Patents Examined by Kristina R Fulton
  • Automatic door release with mechanical linkage
    Patent number: 11668120
    Abstract: A system for managing door operation of a vehicle includes a door system and a doorjamb system configured for the door to close against. The door system includes a door having a handle mechanism, an indicator mechanism coupled to the handle mechanism and actuated by motion of the handle mechanism, and a latch feature configured to be engaged for latching the door closed. The doorjamb system includes a sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of a state of the indicator mechanism, and a latching mechanism configured to secure and release the latch feature of the door. Control circuitry of the vehicle is coupled to the sensor and latching mechanism, and is configured to receive the sensor signal, and control the latching mechanism based on the sensor signal. The control circuitry determines state information for the vehicle and determines whether to secure or release the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Young, Rajinder Pal Singh, Marcus Merideth, Kostandinos Papanikolaou
  • Motor-driven door latch for vehicle
    Patent number: 11668121
    Abstract: A motor-driven door ratchet includes a catch part configured to lock a vehicle door to a vehicle body by being caught by a striker mounted on the vehicle body. A door locking and release part includes a main motor and is configured to allow the catch part to be locked or released from the striker. An inside emergency operation lever is connected to an inside handle installed in the vehicle door and is configured to be rotated by receiving a manipulation force to allow the vehicle door to be opened by applying torque to the catch part. An outside emergency operation lever is connected to an outside handle installed in the vehicle door and is configured to be rotated by receiving a manipulation force to allow the vehicle door to be opened by applying torque to the catch part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Pyeong Hwa Automotive Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinwoo Nam, Kyoung Taek Kwak, Jungho Han, Hyuk Noh, Jung-Ho Park, Ki Ryun Ahn, Jin-Bok Lee, Ji-Woo Joo
  • Flight deck security pocket door decompression venting and crew escape system
    Patent number: 11667369
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a door panel to be positioned within and out of blocking relationship with an opening. Mechanism includes a deadbolt rotatably connected to the wall and having a curved configuration and a locking bracket connected to the door panel. The locking bracket extends from the door panel in an angular direction with respect to a plane of door panel. With door panel in a closed position and deadbolt in a first position, the locking bracket extends through the curved configuration. Deadbolt is in blocking relationship with the locking bracket in a direction along a plane of the door panel and is not in blocking relationship in a direction along the locking bracket. With door panel in closed position, deadbolt is in a second position not in blocking relationship with the locking bracket permitting door panel to move in a direction along a plane of the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy P. Gallagher, Jr., James J. Kunda
  • Latchbolt damping module
    Patent number: 11661775
    Abstract: An exemplary damper module is configured for use with a latchbolt assembly, and generally includes a mounting bracket, a first slowing mechanism, and a second slowing mechanism. The latchbolt assembly generally includes a drive member, a latchbolt, and a retractor connected between the drive member and the latchbolt. Each of the slowing mechanisms is independently operable to slow the extension speed of the latchbolt. The first slowing mechanism includes a rack gear and a rotary damper including a pinion gear. The rack gear is configured to be mounted to the drive member, and the rotary damper is mounted to the mounting bracket. The second slowing mechanism includes a slowing arm and a biasing member engaged with the slowing arm. The slowing arm is movably mounted to the mounting bracket and is configured to engage the retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Vijayakumar Mani, Paul R. Arlinghaus, Saagar Mohammed
  • Anti-unlatched mechanism and a door lock thereof
    Patent number: 11661763
    Abstract: An anti-unlocked mechanism comprises a transmission gear, a sliding rod, a locking member and a first elastic member. The transmission gear includes an arc surface. An end of the sliding rod contacts the deadbolt of the lock body. The sliding rod is provided with a fixed stopper and a second elastic member. When the deadbolt is retracted, the sliding rod moves with the deadbolt against the elastic force of the second elastic member. When the deadbolt extends, the locking member moves with the sliding rod to block the rotation of the rotating part. The first elastic member comprises first and second protrusions. The second protrusion will not hinder the fixed stopper of the slide rod unless the first protrusion contacts with the circular arc surface, which will block the movement of the locking member to block rotation of the rotating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: CMECH (GUANGZHOU) LTD.
    Inventor: Jia Sen Qiu
  • Container with safety-latch
    Patent number: 11655082
    Abstract: A container with a safety-latch, the container comprising: a lid; a base rotatably attached to the lid; a lip located on the lid; a base pin attached to the base; an outer sleeve rotatably attached to the base pin; a U-shaped pin rotatably attached to the outer sleeve, and configured to removably attach to the lip; where the outer sleeve and U-shaped pin are difficult for a child to manipulate in order to remove the U-shaped pin from the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventors: Michael D. Cecchi, Paige E. Cecchi
  • Door lock device
    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
  • Locking device for locking a charging flap of an electrically operated motor vehicle and electrically operated motor vehicle comprising such a locking device
    Patent number: 11655656
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a charging flap of an electrically operated motor vehicle, with a latching device, a latch catch device and a receiving device. The receiving device includes a receptacle in which the latch catch device is accommodated in a form-fitting manner and is fixedly clamped. The latching device is connectable to a body component of the motor vehicle and the receiving device is connectable to the charging flap of the motor vehicle. The latching device is connectable in a locking position in a form-fitting manner to the latch catch device and in a release position is separable from the latch catch device. The latch catch device is designed in order, in the locking position of the latching device, to be removable without destruction from the receptacle by exertion of a predetermined minimum pull-off force by the latching device along a pull-off direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Wilfried Eberle
  • Mechanism for opening a vehicle door
    Patent number: 11649659
    Abstract: A mechanism for opening a vehicle door, comprising: a door opening component for opening the vehicle door, a cover plate, and a first fixed rotational axle. The door opening component is disposed in an operating cavity. The cover plate covers the operating cavity such that the cover plate is concealed in the door. The first fixed rotational axle is mounted adjacent to the operating cavity. A side edge of the cover plate is mounted on the first fixed rotational axle such that when an external force is applied to the cover plate, the cover plate is rotatable about the first fixed rotational axle to enter the operating cavity such that the door opening component is accessible to an operator via the operating cavity to open the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Chen, Wenquan Sha
  • Apparatus for barricading an outward swinging door to provide physical security
    Patent number: 11649661
    Abstract: A system to barricade a door from forced entry is disclosed. The system includes an anchor insertable by a user into a receptacle mounted into a floor on the inside on the door, and a lock affixable to the door. The anchor includes an upper portion designed to connect with the lock, and a lower portion that preferably fits within the receptacle. The lock includes a stop designed to contact the outside surface of the door, and a key plate on the inside of the door. When the anchor is vertically inserted into the receptacle, the upper portion of the anchor engages the key plate of the lock affixed to the door, which in conjunction with the stop prevents the door from swinging outwards. The anchor can be removed from the receptacle when the user doesn't desire to barricade the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Gary Fischer
  • Push-and-pull latch device
    Patent number: 11643841
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a push-and-pull latch device including a housing, a latching component, a first elastic component, an inner-sleeve assembly, an inner-shaft component, a second elastic component and a third elastic component. The first elastic component abuts the latching component. The latching component engages an object through the housing. The inner-sleeve assembly is accommodated within the housing. The inner-shaft component is partially accommodated within the inner-sleeve assembly. The second elastic component is abutted between the inner-shaft component and the inner-sleeve assembly. The third elastic component includes a fixed portion connected to the inner-shaft component and an engaging end engaged with a guide groove of the inner-sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Wen-Fong Jean
  • Motor-vehicle door lock
    Patent number: 11643852
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock, more particularly a flap lock or a hood lock includes a locking mechanism substantially consisting of a rotary latch and a pawl. There is also a motorized closing aid which has a motor and also a first lever, which is acted upon by the motor, and a second lever. The two levers are hinged to each other. During the lowering of a flap or hood, the second lever first of all carries out a movement, which is controlled by the rotary latch, while simultaneously freewheeling in relation to the first lever. Only following the freewheeling does the first lever, which is then driven, act upon the second lever, in order to close the rotary latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Drost, Murat Özdogan, Michael Scholz, Holger Schiffer
  • Door handle for vehicle
    Patent number: 11643855
    Abstract: Door handle assembly for a vehicle has a handle (10) mounted on a handle support (60) and one or more rest positions and at least one release position. The assembly has at least three different positions, —a flush or retracted position, in which the handle (10) is flush or retracted with respect to an outer door surface, —a deployed position, in which the handle (10) protrudes or protrudes to a greater extent than in the retracted position, —and the at least one release position. The handle (10) is connected to the handle support (60) via two links (21, 22) and rotational joints wherein one joint (22.1) also has a translational degree of freedom wherein a movement of the joint (22.1) along the translational degree of freedom is configured to mechanically actuate the door lock (120) or door lock (120) function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Och, Zsolt Wilke, Matthias Seubert, Joachim Oberst
  • Vehicle door handle assembly
    Patent number: 11639619
    Abstract: A vehicle door handle assembly may include a handle housing disposed inside a door panel; a slider slidably mounted in the handle housing to be movable between a first position and a second position of the handle housing; a handle member pivotally connected to the slider through a connecting arm, and configured of being movable between a rest position and an actuating position with respect to the door panel; and an inertia locking mechanism including a blocking lever pivotally mounted to the handle housing, and a weight mounted on the blocking lever, wherein the inertia locking mechanism may prevent the handle member from moving to the actuating position by an unwanted force caused by the collision/impact of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Jung Ho Han, Jin Woo Nam, Kyoung Taek Kwak, Dong Jun Kim, Do Won Sung
  • Motor vehicle lock
    Patent number: 11624216
    Abstract: A motor vehicle lock includes a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an actuating lever which can directly or indirectly unlock the locking mechanism, and at least one Bowden cable. The Bowden cable, in particular the Bowden pull cable, has a spherical-shaped end piece and the end piece can be connected to the actuating lever. The Bowden cable is housed in the motor vehicle lock so it can rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Rolf Siemensmeyer
  • Electronic handle for a vehicle door and vehicle door
    Patent number: 11624218
    Abstract: An electronic handle for a vehicle door includes a bracket, a grip movably mounted on the bracket between a first position and a second position, the grip configured to move from the first position to the second position when a pulling force is applied on the grip by a user, a magnetic retainer configured to hold the grip in the first position, an electronic system configured to electronically cooperate with a latch for opening the vehicle door when activated in a first configuration corresponding to a normal use, and a back-up system configured to cooperate with the latch for opening the vehicle door when activated in a second configuration corresponding to an emergency or a lack of electrical power. The electronic system is configured to activate in response to a detection of a pulling force applied on the grip that is lower than a predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: U-Shin Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Anthony Guerin, Massimo Frattini
  • Multi-point latching system
    Patent number: 11619080
    Abstract: A latching system for securing a door to a panel includes a pawl having a first end that is configured to releasably engage a striker on the panel, and a second end opposite the first end having a connector. A pawl connector is connected to the connector on the second end of the pawl. The pawl connector includes a hollow cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, a revolved outer side wall extending about the longitudinal axis, an open end through which the connector of the pawl is positioned, an opening defined on the revolved side wall of the cylindrical body, and a deformable portion formed on the revolved outer side wall. The deformable portion extends between the open end and the opening. The deformable portion is configured to elastically deform upon inserting the connector through the open end until the connector is non-removably seated within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Minnich
  • Motor vehicle lock
    Patent number: 11619078
    Abstract: A motor vehicle lock has a pawl and a catch that may be moved into an open position, a preliminary latching position and a main latching position. In one of the latching positions, the catch is or may be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker. In the installed state, during a cinching routine, the catch is moved into its main latching position by a cinching drive. A spring biased freewheel mechanism, which is limited to a freewheel distance, is provided between the cinching drive and the catch. With the reaction force of the catch exceeding a predefined level, the cinching drive freewheels with respect to the catch against the spring bias of the freewheel mechanism, until the freewheel distance is reached and the freewheel mechanism is interlocked for force transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventor: David Rosales
  • Vehicle powered closure handle assembly and powered closure actuating method
    Patent number: 11619079
    Abstract: A vehicle handle assembly includes, among other things, an attachment bracket secured to a powered closure assembly of a vehicle, a handle core that is mounted to the attachment bracket, and a switch mounted to the handle core. The switch is configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a user grasping the handle core. The powered closure assembly can move between a first position and a different, second position in response to a transition of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Constantin Manolescu, Marc Beeman, Rafic Jergess
  • Adjustable hatch cover locks
    Patent number: 11613914
    Abstract: A hatch lock cover includes inner and outer flanges, with a keeper and a handle positioned between the flanges. The handle is rotatable with respect to the flanges to move a batten bar contacting surface into and out of engagement with a batten bar or a hatch cover tab of a hatch cover. A downwardly extending portion of an arm of the keeper may define an aperture and/or include a projection for securing an adjustment plate or extension piece to the arm to provide an alternative batten bar contacting surface. Alternatively, a mounting bracket may be provided to secure the hatch cover lock to a railcar, with the mounting bracket accommodating the hatch cover lock in different positions having different elevations. Such configurations allow the hatch cover lock to be adjusted for use with a batten bar or hatch cover tab having a gasket that has become worn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ireco, LLC
    Inventor: Brian G. Maki