Miscellaneous Patents (Class 292/1)
  • Patent number: 11851924
    Abstract: A door security device may restrict movement of a swinging door. The security device may include first and second door members and a connecting member. The first and second door members may be mounted to first and second door panels, respectively. The first and second door members include first and second slots, respectively. The connecting member has first end with a shape configured to mate with the first and second slots to permit the first end to slide into the first and second slots such that the connecting member extends out of the first slot and the second slot through openings in the first outer face and the second outer face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph Curtis Taylor, Jack Roy Taylor
  • Patent number: 11559930
    Abstract: An injection-molded component having a casing body of plastics material and a core which is made of a core material, in particular of a metal, which is at least partially received within the casing body and is at least partially insert-molded. The injection-molded component may in particular serve as a joint part of a joint. As a result of the preferably metallic core, the injection-molded component, despite comparatively small dimensioning, is capable of being comparatively highly stressed. By virtue of the casing body of plastics material, a minor actuation noise may be implemented for the joint, even without complex lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Elmar Fries, Stefan Zöller, Pramod Morale
  • Patent number: 11454045
    Abstract: A handle operably coupled to rotating door handle assembly is disclosed. The handle may include a first rotatable member configured to engage a door latch mechanism. The handle may further include a second member mechanically engaged with the first member and the second member may be extended a length between a non-extended position and an extended position. A handle cavity may be defined within at least a portion of the second member and a bar may be enclosed within the handle cavity. Furthermore, an extension mechanism may be incorporated with the bar and the second member and configured to extend the bar from the cavity when the second member is in the extended position and retract the bar within the cavity when the second member is in the non-extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Arconic Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew M. Miller
  • Patent number: 11447991
    Abstract: A door security device can include a door member mounted to a swinging door, and a connector. The door member can include a slot having openings in at least one end and in an outer face. An end of a first leg of the connector can have a shape configured to mate with the first slot to permit the first leg to slide into the first slot such that the first leg extends out of the first slot through an opening in the outer face of the door member and such that a distal end of the second leg interferes with a surface of a door frame to prevent rotation of the swinging door relative to the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph Curtis Taylor, Jack Roy Taylor
  • Patent number: 11439119
    Abstract: A securement system for securing one or more calf hutches is provided. The securement system includes latch assemblies and a line. The latch assemblies are configured to be attached to the calf hutches and comprise receiver flanges and latch arms. Each receiver flange includes a vertically-extending plate defining a locking slot with an open end. Each latch arm may be shifted between a closed position in which it blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which it does not block the open end of the locking slot. Each latch arm is biased to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: MJE, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen L. Deges
  • Patent number: 11439118
    Abstract: A securement system for securing one or more calf hutches is provided. The securement system includes latch assemblies and a line. The latch assemblies are configured to be attached to the calf hutches and comprise receiver flanges and latch arms. Each receiver flange includes a vertically-extending plate defining a locking slot with an open end. Each latch arm may be shifted between a closed position in which it blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which it does not block the open end of the locking slot. Each latch arm is biased to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: MJE, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen L. Deges
  • Patent number: 11236526
    Abstract: An exemplary pushbutton mechanism is configured for use with a lockset including a spindle and a plunger extending into the spindle, and generally includes a first component, a second component, and a cam interface. The first component is configured for rotational coupling with the plunger and for axial coupling with the spindle, and is rotatable between a locking orientation and an unlocking orientation. The second component is configured for rotational coupling with the spindle and for axial movement relative to the first component and the spindle, and is axially movable between a depressed position and a projected position. The cam interface is configured to correlate rotation of the first component with axial displacement of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Adithya Gangadhar Shetty, Subashchandra G. Rai, Hassan Charan Kumar, Madhu Hulikere Siddaramaiah, Ravi Teja Naga Satya Tadepalli
  • Patent number: 11111707
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a safety door barricade for use with a door of a school room or the like. It is made of a single piece of angle iron having a base portion and a back portion disposed 90 degrees apart with a curved handle extending from the surface of the base portion to the back portion along with a downwardly extending rod which is designed for insertion into a hole disposed in the surface of the floor adjacent the door just inside the door. When the device is in inserted in its safety barricade position, and the door is opened against the back plate of the device, a barricade is provided. When the device is not in its safety barricade position, it is placed into an adjacent hole in the floor next to the door wherein the safety device can be stored in an unobtrusive location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Perry Mason Balli
  • Patent number: 11060325
    Abstract: In combination: an over-the-road vehicle with a frame bounding a cargo space and at least one door having inside and outside surfaces and a peripheral edge; and a first locking assembly connected to the vehicle. The first locking assembly extends in an inside to outside direction over at least a portion of the thickness dimension of the peripheral door edge and so that a first portion extends to beyond the outside door surface. The first portion of the first locking assembly is configured to be engaged by a locking device that acts between the first locking assembly and another component to maintain the first door in the closed position. The first locking assembly is configured so that a region of the first portion is locally strengthened in a manner to resist severance and/or bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Kaminsky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10961752
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a motor vehicle latch demonstrating a locking mechanism comprising a catch and at least a pawl, a latch plate (1), whereby the locking mechanism can be accommodated in the latch plate (1) and the latch plate (1) demonstrates an inlet area (12), whereby a latch holder (13) can be inserted to interact with the locking mechanism in the inlet area (12) and with at least a deformation (11) formed in a peripheral area of the inlet area (12) in the latch plate (1), whereby the deformation (11) is arranged at least in places directly on an edge of the inlet area (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Stelian Borlodan, Keith Robertson, Jim Zhuang
  • Patent number: 10914098
    Abstract: A latch system has a latch hook pivotably mounted in the housing between a closed position and an open position. It further includes an actuating lever pivotably mounted in the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the actuating lever is in the locked position and the latch hook is in the closed position, the actuating lever maintains the latch hook in the closed position, and when the actuating lever is in the unlocked position, the actuating lever does not interfere with movement of the latch hook between the open position and the closed position. The system can further include a mechanical indicator, and when the actuating lever is in the locked position, the indicator provides a locked indication, and when the actuating lever is in the unlocked indication position, the indicator provides an unlocked indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Digilock Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: An Zhang, Asil Gokcebay
  • Patent number: 10844633
    Abstract: A push-pull passage lock mounting device is provided for use with doors of various thicknesses. The device, which comprises a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, adjusting inserts, a central actuator block, a first threaded stud connected with the first mounting plate, a second threaded stud connected with the second mounting plate. The adjusting inserts are sleeved on the first threaded stud or the second threaded stud. The distance between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate can be adjusted via the inserts so as to adapt to doors with various thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: CMECH (GUANGZHOU) LTD.
    Inventor: Jia Sen Qiu
  • Patent number: 10597900
    Abstract: An apparatus including a chassis assembly having a housing, a spindle rotatably mounted to the housing, a spring collar rotatably mounted to the housing, a first biasing element rotationally urging the spindle toward a spindle home position, and a second biasing element rotationally urging the spring collar toward a spring collar home position. The apparatus may further include a handle mounted on the chassis such that the chassis biases the handle to a handle home position with a return torque. The handle is engaged with the spindle such that the first biasing element contributes to the return torque. In certain embodiments, the handle may further be engaged with the spring collar such that the second biasing element contributes to the return torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Holman, Nathanael S. Murphy, Peter Malenkovic
  • Patent number: 10596688
    Abstract: An extractor for removing a spline adapter from a housing. The extractor includes a drive rod, and a mandrel that threadingly receives the drive rod. The drive rod is adapted to extend through the mandrel and the spline adapter so as to contact a contact area of the housing to bias the mandrel and the spline adapter in a direction away from the contact area as the drive rod is threaded through the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER
    Inventors: Kirk Bailey, William R. Duncan, Kevin McCrea
  • Patent number: 10519701
    Abstract: A vehicle door check mechanism includes a bellows to act as a pneumatic retarder to prevent a high load from being transferred from the door check mechanism to a structural part of a door of the motor vehicle if that door is opened to a fully open position at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Patterson, Brian Westgarth, Rob Swann, Jack Whitehurst, John Strudwick
  • Patent number: 10501964
    Abstract: An apparatus for engaging a locking mechanism having a first body, a second body, and two bolt assemblies. The first body having a longitudinal interior channel and recesses on each end. The second body having an interior channel. The bolt assemblies having first and second bolts, a connection member, and a tongue. The first bolt being insertable into the first body and slidable and rotatable therein. The second bolt being insertable into said second body and slidable therein. Engaging the lock by inserting the first bolt into the interior channel of the first body and the second bolt into the interior channel of the second body. The rotation of the bolt assemblies allows the user to align the second bolts with the channel of the second body. The tongue forms an interference fit with the recesses on the first body to hold the lock tightly in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Ali Kashani
  • Patent number: 10449884
    Abstract: A lock for a pivoting member in a vehicle comprising: a button having a depressed position and an undepressed position; a cam abutting the button having a rotated position and an un-rotated position; and a rod operably connected to the cam having an extended position and a retracted position; wherein, when the button is in the depressed position, the cam is in the rotated position, and the rod is in the retracted position. The pivoting member can be an armrest or a seatback, among other things. The rod includes a first grooved section. The cam includes a first finger adjacent to the first grooved section. As the cam transitions from the un-rotated position to the rotated position, the first finger of the cam interacts with the first grooved section of the rod to cause the rod to transition from the extended position to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raghavan Narayan Setlur, George Jacob, Daniel Jay Osterhoff
  • Patent number: 10364595
    Abstract: A fixture lock is provided to lock two movable parts of a fixture so that one part may not be moved relative to another part to gain access to a receptacle formed in the fixture. The fixture lock could be used to lock a cabinet drawer in a closed position in a cabinet base to block access to a storage region formed in the cabinet drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C Sundberg, Laura Kay Raffi, Alice Mayfield, Scott E Stropkay, Mark Matthews, Evan Hutker
  • Patent number: 10363872
    Abstract: A periphery monitoring device according the embodiment comprising: a first storage that stores therein road surface information in a moving direction of a vehicle including a plurality of wheels; a controller that generates underfloor information on an underfloor region of the vehicle from the road surface information, the underfloor region including at least part of a region of all the wheels; a second storage that is nonvolatile and stores therein the underfloor information when the vehicle ends driving; and a display that displays the underfloor information when the vehicle starts driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naotaka Kubota, Kazuya Watanabe, Kinji Yamamoto, Takayuki Nakasho
  • Patent number: 10316577
    Abstract: A sliding member for giving the appearance of a vertical translucent edge of a transparent member aligning with an intersecting, perpendicular wall includes a panel having at least one transparent member, a handle connected to the panel, and a jamb recessed in a wall having a recessed door jamb depth, where the handle is at least partially received in the door jamb depth when the sliding member is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: GOLDBRECHT INC.
    Inventor: Marcel Fontijn
  • Patent number: 10215049
    Abstract: A lockout tool for an air cycle machine includes a lockout tool body threaded section, a lockout tool body end section, and a lockout tool body conical tip. The lockout tool body threaded section is operable to engage a threaded port of the air cycle machine that is proximate to a shaft of the air cycle machine. The lockout tool body end section includes a rotation interface operable to receive a rotational force to control engagement of the lockout tool body threaded section with the threaded port. The lockout tool body conical tip is operable to engage the shaft of the air cycle machine to prevent rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Cabello, Darryl A. Colson, John M. Beck
  • Patent number: 9963907
    Abstract: Provided is an inner body fixing device of a door lock. The inner body fixing device includes a first fixing part fixed on a surface of a door; a third fixing part coupled to the first fixing part; and a second fixing part provided between the first fixing part and the third fixing part and coupled to an inner body of the door, wherein a first coupling part of the first fixing part and a second coupling part of the third fixing part are configured to couple to each other, and the third fixing part is coupled to the second fixing part by a fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Sang-Han Lee
  • Patent number: 9932757
    Abstract: A cover is fitted to an aperture in an enclosure. A biasing mechanism is connected to the cover to mechanically bias the cover in an open position. An adhesive member is disposed around the aperture to retain the cover in a closed position against the bias of the biasing mechanism. A release mechanism effects release of the cover from the adhesive member by diminishing adhesion thereof in response to an open command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Alan Hager
  • Patent number: 9732542
    Abstract: A retractor assembly for a cylindrical lockset comprises inner and outer retractors. Each of the retractors has a cam engaging surface to convert rotary motion from the inside door handle into linear latch-retracting motion. Inner and outer spindles having retractor activation cams are configured to bear upon cam surfaces of the inner and outer retractors to retract the latch. When the inner door handle is operated, the inner retractor acts directly upon the tailpiece of the latch bolt assembly to retract the latch. When the outer door handle is operated, the outer retractor presses on the inner retractor, causing it to retract the latch. If there is an attack, a blocker assembly engages with members formed in the outer retractor to render the outer retractor inoperative to move into a latch-retracting position without interfering with operation of the inner retractor to move into a latch-retracting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: TOWNSTEEL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. Moon, Michael J. Wright
  • Patent number: 9411110
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes a connector and a cover received over an end face of the connector. The connector includes a ferrule through which an optical fiber extends to the end face of the connector. An end of the optical fiber is polished proximate to the end face. The cover the cover includes a rigid end cap and a form-fitting material within the end cap overlaying the polished end of the optical fiber. The cover is configured to limit access of particulates to the end face of the connector and draw loose particulates of dust and debris from the end face of the connector upon removal from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert Elvin Barnette, Jr., David Lee Dean, Jr., Matthew Wade Smith, Wesley Allan Yates
  • Patent number: 9394722
    Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to thwart an overtorquing attack on a cylindrical lockset. The cylindrical lockset comprises a lock cage, a split retractor assembly, and a torque-attack-activated spring-loaded blocker assembly coupled to the lock cage. The blocker assembly is set to a default non-blocking configuration. An overtorquing attack triggers the blocking assembly into a blocking setting. When in the blocking setting, the blocking assembly blocks movement of at least an outside door portion of a retractor assembly from translating into a latch-retracting position, but does not block the inside door handle from retracting the latch. A new split retractor assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TOWNSTEEL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. Moon, Michael J. Wright
  • Patent number: 9227538
    Abstract: The invention relates to an armrest for a vehicle seat, comprising an armrest body (11) that together with a base (15) forms a pivot joint and can be pivoted through a pivot angle (?) between a stowed position and a use position, wherein at least one damper (17a, 17b) is provided to damp the motion of the armrest body (11). The invention characterized in that the armrest (10) has a control device (18a, 18b) that actuates the damper (17a, 17b) within at least one portion (?, y) of the pivot angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Joerg Girbinger, Erwin Himmelhuber, Gerhard Delling
  • Patent number: 9212506
    Abstract: A latch assembly configured to attach to a door includes one of a knob and a lever. The latch assembly further includes a latch extending from the door. A spindle is rotatable from a first position to a second position to move the latch from an extended position to a retracted position. A first biasing member is selectively operable to bias the spindle toward the first position. A second biasing member is selectively operable to bias the spindle toward the first position. An actuator is movable between a knob position in which only one of the first biasing member and the second biasing member biases the spindle toward the first position and a lever position in which both the first biasing member and the second biasing member cooperate to bias the spindle toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nathanael S. Murphy, Dale M. Collins, Kenton H. Barker, Brian K. Roth
  • Patent number: 9206632
    Abstract: A safety gate assembly includes a safety gate hinge bracket that works with a safety gate or door to allow secure mounting of the safety gate within a conventional door jamb connected to a conventional and existing door hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Jerry Nicholas Fields
  • Patent number: 9207407
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes a connector and a cover bonded to an end face of the connector. The connector includes a ferrule, where an optical fiber extends through the ferrule and to the end face of the connector. An end of the optical fiber is polished proximate to the end face. The cover is bonded directly to the end face of the connector, and overlays the polished end of the optical fiber such that the cover protects the optical fiber, limits access of dust to the end face of the connector, and draws loose particulates from the end face upon removal of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Robert Elvin Barnette, Jr., David Lee Dean, Jr., Matthew Wade Smith, Wesley Allan Yates
  • Patent number: 9126723
    Abstract: A security box system for securely housing a game camera includes a mount portion having a rear surface conforming to curvature of and secured to a tree with at least one aperture for a fastener passing therethrough, and a sleeve extending from the mount portion rear surface toward the tree. The sleeve surrounds the fastener aperture and is rotatable when contacted by a cutting implement. The cover portion has an opening for the camera to permit the photographing of game. The cover portion is securable to the mount portion to house the camera therebetween. An internal pin on the cover portion is positionable within a pin aperture on the mount portion to secure the cover portion to the mount portion and prevent removal therefrom. The pin and pin aperture are inaccessible from outside the security box system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Messerschmidt
  • Patent number: 9033376
    Abstract: In various embodiments an apparatus is presented for securing a structure such as a door, window, hatch, or gate that moves between an open and a closed position relative to a fixed structure to provide or deny access to a compartment, a room, an outdoor area, or a facility. Various embodiments provide a delay in opening the closure of sufficient duration to frustrate a rapid activation that might be desired by a person who is attempting to pass through the closure for some illicit purpose. Typically, hydraulics are used to activate the apparatus and no electrical energy or electronic signals are employed. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuations of a hand lever operates a hydraulic pump that moves a locking bolt from a first position in which a locking bolt is engaged with a recess in the fixed structure (preventing opening of a gate) to a second position in which the locking bolt is disengaged from the recess to permit opening of the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventor: Fariborz M. Bzorgi
  • Patent number: 9004551
    Abstract: A lockable or latchable device includes first and second members proximate to each other, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. The device also includes a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the device such that the fluid is in simultaneous contact with at least a portion of each of the first and second members when the first and second members are in a position for locking or latching. A permanent magnet is disposed in the device to inhibit displacement of the magnetorheological fluid when the first and second members are in the locked or latched position. An electromagnet is disposed in the device such that magnetic flux from the electromagnet, when activated, disrupts the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet when the first and second members are in the locked or latched position to unlatch or unlock the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera
  • Patent number: 8998274
    Abstract: A sliding door latching and locking system is disclosed which includes a latch assembly, a lift rod assembly, and a retainer assembly, among other things. In some embodiments, the latch assembly includes a support member mounted in a movable body and a latching arm pivotally mounted to the support member having a distal end thereof extending outside of the periphery of the movable body, wherein the distal end includes an engagement facilitating portion with a sloped outer surface for contacting an interlocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Brian Cook
  • Patent number: 8986086
    Abstract: An insert (10) for an opening in a base (20) includes a housing (12) having a peripheral side wall (18) defining an interior space (24). The peripheral side wall (18) includes at least one latch member (90) having a latching position. The latch member (90) engages the base (20) to secure the housing (12) in the opening when the latch member (90) is in the latching position. The housing (12) is inserted into the opening in a first direction (A) to engage the latch member (90) with the base (20). At least one indicator (100) shows when the at least one latch member (90) is in the latching position. The indicator (100) is visible in the first direction (A) when the insert (10) is in the opening in the base (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Daniel D. Carlson, Timothy M. Barnes
  • Patent number: 8960730
    Abstract: An apparatus for remotely opening the door of a pet cage. The apparatus has a linear solenoid connected to a latch on the enclosure. The solenoid is connected to control circuitry operated by a remote control unit. The apparatus is mounted on the cage with a spacer plate and a mounting plate. The spacer plate has a recess to receive the free end of the bolt portion of the latch and guide its travel away from interference with parts of the cage when the solenoid is operated. The mounting plate extends behind the latch portion on the door to prevent the caged pet from pawing at the latch and possibly opening it. A second mounting plate may be mounted behind the latch portion on the cage to protect that part of the latch. The spacer plate is uniquely designed to allow application of the apparatus to any size and/or configuration of cage without the need of any separate or additional pieces of adaptor hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Howard L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8888146
    Abstract: A security device for a sliding door or sliding window assembly comprising a base plate and a removably interlocking stop member. The base plate is securely fastened to the floor or window sill, respectively, in close proximity and along the path of movement of a sliding door or sliding window, by means of a plurality of openings for receiving screws. The stop member, while engagingly disposed in the interlocked, in use position, prevents the sliding door or sliding window from opening at all or past a predetermined point. The base plate and stop member are each formed having an interlocking means element, adapted to receive, matingly, the others interlocking means element. The stop member features a blocking element, which projects into the path of the sliding door or sliding window, while in the in use position. Removing the stop member allows normal movement of the sliding door or sliding window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Curtis Taylor, Jack Roy Taylor
  • Patent number: 8882159
    Abstract: A sliding door for a motor vehicle includes a sliding door arrester to prevent the sliding door from inadvertently closing during a deceleration event. The sliding door arrestor includes a base fixed relative to a guide rail and a locking element pivotally attached to the base. The locking element includes a mass and a lock. The locking element rotates relative to the base during a deceleration event to engage the lock with a biasing member to prevent movement of a sliding element that is displaceable along the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Kreuz
  • Patent number: 8864183
    Abstract: A latching apparatus includes a catch and a pin to maintain a chassis in a closed configuration. The catch is coupled to a first chassis panel and movable relative to the pin that is coupled to a second chassis panel. In response to relative movement between the catch and the pin along a first axis, a first portion of the pin is positioned within an opening of the catch to maintain the chassis closed. In response to relative movement between the catch and the pin, the catch opening is positioned around a second portion of the pin to define an unlatched position. Whereas the closed configuration inhibits relative movement between the first and second chassis portions, the unlatched position permits relative movement therebetween for separation between the first chassis panel and the second chassis panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Mason, John D. Eales, William Robert Huth
  • Patent number: 8851537
    Abstract: A catcher is supported on a base to be capable of reciprocal movement between a standby position where a striker can be caught or released and a final position, and moves slidingly toward the final position after rotating at a fixed angle from the standby position during forward movement from the standby position. Holding of the state in which the catcher is in the standby position, and the aforementioned sliding movement, are accomplished by urging of an urging device provided on the base. The aforementioned holding is released and forward rotation of the catcher is started when the striker is caught by the catcher in the standby position by forward movement of a movable body, and this forward movement is assisted by the aforementioned urging from mid-course of this forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yosuke Ishii
  • Patent number: 8833805
    Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a lower housing including a battery compartment. An upper housing is coupled to the lower housing and is slidable relative thereto in a first linear direction between a closed position and an open position. A battery cover is configured to engage the lower housing and move generally in the first linear direction relative to the lower housing from an unlatched position to a latched position in which the battery cover interlocks with the lower housing and encloses the battery compartment. The battery cover may comprise at least one of a post element or a beam element and the lower housing may comprise at least one of the other of the post element or the beam element. The post and beam elements are configured to interlock with one another when the battery cover is in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Robert Allen, Paul Brian Koch, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz, Jean-Charles Mas
  • Patent number: 8820802
    Abstract: A latch has a hook having, in turn, an arcuate portion and a stem. An annular member pivots within a void formed in the stem of the hook. A portion of the annular member is retained within the interior of the arcuate portion of the hook. The annular member is large enough so that it is retained within the arcuate portion of the hook. With the opening of the arcuate portion of the hook opening toward a lower portion of the hook, the annular member will fall against, and be retained within, the arcuate portion of the hook that is opposite the stem of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Ray Dodson
  • Patent number: 8814225
    Abstract: A locking structure includes a hook disposed on a first object and engagable with a locking member disposed on a second object. The locking member includes a main body rotatable about an axis thereof and a number of locking portions radially protruding from the main body. When the main body rotates about the axis, the locking portions rotate together with the main body to engage with and disengage from the hook to lock the first object to and unlock the first object from the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Yong Yang, Xue-Dong Tang, Hong-Wu Wang, Wei Liu, Yen-Wen Wang
  • Patent number: 8807609
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a protector for a door latch mechanism. The protector comprises a shaft to which a removable handle is attached, a plate adapted to be fastened to a door, and a shroud extending from the plate and surrounding a portion of the shaft when the removable handle is removed. The shroud is adapted to receive a puck lock for engagement with the shaft when the removable handle is removed. The shroud is adapted to receive the removable handle for engagement with the shaft when the puck lock is removed. The removable handle is operable to rotate the shaft and effect operation of the latch mechanism between latched and unlatched positions. The shroud includes a slot and the removable handle includes a tab such that when the removable handle is rotated, the tab of the removable handle engages the slot of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: PTMW, Inc.
    Inventor: John Stallbaumer
  • Patent number: 8794683
    Abstract: A combined slide access and latch engagement for a door. A panel is in the door proximate a latch for the door, with the panel having a slide portion that is displaceable to permit access to the latch. A knob is located on the slide and has a grip protruding from one side to allow the slide to be slid to permit access to the latch or, using a latch strike extending from the slide, engage the latch to open the door. A spring is used to maintain the knob in an actuation orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: David R. Wysong
  • Patent number: 8789863
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a lock apparatus, including: a stationary member; a handle rotatably connected to the stationary member via a handle rotating shaft, the handle having a first member; and a damper having a rotor rotatably connected to the stationary member and a second member fixed to the rotor, wherein the first member and the second member are interlocked with each other through a slit and a projection, the slit being provided in either of the first and second members, the projection being provided on the other of the first and second members so as to loosely fit in the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8789901
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a clapboard having a locking hole defined therein and forming part of a receiving portion, and a housing structure defining a latching hole opposite to the locking hole. A locking assembly is mounted to the housing structure and used to disengagably lock the housing structure in the receiving portion, and includes a locking part, a sliding part and a handle. The locking part is fixed to the housing structure and a sliding part including a resisting portion passing through the latching hole and the locking hole to engage with the communication apparatus. The sliding part is movably mounted in the housing structure and includes a resisting portion to engage with the latching portion. The handle slidably passes through the housing structure and is fixed to the sliding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Ming Kuan
  • Patent number: 8727397
    Abstract: An occupant reminder system to remind at least one occupant of a vehicle, prior to leaving such vehicle, that there is at least one other occupant in the vehicle (such as a child or pet). Upon initial setting and occupancy of a vehicle, the reminder system temporarily prevents the door of the responsible occupant from latching shut to assist reminding the responsible occupant of such at least one other occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Scott D. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8727404
    Abstract: A device for preventing a door with an automatic locking mechanism from locking and for propping a door in an open position is provided. The device includes a bar with a first surface and an opposing second surface. One or more magnets are connected to the first surface by glue. A foam layer is also connected to the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Manuel A. Martin
  • Patent number: 8672370
    Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a furnace door to a furnace casing, the latch assembly comprising: a latch for placement on an inside of the furnace door; a knob for placement through a hole in the furnace door, the knob snapped into the latch, the knob for placement on a front surface of the furnace door; a gasket for placement between the knob and the latch; and a cap secured at an end of the knob, wherein the latch, knob, and cap are keyed to allow assembly in only one orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John N. Abel, Nitu Gupta