Patents Examined by Suzanne L. Dino
  • Patent number: 5450736
    Abstract: A steering wheel gripper for preventing unauthorized steering of a motor vehicle, generally including and a flexible, multi-link member circumscribing the rim of a steering wheel along substantially the entire perimeter of the rim, formed of separate hollow links having an arcuate cross-section corresponding to the rim cross-section, made of a rigid, hard-to-sever material and pivotally connected in series to one another and, an elongate member fixedly connected to a middle link tangentially thereto and extending in the longitudinal direction of the middle link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Nathan Volkmar
  • Patent number: 5448868
    Abstract: Families of periodic space structures, configurations, labyrinths and space frames based on seven different known periodic space grids composed of one edge-length and even-sided polygons. The space structures have two different polyhedra corresponding to the vertices of the source grids. The space labyrinths are characterized by a continuous surface having two types of vertices and dividing space into two parts. The space frames have one type and length of strut and two different shapes of nodes. The structures have cross-disciplinary applications in the design and scientific fields. In architecture and design fields, applications for building systems one earth or outer space, architectural space layouts, environmental sculptures, playground structures, honeycomb structures, toys, puzzles, model-kits, etc. are possibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Haresh Lalvani
  • Patent number: 5445436
    Abstract: Patio furniture, for indoor or outdoor use, is formed by frame members made of aluminum tubular extrusions or similar materials. A plurality of straps or a one piece panel with several straps forms a seat and a back for the furniture. Each end of the strap is self-locked into a slot in the frame members. The locking element is either a shear formed tab which slides into the slot of the frame members and which is an integral part of the tang of each strap, or the locking element is an external fastener, such as a canoe clip, a screw, or a Christmas tree clip which is inserted through the end of the strap and into circular holes in the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Sunbeam Corporation
    Inventor: Glen D. Kemnitz
  • Patent number: 5444950
    Abstract: A drainage system for minimizing the problems resulting from the effects of ground and surface water on below grade structures such as building foundations. The system utilizes horizontal drain pipes extending along the exterior of the foundation wall and vertical perforated drainage pipes which carry the water to the horizontal pipes, the vertical pipes being placed at spaced intervals along the foundation wall to drain the ground water into the horizontal drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventors: Chad M. Kelly, Rodney J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5442941
    Abstract: A padlock, having a substantially U-shaped lock body (1), a shackle (2) moveable back and forth between a locked position and a free position, connected in its locked position to both branches (1a,1b) of the lock body and one end (2b) of which extending through one of the branches (1b) of the lock body. The lock body (1) is provided with a lock mechanism (3) operated with a key (5) and bolt means (7) connected to the lock mechanism for locking the shackle (2) to the lock body (1). In addition, supported to said end (2b) of the shackle (2) extending through one of the branches (1b) of the lock body there is a lever element (11), which is transversal with regard to the shackle (2) and is turnable relative to the lock body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Abloy Security Ltd. Oy
    Inventors: Hannu Kahonen, Jukka Pitkanen
  • Patent number: 5443292
    Abstract: A lock mechanism is mounted on a pivotal trunk lid. A lid drawing mechanism is mounted in a fixed member of a trunk space of a vehicle body. The lid drawing mechanism includes a motor mounting plate which is stationary, a striker base plate which is pivotally connected to the motor mounting plate and an output disc which pivots the striker base plate when rotated. The striker base plate has a striker which is engageable with the lock mechanism. A power unit is mounted to the fixed member and includes an electric motor and a speed reduction gear which are installed in a housing secured to the motor mounting plate. A rotation transmitting device is employed for transmitting rotation of the spur gear to the output disc irrespective of a certain axial displacement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Shimada, Yuichi Kato
  • Patent number: 5442942
    Abstract: A steering wheel having a built-in, anti-theft protection means is disclosed. The steering wheel is provided with two positions; a standard position used for the normal steering of the vehicle and an anti-theft position, wherein the lower and upper sections of the steering wheel are almost completely separated from each other thereby substantially rendering the steering wheel inoperative. The lower section has a first end with a releasable unit housed therein and a second end with a lockable unit housed therein. The upper section has a first end with a cavity for receiving the releasable unit and a second end with a head member for receiving the lockable unit. The second end of the upper section also has a device used for capturing the second end of the lower section while still allowing rotation therebetween when the locking unit is not in its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Bruce T. Geisler
  • Patent number: 5441317
    Abstract: A superlock assembly includes a motor having a pinion mounted on its output shaft and meshed to an output gear. A blocking arm is secured to the output gear. To engage the superlock assembly when the arm of the locking actuator is extended, the motor is powered to move the blocking arm into the path of the retractable arm. In this position, the arm cannot be retracted either through manual force or electric operation of the actuator, thereby preventing a door latch from being unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Electrical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Gruden, Ned L. Kikly
  • Patent number: 5441315
    Abstract: A power actuator used in combination with a motor-vehicle door latch movable between a locked and unlocked position has a housing, a reversible electric motor in the housing having a rotatable output shaft defining an axis, and an input gear on the shaft. A threaded output spindle spaced from the shaft in the housing carries an output gear out of mesh and out of engagement with the input gear. A nut is threaded on the spindle. An actuating element couples the nut with the latch to switch it between its positions. A support pivotal in the housing about the axis carries a pair of coupling gears in mesh with and flanking the input gear. The support is rockable about the axis from a central position in which neither of the coupling gears meshes with the output gear into a pair of end positions in each of which a respective one of the coupling gears meshes with the output gear and couples same to the input gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Kiekert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Kleefeldt, Rolf Schuler
  • Patent number: 5440909
    Abstract: There is disclosed a lock and key assembly comprising a lock assembly including a lock body having cylindrical portions, a cylinder retained in the lock body and mounted for rotative movement in the lock body, the cylinder having a head portion having a keyway therein, and a shank portion extending from the head portion and adapted to activate a lock mechanism upon rotation of the shank portion, and a key shell assembly comprising a tubular grip portion, a piston disposed in the grip portion, a key extending from the piston and adapted to enter the keyway, the piston being rotatably movable in the grip portion to turn the key in the keyway and thereby turn the cylinder to cause activation of the lock mechanism, the key shell assembly grip portion being engageable with the lock assembly lock body to hold the lock body against rotative movement during the rotative movement of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: The Highfield Mfg. Company
    Inventors: Timothy B. Ely, Frederick P. Finck
  • Patent number: 5438813
    Abstract: An improved ceramic fiber module for installation a high temperature furnace. The module is made from ceramic fiber mats having hot and cold faces. The module includes a tine which impales each of the mats in a plane generally parallel to the hot and cold faces. The tine receives a threaded stud through its central opening. The module is welded to the interior wall of the furnace. The tine is thereafter forced downwardly toward the wall of the furnace to pull the module against the interior wall of the furnace thereby enveloping the stud within the module and compressing the mats of the module against the interior wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: A. P. Green Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Wade
  • Patent number: 5437176
    Abstract: An additional tumbler (10) is disposed in the rotary lock cylinder, which is aligned by means of a control element (19) disposed in the key (16). A blocking element (6) is provided in the stator (2) at a distance from this tumbler (10) which, in a set rotational position of the rotor (3), radially displaces the control element (19) with the core pin (13) of the additional tumbler (10) against a restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Ernst Keller
  • Patent number: 5437171
    Abstract: A wheel securing device, comprises L-shaped and U-shaped hooks extending from an articulated central platform positioned across the full diameter of the tire and wheel, wherein: (i) base legs of a pair of L-shaped hooks attach to and extend from the central platform into contact with the tread of the tire and (ii) radial legs of the L-shaped hooks contact the interior side wall of the tire. An U-shaped hook is also attached to the platform via a planar arm, and includes longer and shorter legs contacting opposite side walls of the tire, and a base leg in contact with the tire tread. Since the planar arm is pivotally attached to the top wall of the platform, movement of the arm carries the U-shaped hook into and out of contact with the tread of the tire to provide convenient attachment and removal of the securing device relative to the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph L. Owen
  • Patent number: 5435255
    Abstract: A safety deposit box storage structure comprising: a housing formed from continuous metal sheet, the housing having a back wall and spaced apart side walls. At least one inwardly projecting ridge extends along the inner surface of each side wall. A top wall and a bottom wall are secured to the housing to form a box structure having an open front end. At least one vertical partition is disposed between and parallel to the side walls; the vertical partition being generally flat, and having at least one corrugation formed therein. Each corrugation has a ridge projecting from each side of the partition. A plurality of spaced-apart slots are formed in the ridges. The slots are generally parallel to the top and bottom wall: A plurality of horizontal shelves are provided having lateral edges dimensioned to be received in the slots, the vertical partitions and horizontal shelves defining compartments within the box structure to receive a security box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: John W. Elseser, Ramon A. Nero, Alan J. Rozlosnik
  • Patent number: 5433095
    Abstract: A basketball-hoop lock has a hoop restriction with a pin-lockable vertical hook on one end and at least one horizontal hook on an opposite end. The vertical hook can be positioned vertically on a portion of a rim of a basketball hoop when an opposite end of the hoop restriction is hooked horizontally on one or more opposing portions of the basketball rim. Positioning a lock pin, a padlock rod or a suitable line through one or more orifices in the vertical hook locks all hooks on the hoop restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: Thomas M. Mitchell, Louis Thomas, Lydia M. Jones, Michael Thomas
  • Patent number: 5433093
    Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed involving a locking bar, which arrangement is to be used for locking doors, containers and the like. The arrangement includes a locking bar which is layered at one end or to the base with its other free end involving a locking shackle holder with a shackle which is insertable in a cooperating locking device, which includes of a casted or smithed strong housing member in one piece without other openings except for a key hole and an opening for receiving the locking shackle and an exchangeable lock for fastening of the locking shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Ole Sooth
  • Patent number: 5428976
    Abstract: A steering lock, which includes a casing for mounting on an inner periphery of a steering wheel, having a front track and a rear track separated by an arched mounting hole, a lock cylinder at the front, and a steel ball supported on a spring in a hole within the rear truck. A constraint bar is fixed to the casing for abutting the instrument panel of an automobile. A slide block is adapted to slide between the front and rear tracks and guided by a guide screw on the casing. The slide block has a recessed hole which receives the latch bolt of the lock cylinder when the steering lock is locked or the steel ball when the steering lock is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventors: Tien-Tsair Weng, Yang-Hui Cheng
  • Patent number: 5426962
    Abstract: An automobile lock comprising a lock body including a locking portion and a swivel portion rotatably connected with the locking portion, a first spring-loaded pin disposed within the locking portion of the lock body and controlled by a lock core, a second spring-loaded pin extending through the locking portion and the swivel portion and having a head protruding out of an inner hole of the locking portion, a telescopic rod provided with threads, connected with a universal joint at one end, and connected with a ball member at the other end, the universal joint being connected with an insert plate, and a gear shift hook including an adjusting portion provided with an adjusting portion and an arm portion, whereby the gear shift lever and the phonographic equipment of an automobile can be locked up at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Stanley Kuo
  • Patent number: 5426963
    Abstract: A spare tire access hole lock for preventing the theft of spare tires on vehicles equipped with undercarriage mounted spare tires. The spare tire access hole lock is particularly suited for use on trucks that are equipped with an access hole in the bumper for facilitating the insertion of a tool necessary to release the spare tire from stowage. The spare tire access hole lock prevents entrance of a tool to release the spare tire from stowage by obstructing access to the spare tire release mechanism through the spare tire access hole. The spare tire access hole lock may be used by inserting it through the spare tire access hole and securing it with a standard padlock to prevent its removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventors: Ignacio Tafoya, Helen E. Tafoya
  • Patent number: 5423594
    Abstract: A chair tilting mechanism (1) is disclosed which has a fixed support (2), a seat support (3) and a backrest support (4). The seat support (3) is pivotally connected to the fixed support (2) by a pivot pin (5). The backrest support (4) is pivotally connected to the seat support (3) by a pivot pin (6). There is additionally provided a link (7) connected by pivot pins (8,9) to the backrest support (4) and the seat support (2). Because of the link (7), rotation of either the backrest or seat support causes the other of the backrest or seat support to tilt in a pre-determined synchronised manner. The manner in which synchronised tilting occurs is set by the interconnection of the various parts. The invention also provides a means (41) for pre-setting the interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Ashfield Engineering Company Wexford Limited
    Inventors: William J. Hancock, Steven W. Hancock