Spring Projected Patents (Class 292/121)
  • Patent number: 7690700
    Abstract: A door latch device for a domestic electrical appliance, in particular for a dishwasher, has a frame (10) provided or to be provided on a first component of the domestic appliance, a latching unit (28) arranged so it can be displaced relative to the frame between an open position and a latched position for engagement with a closure system of a second component of the domestic appliance that can be moved relative to the first appliance component and is to be locked with respect thereto, and a latching spring assembly that pre-tensions the latching unit and which in the open position of the latching unit forces the unit into engagement with a blocking surface (24) that blocks relaxation of the latching spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: emz-Hanover GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Thomas Neumann
  • Publication number: 20100064740
    Abstract: A door lock includes a door catch system for double door-type helicopter doors that can, when being closed, additionally be displaced perpendicularly to the plane of the door opening into the closed position (flush fitting). The door lock includes a catch element (30) associated with the latch element (31) and actively linked therewith, the catch element maintaining the door ‘caught’ directly in front of its locked position when the door is manually closed until the door is translated to its final closed position via the latch element (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Koppel, Alexander Rowbut
  • 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: 7669901
    Abstract: A door safety latch for air cleaner is provided. The door safety latch includes a latch arm including a latch projection, with the latch arm configured to pivot with respect to a door of the air cleaner, and a slider that traps a portion of the latch arm. The slider is configured to hold the latch arm in a first, latched position and further configured to pivot the latch arm to a second, unlatched position. The door safety latch further includes a release button that includes a stop shoulder. The release button is biased to a normally extended position with the stop shoulder blocking movement of the slider and the latch arm to the second, unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, John R. Bohlen, Steve Irby, Paul Moshenrose, Owen T. Bourgeois
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100026013
    Abstract: A locking device includes a locking mechanism and a striker. A hook of the locking mechanism, when rotated, is capable of forming a locked condition in which the striker is held between the hook and a recess of a base plate. A pawl is capable of rotating to a position in which the pawl can engage the hook and maintaining the hook in the locked condition. A locking spring is capable of biasing the hook and the pawl such that the hook and the pawl are stabilized in the locked condition or the unlocked condition. A thrust member is capable of rotating to a thrusting position in which the thrust member can press the hook in the locked condition toward a locking direction via a cam surface formed therein. A thrust spring is capable of biasing the thrust member toward the thrusting position. A through hole that is formed in the thrust member forms a deformation promoting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taiyou Otsuka, Makoto Asano
  • Patent number: 7644963
    Abstract: A hooking device includes a hook for clasping a latching device, a spring mounted to the hook for providing a restoration force to the hook, and a base securing the hook and the spring thereon. The hook includes a main portion, a catch portion, and a pair of shaft portions extending from the other end along opposite direction. The spring includes two winding portions, two first arms extending from ends of the winding portions, the first arms acting on the hook; and two second arms extending from the other ends of the winding portions. The base includes a base plate defining an opening, two supporting plates accommodating the shaft portions, two bearing plates extending from the base plate, the second arms acting on the bearing plate, and an elastic arm extending from the base plate pushing on the other end of the main portion of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Fan, Jung-Hsiang Lee, Chang-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 7637540
    Abstract: A latch structure includes a base, a connecting unit, a first spring member, at least one hook unit and a button. In this case, the connecting unit has a first side and a second side, and the connecting unit is disposed on the base. The first spring member has a first end and a second end. The first end connects to the connecting unit and the second end connects to the base. At least one hook unit is located at the first side of the connecting unit. The hook unit has a moving member with a hook portion and a connecting portion, and the hook portion locates in a first site. The button is located at the second side of the connecting unit. When the hook portion does not locate in the first site, the button moves toward a first direction, the button pushes the connecting unit in a second direction, and the connecting unit touches the connecting portion. Accordingly, the hook portion turns to the first site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Ling-Yu Chiang
  • Patent number: 7604265
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a door includes a housing composed of a base and a cover. A drive knob, two links, two hooks, two adjusting members, and two torsion springs are connected between the base and the cover. The drive knob includes a drive surface that is engaged with a straight inside portion of a through hole of the links. One of the two links is pivotably connected to an adjusting portion of the other link and retaining slot of one of the two hooks. The other link has a positioning portion that is pivotably connected to the retaining slot of the other hook. When the drive knob is rotated in a particular direction (typically counterclockwise), the two links are pivoted in opposite directions and the two hooks are pivoted in two opposite directions and extend through apertures in the first outer surface of the base to hook a keeper structure and secure the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Imperial USA, Ltd.
    Inventor: Miao Hsueh Tsai
  • Patent number: 7591492
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a sliding door includes a latch base having a generally channel-shaped configuration for receiving the stile of a sliding door and a handle pivotally coupled to the latch base having a lift portion facing outward from the door. When the lift portion is pulled, the door stile is released from the latch base and the door is pushed away from the doorjamb by a tab portion of the handle, both actions occurring substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Shower Enclosures America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ali Nikkhah
  • Patent number: 7552951
    Abstract: A tray locking structure of a vehicle includes a housing installed in an inner panel of the vehicle, having an accommodating room, an installation recess formed in a front side thereof, and a locking bar that crosses the installation recess; a door hinged to a rear side of the housing that can move up and down to thus open and close the door; and a locking part installed in a front side of the door, having a locking body, a locking step provided in a lower end of the locking body and locked by the locking bar, an upper end pulled forward to release the locking part from the locking bar, a plurality of rotation protrusions provided on lateral sides of the locking body, and a button including an insertion plate having a plurality of insertion holes such that the rotation protrusions are respectively inserted into the insertion holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keun Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 7530608
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking/releasing apparatus, which comprises: a positioning mechanism disposed at a bottom plate of a fastener, a locking element, a positioning spring, a releasing spring, and a protruding pillar disposed at the bottom of a movable member, such that if the movable member is pushed into the fastener, the protruding pillar will be pushed to press against a guiding rim to rotate the locking element and drive the positioning spring to store energy, and if the protruding pillar continues to be pushed and blocked by the locking element, the protruding pillar will enter into a slot channel from a guiding gap. Then, the positioning spring releases energy to rotate the locking element in an opposite direction, and thus the protruding pillar is moved to a guiding concave to be accommodated and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
  • Patent number: 7523529
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an engagement mechanism employed in a first assembly part and a cooperating second assembly part. The engagement mechanism comprises a pivot member assembled in the first assembly part; and an elastic member having a double-wedged surface at an endmost portion thereof which extends outwardly from the projecting portion of the first assembly part. The elastic member is employed to provide an elastic force of maintaining the projecting portion extending outwardly from the first assembly part to engage with the second assembly part. The present invention, via the design of the double-wedged surface of the projecting portion, facilitates easy engagement or disengagement of the engagement mechanism, and overcomes the problem of having to provide extra disengagement arrangement in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Chi Yang, Yue-Jun Hu, Mike Cai, Li-Ming Le
  • Patent number: 7427086
    Abstract: Door assembly including a hook at one side of a cabinet for engagement with a door lock, rotating shafts at opposite sides of the hook, a door frame having an opening for pass through of the hook, a first supporting part on the door frame having a pass through hole for inserting one side of the rotating shaft, and a second supporting part on the door frame having an opened loading groove for loading the other side of the rotating shaft, thereby providing a door assembly which can be assembled readily, and permit more stable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Myung Sik Park, Kwang Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7407202
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for fixing a top member to a base member of a foldable electronic device includes a magnet, a locking member, and a first resilient member. The magnet is for being mounted to the top member of the foldable electronic device. The locking member for being movably received in the base member of the foldable electronic device includes a hook at a top thereof that is made of magnetic material, for engaging with the magnet. The first resilient member is for being mounted between the base member of the foldable electronic device and the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., ltd.
    Inventors: Dian-Hong Ye, Xiao-Gang Jiang, Chien-Li Tsai
  • Patent number: 7405927
    Abstract: A latching mechanism comprising a hook connected to a first component. The hook has a first position disposed within the first component and a second position extending from the first component. The latching mechanism further comprising a receptacle disposed within a second component and engaged with the hook. A magnet is disposed within the second component and moves the hook from the first position to the second position as the second component is disposed in close proximity to the first component. A push-button release mechanism is disposed within the first component and moves the hook from the second position so as to disengage said hook from said receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Lev
  • Publication number: 20080174125
    Abstract: A mechanical latch assembly includes a supporting frame, a locking latch, an actuation arrangement and a safety lock arrangement. The locking latch is slidably mounted on said supporting frame in longitudinally movable manner. The actuation arrangement includes an actuation handle pivotally connected to said supporting frame to longitudinally drive said locking latch moving between a locked position an unlocked position. Moreover, the safety lock arrangement includes a locker member movably mounted on said supporting frame, wherein said locker member has a slider slot formed thereon to define a pusher surface and an opposed retracting surface, and a thermal activated arm substantially extended from said supporting frame to slidably pass through said slider slot of said locker member at a safety temperature, and adapted to deflect to push said locker member at said pusher surface at an elevated operation temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Joe Lomicka, Zhirong Wang, Min Zhao, Wei Xu, Lijun Lu
  • Patent number: 7387351
    Abstract: A storage device including: a body having a storage compartment with an opening; and a door assembly accommodated in the storage compartment to slidably open/close the opening; and a door holding device. The door holding device includes a hooking part on one of the door assembly and the body to prevent a sliding of the door assembly when the door assembly opens/closes the opening, and a hook on the other one of the door assembly and the main body and which rotates between a first position at which the hook is hooked with the hooking part when the door assembly closes the opening and a second position at which the hook is released from the hooking part when the door assembly opens the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-man Nam
  • Publication number: 20080129056
    Abstract: A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively moveable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: HARTWELL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manuel Andres Hernandez, Thomas J. Helsley, Timothy S. Rozema
  • Patent number: 7377602
    Abstract: A bezel mounting assembly includes a bezel (10), a front panel (30) defining a pair of apertures (31), and a locking device (20) attached to the bezel for securing the bezel to the front panel. The bezel includes a pair of pillars (121) and a pair of blocks (11) having a pair of posts (14). The locking device includes a pair of symmetric side plates (22) defining through slots (25) for slidably receiving the posts, a pair of resilient arms (27) extending from the side plates, an operating member (23), and a pair of catches (26). The locking device is slidably attached on the blocks, with the posts engagingly received in the through slots. The resilient arms are secured to the pillars at free ends thereof. The operating member is moved vertically so as to drive the catches to engage in and disengage from the apertures of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun Lung Chen, Quan Guang Du
  • Publication number: 20080023968
    Abstract: A door safety latch for air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The door safety latch includes a latch arm including a latch projection, with the latch arm configured to pivot with respect to a door of the air cleaner, and a slider that traps a portion of the latch arm. The slider is configured to hold the latch arm in a first, latched position and further configured to pivot the latch arm to a second, unlatched position. The door safety latch further includes a release button that includes a stop shoulder. The release button is biased to a normally extended position with the stop shoulder blocking movement of the slider and the latch arm to the second, unlatched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, John R. Bohlen, Steve Irby, Paul Moshenrose, Owen T. Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7261332
    Abstract: A multi-position latch mechanism is provided for a subsurface aircraft ground servicing chamber formed by a pit having an upright interior wall and a pit lid seat disposed atop the pit. A pit lid is provided which, when closed, rests upon the pit lid seat. The latch mechanism includes a catch member depending from the pit lid adjacent the upright wall of the pit. The catch member is mounted to the pit lid for rotatable movement relative thereto. A latching member is mounted on the upright interior pit wall and has a plurality of vertically spaced teeth that face the catch member. The catch member has a hook facing the latching member. The hook is alternatively engageable with each of the teeth, depending upon the extent to which debris on the pit lid seat holds the pit lid off of its pit lid seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dabico, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Petersen, Dennis Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7261331
    Abstract: An apparatus with a two-way hidden latch. A main body comprises a magnet disposed under a retainer, which fixes the two-way latch disposed in a cover portion. The cover portion can be placed on the main body with a first or second surface facing downward. The cover portion comprises a first and second opening and a two-way latch is disposed near the two openings. When the cover portion is open, the two-way latch is fixed at an original position and hidden in the cover portion. When the cover portion covers the main body with the first surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a first position, engaging the retainer. Moreover, when the cover portion covers the main body with the second surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a second position, engaging the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Tzu-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 7188871
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism includes a lock claw, a spring attached to the lock claw for urging the same in a direction toward a lock state, a lock release operation piece linked to the lock claw for moving the lock claw in a direction toward a lock release state against a force of the spring when a lock release operation is performed, and a damping device for applying a damping force to the lock claw when the lock release operation is canceled. The lock release operation piece returns the lock claw to the lock state with the force when the lock release operation is canceled. The lock release operation piece is arranged to be separated from the lock claw when the lock claw returns from the lock release state to the lock state with an external force applied to the lock claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignees: Nifco Inc., Mazda Motor Corporation, Nishikawa Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Nemoto, Toru Maeda, Hideharu Kaeriyama, Hironobu Kondou
  • Patent number: 7155777
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for hinged devices having an upper member and a lower member. The closure mechanism includes a track disposed on the upper member and at least one support arm pivotally attached to the lower member. A biasing element is adapted to urge the support arm to engage the upper member and urge it to pivot to an open configuration. The arm includes a contact element that engages the track such that an upper end of the arm moves along the track as the upper member pivots to an open position. The arm includes a hook that engages a positive stop to prevent over-rotation of the arm. In other embodiments of the closure mechanism, the arm is pivotally attached to the upper member and moves against the lower member, and the biasing element extends between the arm and either the upper member or the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Connors, Donald N. Spitz, Gregory P. Washnock
  • Patent number: 7093865
    Abstract: A lid locking apparatus has a storage member, a lid, a knob member having a first abutment portion, a lock member having a second abutment portion and first and second biasing members. When the lid is in a closed position, the lock member locks the lid, when the knob member is in a closed position, the first biasing member biases the first and second abutment portions so as to abut each other, when the knob member is opened, the first biasing member biases to swing the lock member and the knob member integrally to thereby release the locked state, and when the lid is closed, the second biasing member biases the knob member in a direction towards the closed position to separate the abutment portions to thereby allow the lock member to swing independently even in the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Furuya
  • Patent number: 7078640
    Abstract: An opening switch for an opening and closing body includes a switch base having a first substrate and a second substrate which are put together in a manner such that inner faces of the substrates face each other and outer faces of the substrates are outer faces of the switch base; a main switch body provided on the outer face of the first substrate; a lever portion which is provided on the inner face of the first substrate and passes the second substrate through a through hole; and a flange portion for preventing an over stroke of the lever portion. The flange portion protrudes from the outer face of the second substrate and is positioned away from the lever portion and on a side toward which the lever portion is inclined. A flexible cover member for covering a combined body of the lever portion and the flange portion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Miyake, Tomofumi Ichinose, Kenichi Munenaga, Kazuhiko Yamada, Katsuyuki Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 7036851
    Abstract: A latch system for securing a sliding window to a fixed member, the latch assembly including a latch housing, a catch housing, and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes first and second latch arms and an actuator. The latch arms are pivotally secured to the latch housing and include first, actuated ends that are disposed within the latch housing and second, latching ends that are disposed outside of the latch housing and received by the catch housing. The actuator is slidably secured to the latch housing and operable to engage the latch arms' actuated ends so as to pivot the latching ends out of engagement with the catch housing and thereby permit the latch housing and the window associated therewith to move relative to the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joel Andrew Romig
  • Patent number: 7032973
    Abstract: A system for locking a first element with a second element, the system including a control member fitted on the first element and suitable for being actuated by a user in a direction that is substantially rectilinear and perpendicular to a pivot pin of a latch designed to co-operate with an anchor member fixed on the second element. The control member further includes a housing for receiving a finger of the latch while the latch is in the locked position so as to prevent the latch from pivoting about the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventor: Yann Reubeuze
  • Patent number: 7032939
    Abstract: A lock has a lock casing and a spring-loaded trigger guided for reciprocating movement within the housing. A hook-like bolt is arranged within the housing to be movable between an unengaged position and an engagement position. In a first position, as support surface of the spring-loaded trigger retains the bolt in its unengaged position. In a second position the spring-loaded trigger releases the bolt for movement towards its engagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Claes Magnusson
  • Patent number: 6893061
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a door including a door retainer projection is provided. The latch assembly includes a handle pivotally mounted to the door for rotation about a first end, and a latch actuator contacting the handle and mounted to the door for rotation about a first end. The handle rotates in one direction when actuated and the latch actuator rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. A keeper is engaged to the door retainer projection in a closed position, and the latch actuator is configured to disengage the keeper from the door retainer projection when the handle is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
  • Patent number: 6890008
    Abstract: An interlocking device for locking a case includes first and second interlocking members. The first interlocking member is formed with a notch. The second interlocking member is formed with a button that is operable to rotate the second interlocking member from a first position, in which the first and second interlocking members engage each other and in which the button is received in the notch, to a second position, in which the first and second interlocking members disengage from each other and in which the button moves out of the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Compal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Ping Chuang, Wu-Yung Chen
  • Publication number: 20040222643
    Abstract: A lock has a lock casing and a spring-loaded trigger guided for reciprocating movement within the housing. A hook-like bolt is arranged within the housing to be movable between an unengaged position and an engagement position. In a first position, as support surface of the spring-loaded trigger retains the bolt in its unengaged position. In a second position the spring-loaded trigger releases the bolt for movement towards its engagement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Claes Magnusson
  • Publication number: 20040195843
    Abstract: A window fastener for controlling the locking and unlocking of a window is disclosed. The fastener provides an unlocking feature that is manually activated by the user and a locking feature that is automatically activated as the window is moved substantially proximate to the closed position. The unlocking feature disengages the fastener from the window and maintains disengagement so that further manipulation of the fastener is not required to facilitate window opening. The fastener also provides a positive confirmation feature that informs the user that the window is either closed and locked or open and unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony Rotondi, Brian Dallmann, Tim Frenzen, Clark Velzke
  • Patent number: 6761381
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a handle, a handle retainer, and a keeper. The keeper includes a biasing mechanism and a head comprising a catch, a lock release projection, and a switch actuator. The keeper biasing member configured to facilitate engaging the catch with the door. The handle biasing member configured to facilitate maintaining the handle in a first position. The handle includes a contact surface slidingly coupled to the lock release projection to facilitate coupling the door to the tub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Luis Esteban Prada, Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
  • Publication number: 20040104582
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for opening/closing a door of a drier, by which the door is opened/closed more simply and swiftly. The present invention includes a hook provided at one side of the door of the drier wherein a hanging portion is formed at both sides of one end of the hook, a latch body provided to one side of a front panel having the door installed thereon wherein the hanging portion is inserted in an insertion hole formed in the latch body, a pair of holders provided to confront each other in the latch body to hold the hanging portion, and a pair of springs provided in rear of the holders, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Sung Gi Hwang
  • Patent number: 6719337
    Abstract: A latch wherein latching and unlatching is accomplished by an inward push by the keeper into the latch housing. The latch uses an improved housing configuration in conjunction with improved internal components, allowing for more consistent and reliable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Lianli Ji
  • Patent number: 6709030
    Abstract: A latch for use on boats or the like, presenting a substantially water impervious exterior. The unlatching element is mounted to the exterior by an axle, which is mounted horizontally and extends through the face of the latch at a portion that is substantially vertical when mounted and further substantially filled with the axle or a securement device. The axle rotates with the latch and operates a cam that directly moves the latch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Marine Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Donn Furlong
  • Publication number: 20030234542
    Abstract: A latch for use on boats or the like, presenting a substantially water impervious exterior. The unlatching element is mounted to the exterior by an axle, which is mounted horizontally and extends through the face of the latch at a portion that is substantially vertical when mounted and further substantially filled with the axle or a securement device. The axle rotates with the latch and operates a cam that directly moves the latch element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Donn Furlong
  • Publication number: 20030034654
    Abstract: A cargo container hold down device that includes a latch and spring used in a housing defined by a base that forms a surface thereabout on which cargo container corner fittings rests in the applied relation on the container relative to the supporting structure or platform involved, further including a bottom end that interfaces with a deck or vehicle structure for retention of the hold down device so the opposite side of the hold down device is allowed to automatically engage and disengage with a cargo container corner fitting as necessary to achieve proper handling and transport of cargo containers, the device using a latch on a pin, the pin carried in a pocket such that the latch force varies as a function of container position and movement, thereby enabling the use of a single spring in a low profile lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: John B. Brewster
  • Publication number: 20030030284
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a handle, a handle retainer, and a keeper. The keeper includes a biasing mechanism and a head comprising a catch, a lock release projection, and a switch actuator. The keeper biasing member configured to facilitate engaging the catch with the door. The handle biasing member configured to facilitate maintaining the handle in a first position. The handle includes a contact surface slidingly coupled to the lock release projection to facilitate coupling the door to the tub assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Luis Esteban Prada, Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
  • Patent number: 6517129
    Abstract: A lock device for a portable computer includes a mounting wall to be mounted on an upper housing of the computer, and parallel first and second flanges, each formed with a latch hole. An actuating unit has first and second actuating portions, and is normally disposed in a non-actuating position, in which the actuating portions are respectively displaced from the latch holes. A latch member is mounted on a lower housing of the computer, and is normally retracted into the lower housing. The latch member is movable to project from the lower housing and engage one of the latch holes due to magnetic attraction of a magnet of the actuating unit when the upper housing covers the lower housing. The actuating unit is operable for moving the actuating portions so as to push the latch member and disengage the same from the corresponding latch hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chung-Chi Chien, Wu-Yung Chen
  • Publication number: 20020135187
    Abstract: A latching assembly includes a latch mounted to a moveable member, the latch being moveable between a first position where it engages a stop of a base member to releasably secure the moveable member to the base member and a second releasing position. An actuator drives the latch between the first and second positions; and at least one spring biases the latch towards the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: John M. Bastian
  • Patent number: 6431615
    Abstract: A latching assembly includes a latch mounted to a moveable member, the latch being moveable between a first position where it engages a stop of a base member to releasably secure the moveable member to the base member and a second releasing position. An actuator drives the latch between the first and second positions; and at least one spring biases the latch towards the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher Hamilton L.L.C.
    Inventor: John M. Bastian
  • Patent number: 6349578
    Abstract: A lock assembly having a latch member that is held in position against a mounting plate by tabs extending from the mounting plate without requiring a bolt, thus allowing a bolt having a desired one of many different head patterns to be installed in the lock assembly at a later time. The mounting plate has at least two upwardly-extending tabs for connecting the latch member to the mounting member without the bolt, which can be inserted through aligned apertures in the mounting plate and latch member at a later time. Preferably, each tab has a first portion that extends upwardly a certain distance from the mounting plate, and a second portion that extends from the vertical portion. Preferably, the second portions of the tabs extend in opposite directions. A back portion of the latch member is placed on the mounting plate such that a first tab extends through an aperture in the back portion of the latch member and such that a second tab is located adjacent to a notch in the back portion of the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Antec Corporation
    Inventors: Avraham Tuvy, Michael P. DiLonardo
  • Patent number: 6250694
    Abstract: A latch wherein latching and unlatching is accomplished by an inward push by the keeper towards the latch uses an improved spring arrangement, allowing for quieter operation. A modified housing configuration works in conjunction with improved internal components to permit single direction assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Roy Weiland
  • Patent number: 5984383
    Abstract: A lockable, slammable rotationally actuated latch assembly for use as a latching and locking mechanism on a door or panel of an enclosure or compartment has a mounting pan with a recessed draw and peripheral mounting flange. A rotatable cam shank intersects the mounting pan and has a handle attached to an end of the cam shank on the exterior side of the pan. A latch is rotationally mounted on a latch shank located on the interior side of the mounting pan and is biased into the latched position by a torsion spring. A cam is attached to an end of the cam shank on the interior side of the pan and the cam has a contact edge positioned to contact and rotate the latch upon rotation of the cam shank. An optional latch guide can also be mounted on a latch shank for guiding a striker into a striker receiving cavity formed between the latch and latch guide. A lock assembly may be mounted on the flange of the mounting pan or inside the recessed draw of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Cleveland Hardware and Forging Company
    Inventors: Bhupendra Parikh, Donald J. McFarland
  • Patent number: 5957511
    Abstract: A closure for a passenger car cover which is stretched against a stationary frame of a vehicle body, comprises a housing which is arranged on the top side and has an operating element and comprises a swivellable locking hook which interacts with a connecting link mounted on the frame. In its locked position, while having an inconspicuous appearance, the lock does not project with respect to the adjoining top contour in the direction of the passenger compartment. During the opening operation, the operating element takes up a position advantageous for gripping by a user. In the locked position of the lock, a first and a second operating element are arranged in a sunk manner in a recess of the top frame. The two operating elements interact such that the second operating element will be moved into a lowered gripping position only after the operation of the first operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Bodo Homann, Wolfgang Moebius, Hans Droste, Reiner Armbruster, Ralf Mertin
  • Patent number: 5938249
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and detaching a panel has a rotating plate rotatively installed in an escutcheon of a car audio. The rotating plate is secured to the escutcheon by fastening the fastened protrusion of the rotating plate with a locking portion installed in an upper side of one side of a rear face of the escutcheon. A detaching portion is secured to one side of the rear face of the rotating plate. A panel is secured to the rotating plate by fastening the rear face of the panel with the detaching portion. When the rotating plate is released from the escutcheon, an elastic portion secured to the lower one side of the rotating plate elastically opens the rotating plate. A speed reducing portion secured between the escutcheon and the rotating plate reduces the rotating speed of the rotating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Seob Kim
  • Patent number: 5803777
    Abstract: A latching assembly for engaging and disengaging an upper cover portion and lower tray portion of a cowling of an outboard engine. The lower tray portion includes a recess in which part of the latching assembly is located. The latching assembly includes a shaft mounted to the lower tray portion. A latch is rotatably secured to the shaft and movable between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch is disposed within the recess when engaged so that is is flush with the exterior of the cowling. A catch is mounted to the upper cover portion and is engageable by the latch hook. A mechanism for biasing the latch to the engaged or disengaged position is provided for preventing the latch from moving from the engaged or disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriyoshi Hiraoka