Rigid Patents (Class 292/101)
  • Patent number: 11667369
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a door panel to be positioned within and out of blocking relationship with an opening. Mechanism includes a deadbolt rotatably connected to the wall and having a curved configuration and a locking bracket connected to the door panel. The locking bracket extends from the door panel in an angular direction with respect to a plane of door panel. With door panel in a closed position and deadbolt in a first position, the locking bracket extends through the curved configuration. Deadbolt is in blocking relationship with the locking bracket in a direction along a plane of the door panel and is not in blocking relationship in a direction along the locking bracket. With door panel in closed position, deadbolt is in a second position not in blocking relationship with the locking bracket permitting door panel to move in a direction along a plane of the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy P. Gallagher, Jr., James J. Kunda
  • Patent number: 10619366
    Abstract: A generator enclosure system provides for tool-less removal of protective panels. The panels are configured to lock in place and unlock by a technician using only their hands. Side panels interlock with front and back panels. At least the front panel may be removed by actuating, by hand, a lever on a locking mechanism and lifting the panels up and away from the generator enclosure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Finn, Ken R. Miller, Justin W. Lodes, Gary F. Reif
  • Patent number: 10378250
    Abstract: A lock for closing a door with respect to a frame. The lock includes a lock body mounted on the door and a striker mounted on the frame, or vice versa. The lock body includes a catch element mounted so as to rotate between a striker keep position and a striker release position; elastic means suitable for driving the catch element from the striker keep position to the striker release position; a lever suitable for moving between two positions, a closing position in which it maintains the catch element in the striker keep position and an opening position in which it is disengaged from the catch element; and a service actuator suitable for applying a force f on the lever so as to bring it from the closing position to the opening position. The lock body further includes an emergency SMA actuator suitable for applying a force on the lever so as to bring it from the closing position to the opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Alacqua, Matteo Mazzoni, Davide Frigerio
  • Patent number: 10184268
    Abstract: A security swing handle comprises a housing and a handle pivotally mounted to the housing between a closed position and an open position. A locking insert is rotatably supported in the housing and operatively connected to a latch to actuate the latch to release the handle to an open position. A hasp assembly includes a hasp at the bottom of the housing and a plate member disposed within an interior of the housing adjacent to a bottom of the latch. A pin on the locking insert is disposed within an aperture of the plate member to move the plate member against the latch to release the handle to the open position when the locking insert is rotated. If a padlock locked to the hasp is subjected to blunt force, edges of the aperture shear the pin from the locking insert disabling the locking insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: FATH, INC.
    Inventors: Armin Fink, William Kenneth Williams
  • Patent number: 10113337
    Abstract: The lockset includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes a lock body disposed in the first body, a first upper face having a lock hole and a first side face having a positioning hole. The second body includes a second upper face and a second side face. A rotatable buckle having a rotating unit and a lock unit is disposed on the second upper face. One end of the rotating unit is pivotally connected with the second upper face and the other end is connected with the lock unit. A positioning unit is disposed on the second side face. When the first side face is in a lock position, the positioning unit inserts into the positioning hole, and the rotatable unit may be rotated to insert the lock unit into the lock hole, wherein the lock body restricts the lock unit from leaving the lock hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: SINOX CO., LTD
    Inventor: Chun-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 10024490
    Abstract: A mounting system comprising a surface mount configured to operatively couple to an attachment surface, a movable mount, at least one adjustable arm assembly, at least one device mount, a latch coupled to one of the surface mount and the movable mount, and a catch coupled to the other of the surface mount and the movable mount. Each arm assembly includes at least one arm having a first end operatively coupled to the surface mount and a second end operatively coupled to the movable mount, wherein the second end is movable relative to the first end to move the movable mount relative to the surface mount in a first direction. Each device mount is configured to support a display device and is operatively coupled to the movable mount, such that each device mount is movable in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Derrik Lam, Michael A. Graef, Edward T. Eaton, Steven Coan, Jay Sipek, Matthew William Stifal
  • Patent number: 9955600
    Abstract: A fastener is disclosed for use in a display structure that includes a bracket defining a detent, a pin that is rotatably received by the bracket, and a latch, e.g., a helical spring, that is in engagement with the pin such that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the latch. The latch is configured, dimensioned, and positioned for engagement with the detent during movement of the fastener between first (unlocked) and second (locked) positions. During movement of the fastener between the first and second positions, the latch traverses the detent to provide a perceptible indication, e.g., an audible and/or tactile indication, that the fastener has been moved between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Watchfire Signs, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Cox
  • Patent number: 9482034
    Abstract: A security latch apparatus for the interior of a school or industrial door hinged to open outwardly. The latch includes a lower mounting door bracket with a pivotable handle designed to fit firmly against the interior doorframe and prevent that door from being prematurely pulled open. A disengagement rod is provided for authorized personnel to manually undo a secured door from its exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph A Atkinson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140070547
    Abstract: A low profile actuating window lock for casement windows having a handle actuate a lifter that slides vertically on a fork component in slidable communication with the window lock casing, the handle pivotable about the lifter and pivotable about a restrictor arm that pivots relative to the casing, allowing the handle to rotate fully from the locked position to the unlocked position with low clearance from the window frame. The pivot points of the handle, lifter, restrictor arm configuration allow for an over center linkage that prevents back driving the casement window lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERLOCK USA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter J. Minter, Mathew D. Ruspil
  • Publication number: 20130270840
    Abstract: A latch is provided including a claw configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. A pawl is rotatable in and out of engagement with the claw. The latch includes a first release mechanism, a second release mechanism, and a third release mechanism. The first release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The second release mechanism applies a rotational force to a second portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The third release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Lujan, Ian J. Dow, Fernando Burciaga, Rodrigo Alonso Galindo, Donald M. Perkins, John R. Rice
  • Publication number: 20130056994
    Abstract: A unlatching device includes: a pair of human approach sensors disposed at both side ends of, for example, a rear glass; a retractable handle retractably received at a door body, such as a rear door; a cam member pivotally supported by the door body; a manual unlatching lever for manually unlatching a latch mechanism; and a solenoid capable of driving a stopper member of the latch mechanism, in which, when a predetermined signal is output from the human approach sensor, the stopper member is pressed by the solenoid and is moved away from an engaging/disengaging member, and the engaging/disengaging member is made to pivot by urging force and is released from a stopper, whereby the door body is unlatched and the retractable handle projects rearward from the door body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya SAGO
  • Publication number: 20120248791
    Abstract: An engaging module is used for engaging a cover to a housing. The housing includes a sliding chute extended along a direction. The engaging module includes a sliding member and a hook. The sliding member is slidable between an opening position and a closing position in the sliding chute. The sliding member includes a latch including a first guiding surface and a second guiding surface. When the cover is engaged to the housing, the sliding member may be moved to the opening position along the direction to make the first guiding surface of the latch push the cover to separate from the housing. When it is desired to engage the cover to the housing, the hook is pushed toward the second guiding surface, the sliding member is moved from the closing position along the direction, and the sliding member is moved toward the closing position so that the latch is engaged to the trough of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ho-Li Chu
  • Publication number: 20120102840
    Abstract: A compact fastener configured to latch a sliding partition to a second structure can include an actuator configured to move a hook in and out of a locked position. In one or more implementations, compact fastener can further include a pin extending from the actuator into a slot in the hook. As the actuator rotates, the pin can slide along the groove causing the hook to rotate. Additionally, in one or more implementations, the actuator can rotate about a first axis, and the hook can rotate about a second axis offset from the first axis. The fastener can further include one or more of a latch handle and a lock configured to rotate the actuator. The lock can include a dowel pin that extends into a groove of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: 3FORM, INC.
    Inventor: Su-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 8109541
    Abstract: A latching structure of a mobile electronic device includes a button module, at least one lock pin, at least one linking rod, and at least one hook module respectively disposed in a base and a display of the mobile electronic device. One end of the linking rod is coupled to the button module and another end of the linking rod is coupled to the hook module. When the button module is pressed, the button module drives the linking rod to force the hook module to release the lock pin so as to allow the user opening the display from the base of the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yiming Chang, Yung Chih Kuo, Li Che Lu, Min-Chun Chen
  • Publication number: 20110316291
    Abstract: A latching mechanism on a roll-up door in a closed position is protected by a portable shield. The shield, in combination with a floor and the roll-up door protects the latching mechanism from direct impact. The shield is locked into place by a bolt that is positioned below a hub of the latching mechanism. An extension of the shield fits into an opening in the floor or a blocking member in the floor. The bolt is positioned in such a way in the shield that when the shield is in its engaged position the bolt can move only either perpendicular to the door and/or it can rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the door. The bolt may be a separate bolt or it may be part of a lock. A kit containing a shield is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Stanton Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Loughlin, John Loughlin
  • Patent number: 7758088
    Abstract: A motorized lock for a vending machine provides a simple lever mechanism that provides two separate points of engagement between the door and the machine to resist tampering and provide for more even pull in of a gasketed door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Patent number: 7695206
    Abstract: A printer having an opening/closing cover for providing access to a roll paper compartment, a peeler mechanism for peeling printed labels from a web and for dispensing the peeled printed labels from the printer and an opening and closing mechanism 50 which locks and unlocks the cover and a peeler unit 10 of the peeler mechanism in response to the manual operation of a manual operating member such as a release button 17 with a single easy operation. When the release button 17 is depressed into a first operating position 17B, a lock lever 52 of the opening/closing mechanism 50 slides from a locked position 52A to a released position 52B to disengage the lock lever 52 thus unlocking the opening/closing cover 9. At the same time, the sliding lock lever 52 pushes engaging claws 74a, 73a that lock or unlocks the peeler unit 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kawakami, Masahiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 7681767
    Abstract: The vehicle storage box of the present invention provides significant advantages over conventional vehicle storage boxes. Featured in the present invention is a vehicle storage box that comprises a base structure; a lid, pivotally connected to the base structure, shaped to enclose the base structure; divider means, pivotally connected to the base structure, for dividing the storage box into two compartments for holding articles; divider coupling means, connected to the divider means and the lid, for releasably coupling the divider means to the lid; and lid coupling means, connected to the lid and the base structure, for releasably coupling the lid to the base structure, and having a first coupling position occurring when the lid is in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Dale S. Cheney
  • Publication number: 20100053857
    Abstract: A latching device and an electronic device using the latching device are provided. The latching device is for fastening a cover assembly of the electronic device to a base assembly. The latching device includes a sliding member movably mounted in the cover assembly, a magnet fixed in the sliding member, and a hooking member pivotally fixing on the base assembly. The hooking member is made up of magnetic material. When the cover assembly is rotated to cover the base assembly, the hooking member is attracted by the magnet and hooks onto the cover assembly. When the sliding member slides, the sliding member pushes the hooking member to disengage from the cover assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HONG-WEI ZHU, ER-ZHENG ZHAO, HAI-YANG YU
  • Patent number: 7568742
    Abstract: An anti-theft security device has a case having a front case and a rear case pivotably connected to each other and receiving information storage media in a space formed between the front case and the rear case, a hub formed at a center of an inner surface of one of the front and rear cases and to which the information storage media is detachably fixed, a separation prevention member inserted into the case through a side of the case and passing through the hub across over the information storage media fixed to the hub to prevent the information storage media from being separated from the hub, and a locking device selectively inserted along an insertion passage formed at a side of the case to prevent the separation prevention member from being separated from the case and to lock the case. According to the anti-theft security device, it is certainly possible to maintain the locked state of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Jee-tae Kim
  • Patent number: 7201409
    Abstract: A retracting locking mechanism for an openable unit includes a striker attached to one of the openable unit and a fixed unit, and a catcher attached to the other of the openable unit and the fixed unit. The catcher includes an inner part, and an outer part for housing the inner part. A coil spring is disposed between the inner and outer parts for biasing the inner part in a retreating direction to pull into the outer part. A dampening device provides dampening force to the retreating movement of the inner part caused by the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takefumi Adachi, Ryuhei Nishida
  • Patent number: 7137154
    Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the selective lifting of the lid or the seat/lid combination of a two-piece toilet seat assembly comprises (a) a stem member that is adapted to pass through a pre-formed opening in the lid portion of the seat assembly so as to be movably supported by the lid portion, (b) a manually-engagable handle rigidly connected to one end of the stem member, and (c) a latch member radially-extending from the stem member at a location on axially spaced from the handle. During movement (e.g., rotation) of the stem member within the pre-formed opening in the lid portion, the latch member moves between a seat-latching position in which it underlies a portion of the seat portion of the toilet seat assembly, and a second position in which it is spaced from the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen H. Miller, Peter J. Takos
  • Patent number: 7004514
    Abstract: A locking device for a dumpster container, wherein the dumpster container is movable between an upright storing position and a tilted dumping position. The locking device includes a main locking device moveable between an engaged position, where the main locking device engages the dumpster container to retain the dumpster container in the upright storing position, and a disengaged position, where the main locking device disengages the dumpster container to permit movement of the dumpster container into the tilted dumping position. The locking device further includes a blocking plate pivotally coupled to the main locking device. The blocking plate is moveable between a blocking position, where the blocking plate prevents the main locking device from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and an unblocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: AP Technoglass
    Inventor: Greg Franich
  • Patent number: 6937368
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a movable module of an electronic apparatus disclosed by the invention mainly includes a control member and a latch connected to the control member. The control member is selectively movable between a first position for locking the movable module and a second position for releasing the movable module. When the latch stops at the first position, it also latches onto an operational interface or a mechanism component so as to prevent the user from electrically or mechanically operating the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Te Liu
  • Patent number: 6916052
    Abstract: A locking/unlocking mechanism for an operable cover of a body such as a printer to lock and unlock the body with a single operation and to a printer having an operable cover and a locking/unlocking mechanism for the operable cover. The operable cover is locked when a cover side engaging part in the cover engages a body-side engaging part in the body. The printer has a cover opening button 10 which is depressed to a first operating position 10B, causing a locking lever 14 in the locking/unlocking mechanism 11 to slide from a locked position 14A to an unlocked position 14B. The locking lever has an engaging channel 15 which releases the cover-side engaging part 12 of the operable cover 4, thereby disengaging the operable cover 4 but not opening it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Yamada, Hideki Kawakami
  • Patent number: 6830270
    Abstract: A window latch for use with a window frame comprises a main body having a top portion and a bottom portion. A locking member extending through the main body pivotally mounting therein having a lock arm extending out the bottom portion and a manually operable handle exposed at the top portion. A shoulder separating the top and bottom portion so that the bottom portion projects downwardly from the shoulder. A flange portion at one end of the bottom portion projecting along the main body generally parallel to the shoulder and spaced from the shoulder leaving a recess therebetween. Wherein the bottom portion is arranged to be inserted into a hole cut into a top wall of a window frame such that shoulder sits on a top surface of the top wall and the flange engages underneath a lip of the top wall with the lip being received in the recess thus supporting the respective end of the main body to the frame and a fastener for holding an opposed end of the main body within the hole in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Inductec Alchemist (1987) Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick G. Ellis, Gerald Bruce Hiebert
  • Patent number: 6588810
    Abstract: A closing device with selective locking for closing a frame includes a roughly flat lid selectively applied to the frame, a lock connected with the lid, and a key which has a socket and an arm, one end of the arm carrying the socket. The lid has an opening for access to the lock by the key, the lock has a latch which cooperates with a catch of the frame, and the key selectively assumes, with respect to an opening, a locking position which the key can leave freely and in which the latch is trapped by the catch, and an unlocking position in which the key is trapped in the opening and in which the latch is disengaged from the catch. The arm and the socket of the key are roughly perpendicular to one another, and the arm is roughly perpendicular to the lid when the key is in the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Norinco
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Monneret
  • Publication number: 20030062726
    Abstract: A door hook assembly that can be used in combination with a wooden doorframe within which a metal screen or storm door is hingedly mounted. More particularly, the door hook assembly of the invention is of a simple construction that can be quickly and easily connected to a conventional wooden doorframe and metal screen or storm door having a hollow frame. The door hook assembly includes a unique binding post component for securing the hook portion of the assembly to the metal screen or storm door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Richard V. Corbett
  • Patent number: 6540433
    Abstract: A fastening member is either retentively engaging or contacting a one piece member, and includes a biasing slot therein. A screw extends through the biasing slot and engages at least one biasing member on one side of the slot. The screw extends into the other piece, and rotation of the screw draws the first piece and the second piece together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Stephan A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6508495
    Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a cover to a container comprises a base for mounting to the container cover adjacent to an edge thereof, a cover member secured to the base and a slider slidable between the base and cover member between a latched position wherein a portion of the slider interfits with the container and an unlatched position wherein the slider portion is disengaged from the container. A headed spring member interposed between the slider and the base interfits with openings in the slider to signal when the slider has reached its latched and unlatched positions and to releasably retain the slider at those positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Edward D. Riley
  • Patent number: 6464423
    Abstract: Improved table connecting brackets capable of quickly and easily connecting and disconnecting tables. The ganging bracket comprises a mounting assembly that can be attached to the first table and a connector assembly that can be attached to the second table. The ganging bracket also comprises a swing arm that has at least one seat disposed at one end of the swing arm and is constructed to receive and lock to the connector assembly. A tooth is disposed on the swing arm proximate each seat. The swing arm also has an aperture that is disposed on the swing arm distal the at least one seat, is constructed to receive the mounting assembly and is positioned and configured to allow the swing arm to be rotatably mounted to the first table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark P. Klein
  • Patent number: 6457752
    Abstract: A locking window. The window includes a window frame including a window sash which is selectively movable between a first closed position and a second open position. A window latch is adapted to be attached to the window and is selectively movable between a first open position and a second locked position to secure the window sash in the closed position. The window latch includes a sweep latch, which is preferably offset, and a non-compressible pivot fastener for attaching the window latch to the window. The offset arrangement provides sufficient space for substantially unequal length actuator and locking arms to provide a mechanical advantage when the window latch is operated. The pivot fastener includes a support bushing and a fastener extending through the support bushing for attaching the offset sweep latch to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Hughes Supply Company of Thomasville, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Keith Miller, Christopher R. Rogers, Farrell Smith
  • Patent number: 6406071
    Abstract: A latch mechanism having a flexible catch attached to a base with a centering disk for cooperative self-alignment with the door through which the latch mechanism is to be inserted and a shaft having a plurality of retention disks at spaced apart locations on the shaft is preferably molded into a single piece construction for cooperative combination with a handle (or knob) which is preferably molded in two sections and connected by a flexible hinge such that each section is a mirror image of the other. Each handle section has arrayed along its centerline a series of receivers for the plurality of disks on the latch shaft such that the disks are captured and retained in the receivers when the two sections of the handle are folded over onto one another and snap locked in place by cooperating projections and receivers positioned in opposing positions on each section of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Elastolatch, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. LaViola, Salvatore P. J. Vito
  • Patent number: 6321410
    Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum appliance having a lid and a collection canister is disclosed. A latching mechanism is provided for detachably affixing the lid atop the collection canister. In one embodiment, the latching mechanism comprises a pair of opposing latch members rotatably coupled to the lid. The latching members each have an upper, end adapted to engage journals formed on the lid. Each upper end is provided with retaining means for preventing the latch member from becoming disengaged from the journals. A lower end of each latching member is adapted to engage a latching element such as a rib formed on said collection canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Stuart V. Holsten
  • Patent number: 6079754
    Abstract: A latching assembly, such as for use in assembling and disassembling mating foamed insulating panels, may have housing components of inexpensive materials such as cellulosic or non-structural plastic materials. A cam shaft passes through an opening in a latch, the cam shaft mounting a cam keeper which has its peripheral surface engaged by a friction clutch (e.g. a cantilevered tongue) which supplies a radial or axial spring force from the exterior of the cam keeper to provide high level of predictable friction force. The cam shaft, and a latching pin for cooperation with hook portion of the latch, are mounted by metal or structural plastic flanges which engage the inexpensive housing components. An external clutch, such as a spring tab integral with the second metal or structural plastic flange, maintains the position of the cam shaft with respect to the flange unless the cam shaft is positively rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Fred H. Alexy
  • Patent number: 5975593
    Abstract: A foot operated cabinet latch concealed in the cabinet kick-space of commonly used storage cabinets in, for example, kitchens and bathrooms. The cabinet latch has an operator knob located in the cabinet kick-space and a flexible lever and strike located inside the cabinet. Operation of the latch is accomplished by engaging a person's foot with the knob and pushing in an upwards direction. This action serves to disengage the lever from the strike and the cabinet door can then be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: David R. Cress
  • Patent number: 5927771
    Abstract: A single point lock or cam lock for a casement window is provided. The lock includes an escutcheon providing a low profile and a smooth uninterrupted surface which faces the inside of the room. The handle includes two opposing legs that enter the escutcheon for attachment to the hook through opposing side walls of the escutcheon. A shaft provides the connection between the hook and the handle which rotates on two brace structures provided by the frame. The frame is sandwiched between the escutcheon and the inside surface of the window frame. The design of the escutcheon, the shaft and the braces of the frame provide for an effective seal against the inside surface of the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Allen-Stevens Corp.
    Inventors: Clifford Elliott Simon, Todd Allan Anderson, Edward J. Subliskey, Jeffrey M. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5927766
    Abstract: An improved latch mechanism is provided for use in a motor control center having a door and a frame which the door cooperatively closes onto. The latch mechanism is capable of securing the door against the frame and is rotatable between an OPEN position and a CLOSED position. The latch mechanism includes a body portion, rotatably coupled to the door, capable of engaging a slot disposed in the frame for securing the door against the frame. A stop, disposed on the body portion, is provided for limiting the rotation of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Square D. Company
    Inventor: Gary M. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5628534
    Abstract: An electric load center having an enclosure with a push-in screw holder fixture, a door latch comprising a one-piece molded member having a flexible tongue which urges the door latch toward the hinged door edge keeping a hook biasedly engaged with an underside edge of the trim, a neutral bar having an elongated body portion with a trapezoidal shaped cross-sectional area with outwardly sloping downward extending side walls having apertures for insertion of electrical wires, a neutral tie bar adapted to be electrically connected to the enclosure of the load center, a main lug insulator having trough-shaped longitudinally extending compartments and first and second support legs for positioning over the neutral tie bar, a basepan having a surface with integrally formed posts with an undercut extending around its periphery for securing a component of the load center to the surface by heat staking, the surface having two spaced apart integrally formed wall members extending upward from the surface forming a barrier
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Janerio N. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5582442
    Abstract: A latch assembly and process for manufacturing such an assembly and process for painting an assembly with a pivoting member are disclosed. The latching assembly comprises a body, a latch moveable between open and closed positions, and a thumb turn mounted for pivotal movement in the body. The thumb turn includes a cylindrical boss mounted for rotation in the body about a central axis of rotation, and a lever arm extending radially outwardly from the central axis of rotation of the cylindrical boss to a free end exposed outside of the body. A plurality of resilient arms having free hook ends engage the cylindrical boss to hold the cylindrical boss in the body while allowing for rotational movement of the cylindrical boss with pivotal movement of the lever arm. The free hook ends are held in a separate position which prevents rotational movement during the painting step of the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas A. Nolte
  • Patent number: 5568953
    Abstract: The latch is S-shaped and attachable to roof structure supports for the roof of the golf cart. The S-shape is defined by a first outer transverse member, a first outer longitudinal member, a middle transverse member, a second outer longitudinal member and a second outer transverse member, each member positioned in the same plane. The first outer transverse member, the first outer longitudinal member and the middle transverse member define a first lobe. The first lobe is rotatable to engage the windshield by a second lobe defined by the middle transverse member, second outer longitudinal member and second outer transverse member, the second lobe functioning as a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Tampa G Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Jerry M. Showalter
  • Patent number: 5556142
    Abstract: A latch and keeper combination for use with an aircraft panel or the like for joining one member to another member under tension and shear loading. A keeper for attaching to one member and having a bracket with an eye bolt and a bushing included therein, and a latch for attaching to another member and having a housing with cover and a hook, a lever and a shear pin included therein. The hook and lever are rotatably mounted in the housing for rotation about an axis, with the hook having an arcuate finger for engaging the keeper eye bolt, with the shear pin sliding into and out of the keeper bushing and with the lever driving the pin. The hook rotates the lever to a closed position to engage the shear pin with the bushing and to an open position to disengage the shear pin from the bushing. A plunger carried in the housing for translation along the axis, and a spring in the housing for urging the plunger outward along the axis, with plunger and hook providing for locking the hook in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: Frank A. Zankich
  • Patent number: 5489131
    Abstract: A lock for grasping a keeper to lock a window sash and window frame together including a base housing with a longitudinal opening therethrough and defines a pivot axis positioned between the ends of the opening, and a locking handle secured to the housing for pivoting about the pivot axis and including a handle portion extending from the one side of the housing opening and a grasping portion extending from the other side of the housing opening. The housing has a first shoulder facing one side of the housing opening and extending about the opening associated with one end and a second shoulder facing the other side of the opening and extending about the opening associated with the other end. A first handle shoulder abuts against the first housing shoulder when the locking handle is in a locking position, and a second handle shoulder is disposed adjacent to and overlapping with the second housing shoulder when the locking handle is in a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Marcia K. Blom
  • Patent number: 5421627
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for securement to an edge portion of a closure element, and more particularly, but not exclusively, a sliding door. The door latch mechanism has a housing with a slide member having keeper engaging hook members to engage a keeper secured to a door jamb for locking and unlocking the door within a door frame. The slide member is guided along a straight axis and is connected to a finger engaging knob to displace it along that axis to lock and unlock the mechanism with the keeper. The slide member has one or two elongated through bores extending co-extensively with the straight axis and a load transfer pin-like member extends through the bores and connected on opposed sides to transfer lateral loads applied to the slide member to the door latch mechanism housing and door stile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Standard Building Components
    Inventor: Barry Yane
  • Patent number: 5163460
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for maintaining an awning having a cover in a rolled up condition during storage or travel of a recreational vehicle on which the awning is mounted. The latch mechanism has a hook mechanism on the awning cover such that when the awning is in a rolled up condition, the hook is movable between an engaged locked position and an unengaged unlocked position. A catch is mounted on the recreational vehicle for engaging a portion of the hook mechanism in the engaged locked position of the hook mechanism which has an apertured actuating portion for engagement by a remotely controlled actuator for moving the hook into and out of the locked position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Nu-Zip Dee Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Miller
  • Patent number: 5112004
    Abstract: Strap dispensing and accumulating apparatus including a device for feeding strap from a strap supply to a strapping machine and an accumulator for accumulating strap being fed forwardly from the strap supply or being pushed backwardly by means of tensioning rollers of the strapping machine. A stretch-out box has an inlet, an outlet, and a lower wall. When pivoted to one position, a strap guide coacts with the lower wall, and with other elements, so as to define a channel for the strap between the inlet and the outlet. A detecting device is arranged to deactuate the feeding device when strap accumulating within the stretch-out box reaches a predetermined level. A flexible chute guides the strap from the outlet to a strapping head of the strapping machine. A combination of such apparatus with a strapping machine having a strapping head is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Allison D. Tipton
  • Patent number: 4930818
    Abstract: A combined closing and airing fixture or latch for a door (10) of a refrigerator cabinet comprises a handle (12) which can keep the door closed by means of a hook. An element (20) is arranged on the handle (12), which element is adjustable relative to the handle so that the element (20) can keep the door (10) ajar in an airing position by means of a hook (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Sven L. Gerhardsson
  • Patent number: 4699413
    Abstract: An auxiliary door latch for use with a door swingably mounted on one side thereof to a side element of a door frame and with the other side of said door being free comprising a first door latching component fixed upon the side element of the frame proximate the free end of the door when the latter is in closed condition; there being a second door latching component suitably mounted upon the door proximate its free end for swingable movement between engaged latch-forming relationship with said first door latching component when the door is in closed condition and disengaged state for permitting door movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventor: Theodore V. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4674777
    Abstract: A cam lock has a housing with a locking lever extending through an opening in said housing and being pivotally mounted thereon. The housing has a shoulder on an interior surface thereof surrounding said opening and the lever is surrounded by an abutment. In a closed position, the abutment forms a line of contact with the shoulder so that the opening is completely closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventor: Volker Guelck
  • Patent number: 4663949
    Abstract: A latch assembly for securement to a common side of a sliding pane and frame to lock the sliding pane to the frame. Particularly, but not exclusively, the latch assembly is secured to a sliding door and the frame of that door. The assembly comprises a handle member having a handle housing for receiving a lock assembly having a locking element actuable therein. The housing has a slotted portion for receiving a securement flange provided on a stile on the common side of the sliding pane for securement to the flange. A keeper member is secured to the frame in alignment with the locking element to receive same therein when the lock assembly is positioned thereagainst. The handle member and keeper member are both secured to the stile and frame respectively, by fasteners which extend substantially parallel to the plane of the sliding plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventor: Barry Yane