safety latch is disclosed and includes a base mounting member having perpendicular base walls, a draw bar guide attached to the mounting base member by a hinge, a draw bar having an arcuate hook on one end and an eccentrically positioned oblong hole on the other end slidably mounted on the draw bar guide, a rotatable shaft mounted on the draw bar guide and having an eccentrically mounted pin extending through the oblong hole for driving and retaining the draw bar in the draw bar guide, and a handle having a safety catch pivotably mounted on the rotatable shaft. Between the handle and the rotatable shaft is a spring for the purpose of biasing the handle in one direction with respect to the rotatable shaft so that when the latch is closed, the handle is in contact with the perpendicular base walls and the safety catch catches on one of the perpendicular base walls to prevent the rotatable shaft on which the handle is mounted from rotating and opening the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Thermodyne International Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter C. Wolf
  • Patent number: 4747632
    Abstract: An operating handle mechanism for remotely actuating a closure latch including a handle mounted on a housing by a pivot. A coil spring anchored on the pivot has a first end seated on the housing and a second end seated on the handle to bias the handle to a normal unactuating position. A yieldable plastic button member mounted on the housing projects into the path of movement of the second end of the spring during actuating movement of the handle. During movement of the handle to the actuating position the second end of the spring is carried into engagement with the yieldable plastic button member and is temporarily unseated from the handle, and then snaps past the button member to again seat on the housing during further movement of the handle to the full actuated position, thereby providing a perceptible audible and tactile signal to the operator confirming actuation of the handle and the remote latch actuated thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Richard S. Joy
  • Patent number: 4746151
    Abstract: A metal industrial fastener comprises a keeper plate having a hook-like keeper lip attached to one panel and a turn hasp member attached to another panel, which turn member may be recessed in a dish. The turn member has a spring which spring-loads a spring-back hook member, a base member fixed in a dish to a panel, a slide member which telescopically slides in the base member, and a turning means to rotate an eccentric rivet which cam-operates the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Simmons Fastener Corporation
    Inventors: Cuyler Hoen, Frederick J. Pufpaff
  • Patent number: 4707006
    Abstract: A door latch assembly is disclosed for unlatching and opening a door in one motion. The assembly comprises a housing adapted to be mounted on a door and having a handle pivotally mounted about an axis perpendicular to the direction the door opens. A cam driver having a cam surface is fixed to the handle so that the cam driver will pivot with the handle. A cam link is connected with the cam surface of the cam driver to translate pivotal motion of the handle into linear motion. A dish having a cam surface is rotatably mounted on the housing. The cam surface of the dish is in contact with the cam link such that linear motion of the cam link causes rotational motion of the dish. A latch is connected to the dish such that rotation of the dish disengages the latch. When the handle is lifted in the direction the door opens, the dish rotates and unlatches and opens the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Camrey Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yogesh K. Garg, Robert E. Hoffacker
  • Patent number: 4702504
    Abstract: A self protecting toggle latch assembly in which the latch handle nests in a narrow slot cut a part way through the extruded side member of the container. The slot interrupts a hole of circular cross section which is extruded throughout the length of the side member to form a hole on each side of the slot. The handle is pivotally retained in the side member by projections thereon which engage the holes formed in the side walls of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Jack Brothers
  • Patent number: 4693503
    Abstract: A latching device comprising a flanged housing and an associated handle and latch for insertion into an opening in a hinged door in which the handle is pivotally attached to the housing and the latch is pivotally attached to the handle with the handle and the latch having front surfaces which are flat and contiguous with each other and positioned substantially flush with the outer door surface when the handle and the latch are in the latched position in which position the latch engages a keeper on the housing. In the preferred embodiment a spring is affixed to the housing for engagement with the latch when the handle and the latch are moved to the latched position thereby holding the latch in engagement with the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Bisbing
  • Patent number: 4681357
    Abstract: An automotive door handle container which is formed by and on an escutcheon fixedly attached to a door panel, for normally containing a pivotable handle piece. The escutcheon is formed at a slightly lower level than the inside edge of the handle piece for covering a small idle gap between the handle piece and the escutcheon to prevent harmful physical damage to the operator's finger nail otherwise occurring during manual handling of the handle piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Kokusan Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isamu Uemura, Kazumasa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4676081
    Abstract: The panel lock comprises an elongated housing having resilient wedging means at each end to secure the panel lock in place in a recess in a door, panel or like member. Formed integrally with the elongated housing are a lock housing with a cylindrical opening, a central recessed portion, and a bolt housing. A lock is rotatably secured in the opening in the lock housing. A bolt is slidably positioned in the bolt housing. A spring is operative between the bolt and the bolt housing to bias the bolt outwardly from the bolt housing into locking position. An actuator is slidably secured to the elongated housing and is adapted to engage the bolt. When the actuator is moved in one direction, the bolt is biased outwardly to a latching position by the spring. Movement of the actuator in an opposite direction will move the bolt against the bias of the spring to a release position. Cam means are secured to the lock and are rotatable therewith to lock or to release the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Keycon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Clark Craig
  • Patent number: 4652030
    Abstract: A leaf spring bent at its midsection to form operating legs spaced about 120.degree. apart. The legs can be compressed together with finger pressure and the spring then inserted over a defective coil spring of Corvette door latch/handle assembly. When fully inserted the spring functions in the same way as the original spring before same became damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Street Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Streett
  • Patent number: 4638649
    Abstract: A latch means adapted to lock the luggage, attache cases or the like, comprising two actuating members abuttingly mounted on a same plane, the abutting edges thereof being connected separately to two parallel pivot pins. The two actuating members are movable in opposite directions under the external force, the outer edge of one of the two members is depressible under the external force applied thereto while that of the other of the actuating members can be lifted up. A sliding member is movable in between the two actuating members under the action of the second actuating member, and with the change of position of the sliding member, only when the first actuating member is depressed, can the second actuating member be lifted up thereby permitting the latch bolt to be released from the corresponding hole and the latch means is then in an unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Echolac Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Tsung Chao
  • Patent number: 4631937
    Abstract: A lock assembly for cabinet doors comprising a mounting plate attachable to the door panel and provided with a depression in its front face to receive a handle. The handle is connected to an operating shaft for a lock adjusting member in a spring loaded manner to cause the handle to be ejected from the depression pivoting about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the adjusting member. The hand lever is retained in and released from the depression by means of the lock assembly. The lock is installed in the mounting plate separate from the depression with the handle therein, and penetrates the door panel through an opening. The lock controls a slide adjustably disposed in the mounting plate by means of a detent element engaged in the depression, the detent element retaining the handle in the depression when the lock is in the locking position and releasing the handle which is ejected from the depression when the lock is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Debus, Jugen Zachrai, Helmut Butergerds, Manfred Wetzel
  • Patent number: 4616862
    Abstract: A vehicle door locking system uses a simple latch mechanism (10) without internal locking means connected to an external door handle (28) through a collapsible bellows (32). A solenoid controlled valve (44), when open, vents the bellows to atmosphere, allowing the bellows to collapse and transmit no movement from the door handle to the latch mechanism or, when closed, presents collapse of the bellows, which then transmits movement of the door handle to the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Marcus J. S. Ward
  • Patent number: 4602812
    Abstract: A double hook latch includes a hook assembly, and means for adjusting the position of the hook assembly relative to a keeper arm. Each hook is mounted to independently rotate and the hook assembly can pivot to accommodate misalignment of a keeper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Bourne
  • Patent number: 4601499
    Abstract: The invention comprises the essential operating mechanism for a vertical latching assembly for a closure. It provides adjustment screws, accessibly disposed, externally of the closure (door), for adjusting the effective lengths of the elongate, latch bolt-actuating elements. A centercase, which is mounted externally of the door, has attachment blocks slidably coupled thereto. The blocks carry limbs, of the top and bottom bolt-actuating elements, or rod connectors, and the adjustment screws are threadedly engaged with the limbs for moving them, selectively and adjustably, axially of the centercase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Kun H. Kim
  • Patent number: 4588219
    Abstract: A door handle unit suitable for use in an automobile which handle unit includes a handle arm pivotally secured on a door panel with its free end outwardly and retractably extendable through the bottom wall of a recess formed in the door panel, a handle comprising pushing and pulling parts in its end portions, which handle is pivotally attached to the free end of the handle arm so that the handle may be moved between a fully-closing position where the handle covers up the opening of the recess, and an opening position where the desired clearance is established in a part of the opening of the recess, while the free end of the handle arm is settled in the recess, and means which biases the handle toward the fully-closing position. When the handle is in the opening position, the clearance permits a driver or passenger to insert his fingers thereinto so that the handle is pulled to open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignees: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd., Nissan Shatai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Kobayashi, Hidenobu Kato