Spring Retracted Patents (Class 292/129)
  • Patent number: 11447260
    Abstract: A cowl door includes a cowl door body having a first side, a second side, and an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between the first side and the second side. The cowl door body is configured to be rotatably mounted to a structure at the first side of the cowl door body. At least one stiffener is mounted to the interior surface of the cowl door body and extends lengthwise at least a portion of a distance between the first side and the second side of the cowl door body. The at least one stiffener includes a stiffener body having a latch housing section disposed at a second stiffener end of the stiffener body proximate the second side of the cowl door body. A latch member is mounted to the stiffener body and disposed at least partially within the latch housing section of the stiffener body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart J. Byrne, Sarah Lohman
  • Patent number: 10829969
    Abstract: A locking device which includes a hook and a dual control for locking the hook. The dual control includes a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft incorporates a section and is rotationally mobile between a hooked position, in which the section is accommodated in a housing of the hook and an unhooked position, in which the section is outside the housing of the hook. The second shaft incorporates a section and is rotationally mobile between a locked position, in which the section of the second shaft is accommodated in a notch in a flange of the first shaft and an unlocked position, in which the section of the second shaft is outside the notch in the flange of the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS SAS
    Inventor: Serge Rabois
  • Patent number: 10633896
    Abstract: The invention is a locking device for securing roll-up doors on tractor trailers and other cargo vehicles. The working parts of the invention are enclosed inside a housing and the invention employs a dual catch-pin system which allows the door to be locked shut with minimal play between the bottom of the door and loading deck of the cargo vehicle. This, the invention is resistant to attempts to slide pry bars or jacks under the door in force breach attempts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Raul Barba
  • Patent number: 10597227
    Abstract: The invention provides a covered dustbin or covered container. In particular, the invention relates to a lock assembly for dustbins and covered containers. A lower half of the lock is mounted to the inside wall of the dustbin and an underlid half is mounted to the underside of a lid that is hinged to a location adjacent the upper rim of the dustbin. A pair of interlocking engagement members is provided to releasably secure the lid to the dustbin. The lower half and the underlid half each include one interlocking engagement member, such as a hook and a strike. A rocker, when actuated, urges the interlocking engagement members into a disengaged position, for example to disengage the hook from the strike. A user can use a handle provided on the lid to press down the rocker to disengage the lock and lift the lid in a one-hand operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Franzen Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Manfred Ernst Matuschek, Tobias Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20140225380
    Abstract: A locking device includes a locking pair having a bolt to engage with a retainer and a detection linkage. The bolt is movably mounted against a spring which tends to return the bolt to a position spaced apart from the retainer. The detection linkage is also movably mounted between an unlocked position where the detection linkage allows unlocking of the bolt and the retainer. In particular, a portion of the bolt then engages with the detection linkage by means of a detecting part of the detection linkage to block a possible return of the detection linkage towards a locked position where the detection linkage engages with the portion of the bolt so as to oppose to unlocking of the bolt. The detecting part irreversibly drives the detection linkage to its unlocked position even when one locking pair is unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Patrick GONIDEC
  • 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: 8756961
    Abstract: A door assembly includes a door base, a door disposed pivotally on the door base for covering openably the door base, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a first body biased to move relative to the door base in a first direction, a first engaging portion disposed at the first body, a pushing portion disposed at the first body, a second body disposed at the door, and a second engaging portion disposed at the second body. A lock is operable to move the first body relative to the door base in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first engaging portion is biased to move in the first direction to thereby engage the second engaging portion, so as to lock the door at a locked position for covering the door base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Hai-Nan Qiu, Fu-Lung Lu
  • Publication number: 20140110952
    Abstract: A system for controlling a locking module for a vehicle door having an electronic latch mechanism is provided. An electronic handle switch is operatively connected to the door and a controller. The electronic handle switch is configured to at least partially control operation of the electronic latch mechanism. The locking module is configured to block the electronic handle switch, thereby preventing the door from being unlatched. The locking module is enabled when one or more predefined operating parameters are met. The controller disables the locking module when one or more entry conditions are satisfied. At least one sensor is operatively connected to the controller, the sensor being configured to indicate one of two states, a first state and a second state. The entry conditions include at least one sensor indicating the second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Lange, Phillip C. Storck, III
  • Publication number: 20140028034
    Abstract: A locking device for containers with a container lock housing and with a locking hook. The locking hook has a pivot axis, which is stationary relative to the container lock housing and which can pivot about the locking hook into a standby position and a locking position. An activation mechanism is included for the locking hook, which has a first actuating element and a second actuating element as well as a release mechanism. The first actuating element holds the locking hook in its standby position, while the second actuating element is configured such that it blocks and clamps the locking hook in its locking position. The release mechanism after the releasing acts on the first actuating element and/or on the second actuating element, which automatically brings about the clamping and blocking of the locking hook in its locking position by the second actuating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: JOST-WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Stephan ALBERS, Hans-Peter PAULEKUHN, Michael EIERMANN, José Manuel Algüera
  • Publication number: 20130300134
    Abstract: A motor vehicle hood latch mechanism for engaging a striker of a hood having a closed locked position and a released position is disclosed. The mechanism includes a latch assembly attached to a chassis member. The latch assembly includes a latch having a locking cam and a pawl movable between a locked position engaging the locking cam and an unlocked position away from the locking cam. A sensor detects the presence of a pedestrian proximate the front of the motor vehicle and generates a signal in response thereto. A deployment spring having an energized position and a released position is retained in an energized position by a release mechanism responsive to the signal generated by the sensor, such that actuation of the release mechanism releases the resilient member and rotates the pawl to the unlocked position to release the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, James Chih Cheng, Allan Roy Gale
  • Publication number: 20130234447
    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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Patrick Gonidec
  • Publication number: 20130049378
    Abstract: A rotary latch lock for a vehicle door has a lock case forming a cut-out recess for a lock pin; a first rotatably mounted rotary latch engageable with the lock pin; a first rotary latch spring for imposing a force on the first rotary latch; a rotatably mounted actuating lever engaging in the lock case; a first locking pawl pivoting about a first pivot axis; and a guide device for locating, centering and guiding the vehicle door during opening and closing of the vehicle door. The first rotary latch, the first latch spring and the first locking pawl are arranged within the lock case. The first locking pawl engages the first rotary latch, causing the first rotary latch to be maintained in a locked position engaging the lock pin. The actuating lever actuates the first locking pawl, causing it to release the first rotary latch from its locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: D. LA PORTE SÖHNE GMBH
    Inventor: D. LA PORTE SÖHNE GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130049379
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch device comprises a base member having a striker-engagement groove which a striker of a vehicle body enters; a latch pivotally mounted to the base member and engagable with the striker; a ratchet pivotally mounted to the base member to engage with the latch to prevent the latch from turning; a latch-detecting switch detecting a turning position of the latch; and a terminal block in which a latch conductive plate is formed by insert molding. The terminal block has a holding portion for the latch-detecting switch without coupling means. The latch conductive plate has a connecting terminal exposed in the holding portion and electrically connected to the latch detecting switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Yoshiaki YOKOTA, Minetaka KATAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20120299313
    Abstract: A latch includes a catch pivotable about a first axis between a latched position for retaining a striker and an unlatched position for releasing the striker. The catch has a cam surface. A pawl is pivotable about a second axis and is engageable with the cam surface of the catch. In some embodiments, the pawl secures the catch in the latched position by resting on a first portion of the cam surface, the curvature of which is substantially concentric with the second axis when the catch is in the latched position. The pawl is movable off of the first portion of the cam surface to release the catch from the latched position. The catch can be drivable toward the latched position by the pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, Steven J. Dimig, Mark S. Paulson, Kyle J. Beutin
  • Publication number: 20110266814
    Abstract: A cover latching mechanism includes a housing, a cover, a button and a spring. The button is slidably mounted to the housing and releasably latches with the cover. The spring is mounted between the button and the housing. When the button is pressed, the button slides relative to the housing to compress the spring and release the button from the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: XIAN-WU HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100177468
    Abstract: A latching device applied in an electronic device includes a battery cover and a main body. The latching device includes an elastic member mounted on the battery cover facing the main body and a hook member slidably connected to the battery cover. The hook member includes an operation portion and at least one hook portion. The operation portion is exposed to users for sliding the hook member, and the hook portion is for hooking the main body when the battery cover covers the main body. When the battery cover is pressed to cover the main body, the operation portion is pushed to slide the hook member till the hook member resists the elastic member, and when the battery cover covers the main body, the push of the operation portion is removed, thus the elastic member resumes its natural state, and the at least one hook portion hooks the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BAO-SHUAI LIU
  • 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: 7578531
    Abstract: A lock is described for sliding aluminium door or window panels, wherein are used discrete hooking and locking mechanisms. The hooking mechanism comprises an oblong hook profile (21) which rotates automatically in a hooking or unhooking position into a vertically extending frame profile (1) which bears a respective recession shaping, as the sliding door/window panel is simply pulled in the opening or shutting direction, respectively. The locking mechanism operates so that, when being controlled by the user, it is set in a position for capturing the hooking mechanism in the hooking position, by capturing the immobilisation arm of the above mentioned, otherwise freely and automatically rotating, oblong hook profile (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Athanasios Leontaridis
  • Publication number: 20090115197
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for damping vibration of an elastic member within a latch for securing a top panel to a base of an information handling system (IHS) wherein the latch includes an elastic member with a first end and a second end, the first end attached to a fixed portion of the top panel. The latch may further include a body attachable to the top panel, the body defining a cavity for receiving the elastic member, wherein the body further comprises a movable anchor for attaching the second end of the elastic member and a raised portion, wherein the raised portion is in contact with the elastic member within the cavity to damp vibration of the elastic member and an actuation tab coupled to the body to engage the body in a movable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: David William Grunow, Richard C. Sohaney, Faiza Hassan, Anil Damani
  • Patent number: 7497103
    Abstract: A latch has a pair of oppositely acting latch bolts slidable on a housing that are engageable with latching formations on a strike. The housing has a pair of substantially parallel posts configured to shield portions of the latch bolts during insertion into and withdrawal from openings defined by the strike. A plug is turnable on the housing to slide the latch bolts toward and away from each other between latched and unlatched positions. In lockable embodiments of the latch, the plug may be provided with a keyway into which a key can be inserted and turned to move the latch bolts; and, in some embodiments, the latch bolts are retained in their latched positions when the key is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Michael O. Misner
  • Patent number: 7477509
    Abstract: An eject mechanism for a module includes a module casing; a module engaged in the module casing; the module including a cable port; and an eject button for allowing disengagement of the module from the module casing. The eject button prevents the module from disengagement when a cable is plugged into the cable port. A method of ejecting a module from a module casing includes disengaging the module from the module casing upon the pressing of an eject button, and preventing the module from disengagement when a cable is plugged into a cable port of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett C. Ong, Leslie N. Keller, William A. De Meulenaere
  • Patent number: 7205492
    Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing which defines a through passage that extends along an axis of the housing, and a slot that extends in a plane which transversely intersects the axis and communicates with the passage for supporting in the housing-defined slot a disc-shaped member having a central opening that aligns with the passage. Movable in the aligned passage and opening is a push button sub-assembly of the unit which includes a front element that, when depressed rearwardly, may cause a rear element of the push button sub-assembly to extend rearwardly from the housing to release a latch or to operate a switch or the like. If the unit is to be lockable, an optional locking mechanism is added to the elements of the push button sub-assembly to selectively drivingly connect the front and rear elements so that depression of the front element will cause rearward extension of the rear element only when the unit is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Baltazar S. Corcino, Brian M. Ott
  • Patent number: 7203445
    Abstract: A lock mechanism is provided with a lock member moved between a locking position for locking a first apparatus and a second apparatus, and a non-locking position for not locking the first apparatus and the second apparatus, and a restraining portion for restraining the lock member in the non-locking position. With an operation of bringing the second apparatus and the first apparatus close to each other from a state in which the first apparatus and the second apparatus are spaced apart from each other, the restraint of the lock member by the restraining portion is released, and the lock member is moved from the non-locking position to the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Uchida
  • Patent number: 7137387
    Abstract: An oven lock mechanism is disclosed having a latch mechanism driven by a motor between a latched position wherein the oven door is held in a closed position and an unlatched position wherein the oven door freely opens and closes. The motor is controlled by a switch that enables rotation of the motor when in a first state and prevents rotation of the motor when in a second state. A switch actuator mechanism places the switch in the first state when the door is closed and in the second state when the door is open. The switch is mounted at the rear of the oven away from the front opening of the oven compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Charles V. Edwards, Harry I Courter, Tracy J. Talley
  • Patent number: 7126066
    Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing which defines a through passage that extends along an axis of the housing, and a slot that extends in a plane which transversely intersects the axis and communicates with the passage for supporting in the housing-defined slot a disc-shaped member having a central opening that aligns with the passage. Movable in the aligned passage and opening is a push button sub-assembly of the unit which includes a front element that, when depressed rearwardly, may cause a rear element of the push button sub-assembly to extend rearwardly from the housing to release a latch or to operate a switch or the like. If the unit is to be lockable, an optional locking mechanism is added to the elements of the push button sub-assembly to selectively drivingly connect the front and rear elements so that depression of the front element will cause rearward extension of the rear element only when the unit is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Baltazar S. Corcino, Brian M. Ott
  • Patent number: 6957836
    Abstract: A lock assembly having a housing containing a push rod movable along its longitudinal axis between a locked position where the push rod is extended outwardly of the housing and a retracted, unlocked position. A movable latch moves radially to engage with the push rod to hold it in the locked position and to disengage from the push rod to allow the push rod to move to its unlocked position. The latch member has an opening that, when aligned with the main axis of the push rod, allows the push rod to pass through the opening but when the latch member is offset with respect to that axis the latch member abuts against the push rod to prevent the push rod from moving to its unlocked position. A pushbutton moves the latch member and a locking assembly blocks the movement of the pushbutton when the lock assembly is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Tactile Lock, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Briley, George T. Croft, Robert E. Schmeck
  • Patent number: 6886869
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a mounting plate that carries a locking hook. The locking hook is pivotal with respect to the mounting plate and may be pivoted from an unlocked position to a locked position. A motor is in communication with a locking hook, and is capable of causing the locking hook to be pivoted to the locked position. The locking mechanism may be opened by use of an electronic key, and may contain electronics capable of recording the date and time a particular key was used to open the locking mechanism. Also, the locking mechanism may be capable of being locked without the use of the motor when the motor is disabled due to power disruption or other circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Richard A. Martinez, Brian Lee Hahn, Mitch Mlynarczyk, Michael Koch, Robert Brewczynski, Claudia Juliana Bevilacqua, Kenneth A. Kaczmarz, Brock Robinson, John Payson
  • Patent number: 6863316
    Abstract: A door latching or locking mechanism or module for a self-cleaning oven includes latching linkage of the door latch module that enables use of lighter duty, less expensive motor. The mechanical advantage and vector optimization of the latching linkage avoids stalling especially from a locked position. The latching mechanism includes a plurality of switches having a corresponding plurality of terminals. The terminals are grouped or ganged to allow connection with a single connector interface. The switches are selectively actuable/de-actuable by a cam and cam plate that utilizes linear motion translated from rotational motion of a driven (motor) to selectively actuate and/or de-actuate the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Cole
  • Patent number: 6802962
    Abstract: An easy access deck drain cover assembly with a strainer plate having a removable hinge at one end and a removable locking mechanism opposite the hinge where the locking mechanism includes a J-bolt coupled to the strainer plate and means for engaging the bottom of the J-bolt to secure the strainer plate in a closed position. The strainer plate cover remains connected to the deck drain even when opened so that the deck drain may be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Albert E. Browne, III, Jeffrey W. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6722167
    Abstract: A cabinet lock controlled by a press-button lock is disclosed to include an upright track affixed to the back side of the cabinet, a sliding locking bar vertically movably mounted in the upright track and adapted to hook the drawers in the cabinet, a linkage coupled between the top end of the upright track and the top end of the sliding locking bar and driven by the lock cylinder of the press-button lock through a push bar to move the sliding locking bar, and a spring member adapted to push the sliding locking bar upwards from the locking position to the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Long-Jung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6674638
    Abstract: A fastening device is provided to assemble a first unit and a second unit. The first unit has a first cover and the second unit has a second cover. The fastening device comprises a positioning post mounted on the first cover; a positioning aperture positioned on the second cover; a sliding piece mounted on the second cover and having at least one arm of which a slant edge slants upward along a first direction; a resilient element of which one end is fixed on the sliding piece and the other end is fixed on the second cover for making the sliding piece move with the resilient element on the second cover; and an operating key being mounted on the upper end of the sliding piece such that a user can push the sliding piece along the first direction by means of the operating key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Acer Inc.
    Inventor: Chiang Hsien-Chin
  • Publication number: 20030230902
    Abstract: A vehicle latch assembly includes a release lever and a pawl, the release lever having a locked, an unlocked and a release position where the unlocked position is on the path of movement of the release lever from the release position to the locked position. The release lever is biased by a biasing means toward the unlocked position when it is in the release position. The latch assembly is arranged so that the release lever moves toward the locked position due to the biasing force of the biasing means when the release lever is released. The kinetic energy of the release lever is transferred to the pawl in the latch assembly, and the pawl uses the transferred kinetic energy to prevent the release lever from reaching the locked position. When the release lever is stationary in the unlocked position, the pawl does not prevent movement of the release lever from the unlocked to the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gurbinder Singh Kalsi
  • Patent number: 6588809
    Abstract: A latching device which comprises a cabinet door catch member and a cabinet probe member that is adapted to engage the catch member. The probe member includes a floating shaft that is disposed axially in a housing, and which includes a projection that is shaped and positioned to engage a groove in the catch member when the door is closed. Provision is made for automatic separation and opening of the cabinet door when the catch member is released by the probe member shaft. Release of the catch member is effected by a single smart rap on the outside of the door. The device is simple, reliable and economical to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jay S. Derman
  • Patent number: 6474118
    Abstract: A lock for attaching a cover to a platform includes first and second pivotally mounted latch bars which spread to engage side walls of a strike opening in response to actuation of a key actuated rotatable plug mounted in the housing of the lock. The latch bars are mechanically spread to engage the strike in a positive manner and do not rely upon biasing means to maintain the lock in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20020158474
    Abstract: A lock for a door (10) comprising a casing (11), a bolt (55) operable to extend from or retract into the casing and manually operable bolt retention means to retain the bolt in its retracted state even when an automatically operating bolt holding member (74) is released by inwards movement of a bolt release member (69). The bolt retention means comprises a snib (106) having a part receivable in an opening (103) in the bolt (55) when the bolt is manually moved into the case from its normally retracted position. Once the snib part is in the opening and the inwards force on the bolt removed, the spring acting on the bolt moves the bolt to its normally retracted position, where it is then retained by the snib. To release the retention, the bolt is again moved further into the case, whereupon the snib part is moved clear of the bolt opening under spring bias, and the unretained bolt is moved by its bias to its normally retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Brian Edward Cowper
  • Patent number: 6142035
    Abstract: An interior securing device for a lock of a movable vehicle body part of a motor vehicle includes a Bowden cable provided as a transmitting device which is rigidly connected with a securing knob and is linked to an adjusting element. The Bowden cable is surrounded along its length by a flexible guiding sleeve. Near the securing knob, the guiding sleeve is held fixed to the vehicle body part. Near the adjusting element, the guiding sleeve is held fixed to the lock. The securing device is particularly suitable for use with rear side doors of passenger cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Udo Babatz, Herbert Schmidt, Claus Topfer
  • Patent number: 6099047
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for cases or containers which includes engagable lock elements, one of which can be rotatable into a lockable and a non-lockable alignment. The exposed surfaces of the lock elements are flush with surrounding wall surfaces of the case or container when the mechanism is locked. The mechanism can be concealed by matching the exposed surfaces of the lock elements with the surrounding surfaces of the case or container. The mechanism include springs which bias the lock elements. Appropriate spring strengths can be selected to prevent infants and young children from opening the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Douglas L. Reiff, Ross A. Weldy
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5791701
    Abstract: A security latch mechanism suited for use with a splice chamber in a building telephone entrance terminal. The mechanism includes a latch member having a hook at its top end for engaging a splice chamber cover. A stem arrangement including a fastening member joins a bottom end of the latch member to part of the entrance terminal while permitting the latch member to move between a latch open position and a latch closed position. A spring mechanism associated with the fastening member urges the latch member toward the open position. The fastening member has a head for governing movement of the latch member, wherein the latch member advances toward the entrance terminal and its hook engages the splice chamber cover to define the latch closed position when the fastening member head is operated in a first sense, and the latch member advances toward the splice chamber cover and the hook disengages the cover to define the latch open position when the fastening member is operated in a second sense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel H. Daoud
  • Patent number: 5725260
    Abstract: A locking arrangement comprises a movable control member at the wing and a stationary counter-member at the frame. The control member is arranged at a connecting rod and is displaceable longitudinally along with the latter by means of a handle. In this way, the locking arrangement is displaced between a closing position and a releasing position. In order to achieve a trouble-free arrangement with a reliable closing position, at least one lever with a hook opening is provided in the counter-member which cooperates with the control member as a hook lever. This hook lever is swivelable transversely to the displacement direction of the control member. In the closing position, the hook lever is swiveled toward the control member until a hook opening receives the control member and its outer hook leg engages in front of the control member. In the releasing position, the hook lever is swiveled away from the control member and its outer hook leg is situated outside of the displacement direction of the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Wilhelm Weidtmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Eikmeier, Dietger Frick, Werner Riedel
  • Patent number: 5504587
    Abstract: A paper feed roller (5) is divided into a first roller (5a) and a second roller (5b); a slit (58) through which about 10 to 20 sheets of documents can pass is formed between the first roller and a gate plate (57) opposite to this; and the paper fed out therefrom is fed out to a space between the second roller (5b) and a separation pad (7) in contact with this.Also, there is adopted a construction in which the pressing force of a paper conveyance spring is transformed by a slide cam sliding in a direction parallel to the paper feed roller; and the paper width detection sensor is assembled by a fitting construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignees: PFU Limited, Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shuichi Morikawa, Masahiko Futatsuka, Satoshi Ishida, Yasunori Miyauchi, Minoru Masuda, Makoto Takagawa
  • Patent number: 5390516
    Abstract: A lock or catch (10) is shown for a sliding door or window. The lock has a tongue (13) which can pivot to engage or disengage with a fixed frame part of a frame in which the door or window can slide. The lock has two buttons (16,17) which are respectively operable to move a lock (20,21,23,25,31) so the tongue (13) is moved to a first position (such as an unlocked condition) and to a second position (such as a locked condition).A cylinder lock (not shown) can be used to lock the lock and therefore the tongue (13) in a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Dowell Australia Limited
    Inventor: Michael Alchin
  • Patent number: 5244239
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a permanent magnet which is fixedly connected with a housing. A pair of pole pieces are connected with opposite poles of the permanent magnet. A coil extends around a portion one of the pole pieces. A keeper is mounted for pivotal movement between an initial position in which the keeper engages both of the pole pieces and a release position in which the keeper is spaced from the pole pieces. The coil is energizable to oppose the permanent magnet and release the keeper for pivotal movement from the initial position to the release position. A retainer surface is connected with the keeper and retains a striker and door against movement relative to the housing when the latch assembly is in an engaged condition. The retainer surface and striker cooperate to transmit force along a path which extends through an axis about which the keeper pivots. The retainer surface has an arcuate surface area with a center of curvature disposed on the axis about which the keeper pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5067271
    Abstract: A trap intended for capturing mice, rats, snakes or the like alive consists of a receptacle, preferably a household jar (6) and a cover (2,115). The cover (2,115) has an opening which is closed by a pivotally arranged grating (113). In order to manufacture a cover (2,115) which is readily adapted to various diameters and threads on the neck (7) of the receptacle (6) the connection means of the cover (2,115) are provided in the form of snap acting webs (4). So as to prevent a captured animal from escaping the cover comprises a stop latch (101) for holding the grating (113) into contact with the contact face on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Joergensen Henning
  • Patent number: 4848810
    Abstract: A device for manual or automatic opening of an aircraft safety equipment box includes a pin fixed to the box door, a pivotable hook engageable with the pin, and a resilient return assembly associated with the hook. The return assembly has a main spring urging the hook to a disengaged position and a locking lever pivoted about the same axis as the hook. In its locked position the lever abuts and holds the same part of the main spring as holds the hook in its engaged position. In the release position the lever frees the main spring to drive the hook to disengage it from the pin. The return assembly further has a secondary spring for returning the lever to its release position and the hook to its engaged position. The return assembly includes a release plate locking the lever in its locked position. Displacement of the plate causes the hook to disengage from the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Societe De Fabrication D'Instruments De Mesure
    Inventors: Dominique Gosse, Gerard Silber
  • Patent number: 4637642
    Abstract: A latching assembly for a door of an overhead stowage bin for a passenger aircraft. There is a pivotally mounted latching arm which is moved by an actuating member having upper and lower contact members, with the lower contact member being spaced downwardly from the latching arm when in its latching position. The actuating member is urged downwardly by spring means to the latching position. The latch remains secured in its latching position even though impact loads may be imposed on the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Carl H. Stoecker
  • Patent number: 4616861
    Abstract: A first push of an engaging piece moves a projecting portion provided on a case along a one-way passage loop provided on one face of a cam plate while simultaneously moving the cam plate transversely, guiding the projecting portion into an engaging portion provided in said passage, locking the device. Pushing the engaging piece a second time disengages the projecting portion from the engaging portion and moves the cam plate transversely back to its original position, unlocking the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mutsuo Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 4429759
    Abstract: Disclosed is a latching mechanism comprising (a) a plunger adapted to be mounted on a truck body or similar structure, (b) first means for extending and retracting the plunger, (c) a latch hook pivotally mounted on the truck body or similar structure in position to contact the plunger when it is retracted but not when it is extended, (d) a catch adapted to be mounted on a truck cab or similar structure in position to be engaged by the latch hook when the latch hook is contacted by the plunger, but not when the latch hook is not contacted by the plunger, and (e) means biasing the latch hook towards contact with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: Ray Clark
  • Patent number: 4413695
    Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises a body structure, a cab mounted on the body structure for movement about a pivot axis between a normal operating position and a tilted position, and a support radially spaced from the pivot axis for supporting the cab structure on the body structure in the normal operating position of the cab, at least one of the supports comprising a keeper attached to one of the structures and a latch member attached to the other structure and mounted for movement into and out of latch engagement with the keeper when the cab is in its normal operating position, the keeper comprising a bracket mounted on the said one structure and a striker pin resiliently mounted on the bracket. The resiliently mounting of the striker pin in the bracket minimizes wear between the striker pin and the latch member during use of the vehicle and also reproduces vibrations transmitted from the body structure into the cab structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Joseph Slocombe, Michael A. Parry
  • Patent number: RE36652
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a permanent magnet which is fixedly connected with a housing. A pair of pole pieces are connected with opposite poles of the permanent magnet. A coil extends around a portion one of the pole pieces. A keeper is mounted for pivotal movement between an initial position in which the keeper engages both of the pole pieces and a release position in which the keeper is spaced from the pole pieces. The coil is energizable to oppose the permanent magnet and release the keeper for pivotal movement from the initial position to the release position. A retainer surface is connected with the keeper and retains a striker and door against movement relative to the housing when the latch assembly is in an engaged condition. The retainer surface and striker cooperate to transmit force along a path which extends through an axis about which the keeper pivots. The retainer surface has an arcuate surface area with a center of curvature disposed on the axis about which the keeper pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William S. Wang