Sliding Catch Patents (Class 292/106)
  • Patent number: 11358271
    Abstract: A socket storage device is provided, including: a base and a socket holder. The base has an assembling portion. The socket holder is disposed on the assembling portion and rotatable between a first position and a second position. The socket holder includes an insertion portion and a locking portion. The insertion portion includes an engagement portion. The locking portion includes a blocking portion being movable between a third position and a fourth position. When the socket holder is in the first position, the blocking portion is in the third position, the locking portion is biased against the engagement portion, and the engagement portion is unmovable relative to the insertion portion; when the socket holder is in the second position, the blocking portion is in the fourth position, and the engagement portion is movable relative to the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: CHUN NIEN PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventor: Chi-Tsai Chang
  • Patent number: 11359412
    Abstract: A latch arrangement for fastening a panel of a door or a window to a frame element, the panel including a depression is provided. The latch arrangement includes a locking element pivotally mounted an the frame element and displaceable between a locked position in which the locking element is engaged with the depression of the panel locking thereby the panel to the frame element, and an unlocked position in which the locking element is disengaged from the depression of the panel unlocking thereby the panel from the frame element, a stop latch selectively deployable to secure the locking element in the locked position, precluding thereby displacement of the locking element to the unlocked position; and an actuating mechanism configured to selectively pivot the locking element away from the depression to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: DAN RAZ LTD.
    Inventor: Amir Raz
  • Patent number: 11293200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a child safety latch for limiting movement of a first element with respect to a second element, comprising a prong assembly secured to the second element, said prong assembly including a prong arm with a terminal end; a receiving means secured to the first element for capturing the terminal end of said prong, to stop movement of the first element with respect to the second element by a specified distance from the second element; by automatic engagement of the receiver of the receiving means with the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: SAFE AND CARE LTD.
    Inventor: Jesper Birk Andersen
  • Patent number: 11234339
    Abstract: The present invention provides a housing having a housing shell with an opening, a guidance component and a door leaf set. The guidance component is arranged in the housing shell and extending along the direction away from the opening. The door leaf set has a first door leaf and a second door leaf. The first door leaf is pivotally connected the housing shell to enable the first door leaf to rotate to a first position or a second position relative to the opening. Wherein when the first door leaf is positioned at the first position, the first door leaf shields a portion of the opening; when the first door leaf is positioned at the second position, the first door leaf extends into the housing shell and defines the first installation space with the guiding component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Chu, Pin-Miao Liu, Ren-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 10400832
    Abstract: A torque converter includes a front cover, an impeller, an output shaft member, a turbine and a clutch. The turbine includes a turbine shell, a turbine blade, a coupling portion and a piston portion. The turbine shell is supported by the output shaft member. Additionally, the turbine shell slides on the output shaft member in an axial direction. The turbine blade is attached to the turbine shell. The coupling portion extends from the turbine shell toward the front cover. The piston portion extends from the coupling portion in a radial direction. The clutch is disposed between the piston portion and the front cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keiji Sato
  • Patent number: 10370112
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a propulsion assembly having a nacelle surrounding a turbojet engine, the nacelle having an upstream structure with an air inlet including an air inlet lip, the air inlet lip defining, with the air inlet lip, an air inlet chamber, the upstream structure being capable of translational movement along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle, between a closed position and an open position that allows access to the turbojet engine. The propulsion assembly further includes at least one locking/unlocking device allowing and preventing movement of the upstream structure that in one form is fixed to the air inlet lip and to an upstream flange of the turbojet engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: SOCIETE LORRAINE DE CONSTRUCTION AERONAUTIQUE
    Inventor: José Faugeras
  • Patent number: 10287816
    Abstract: Devices for securing and retaining firearms that include either a lockable firearm cabinet or a firearm securement system. The cabinet includes a receptacle; a locking device and locking mechanism; a spring for biasing the locking mechanism in the locked position; and a bar for overriding the locking mechanism. The securement system includes a wall mounted plate for securing a firearm thereto; a release mechanism that allows the firearm to be removed and electronics for wirelessly communicating with a computer and the firearm to provide information regarding removal of the firearm or firearm cartridge from the wall mounted plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Rustin B. Penland
  • Patent number: 10196839
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus for securing railcar doors comprises a staple affixed to a portion of a railcar. The staple defines a staple hole. The apparatus further comprises a hasp. The hasp comprises a hinge. The hasp further comprises a first portion pivotally coupled to the hinge. The first portion is affixed to the railcar. The hasp further comprises a second portion. The second portion comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the second portion is pivotally coupled to the hinge. The second end is opposite the first end. The second portion of the hasp comprises a square key plug configured to be inserted into a square key hole of a railcar door. The second portion of the hasp defines a first hole through which a portion of the staple may pass when the hasp is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Trinity North American Freight Car, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Cencer
  • Patent number: 10174543
    Abstract: A pocket door system for inhibiting an animal from passing through a doorway includes a door frame is positioned within a wall. A door unit is slidably positioned within the wall. The door unit is biased into a closed position having the door unit extending across the door frame. Thus, the door unit may inhibit an animal from passing through the door frame. The door unit is selectively urged into an open position. Thus, the door unit facilitates the animal to pass through the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Rodney Kapavik
  • Patent number: 10024479
    Abstract: A system for providing upkeep and maintenance to piping including in improved pipe freezing apparatus. In a specific embodiment, the system is quite useful to replace worn valves that may require digging underground to expose enough of the pipe system. Novel tools for removing the valve are additionally provided by the present invention. The preferred embodiment further improves upon job safety when using CO2 (dry ice) evaporating and venting the chamber as a gas displacing oxygen. The novel design of the pipe freezing apparatus described herein can be installed by hand without tools. Said design further obviates a need for a specifically designed vent for the pipe freezing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: James M Henderson
  • Patent number: 9915084
    Abstract: A locking mechanism suitable for use with a door or other entry point is contemplated. The locking mechanism may include cams, levers or other features operable to facilitate securing the door against prying, wedging and related techniques intended to compromise secure by physically separating the door from a door frame or other support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: FireKing Security Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Smith, Daniel Jones
  • Patent number: 8764072
    Abstract: A locking device includes a bolt capable of engaging with a corresponding hook, the bolt being mounted against a resilient return spring that tends to return the bolt into a spaced apart position. The locking device further includes a detection linkage, which is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the linkage enables unlocking of the bolt and the hook. In the second position, the linkage engages with a portion of the locking pair so as to block the unlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Patrick Gonidec
  • Patent number: 8448483
    Abstract: A securement apparatus for a vehicle storage compartment includes a closure panel and a body portion. The securement apparatus includes a base portion, a handle, a tumbler and a lock. The base portion is configured to couple to the closure panel. The handle is pivotally coupled to the base portion to move between latched and unlatched positions, and includes a latch that is configured to engage the body portion while the handle is in the latched position. The tumbler is moveably disposed with respect to the base portion between locked and unlocked positions, and is configured to restrict movement of the handle from the latched position to the unlatched position while the tumbler is in the locked position. The lock is configured to move the tumbler between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Brant
  • Patent number: 8360707
    Abstract: An apparatus generally consisting of a base member mountable on a component of a prime mover which may be pivoted about a transverse axis, a carrier mounted on the base member displaceable along a transverse line of travel between first and second positions and a boom mounted on the carrier, disposable in an inoperative position disposed along such line of travel when the carrier is in its first position and pivotal to an operative position disposed at an angle relative to such line of travel when the carrier is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc
    Inventor: Samuel S. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20120028095
    Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism employed in an electronic device is used to assemble a battery cover to a housing. The battery cover latching mechanism includes a hook, a base body, a sliding element, and an operating element. The hook is mounted on the battery cover, and the base body is detachably assembled to the housing. The sliding element is detachably and slidably assembled to the base body and includes a latching block corresponding to the hook. The operating element is detachably assembled to the sliding element, and is pushed relative to the sliding element, the operating element forces the sliding element to move relative to the base body, the latching block unlocks the hook to detach the battery cover, when the latching block locks the hook, the battery cover is latched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LI-JUAN WANG, YONG-GANG ZHANG, KUAN-HUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 7695030
    Abstract: Described herein is a safety device against false maneuvers for sliding window and door frames, including an arrest designed to prevent displacement of the catch of the mobile frame of the window or door frame from its inoperative position to the operative position of engagement with a corresponding striker of the fixed frame, in the condition for opening the window or door frame. The arrest with the corresponding thrust member, adjustable in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the arrest, is carried by a slide that is adjustable in a direction orthogonal to the direction of displacement of the arrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: SAVIO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio
  • Patent number: 7665774
    Abstract: A lock unit used for an electronic apparatus that includes a foldable and unfoldable housing that has a first surface that is foldable, and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface includes a lock member that locks the housing in a folded state, an operation member that moves the lock member and releases a lock of the housing by the lock member, and a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force applied to the operation member to the lock member by changing an operating direction of the operation member to another direction, and moves the lock member in the other direction, wherein the operation member is provided on the second surface, and an operating direction of the operation member is a first direction perpendicular to the second surface, the lock member projecting in a second direction orthogonal to the first surface, and a moving direction of the lock member being a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Minoru Kumagai, Ikki Tatsukami, Kazuo Kobayashi, Wataru Tanaka, Kaigo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7654496
    Abstract: A backrest for a motorcycle includes a base plate including an upper portion, and a lower portion including first and second opposing ends. A frame and/or pad are attached to the support portion. The lower portion includes a first vertical recess in the first end, and a second horizontal recess in the second end. A bracket is slidably mounted to the base portion, the bracket being slidable along a transverse axis between open and closed positions. In the closed position, a third recess in the bracket at least partially encloses the second recess for securing a pin within the second and third recesses. A locking arm is pivotally mounted to the bracket member for releasably securing the bracket member in the closed position. The bracket member and locking arm allow the backrest to be quickly attached to and released from a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Summit Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sharpe, Gary Chez
  • 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: 7420799
    Abstract: A case structure of an electronic device comprises a first shell, a second shell, a first engagement element, a second engagement element, a first spring element, a second spring element and a plug element. The first engagement element protrudes from the first shell. The second shell having a first penetrating opening allows the first engagement element to pass through. The second engagement element having a button portion passes through a second penetrating opening of the second shell. The second engagement element is driven by the button portion and the first spring element to control the second engagement element and the first engagement element to engage or disengage from each other. The plug element located in the second shell is pushed for filling in the first penetrating opening by the second spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 7370901
    Abstract: A glove box assembly for a vehicle includes a box member that is adapted to fit in an opening of the vehicle. The box member includes front and rear surfaces with the rear surface including a guide surface formed thereon. The box member also includes a recessed portion that extends toward the direction of the rear surface defining a storage space. A pair of tabs spaced laterally relative to each other extends downward from the recessed portion and rearward of the guide surface. A slide member extends from a first end to a second end and includes front and rear surfaces. The front surface of the slide member is disposed proximate the guide surface such that the slide member is operative to move laterally relative to the guide surface. The slide member includes a tapered portion that is sized to pass without interference with the pair of tabs when the slide member is positioned in an installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Warren Penner, Atsushi Kobayashi, Kerry Scott Zellner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7325842
    Abstract: An automatic gate closer latch for use in centrally securing a commercial or industrial swinging gate to a stationary fence post, especially useful in the farming and ranching applications, includes a gate catcher assembly mounted on a swivel bolt, complete with directional pressure finders, a bearing tensioner assembly consisting of a bearing tensioner plate, a roller bearing, a tension spring and mounting hardware. The said gate latch catcher assembly is a flat bar segment composed of three right angled bends designed similar to open fingers, to catch the oncoming protruded gate edge post. The directional pressure fingers incorporated in the opposite ends of the gate catcher finger assembly allows the spring tension assembly to maximize its distance in the central neutral position thus causing an automatic closed latch phenomenon. Above normal pressure from an implement on either side of the gate will promote the fingers to open allowing the gate to swing open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Prairie Valley Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Don Lenz
  • Patent number: 7066500
    Abstract: A lock is provided for a vehicle having a door and a fixed part proximate the door. The lock includes a housing attached to the vehicle door. Latch means, including a hook, are mounted for rotation relative to the housing about an axis. The latch means rotates between a first position, wherein the hook engages a part of the vehicle to secure the door in the closed position, and a second position, wherein the hook is remote from the vehicle part such that the door can be opened. A latch rotation preventing member is moveable, relative to the housing, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the latch, between a forward position, remote from the path of movement of the latch means and a rear position, intersecting the path of the latch means to retain the latch means in its first position. Means are also provided for biasing the member toward the rear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Babaco Alarm Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Haber
  • Patent number: 7044509
    Abstract: An elongated latch bar is slidably carried in a passageway through a bolt housing and is extendable into an aligned passageway of a keeper. The extended end of the latch bar carries a transverse cavity for receiving a cross-latch. The keeper carries the cross-latch in a suitable position to engage and lock the latch bar to the keeper when the latch bar when it is suitably inserted and positioned in the keeper. The cross-latch carries narrow operator that extends across the keeper passageway to an outside location and allows the cross-latch to be manually depressed. The latch bar has a forked end that creates a slot leading to the cavity. The slot is sized to allow passage of the operator but not the cross-latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Michael B. Radel
  • Patent number: 6762928
    Abstract: An automatic lifting apparatus for a liquid crystal display module of notebook computers is described. The automatic lifting apparatus comprises a latch hook, a latch button, a latch spring, a lifting plate, at least one lifting spring, and a housing. The latch hook fixes on a liquid crystal display module of the notebook computer. The others parts are positioned inside a base of the notebook computer for locking the latch hook. Furthermore, the lifting plate with the lifting spring power pushes the latch hook moving upward until the latch hook reaches about the height of the latch hook. Therefore, the automatic lifting apparatus can open the liquid crystal display module more efficiently and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chao-Yuan Lo
  • Patent number: 6699128
    Abstract: A removable processor enclosure apparatus for use in a gaming machine having a housing defining an interior portion, and a first electrical connector disposed in the interior portion. The enclosure apparatus includes an enclosure containing the CPU electrical components therein, and is adapted for sliding receipt in the interior portion of the gaming machine housing between a mounting condition and a removal condition. In the mounting condition, the enclosure is mounted to the housing and electrically coupling a second electrical connector of the enclosure to the first electrical connector of the housing. In the removal condition, the enclosure can be removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John Leagh Beadell, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 6682379
    Abstract: A cowl latching system provides a retainer that is attached to the outboard motor and a catch device which is attached to a cowl structure. The catch device is shaped to allow the retainer to move between first and second extension portions. The retainer is provided with first and second retention members that can each move from a retracted position to an extended position under the urging of a resilient member such as a spring. The first and second retention members can also be urged from their respective extended positions to their respective retracted positions by the movement of the first and second extension portions of the catch device when the cowl structure is installed unto the outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Walczak, Glenn E. Anderson, Timothy D. Krupp
  • Patent number: 6575541
    Abstract: A removable translucent mask for use with a gaming device having a cabinet. The mask includes a first mask member adapted to removably connect to the cabinet having spaced-apart top and bottom members and spaced apart side members joined to and integral with the top and bottom members. The mask further includes a second mask member adapted to connect to the first member having spaced apart top and bottom members and spaced apart side members joined to and integral with the top and bottom members. A locking mechanism joined to the cabinet is adapted to removably connect the first and second mask members to the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen
  • Patent number: 6394300
    Abstract: A lock for locking the cover of a compartment to prevent opening of the cover is described. The cover is provided with a biased latch at one end which is movable between a latch position for latching against a mating locking lip of the compartment and a release position to allow the cover to be removed from the compartment. The lock comprises a means for insertion into the biased latch once the cover has been attached to the compartment to prevent the biased latch from moving to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel F. Bosy
  • Patent number: 6347804
    Abstract: A motorcycle accessory quick-release attachment assembly is provided which consists of two or more motorcycle accessories adapted to be releasably attached to the same set of mounting studs without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, each motorcycle accessory includes one or more front hooks for mounting on the front mounting studs, one or more rear hooks for mounting on the rear mounting studs, and one or more latches rotatably connected to the rear hooks for securing and releasing the rear hooks to and from the rear mounting studs. Significantly, the configuration of the latches allows the accessories to be releasably attached to the same set of mounting studs. Each of the latches may be configured to receive a padlock to lock the rear hooks to the rear mounting studs. As such, the accessories can be optionally locked to the motorcycle to guard against theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Big Dog Motorcycles, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Seibel
  • Patent number: 6108196
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a notebook computer has an ejecting unit which elastically pushes a latch up to a certain height. The ejecting unit includes an elastic member installed at a main base panel of the notebook computer and an ejector for pushing the latch up due to the elastic member when a display panel is to be opened. Thus, the notebook computer can be easily opened and closed and also the external appearance of the notebook computer looks more aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-duck Jung
  • Patent number: 6102499
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for removably attaching a data processing device to a cage of a computer housing comprises a base plate forming a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. Both sidewalls extend vertically from transverse sides of the base plate. The first and second sidewalls define a receiving space for receiving a data processing device therein. The first sidewall includes a biasing flange extending horizontally into the receiving space from a free end thereof, and the second sidewall includes at least a biasing tab extending toward the receiving space thereby facilitating the installation of the data processing device within the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: I-Fee Chen, Alvin Liu
  • Patent number: 6019401
    Abstract: In a lock for sliding closures a covering plate forms an integral part of a sliding assembly. Fixing members include arrangements to receive complementary arrangements of the covering plate and to cooperate with the latter to guide the moving assembly when it slides relative to the wall and to hold it against the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ferco International Ferrures Et Serrures De Batiment
    Inventors: Gerard Prevot, Gerard Desplantes, Eric Alvarez
  • Patent number: 5964548
    Abstract: A connector for connecting panels surrounding an enclosure for cattle or horses allows one person working alone to connect adjacent panels. The connector comprises a U-shaped portion having a down-turned leg on one end and an up-turned leg on another end. The down-turned leg is pivotally connected to a post of a first panel. A post of a second panel is moved adjacent the post of the first panel. The U-shaped portion is then pivoted around the post of the second panel. A slidable sleeve, which is slidably engaged to the first post, is lowered to slidably engage the up-turned leg of the U-shaped portion, thereby connecting the adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Hi-Qual Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan Akins, Joe Kuffner, Len Peters
  • Patent number: 5825626
    Abstract: A personal computer includes a housing and a access panel providing access to the housing interior. The access panel is held closed by a latch, and the latch is locked against actuation, by a lock. The lock includes a bar that can be pulled out to a latch-locking position, whereupon an aperture of the bar is exposed for receiving an auxiliary locking member such as a padlock. The padlock prevents the bar from being retracted into a latch-release position. The access panel carries a cooling fan and a plug. The plug is automatically plugged into a receptacle carried by the housing, in response to the access panel being closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy K. Hulick, Wayman Lee
  • Patent number: 5667232
    Abstract: A sissy bar assembly including a backrest portion and a pair of latching mechanisms mounted on the backrest portion for securing the backrest portion to a motorcycle mount upon movement of the backrest portion toward the mount. The backrest portion includes a pair of side plates each having front recesses engageable with the front mounts, and rear recesses engageable with rear mounts. The latching mechanisms each include a latch member mounted on the side plates movable for pivotal movement between an unlatched position, in which the front recesses are engageable and disengageable with the mounts, and a latched position, in which the front recess is held in engagement with the mounts. The latching mechanisms further include a locking member movable relative to the latch member between an unlocked position, in which the latch member is movable between its latched and unlatched positions, and a locked position, in which the latch member is held in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventors: Donald Michael Gogan, Stephen L. Galbraith, Geoffrey Thomas Williams
  • Patent number: 5573287
    Abstract: A bilateral-type door locking handle assembly is disclosed. The assembly, owing to its bilaterality, can be employed in both a leftward- and a rightward-retractable door unit to enable its maker to save manufacturing costs and stock space of the product, in which: left latch 25 and right latch 28 are pivoted to pivot 22; lock plate 18 is vertically slidably moved by projection 41 of lever 17 connected with both rotor 19 of lock 12 and base shaft 14 of thumb turn 15, the projection being so arranged as to be pushed by plate 36 fixed to the rotor; notches 30 and 31 abutting on a left and a right surface of plate 29 of the lock plate are provided in shoulders of the left and the right latch, respectively; and, driving plate 40 is provided in an upper end of rear handle 9 so as to project therefrom and abut against each of arm 37 of the left latch and arm 38 of the right latch, the rear handle being interlocked with a front handle 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhide Takimoto
  • Patent number: 5418601
    Abstract: In a clamshell-type image forming apparatus in which the upper unit is rotatably openably connected to the lower unit and in which the upper unit is biased in the opening direction by a biasing member, a hook is disposed at the upper unit and an engagement member is disposed at the lower unit for preventing the upper unit from being opened when the engagement member is engaged with the hook. The engagement of a lock member with the hook in association with the closing operation of a front cover, prevents the hook from being rotated. The disengagement of the lock member from the hook in association with the opening operation of the front cover, allows the hook to be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Fujisawa, Takao Besshi
  • Patent number: 5387018
    Abstract: A device or kit for making a refrigerator door child proof is disclosed. The device comprises about four distinct parts: a shock cord, a spring clasp, one adhesive backed mounting plate or pad with a loop for receiving the spring clasp, another adhesive backed pad for mounting the latch and lanyard to. The loop pad is adhered to refrigerator door. The other pad having the latch and lanyard mounted thereto is either adhered to a second door or the side of the refrigerator. The latch can be operated by one hand. The latch can be disabled by leaving the latch unhooked. Dependent claims include additional features separately or combined: double spring clasp, clock, telephone, night light, can opener, writing surface, fan, timer, alarm, motion detector, bottle opener, and paper clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: William R. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 5378029
    Abstract: A connecting device for a fastening element with a through bore has a housing and a first pulling member slidably connected within the housing. The pulling member comprises a hook for penetrating the through opening and engaging an edge of the through opening from behind. An actuator is connected within the housing for moving the pulling member from an initial position into a clamping position. In the clamping position, the hook exerts a force directed toward the housing onto the edge. At least one pressurizing member is slidably connected within the housing so as to be movable into the clamping position. The pressurizing member has at least one section resting at the fastening element in the clamping position. The pulling member is clamped between the pressurizing member with the fastening element interposed. A device for securing the hook against displacement relative to the through opening of the fastening element is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hoffeins
  • Patent number: 5300745
    Abstract: An oven comprises a cooking chamber having a movable door (3) hinged on the forward surface (2) of said oven and provided with a hook (4) comprising a nose (5) and a catch (6). The hook enters an opening (9) in the forward surface to actuate a movable locking element (7). The locking element comprises a wheel (20) pivotally mounted on a plate (14) fixed to the forward inside surface of the oven. This wheel comprises a first surface (A) comprising two abutment lugs (22 and 23), a safety lock constituted by a blocking finger (25) fixed on the second surface (B) of the wheel and controlled by a safety spur (24) that projects through an opening (23') transversely to the first surface (A) and adapted, either to come into abutment with stop boss (26) of the plate, or to permit the rotation of the wheel. Application to all closure devices, particularly to a household microwave oven to prevent operation thereof by e.g. a child, when the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Moulinex (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Pierre Chartrain, Michel G. de Matteis, Bernard M. Bois
  • Patent number: 5219193
    Abstract: A check rail lock with a handle pivot shaft secured for pivotal movement with respect to the housing and a cam which pivots with the shaft between an open position with the cam enclosed in the housing and a locking position with the cam extending from the housing for grasping a keeper. An axially reciprocable locking member is associated with the pivot shaft for pivoting therewith, and has a manually engageable button end projecting above the housing and a locking end within the housing. The locking end has circumferentially spaced locking surfaces, and a spring biases the member locking end into engagement with the housing. First and second locking notches in the housing receive the member locking end when the cam and handle are in the open and locking positions, respectively, and the locking notches each have a surface engaging one of the locking end locking surfaces to prevent pivoting of the locking member and pivot shaft when the member locking end is received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Truth Division of SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen M. Piltingsrud
  • Patent number: 5174617
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for a sliding door or window. The latch includes a striker (normally mounted on the door or window frame); a housing aligned with the striker (and normally mounted on the sliding door or window panel) and with walls forming an interior chamber; one opening in the front of the chamber and a second opening at least partially in the back of the chamber; and a spindle and a pivot pin disposed transversely within the chamber; an elongated latch bar pivotally mounted on the spindle, with its front end projecting out of the first opening and its back end projecting out of the second opening. Its front end can be releasably latched to the striker in response to motion of its back end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Slideline, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark G. Huber, Davie G. Hutchison, David M. Prochaska
  • Patent number: 5114194
    Abstract: A safety closure device to prevent access by young children to appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and ovens. The safety closure device comprises a mounting means to secure the device to the appliance without damaging said appliance, a blocking means that alternately allows and prevents the door of the appliance from opening, a retention means that holds said blocking means in place and a releasing means that allows the release of said retention means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventors: Pamela G. Toifl, Samuel D. Toifl
  • Patent number: 5060992
    Abstract: A door lock for preventing unauthorized ingress and solely actuable from the inside of a room. The lock includes a lock bar, pivotally anchored to the outer edge of the door, and a jamb plate, anchored to the adjacent jamb and having an elongated vertical aperture for door locking engagement by the lock bar free end portion when the door is closed. A stem is slidably mounted on the lock bar to take a blocking position protruding beyond the free end portion of the lock bar for releasably extending through the jamb plate aperture. When the stem is engaged into the jamb plate aperture, the lock bar is prevented from pivoting because the stem has no clearance to do so within the aperture. Thus, a person outside the room could not release the lock bar by upward pivotal thereof, for instance by inserting a blade through the vertical air gap between the door outer edge and the jamb plate, underneath the lock bar, and then lifting same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Joseph A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5052728
    Abstract: A lock device for keeping a movable body closed includes a cam lever and an inertia stopper. The cam lever serves to lock the movable body at a closed position by pushing the movable body inward to the closed position against a biasing force and to release the locked state of the movable body by further pushing the movable body inward, thereby permitting the movable body to move to an open position. The inertia stopper serves to prevent the cam lever from releasing the locked state of the movable body when the force of inertia is generated to push the movable body inward from the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Masumi Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 5024473
    Abstract: A gate locking device for a fence which includes a security box having a mounting plate affixed within the box. The security box is mounted to a pole of the fence. An oarlock is hingeably mounted within the security box. The oarlock is capable of movement between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the locked position the oarlock engages another pole of the fence. A dead bolt is securely affixed to the mounting plate within the security box and is movable between an extended and unextended position. The dead bolt is disposed in mechanical relation to the heel plate of the oarlock so that when the dead bolt is moved to the extended position it substantially prevents the pivotal movement of the oarlock. A barrel lock is mounted to the security box and mechanically connected and adapted to the dead bolt for moving it between the extended and unextended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Donald E. McQuade
  • Patent number: 5020835
    Abstract: A rod end lock for latching heavy objects. The rod end lock has a barrel with a mounting end and a latch end. The latch end has a bite portion such that a keeper is secured at a location centered about the axis of the barrel. The mounting end is coaxial with the barrel and has the same centerline. A locking element is movably connected to the barrel and is biased in a closed position such that the locking element and the bite portion form an enclosed space therebetween for latching the keeper. The keeper is released by actuating the locking element to the open position thereby overcoming the bias to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventor: L. Richard Poe
  • Patent number: 5012794
    Abstract: A closure for ovens is divulged, comprising a hook mounted for sliding in the oven body between a locked position, in which no lateral movement of the hook is possible and an engaged position in which the hook may move laterally against the retaining force of a spring for letting the door catch pass. A lever retains the hook in the locked position and must be actuated for unlocking and opening of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Societe Cooperative de Production Bourgeois
    Inventor: Jacques Faurel
  • Patent number: 4993759
    Abstract: A gate latch for use with a gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to a stationary fence includes a transversely extending latch bar secured to the gate and a latch member pivotally mounted on a mounting plate secured to the fence. In a first embodiment, a safety latch attachment includes an adapter plate configured for partial overlying attachment adjacent the latch mounting plate and having a reciprocal spring biased plunger in alignment with a transverse aperture formed through a latch frame on the mounting plate. When in a latched position, the plunger prevents the pivotal latch member from being unlatched. A pulley guided cable is connected to retract the plunger to allow the gate to be unlatched. In a second embodiment, the safety latch attachment mechanism is provided as an integral unit on a common mounting plate with the pivotal latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Peter C. Thomas