Padlock Patents (Class 248/552)
  • Patent number: 6484544
    Abstract: A lock secured to a surface for releasably retaining a motorcycle thereon. The lock includes a pair of outer tubular members secured to the surface. The outer members each enclose a height adjustment bar secured to the lower end of the outer member. The height adjustment bars each include a number of laterally extending pins spaced along the length of the bar. A pair of inner tubular members including a keyway secured to a lower end of the inner member are slidably insertable into the outer members. The keyways pass around the pins on the height adjustment bar until the inner members are rotated to engage the keyways with a selected pin on the respective bars. Each inner member also includes a pair of opposed openings adjacent the upper end of the inner member that are aligned when the inner members are placed in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Leroy Albert Wing
  • Patent number: 6481581
    Abstract: A wall mountable rack for supporting and securing a skateboard, scooter or inline skate having one or a pair of wheels in proximity to each end of a board, footpiece or shoe by at least one of its wheels while allowing the board, footpiece or shoe and the remaining wheels or pair of wheels to hang below the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Sipe
  • Publication number: 20020093794
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device which can be removably mounted onto a mounting rail is provided which includes a locking element located in an underside of the housing. The locking element can be moved from a first position in which the housing can be fastened onto the mounting rail into a second position wherein the housing can be lifted off the mounting rail. The locking element is associated with a retaining element for retaining the locking element in the second position. The retaining element includes a spring section extending substantially parallel to the locking element and a retaining section extending substantially perpendicularly thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Dirk Quardt, Jorg Sofker, Reinhard Gottlieb Starzinger, Hans Peter Wintersteiger
  • Patent number: 6390307
    Abstract: A secure holding system for displaying and securing standards (stands to which nets used for volleyball, tennis, badminton, etc. are attached) when not in use. The system comprises a rack which can be mounted upon a wall, and which has a bottom piece whose front section opens downwardly and forwardly from its stationary back section by means of hinges and stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Stan Stelter
  • Publication number: 20020030025
    Abstract: A wall mountable rack for supporting and securing a skateboard, scooter or inline skate having one or a pair of wheels in proximity to each end of a board, footpiece or shoe by at least one of its wheels while allowing the board, footpiece or shoe and the remaining wheels or pair of wheels to hang below the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Sipe
  • Patent number: 6349926
    Abstract: A liquid-sealed vibration insulator is comprised of a cylindrical elastic member integrally formed with an inner cylinder, first and second rings and an orifice ring located between the first and second rings. An outer cylinder is integrally connected to the elastic member through the first and second rings. A first liquid chamber is formed at a portion between the outer cylinder and the elastic member and between the first ring and the orifice ring, and a second liquid chamber is formed at a portion between the outer cylinder and the elastic member and between the orifice ring and the second ring. The first and second liquid chambers are fluidly communicated through an orifice passage defined by the orifice ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kinugawa Rubber Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 6349029
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for securing a computer component in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer system. A panel of some embodiments may carry or otherwise secure components of the computer system. One such component that may be carried by a panel is a computer power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: MicronPC, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Leman, Gregory P. Johnson, Jacques Gagne, Philip Hartley, Ray Gradwohl
  • Patent number: 6330816
    Abstract: A lock box mounting bracket is provided for securely locking a lock box to a door and hinge which includes a one-piece bracket body having interior and exterior portions, and a bracket locking device mounted on the interior portion of the bracket body. The bracket locking device is mounted so as to be positioned in the interior space on the secured side of the door thereby preventing removal of the mounting bracket when the door is in the closed position. In addition, when the door is in the open position, the bracket locking device impedes the ability of unauthorized personnel from easily removing the lock box mounting bracket from the door and hinge. The bracket locking device includes connector portions formed on an upper section of the interior portion and a lower section of the interior portion for engagement by a connecting element. The lock box protection device includes a side wall extending outwardly from the exterior portion to protect the lock box and its shackle from side access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: SOCO, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6293412
    Abstract: An Improved Skateboard Rack is disclosed. Also disclosed is a rack that provides users with a safe, secure and easily-used location to securely lock their skateboards. The preferred rack is attachable to a base frame in order to provide a location to secure several skateboards at one time. In the preferred embodiments, the rack provides means for hanging a conventional skateboard from its trucks in a manner that is simple enough for an adolescent to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Sandra Draper
  • Patent number: 6263601
    Abstract: A lighted real estate sign having at least one translucent face with indicia to convey marketing information pertaining to a parcel of real estate. An internal light illuminates the translucent face and clearly displays the indicia at night. The sign is powered by a battery, and controlled by a control circuit in response to inputs from a solar panel used to recharge the battery, a photocell used to detect appropriate light conditions to illuminate the internal light, and a timer to turn off the light. The real estate sign is attached to a mounting bracket, which, in turn, is anchored to the parcel of real estate. The sign is locked to the mounting bracket to prevent theft and to rigidly maintain the sign and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: David Scot Emert
  • Patent number: 6227501
    Abstract: A mounting for attaching a sensor (10) in a vehicle bumper comprises a housing (12) within which a sensor holder (14) can be angularly adjusted. The sensor holder (14) has a part-spherical surface which is biased against a part-spherical seat (22) within the housing (12) by means of a spring (28) acting through a bearing rest (26) and a bearing cup (24), these parts being retained within the housing (12) by a thrust washer (30) and a retaining clip (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Donald Allan Malcolm
  • Patent number: 6167734
    Abstract: A coupler device for securing an additional wire rope cable without a lock to a wire rope cable with a lock on one end. The coupler includes an internal planar cavity and cavity openings that are sized and arranged to allow a first cable without a locked end to pass through the cavity and allow a second cable having a loop end and a distal locked end to pass its loop end through the device in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the cavity, resulting in the second cable crossing above and adjacent to the first cable, preventing its removal from the coupler. The coupler devices present a simple method of coupling and securing to each other a variety of cable configurations, including securing a cable to a shaft or padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Jay S Derman
  • Patent number: 6158832
    Abstract: A combination fastener for attaching a cellular phone base station to a mounting bracket includes alignment and spacing features. The alignment features ensure that a door of the base station will be properly aligned when the door closed. The spacing features ensure that a gasket for the door will be placed under proper compression by the closed door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Sander Costa, Daniel Plaza
  • Patent number: 6142313
    Abstract: The firearms storage device provides a security rack of a clam-shell configuration enabling firearms to be secured via trigger guards. The device can be locked by a padlock or equivalent structure and the assembly obscures the way by which the device is secured to a fixture, the bolt of a locking device and its hinge pin. A two part base facilitates the use of the device in a number of different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth David Young
  • Patent number: 6138972
    Abstract: A bracket includes a lower hasp, an upper hasp, means for securing the upper hasp to the lower hasp and means for affixing the bracket to an object. At least one of the upper hasp and the lower hasp has defined therein a concave portion, and the means for securing the upper hasp to the lower hasp is disposed between the means for affixing the bracket to an object and the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Votruba
  • Patent number: 6109078
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer jack stand locking assembly having an extendable longitudinal locking brace extending from the gooseneck trailer coupling post hitch ball to the drop leg of the leveling jack of the trailer or alternatively to a plate attached to the underside of the trailer preventing positioning or hitching of a vehicle thereto and including a lock to prevent removal of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Bob Marshall Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6082154
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device used as a security locking device for surfboards 12. The present invention discloses a U-shaped member 14 having parallel leg members which effectively encircle the surfboard 12 with the leg members being slightly wider than the thickness of a surfboard and slightly longer than the width of a surfboard which operates by sliding a surfboard 12 into and between the parallel legs of the U-shaped member 14 and thereafter, placing a locking member 30 that connects the two parallel legs of the device about the surfboard 12. There is also a cable member 24 which can be used to then attach the locking member 30 to any object or structure which will thereby prevent movement of the surfboard 12 beyond the length of the cable 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6082697
    Abstract: A soccer goal anchor device used for securing a soccer goal in place and a method for installing the anchor device. The anchor device is used for engaging a portion of a soccer goal frame and securing the frame on top of a ground surface. The anchor device can also be used with other types of goals used on a playing field and other outdoor portable equipment. Also, the anchor device prevents the soccer goal frame from pivoting and falling onto a ground surface or the frame from being moved on the ground surface. The anchor device includes an auger for screwing into the ground surface. An upper end of the anchor device includes a clevis. The clevis is dimensioned to conform to different annular and angular cross-sections of goal frames for a snug and secure fit therearound. The clevis includes two upwardly extending flanges for receiving a portion of the soccer goal frame therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Dan J. Grunfeld
  • Patent number: 6082157
    Abstract: A combination safe and umbrella stand for securely storing valuables and other items therein and vertically supporting a beach umbrella. The combination safe and umbrella stand includes a container with a top opening therein. A lid substantially closes the top opening of the container. A rod is extended through the holes in the lid and container to prevent removal of the lid from the container without removal of the rod. One of the ends of the rod has a stop coupled thereto. The rod has a transverse bore therethrough adjacent the other of the ends of the rod. An auger is downwardly extended from the bottom wall of the container. A pair of spaced apart brackets for supporting a pole of an umbrella are outwardly extended from the perimeter side wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Stuart T. Boyce
  • Patent number: 6029580
    Abstract: A computer user station includes a support member. A monitor and a keyboard are supported on a first surface of the support member. A computer chassis is mounted in a frame. The frame includes a mounting portion attached for mounting the computer chassis to a second surface of the support member in a suspended position. A security portion of the frame secures the frame to the computer chassis. The security portion also functions as a back support for a back surface of the computer chassis which is cradled in the frame in a tilted-back position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Pedro Alfonso, Bryan Byle
  • Patent number: 5995366
    Abstract: A computer anti-theft system for use with various lock devices includes a docking device and a computer engaged with the docking device by an interconnecting lock. A handle is provided for moving the latch to disengage the computer and the docking device. A first lock receiver is provided adjacent the handle for receiving a first type of lock for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer. A second lock receiver is also provided adjacent the handle for receiving a second type of lock, different from the first type, for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Steve Gluskoter, Chris Jaggers, Orin M. Ozias
  • Patent number: 5987936
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing items, such as boat batteries and gas tanks, against theft and breakage. The locking unit is formed of dual base units, hingeably connected to vertical walls. The base units are connected to a support structure through use of screws or bolts. The top plates are connected to the vertical walls through use of hinges. The top plates can be provided with an adjustable locking member to secure various sized containers. L-shaped plates can be used to prevent any end to end horizontal movement of the container while the locking unit prevents side to side and vertical movement. The base unit can be one or two pieces, depending upon required adjustability. Parallel, opposing, side units, are affixed to the base unit at approximately right angles and a pair of top locking plates are then secured at right angles to the opposite end of the side units. The object is secured within the locking device through use of a lock which secures the top locking plates to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Charles William Hartman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5979846
    Abstract: The invention provides a holder for a rifle for mounting the rifle on a wall, e.g. inside a vehicle, with one front and at least one rear retainer for securing a respective front and rear rifle section--as viewed in the direction of the barrel--, wherein the front retainer at least partially envelops the front gun-stock and/or the barrel of the rifle and wherein the rear retainer receives the rear section of the rifle. In addition, the invention provides a kit for assembling a rifle holder of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Fluhr
  • Patent number: 5887461
    Abstract: A bicycle locking device is disclosed having a base that is securely mountable to a surface, such as a wall, a post, or a ceiling and a support arm connected at one end to the base and having a jaw-like fastener at its other end which cooperates with a jaw-like locking arm connected to the support arm for lockable attachment to a bicycle. The bicycle locking device is retractable for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: George A. Heffley
  • Patent number: 5881978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground anchor incorporating a sliding lockable wedge portion upon a vertical post having an auger, screw, or drill flight formed thereon, wherein substantial relative motion between an outdoor item and a ground surface may be releasably prevented. The auger may be used to easily drill the post into the ground and, once installed, the sliding wedge portion may be moved down the post shaft and forced down such that the projecting wedge fins are driven into the surface of the earth. The sliding wedge portion is then coupled to the shaft having the auger portion. Such a combination will prevent the vertical post from rotating about its axis, which is desirable in that it prevents the post from rotating in the wind and prevents unauthorized removal of the post, or any item attached to the post, because the projecting wedge fins prevent the post from being unscrewed from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Marcus D. Rust
  • Patent number: 5865416
    Abstract: A security tie down includes a threaded sleeve embedded in a ground surface, and a steel eyebolt screwed into the sleeve. An object for being secured, such as a vehicle, is tied to a ring of the eyebolt with a locked cable. The eyebolt includes hard faced welded beads welded thereon for resisting cutting. When not in use, the eyebolt may be unscrewed to avoid tripping passersby, and a threaded plug may be screwed into the sleeve to exclude dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: John Hanaway
  • Patent number: 5826853
    Abstract: Two embodiments are shown for protecting the pedestal of a public payphone against vandalism. Both employ a stainless steel plate. Both also employ techniques for protecting the stainless steel plate against vandalism. In one, a U-shaped structure and bar is utilized. In the other, internal bars and a cam control are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Sandt Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Salvatore Anello, Albert F. Diaz
  • Patent number: 5819873
    Abstract: A ladder bracket for supporting and suspending a ladder therefrom adjacent a side wall of a structure wherein the ladder bracket is comprised of a back member having a first and second extension arm extending horizontally outward therefrom such that a lock plate is coupled to the distal ends of the extension arms to facilitate the securing and locking of the ladder to the ladder bracket. The lock plate is coupled to the second extension arm such that it pivots in a vertical plane to thereby provide access to the ladder bracket. The lock plate further providing for the use of a padlock thereon to secure the ladder bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Ernest D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5816076
    Abstract: A computer security apparatus is disclosed. In a departure from the art, a metal box having a padlocked front closure is used to mount a computer to the underside of a surface, such as a counter or desk top, in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to and removal of the computer. In a preferred embodiment, the security device of the present invention comprises a substantially rectangular-shaped metal housing having a top, opposing left and right sides, and a door hingedly connected across the front of the housing. Each of the left and right sides includes a rear flange extending approximately one quarter of the way across the rear of the housing and a bottom flange extending approximately one third of the way across the bottom of the housing for securing the rear and bottom sides of the computer, respectively. Spaced-apart clips are provided along one end of the door for securing the door to the front end of one of the opposing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Biedermann, Reynold Liao
  • Patent number: 5794465
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an assembly for removably securing a real estate key box to a fixed structure, such as a door or wall. The assembly is designed so that when the key box is mounted on the assembly and locked, neither the key box nor the assembly can be removed from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Supra Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Hill
  • Patent number: 5784907
    Abstract: A locking device is intended for use in disabling the gear-shifting lever of a motor vehicle and is made up of a body and a shackle having two arms engageable and disengageable with the body. The body is composed of a horizontal tube, a vertical tube, a shackle piece, a slide piece, and a pivoting seat. The vertical tube is fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the horizontal tube which is in turn fastened adjustably at another end thereof with one end of the slide piece. The slide piece is fastened pivotally at another end thereof with the pivoting seat which is fastened securely with the body of the motor vehicle. The shackle piece is adjustably fastened with the vertical tube. The shackle piece has two arm holes for receiving two arms of the shackle to disable the gear-shifting lever of the motor vehicle. Both slide piece and shackle piece are adjustable and expandable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Hsi-Yen Hu, Yuan-Chih Chiang
  • Patent number: 5782115
    Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided for use with semi-trailers of the type which have a Dolly-Leg, a Dolly-Leg crank, and a Dolly-Leg crank handle. The anti-theft device includes a housing, a locking bar, and a lock. The housing has a top, an end panel, a first side, a second side, and a notched bottom, with the first side and the second side each having formed therein a first side aperture and a second side aperture respectively. The notched bottom has downwardly depending therefrom at least two lock chain guide harnesses. The locking bar has formed therein at one end thereof a locking bar aperture. The locking bar extends through both the first side and the second side of the housing, such that the locking bar passes through both the first side aperture as well as the second side aperture. The lock is secured to the locking bar by attachment thereto through the locking bar aperture. The device also preferably includes a chain, with the chain also being secured to the locking bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Danny Lee Judy
  • Patent number: 5765801
    Abstract: A J shaped storage hook with locking bar is provided for securing a hung object against unauthorized removal. The device includes a substantially J shaped storage hook formed from a single length of rod stock. On one end of the storage hook is the hook attachment end which is attached to a fixed and secure base through the use of an attachment mechanism. On the other side of the storage hook is the hook head end with a closed eyelet. Across the J shaped storage devise is a locking bar. After the locking bar is placed over the J shaped storage hook, hung objects are secured by placing a padlock through the closed eyelet. The J shaped storage hook, hung object, locking bar, eyebolt and lock itself fit together in a nondetachable, positively locked assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Gray David Geiselman
  • Patent number: 5730009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrying case with a theft prevention clamp. It is especially designed for laptop computers left in public places, but may also be used to prevent other items from being stolen. The clamp is designed to removably fasten the carrying case to a table, but may also be used on shelves or other objects with similarly shaped surfaces. The clamp has a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The carrying case has an upper portion and a lower portion, which are pivotally connected. There is a lock for securing the upper portion to the lower portion when they are in a closed position. A keyhole switch activates a battery-powered electric motor to extend the clamp when a key is inserted, if the key is turned clockwise, or to retract the clamp, if the key is turned counterclockwise. Once the clamp is extended, it and the lower portion of the carrying case can be inserted around a table or other object with similar surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Mark Jason Westfield
  • Patent number: 5642634
    Abstract: A securing apparatus for a personal computer system unit comprises a tough, flexible, elongate cable having two regions spaced apart along the length of the cable. A security connector connects two spaced apart regions of the cable together to form a strap that extends around the system unit. A guide element is secured to the cover or the base of the system unit and guides the strap relative to the system unit and prevents removal of the strap from the system unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Robert C. Perry
  • Patent number: 5611223
    Abstract: A security apparatus for attaching a portable unit to be protected to a supporting surface. The security apparatus includes a normally deactivated passive locking unit, which is activated by an electronic key unit, which is portable and moved adjacent to the passive locking unit to power it. The key unit includes a device for coupling electromagnetically the key and the locking units to transmit electrical power therebetween. A magnet is concealed within the security device to activate the electronic key, only when it is placed in the proper position relative thereto. Additionally, a mechanical arrangement for a locking pin is employed to further provide a level of sophistication before the actual unlocking of the device occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Mardesich Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Spitzer
  • Patent number: 5599002
    Abstract: An anti-theft device made of welded steel material attached to the tail section of a snowmobile includes a U-shaped frame attached to the tail section of the snowmobile and includes a hollow sleeve extending vertically from the U-shaped frame. Spaced vertically above the U-shaped frame, attached to the hollow member, is a latch, an attachment bracket and an attachment plate. The pivotally mounted latch is biased to extend over one end of the hollow member for holding the lift bar in the hollow member. The attachment bracket is used to attach the device to a rear bumper of the snowmobile and the horizontally extending attachment plate is secured to the tail section of the snowmobile. A vertically extending lift bar is slidably mounted in the hollow member. The lift bar includes a groove defined in one side which is alignable with opposed openings in the hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Knutson
  • Patent number: 5590608
    Abstract: A lock box mounting assembly (10, 101) for removably mounting a lock box (12, 116) to the hinge-edge (104) of a door (26, 106) includes a U-shaped bracket (30, 102, 103) formed for placement between the door (26, 106) and the door jamb (28, 107). The U-shaped bracket (30,102, 103) has an outer leg portion (32, 109), an inner leg portion (34, 108), and a central portion (36, 111) formed to extend through a reveal space between the hinge-edge of the door (26, 106) and the door jamb (28, 107) when the door is in a closed position. The inner leg portion (34) preferably includes at least one hinge-receiving slot (52a, 52b, 118) dimensioned to receive a door hinge (58,117) for vertically supporting the U-shaped bracket (30, 102, 103) on a door hinge (58, 117). In one form of the mounting assembly (101) the brackets (102, 103) substantially encircle and are locked to the door hinge (117) for increased security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas S. Yore, Jeffrey M. Wright
  • Patent number: 5579923
    Abstract: A firearm safety and security device for preventing the theft and discharge of a weapon. One form of the firearm security device includes a rod extending down the bore of the firearm barrel and into an empty shell chamber. An upstanding post extends outward from a base plate and is located between the trigger guard and the trigger. A lock is positionable through the post passing through the trigger guard and secures the firearm to the base plate. An anchor plate is utilized to sandwich the base plate and the hold down plate on either side of a shelf. Further, the firearm security device prevents removal of the firearm from the home or business.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hemmerlein
  • Patent number: 5526226
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a hard disk drive which is adapted to be accommodated within a main body of the information processing apparatus. The hard disk drive includes a movable member attached thereto. When the movable member slides into a first state, a portion of the movable member protrudes outside the main body of the information processing apparatus. A hinged keyboard is provided for covering the interior of the main body of the information processing apparatus and when the portion of the movable member protrudes outside the main body, the hinged keyboard is locked in a closed state. Additionally, a preventing latch is provided which may be utilized in conjunction with a card port in order to engage a PCMCIA card and prevent removal thereof. The preventing member is mounted under the keyboard such that when the keyboard is in a closed state, the PCMCIA card cannot be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Katoh, Michio Suzuki, Yoshiharu Uchiyama, Kenshin Yonemochi
  • Patent number: 5522685
    Abstract: An snowmobile transport aid including a vertically disposed panel having a series of legs orthogonally disposed thereon is detachably affixed to the bed of a pickup truck for the purpose of securing a snowmobile in the truck bed during transport. The legs of the snowmobile transport aid slidably engage a series of leg engagement members having a series of pins locking the legs to the truck body. An alternate embodiment includes a flexible fabriclike panel affixed to the truck using straps and tensioning devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Jean-Luc P. Lessard
  • Patent number: 5520030
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer locking apparatus is formed by a pair of elongated telescoping members having a hitch ball and chain lock at one end for connection with the king pin of a goooseneck trailer. The other end of the telescoping members is provided with a clevis element lockably closely surrounding the depending portion of a trailer leveling and supporting jack by a clevis arm and lock securing the clevis to the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: John E. Muldoon
  • Patent number: 5487288
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for a spare tire of a pick-up truck including a rigid locking plate having an upper extent slidably securable to a lower rail of a spare tire locking tongue of a pick-up truck and a lower extent with an eyelet formed thereon; a rigid locking screw disposable within a bore of a lower rail of a spare tire locking tongue of a pick-up truck, the locking screw having an upper end securable to a frame of a pick-up truck and a lower end with a ring formed thereon alignable with the eyelet of the locking plate; and a rigid locking pin having a bore on one end and a head on the other end and with the pin positionable within the eyelet of the locking plate and ring of the locking screw to thereby define a coupled configuration and with a lock insertable within the bore of the locking pin when placed in the coupled configuration for locking the spare tire to a pick-up truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Horst A. Frantz
  • Patent number: 5472167
    Abstract: A secure mounting bracket assembly for detachably mounting articles to a horizontal rail of a rail system, comprises a mounting panel having a front face and a back face, upper and lower relatively moveable hooks on said back of said panel for releasably hooking over an upper edge and under a lower edge of the horizontal rail, and a latch lever extending outward from and accessible from the front face of the panel for moving the lower hook for selectively latching to and releasing from the rail, and an upper edge of the panel extends into a slot on the back of an article for lockably mounting the article on the front face of the panel in a position for covering and preventing access to the latch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Med-Safe Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Shillington, Gilbert Packer
  • Patent number: 5460306
    Abstract: A lockable fishing rod holder includes an elongate tubular member which may attached to the outside of a vehicle for supporting a fishing rod in a generally upright position, and a lockable sleeve rotatably engaged on the tubular member. The sleeve and tubular member have longitudinally extending slots therein which may be placed in registry with one another to permit the mounting bracket for the reel on the fishing rod to be moved through the slots lengthwise of the tubular member, and which may be placed out of registry with one another to prevent movement of the mounting bracket through the slots, thereby locking the fishing rod to the holder and preventing its unauthorized withdrawal from the holder. A lock may be engaged between the tubular member and sleeve to prevent relative rotational movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Craig A. Rudd
  • Patent number: 5447045
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a closed notebook computer on a computer support includes a lock support which has a counterbore and a shackle hole which are formed therethrough and which intersect each other. The computer has a computer housing and a display unit pivoted to the computer housing. An L-shaped locking plate has a horizontal portion located intermediately over the display unit, and a vertical portion with an aperture located between the lock support and the display unit. A bolt member extends through the counterbore of the lock support and the aperture of the L-shaped locking plate to engage threadably within the threaded hole of the computer. A padlock is fastened to the computer support and has a shackle extending through the shackle hole of the lock support so as to cover the recess portion of the bolt member, thereby preventing the bolt member from being accessed by a screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Manufacturing Technology Resources Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Cheng
  • Patent number: 5447044
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a notebook computer on a computer support includes a padlock, an elongated fixing member fastening the padlock to the computer support, and a lock support fastening the padlock to the computer. The computer housing of the computer is of the type having a straight slot and a threaded hole which are formed in the outer surface thereof, and is provided with a built-in bolt member which is engaged within the threaded hole. The lock support has a counterbore through which the bolt member extends. A rib projects from the lock support to engage within the slot of the computer housing so as to prevent rotation of the lock support relative to the computer housing. A shackle hole is formed through the lock support in such a manner that the counterbore and the shackle hole intersect. The shackle of the padlock extends through the shackle hole and covers the head of the bolt member so as to prevent a screwdriver from access to the bolt member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Manufacturing Technology Resources Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Cheng
  • Patent number: 5425525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two member mounting device wherein one member of the device is mounted to a wall, the second member is attached to the back of a picture frame or plaque. The two members inter-engage one another such that a pad lock maybe attached to the device to prevent the two members from being separated, thus securing the picture frame to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Vantine Studios
    Inventor: Robert E. Cevasco
  • Patent number: 5407170
    Abstract: A hanger assembly includes a one-piece sheet metal bracket with a channel-shaped flange for hooking over the upper edge of the side wall of an associated cabinet. The bracket has a forwardly projecting, elongated channel formed therein and extending the length thereof with a plurality of holes therethrough for receiving the threaded ends of hook-like hanger members, which are fastened by nuts. The distal ends of the hooks have apertures therethrough. The hooks may be received through complementary openings in associated equipment, such as a creeper. Hanging articles are retained in place by a retaining rod having one end receivable through an aperture in one hook and having an eyelet at the other end for receiving the distal end of another hook. A padlock shackle may be received through the aperture in the other hook to look the retaining rod in place. Various numbers of hooks may be mounted on the bracket in a variety of spacings and arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: George R. Slivon, Ronald J. Kirsch, Charles H. Heiligenthal
  • Patent number: 5406809
    Abstract: A novel fixture (8) for securing personal computers has a tether cable (10) connected to a loop portion (13) which is in turn connected to an expansion slot cover plate (12) for a personal computer. Once the fixture (8) is installed in an expansion slot opening (15) of a personal computer, the computer is secured if the tether cable (10) is attached to a fixed location such as a table (16) using a padlock (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Darrell A. Igelmund