Spring Projected Patents (Class 292/163)
  • Patent number: 8727395
    Abstract: Latch mechanisms for a slidable window generally disposed about the center of mass of a window pane on an edge perpendicular to its travel path to provide a straight line-pull using minimal mechanical effort and to provide a plurality of latch points to selectively secure a window pane in place along its travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 8727393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a window lock having a trigger and a bolt, the trigger being rotatable about an axis of rotation and the bolt being movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The bolt also includes a first clip and a second clip and the trigger includes a stop and a ramp. The trigger rotates about the axis for engaging and disengaging the ramp and the stop with the first and second clips for moving the bolt between the locked and unlocked positions. The invention further relates to a window lock that automatically locks without user intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Interlock USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Mathew D. Ruspil
  • Patent number: 8684423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a push catch (2) for a container (1) with a lower part (11) and a cover (12), the push catch including a push element (21) which corresponds to a locking bolt (4). The locking bolt (4) is at least partially surrounded by a spring (43) which acts on a bushing (44) when the cover is in the closed state. The bushing (44) can be moved along the longitudinal center line of the locking bolt (4) and is supported on the lower part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schmale GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunnar Stuberg, Christiane Schmale
  • Patent number: 8643469
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a door with an integrated mechatronic closing mechanism which is equipped with a receiver device. The receiver device is designed to receive and evaluate capacitive-resistive signals that are emitted by a transmitter and are transmitted via a user's body. The closing mechanism opens or does open the door in accordance with a result of said evaluation. In said one embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism is battery-operated and has no permanent electric connection to an object that is not located on or in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kaba AG
    Inventor: Andreas Häberli
  • Patent number: 8590351
    Abstract: A pair of left and right slide pins 10 and 20 are disposed at the rear side of the lid 1 movably in the lateral direction. The base member 30 is installed in the installation part formed on the lid 1 from the surface side of the lid 1. The operation handle 50 that drives a pair of slide pins 10 and 20 is mounted on the surface side of the base member 30. Also, the rotor 40 causing a pair of slide pins 10 and 20 to interlock in accordance with drive operation of the operation handle 50 is rotatably installed at the base member 30. The rotor 40 has a pair of drive force transmission engagement parts 43 and 43. A pair of slide pins 10 and 20 have the engaged parts 101 and 201, which are separately engaged with one and the other of the pair of drive force transmission engagement parts 43 and 43, respectively. The rotor 40 is mounted in the base member 30 in a state where the respective drive force transmission parts 43 and 43 are exposed to the rear side of the lid 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ookawara, Toshihiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8585104
    Abstract: An electronic device including a casing, a cover, a latching member, and a limiting member is provided. The casing has a space and a stopping portion on an inner wall of the casing and in the pace. The cover is detachably assembled to the casing for covering the space. The latching member on the inner wall of the casing and in the space has a body moving relative to the casing between a first position and a second position and a limiting portion with a limiting route. The stopping portion is in a moving path of the latching member. The limiting member is assembled to the casing and interferes with the limiting portion. When the limiting member interferes with the limiting portion, the body is limited at the first position and a third position between the first position and the second position relative to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Hua Lai
  • Patent number: 8544898
    Abstract: In a damping mechanism for a pivot door arranged in a door frame, comprising a door fixture arranged in or on the door panel, a frame fixture arranged in or on the door frame, a damper arrangement arranged in the door fixture or the frame fixture and a damper arrangement counter part mounted in the frame fixture or in the door fixture, a damper arrangement with a brake catcher provided with a damper member includes a spring element which pulls the brake catcher into the fixture and the damper arrangement counter part includes at least one trigger element which is abutted by the brake catcher during closing of the door, so that the damper arrangement begins to dampen the pivot movement of the door as soon as a fixture part of the door comes into contact with a fixture part of the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Günther Zimmer, Martin Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8505986
    Abstract: A hook module of an electronic device is disclosed. The hook module includes a base and a hook body. The base includes two positioning pillars and a side board, and the hook body is located on the base with one end passing through the side board. The hook body includes two elastic arms located at two edges of the hook body, respectively, and each of the elastic arms includes an abutting portion. When the hook body is moved by force applied on it, the two abutting portions abut against the two positioning pillars. The two positioning pillars and the two abutting portions move relative to each other to make the two elastic arms deformed, and an elastic restoring force generated from the two elastic arms drives the hook body to restore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Chieh Sun
  • Patent number: 8474884
    Abstract: A door lock with a bolt, wherein the bolt pieces of the dual-action bolt are prevented from turning away from each other as the bolt pieces have two projections (24, 26) arranged to cooperate with the inner surface (30) of the front plate. In relation to the support of the bolt piece on the shaft (29), one of the projections (26) is arranged on the opposite side in the axial direction compared to the other away-facing projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventors: Mika Helisten, Jari Kervinen
  • Patent number: 8465062
    Abstract: A latch, latching system and other components are disclosed that are particularly well suited for use with the heavy doors of armored military vehicles. Some component embodiments are usable in normal and emergency modes to provide access, entry, egress and rescue through vehicle door openings. Included among the disclosed components are latches having separate operating components that can be used to retract spring projected latch bolts and that usable advantageously in pairs and readily reconfigurable for use on left, right, front and rear doors of a vehicle at locations where door thicknesses differ. Also disclosed are operating linkages intended to extend exteriorly of door armor to turn shafts to operate latches situated interiorly of the door armor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs, David J. Wolf, Gerald M. Szpak, John W. Jostworth
  • Patent number: 8448998
    Abstract: An accessory securing mechanism includes a housing member, a securing member, and elastic members. The housing defines an assembly recess, the assembly recess forms a protrusion to engage a string, the securing member and the elastic member are received in the assembly recess, the elastic member resists the securing member, and the securing member resists the protrusion to secure the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pen-Uei Lu
  • Patent number: 8430435
    Abstract: A slam latch includes a housing and a pair of slide latch components biased toward a strike channel by springs. Each of the slide latch components is independently slideable in a track between a locking position, wherein the slide latch components extend into the strike channel, and a strike receiving position, wherein the slide latch components are slideably moved away from the strike channel into the tracks against the biasing force of the springs. A modular latch kit provides for one of the latch components to be replaced with a plug so as to block any opening on that side of the strike channel. A method of assembling a latch includes selecting either a combination of a latch component and a spring, or a plug, and disposing the selected combination or the plug in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: A.L. Hansen Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Juga, Charles E. Bullock
  • Patent number: 8424933
    Abstract: A locking enclosure includes a base, a cover mounted on the base, and two locking members assembled on the cover. A plurality of supporting recesses and two supporting portions are defined in the base. A plurality of barbs are formed on the cover to match with the supporting recesses, and two elastic arms are assembled on the cover to engage with the supporting portions, whereby the cover is restricted to move relative to the base, and is secured on the base. The locking members each comprise a resisting portion abutting a corresponding elastic arm. The resisting portion can be operated to make the elastic arm disengage from the supporting portion, to remove the cover from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Zheng Xu, Yang-Ming Lin, Hsuan-Tsung Chen, Guang-Yao Lee
  • Patent number: 8424931
    Abstract: A locking apparatus uses a handle pivotally connected to a base to control the movement of a slide block slidablely accommodated in a base. The slide block includes a locking tongue. The locking tongue protrudes out of the base or retracts back into the base according to the movement of the slide block. Thus, the locking apparatus can lock the hard disk when the locking tongue protrudes out of the base and unlock the hard disk when the locking tongue retracts back into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Kai Chang
  • Patent number: 8424935
    Abstract: A mortise lock is provided with independently rotatable spindles and a highly accessible lock-handing selector. Also, a clutching mortise lock is provided that enables operative rotation in both directions to retract the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Townsteel, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Moon
  • Patent number: 8424932
    Abstract: An enclosure includes a base, a cover mounted on the base, and two locking members assembled on the cover. A plurality of supporting recesses and two supporting portions are defined in the base. A plurality of barbs are formed on the cover to match with the supporting recesses. The locking members each include a securing portion movably assembled on a bottom of the cover, an operating portion mounted on a top of the cover and extending through the cover and connected to the securing portion, and a flexible member abutting against both the securing portion and the cover. The securing portion is engaged with a corresponding supporting portion to secure the cover on the base. The securing portion can be operated to disengage from the supporting portion to remove the cover from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Zheng Xu, Yang-Ming Lin, Hsuan-Tsung Chen, Guang-Yao Lee
  • Publication number: 20130093198
    Abstract: A latch is adapted to accommodate its installation into any one of several sash window frames, having different cross-sectional frame arrangements and setback distances. The latch includes a housing, spring and latch bolt. The housing includes a top plate, a side wall, and a bottom wall, which form a cavity, with the latch bolt being slidably received therein. The spring biasing the latch bolt to protrude out from a housing opening. The bottom wall includes a contoured peripheral opening configured to form a first flexible platform and a second flexible platform, each having one or more tabs thereon, formed by first and second surfaces converging to form an apex. The first surface of each tab accommodates latch installation for varying sash window frame set-back distances, with the second surface being configured to cause the platform to deflect into said cavity when being engaged during the installation into the sash frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8419085
    Abstract: A case locking device is provided. For example, an outer case and an inner case used for various types of electronic devices, such as set-top boxes (STB), are connected by a lock using a resilient force from an elastic material, such as a spring, so that the outer case and the inner case may be separated from each other using only a separately provided jig. Accordingly, the outer case and the inner case may be connected to each other more easily and any general user may be prevented from separating the case arbitrarily, thus making it possible to effectively prevent catastrophic failures from occurring at the electronic device due to a user's arbitrary manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Humax Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoungsu Kim, Hakryun Kang
  • Patent number: 8419087
    Abstract: A mortise lock incorporating a modular powerpack with dual independent return mechanisms, one for the inside operator and one for the outside, using linear springs, and with a lockout feature for selective “locking out” of the return mechanisms to accommodate external operators with built-in powerpacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Tony Shen
  • Patent number: 8414037
    Abstract: A push-push type latch mechanism is disclosed, which includes a platform, a slide hook with an incline disposed on the platform, a spring disposed on the platform and connected to the slide hook, and at least one damping component disposed on the platform and touching the slide hook. An electronic device with the push-push type latch mechanism is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wang, Wen-Chieh Liao
  • Patent number: 8403374
    Abstract: A lock system is provided which is made to facilitate connecting work of a slide pin with a cam member and reduce looseness in the connected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Shimizu, Toshihiko Okawara, Tetsu Hirano
  • Patent number: 8398127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening and closing device of push-push type for lids, with particular reference to the lids of fuel tanks in cars and motorcycles, which uses a mechanism comprising a heart-shaped cam (6) and a roto-translating pin (3), in which the cam (6) is positioned in detached and parallel position with respect to the roto-translating pin (3) and in which the heart-shaped cam (6) and the pin (3) are connected by means of a rocker (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: SO.GE.MI.-S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Persiani, Giuseppe Rossetti
  • Patent number: 8393039
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with a tilt-able hopper frame and hopper bag that includes a handle such that an operator may tilt the hopper frame and hopper bag, using the handle, to empty the hopper bag contents. The hopper bag and hopper frame are connected to a lawn sweeper unit using a hopper rod which is inserted into two slots at the ends of two hopper support bars and secured within the slots by two corresponding latch plates, one latch plate at each end of the two hopper support bars. The latching mechanism allows the hopper frame and hopper bag to be easily removed from the lawn sweeper unit for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Ronald Hickenbottom
  • Patent number: 8393650
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism that attaches and releases a boat or personal watercraft or the like to a trailer or lift or the like and includes a trigger which can move between a secured and released condition by means of contact with the boat or manually and which is biased by an energy storage device. Said trigger in turn may restrict or release a securing member or members which releases or secures a boat's eyehook. Said securing member may be biased by a primary energy device that may be moved to a locked or released condition as desired to attach the boat to, or release the boat from, the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: John Eliot, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130049380
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved electric strike assembly (1) including a keeper (6) which is mounted to a housing (8). A locking means including an electrical actuator (9) and a detent (10) configured to resist adjustment of the detent (10) from an active lock condition. The detent (10) is preferably grooved so as to catch on the keeper (6) or housing (8) preventing it moving from an active condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ASSA ABLOY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ernest Armari, Mark Aylesbury
  • Patent number: 8371626
    Abstract: Latch systems for use in aircraft are disclosed. One system includes a frame, a pin at least partially inside frame, an interface portion, and a link. Pin has proximal and distal ends and is slidable between extended and retracted positions. Interface portion is pivotable between open and closed positions and has a handle for receiving a force to move interface portion to open and closed positions. Link is pivotably coupled to pin and interface portion such that pin is at extended position while interface portion is at closed position and pin is at retracted position while interface portion is at open position. Interface portion has an impact face in line with pin when interface portion is at closed position to ensure pin does not reach retracted position while interface portion is at closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Ross Huston, Justin Joseph Noland
  • Patent number: 8366158
    Abstract: A latch direction change structure of lock includes a fixed member and a movable member each having front and rear vertical walls that form through holes and a horizontal connection wall connected between the front and rear vertical walls. The fixed member forms symmetrically arranged slots in a circumference of the through hole of the rear vertical wall thereof. A bar is set through the through hole of the fixed member, receives a spring to fit thereon, and further extends through the through hole of the movable member to attach to a latch. When the latch is frontward pulled with respect to a lock case, the movable member is movable along the fixed member to allow the latch to separate from the lock case for selective rotation of 180 degrees. The slots defined in the rear vertical wall of the fixed member provides a function of properly positioning the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Te-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8336927
    Abstract: A latch is provided for use on a pivotable sash window of a single-hung or double-hung sash window assembly to releasably secure the window to the master frame. The latch comprises a latch-bolt slidably mounted within, and biased relative to a housing. The housing is adapted to be installed into the top rail of the sash window through an opening in the stile and top rail, which has a periphery contoured to match the housing end profile. The latch bolt, while maintaining an aesthetically appealing external appearance, is configured to incorporate a cantilevered member which only becomes visible when biased to an angled position where it maintains engagement of the latch housing with the edge of the top wall of the rail during window deformation resulting from high wind loading. The cantilevered member ensures integrity of the latch installation under high wind load conditions typically experienced during extreme weather phenomena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Toni Liang, Toug Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8336930
    Abstract: An improved window sash latch which has a locking mechanism and a keeper is provided with a handle that rotates from a “locked” to an “unlocked” position. An inner cavity of the handle has a spring assembly having a sliding part that can be forced into a detent as the handle slides around a cylindrical extension of an outer surface of the latch. The detents correspond to a “locked” and an “unlocked” position of the latch. The latch also provides two cams where both cams revolve relative to each other; one cam is activated by the handle through the handle's shaft, the other cam engages the keeper, and both cams engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8322533
    Abstract: A substrate storage container includes a locking mechanism, provided in a lid for opening and closing an opened front portion of a container body which stores a substrate of three sheets or less, for locking the lid fitted into the front portion of the container body. The locking mechanism is supported by the lid which is substantially laterally long when viewed from the front. The locking mechanism includes an advance/retreat engaging body that opposes an inner periphery of the front portion of the container body when the lid is fitted into the front portion of the container body, and a spring member that causes the advance/retreat engaging body to advance from the lid to the inner periphery of the front portion of the container body and thus causes a tip end portion side thereof to interfere when the lid is fitted into the front portion of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Odashima, Hidehiro Masuko
  • Patent number: 8322760
    Abstract: A battery cover mechanism used in a portable electronic device includes a housing having an assembly groove and at least one holding aperture, a cover forming at least one lock and a rib at two ends thereof respectively, a latch member, and an elastic unit. The lock latches the holding aperture correspondingly, the latch member is slidably assembled in the assembly groove, the elastic unit is assembled in the assembly groove and resists the latch member, and the latch member latches the rib to latch the cover with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Xi-Qiu Wu, Guang-Xiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8313127
    Abstract: A latch for latching closed a door of a vehicle, especially designed to minimize the force required to latch closed the door by pushing the door to its closed position. A tongue, having a strike face and a catch face, is resiliently mounted in the latch so as to be urged to a latch-engaged position by a torsion spring pushing against a surface of the tongue and against a cover plate of the latch. A slider block is coupled to a door handle and to the tongue so that the tongue can be swiveled to a disengaged state by use of the door handle, in order to open the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Helms
  • Patent number: 8297665
    Abstract: A snap closure suitable for a thin-walled cabinet such as a sheet-metal cabinet, particularly for drawers, plug-ins, doors, or the like which can be pushed into or swiveled into a sheet-metal cabinet, comprises a housing which can be mounted in an opening of the cabinet sheet metal. One side (the outer side) of the housing has a handle and a closure actuating element, while a closure hook proceeds from its other side (inner side) so as to be swivelable against spring force. The closure hook is connected to the actuating element by a freewheeling coupling. According to the invention, the actuating element is formed by the handle which is mounted in the housing so as to be swivelable around an axis, and this axis is parallel to or coaxial to the axis of the closure hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 8297666
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cover over an opening defined in a housing of a portable electronic device includes a pair of latches along opposite edges of the cover. Each latch assembly has a cap affixed to the cover and partially housing a latch that is slideable therein. Each latch is biased by a separate spring into a first position, at which a tab on that latch projects from the cap and engages the housing. An actuator on each latch extends outside the respective cap for engagement by a user to slide the latch into a second position in which the associated tab is retracted from engaging the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vijai Rajagopal, James Carl Infanti, Timothy Herbert Kyowski
  • Publication number: 20120267057
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a cargo vehicle. The cargo vehicle includes a cargo compartment, which in turn is defined by a floor, a plurality of adjoining walls extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to an upper end of the plurality of adjoining walls, wherein the walls, floor and ceiling cooperate to form the cargo compartment and a first vertical opening having a width defined by first and second sides for accessing the interior of the cargo compartment. The vehicle further includes a first segmented retractable door proximate the first vertical opening of the cargo compartment. The first door is displaceable from a first vertically-oriented closed position in which the door covers the first vertical opening to a second open position in which the door is substantially disposed below the first vertical opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: James D. Rydberg
  • Publication number: 20120248793
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock device, having a first connecting module and a second connecting module. The first connecting module can here be arranged in a closing direction on the second connecting module and is mechanically catch-lockingly engaged in a closing position with the second connecting module, and the first connecting module can be detached from the second connecting module by a movement of the first connecting module or of a part of the first connecting module in an opening direction, which differs from the closing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: FIDLOCK GMBH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8262142
    Abstract: A clampable fastening device for mounting fittings or other objects in an opening having opposite edges, such as a rectangular opening in a wall, including a head part which is arranged on the outer side of the thin wall and which covers the outer rim of the opening, and from which there proceeds in the mounted position a foot part which penetrates through the opening, holding elements which are displaceable relative to one another in a channel formed in the foot part project from the foot part in direction of its outer surface. The free end of the holding elements having an inclined surface or obliquely arranged points. Wherein the foot part and the holding element are separate parts. Wherein the holding elements are displaceable along the channel by a screw preferably having a conically shaped region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Publication number: 20120199006
    Abstract: A dust bin for a robotic vacuum comprises a dust bin frame having a cavity defined therein to receive debris, a filter frame disposed within the dust bin frame and defining two filter openings at opposite sides thereof, and a central impeller disposed adjacent to or under the filter frame to draw air from outside of the dust bin into the dust bin. The dust bin also comprises two air filters, one air filter being located on each side of the central impeller, each air filter being inserted into one of the filter openings, each filter having an overhang around a perimeter thereof that includes a sealing face to form a vacuum-assisted seal with the filter frame when air is drawn into the dust bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Orrin SWETT, Mark Steven SCHNITTMAN
  • Patent number: 8226131
    Abstract: A computer casing may have an opening that requires sealing against water ingress. A system for preventing ingress of liquid into the opening may include a door rotatably connected to the computer casing, a layer of material adhered to the door and having a chamfered edge, a bar movably connected to the door and operable for travel in a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction and a spring having a first end connected to the bar and a second end connected to the door for biasing the bar in the first direction of travel. Closing the door causes the layer of material to contact a recessed surface of the opening and deflect the chamfered edge to form a seal in the recessed opening. Moving the bar in the first direction retains the door relative to the computer to maintain the seal formed by the layer of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Augmentix Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Bruce, Ahmad Chamseddine
  • Patent number: 8220298
    Abstract: A locking system for securely closing the lid on an enclosure, such as a grade level box, includes an L-bolt connected to a spring-biased slide member positioned on the underside of the lid. The L-bolt rotates in a slotted housing that securely retains the L-bolt under the lid. The slide member engages an abutment on the inside of the enclosure, when the lid is forced down over an opening in the enclosure, e.g., by foot pressure. Downward force on the lid progressively causes the latch to retract against the spring-bias from contact with the abutment and then snaps the latch into a spring-biased locking position under the abutment. The L-bolt is accessed from outside the lid, rotated by a proprietary socket wrench or similar tool, to retract the latch from its locking position sufficiently for removing the lid from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Channell Commercial Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Burke, Robert H. Gwillim
  • Patent number: 8220846
    Abstract: A latch is provided for use principally on a pivotal sash window of a double-hung sash window assembly. The latch comprises a latch-bolt slidably mounted within and biased relative to a housing, where the housing is mounted to the top rail of the sash window. The latch bolt is connected to a button for manual actuation of the latch bolt. The latch bolt, while maintaining the convenience and utility of a standard short throw latch, is contoured and designed to maintain engagement with the jam after the window has been deformed under high sustained wind loading typically experienced during extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes and tornados. The engagement is assured in spite of twisting of the latch bolt within the corresponding opening in the jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8205310
    Abstract: A battery cover latch assembly (10) used in a portable electronic device is described. The battery cover latch assembly (10) includes a cover member (12), a body member (11) including at least one first latch (117), a button (13) including at least one second latch (1312), a button housing (14) mounted to the cover member (12). The button (13) is slidably received in the button housing (14). The second latch (1312) detachably engages with the first latch (117) when the button (13) slides in the button housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8196973
    Abstract: The device for childproofing a door lock is a device that fits on a standard lockset and prevents a lever or doorknob from turning when the device is engaged. The childproof door lock includes a substantially rectangular base plate and a circular disk that mounts atop the base. A sliding plate mounted on the base has a cylindrical locking post that engages a notch on the circular disk and prevents it from turning. The sliding plate may be spring-biased to hold the locking post in the notch. A lever may be attached to the sliding plate to disengage the locking post from the notch and allow the circular disk to turn freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy D. Craig
  • Patent number: 8191940
    Abstract: Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corp.
    Inventors: Robert R. Bly, Kevin S. Wysocki, Michael A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 8191939
    Abstract: A fire bolt assembly (10) includes a receiving tube (20) mounted in a door (106). A mounting member (32) is mounted to the receiving tube (20) and includes two coupling faces (56). A positioning bolt (90) is received in the receiving tube (20) and includes a front end (92). A spring (100) is mounted in the receiving tube (20) for biasing the front end (92) of the positioning bolt (90) out of the receiving tube (20). A stop member (58) includes two legs (66) respectively engaged with the coupling faces (56) of the mounting member (32) to hold the positioning bolt (90) in the receiving tube (20). The front end (92) of the positioning bolt (90) is moved out of the receiving tube (20) to engage with a coupling hole (116) in another door (112) or a door frame when the stop member (58) melts due to the heat of the fire, locking the door (106) in place during the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 8191937
    Abstract: An automatic hidden latch structure includes: a base secured in position to a close side of a door, the base having a positioning plate for positioning and a receiving portion and a block portion disposed at one side of the positioning plate; a transmission mechanism including a lock tongue disposed in and protruding from the receiving portion, a transmission member abutting against the lock tongue, a rotating member driven by the transmission member, and an engaging member engaging with the rotating member and protruding from the receiving portion, a first elastic element insertably engaing the engaging member, and a second elastic element mounted on a joining member of the engaging member and insertably engaging the joining member. Given actuation of the mechanism, a latch post of the automatic hidden latch structure protrudes from the door whenever the lock tongue is pressed upon, thereby locking the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Thase Enterprise Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 8172282
    Abstract: A computing device latching assembly comprises a latching member configured to releasably secure an accessory to a computing device, and a release mechanism actuatable to move the latching member from a locking position to an unlocked position and to cause the latching member to urge the accessory away from the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Lev, Dustin L. Hoffman, Mark S. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20120080890
    Abstract: A bolt mechanism comprising a backing plate adapted to be mounted on a flat panel, a bolt assembly housing carried by the backing plate, a sliding bolt assembly carried on the bolt assembly housing one end of which can engage and latch to a striker, and a spring on the housing for keeping the end of the bolt extending out of the bolt assembly housing. An actuator housing assembly comprising a housing having an opening therein, a movable actuator member received in the opening, the actuator member having a front surface and a rear surface and being digitally movable in the opening, and a hammer extending from the rear surface of the movable actuator member. The actuator housing assembly is adapted to enable the attachment to and detachment from the bolt mechanism assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicants: The Young Engineers, Inc., Applied Concepts Aircraft Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Manuel Loret de Mola
  • Patent number: 8128134
    Abstract: The present invention related to a door jamb finger guard. The finger guard comprises a door lock for preventing closure of the door, a housing for the door lock and a spring activated plate. The spring activated plate is activateable by a door closing obstacle for automatically moving the door lock between an inactive position and an active position. In the inactive position, the door lock is recessed within the housing, while in the active position, the door lock projects from the housing to prevent closure of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Owen Kelly
  • Patent number: 8118333
    Abstract: The invention discloses a lock device. The lock device is used for detachably mounting a cover on a base. A recess is formed on the cover. A first hole is formed on the bottom of the recess, and a first retainer is extended out of the bottom of the recess. The lock device includes a first sliding member, a first elastomer, and a second sliding member. A column which is capable of passing through the first hole is formed on the first sliding member. A second retainer which is used for the first retainer to lock is formed on the second sliding member. When the first sliding member slides toward the base along a first axle, the column pushes the second retainer to make the second sliding member slide toward a second axle, so as to make the second retainer separate from the first retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Jen-Hsiang Lee, Po-Li Hsieh, Chai-Cheng Lu