Spring Projected Patents (Class 292/163)
  • Patent number: 8104801
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a battery in a sleeve defines a receiving groove therein, a latching member including a body, a restraining flange extending out from one end of the body and a contact end formed at the other end of the body, a latching slot defined in an inner surface of the sleeve, an elastic member compressed and received in the receiving groove and a barrel detachably fixed in the receiving groove. An end of the compressed elastic member resists a bottom surface of the receiving groove and the other end of the elastic member resists the restraining flange, to press the latching member contact end to pass through the barrel and finally to be received in the latching slot, and the restraining flange is blocked by the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Jun Wang, Wei Yang
  • Patent number: 8020714
    Abstract: A product merchandising unit having a plurality of shelf members adjustably positionable within a framework structure, each shelf member including a plurality of retractable pin members selectively movable for engagement with openings associated with the framework structure, and a plurality of removably attachable divider members engageable with the underneath portion of each shelf member anywhere along substantially their entire width, the divider members extending downwardly from the shelf member located thereabove into the product display space of the shelf member located therebelow forming product channels for guiding products therebetween, each divider member being selectively adjustable relative to another divider member to control and adjust the width of each product channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Presence From Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Miller, Jr., Robert E. Kreutzer, Jr., Andrew J. Boron, Sean W. Luaders
  • Patent number: 8014135
    Abstract: An opening mechanism includes a base whereon an opening is disposed, and a covering including a main body for covering the opening. The covering further includes a hook connected to the main body for hooking the base. The covering further includes a buckling part connected to a side of the main body. The opening mechanism further includes a sliding component passing through the buckling part. An end of the sliding component is disposed on a breach of the main body. An engaging part is formed on a side of the sliding component for engaging with a fixing end. The opening mechanism further includes an elastic component installed on the side of the main body and disposed on a side of the sliding component for providing elastic force to the sliding component so as to drive the engaging part of the sliding component to engage with the fixing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Liang Yu
  • Patent number: 8002317
    Abstract: A window lock with an automatic latch retention mechanism and an associated method of securing adjustable frame members of a window are provided. The lock generally includes a housing that can be secured to a first window frame member, a latch member slidably mounted in the housing, a rotatably handle configured to actuate the latch member, and a retention mechanism configured to automatically retain the latch member in the retracted position until the first and second window frame members are relatively adjusted to a closed configuration. The lock can automatically adjust to a locked configuration when the window is closed and remain in an unlocked configuration while being adjusted. The rotatable handle, which can be used to retract the latch member, is configured to provide an indication of the configuration of the lock so that a user can easily identify whether the lock is locked or unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Imperial USA, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ramesh Satram, Robert Joseph Kinsella, Camden Bennett White
  • Patent number: 7963575
    Abstract: A gate latch assembly comprising: (a) a biased latchbolt repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (b) a latchbolt catch to receive the latchbolt; and (c) a two-stage mechanism for repositioning the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position including a first stage mechanism having a clutch for selectively engaging the latchbolt, and a second stage mechanism for repositioning the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position while the clutch is engaged, where the second stage mechanism is repositionable independent of the latchbolt when the clutch is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Mayo, William John Bryant
  • Patent number: 7946632
    Abstract: A mounting system for accessories, including motorcycle windshields and windscreens, that quickly and securely attaches the accessory in such a manner that that the accessory will not come unexpectedly detached. After the initial installation of the components of the mounting system, the installation of an accessory requires a minimum of force and the installation and removal of an accessory is accomplished without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Allen B. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7934689
    Abstract: A display with an automatic locking device. The display includes a body, a support, and a sliding assembly. The support is connected to the body. The base connects with the support in a rotatable manner. The sliding assembly is movably disposed on the base in a manner such that the sliding assembly can move between a first position and a second position. When the sliding assembly is in the first position, the support is separated from the sliding assembly. When the sliding assembly is in second position, the support is engaged with the sliding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chao Chiu, Wei-Shin Shiu
  • Patent number: 7922221
    Abstract: A latch assembly having adjusting backset includes a casing, a latch bolt and a latch rear section. The latch bolt includes a bolt body and a fixed member connected with the bolt body. The top of the fixed member includes two positioning notches adapted to different backsets. A positioning member and the fixed member are disposed in a slide. The positioning member includes a positioning projection corresponding to the positioning notch at the front portion thereof. The latch includes a pin that can lift the positioning member to disengage the positioning projection from the positioning notch. Then, the positioning projection is moved to another positioning notch, thereby changing the backset. The latch assembly includes a positioning spring to keep the positioning projection fixed in the positioning notch. The latch assembly may include an upper connecting member, a lower connecting member and an assembly member to strengthen the latch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Eversafety Precision Industry (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fangchang Fan
  • Patent number: 7922222
    Abstract: The invention provides an engaging apparatus utilized in equipment which includes a cover and a base. The engaging apparatus includes a pivotal device and an engaging device. The pivotal device includes a retaining portion. The cover is pivotally connected to the base by the pivotal device. The engaging device is disposed on the cover, and includes an operating portion and an engaging portion. The engaging portion cooperates with the retaining portion. When the cover is positioned at a closed position with respect to the base, the engaging portion is capable of cooperating with the retaining portion to form a locked engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Lin Tsung-Te
  • Patent number: 7889488
    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: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Minoru Kumagai, Ikki Tatsukami, Kazuo Kobayashi, Wataru Tanaka, Kaigo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7878558
    Abstract: The present apparatus relates to a gate latch mechanism. The gate latch comprises at least two housings wherein the first housing is mountable to a stationary object such as an existing fence or structure and the second housing is mountable to a moveable object such as a gate. In some cases it may useful to mount the first housing to the moveable object and likewise mount the second housing to the stationary object. In one embodiment, the first housing comprises a back plate hingedly connected to two front plates angled outwardly from the back plate and the second housing comprises a latchable mechanism comprising a rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: William Russell Bell
  • Patent number: 7874598
    Abstract: A latch for a window sash includes a fixed plate and a latch head slidably coupled to the fixed plate. The latch head is symmetrically spring loaded to minimize rotation when the latch head translates. When the latch head retracts toward the fixed plates, hooks from the latch head engage notches on the fixed plate to lock the latch head in a retracted position. This releases the latch head from a strike so the window sash can be opened. The latch further includes a plunger centrally received in the fixed plate and the latch head. When the plunger retracts toward the fixed plate, sloped shoulders from the plunger disengages the hooks of the latch head from the notches on the fixed plate. This releases the latch head to engage the strike so the window sash is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Stanley Chung
  • Patent number: 7861475
    Abstract: A wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly that includes a pivot lock for converting the wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The pivot lock includes a first lock member that is configured to selectively prevent translation of the wall panel assembly along a track and a second lock member that is configured to selectively prevent pivoting of at least a portion of the wall panel assembly relative to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: C.R. Laurence Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Patent number: 7856757
    Abstract: A sash window assembly includes: a window frame having upper, lower, and left and right vertical frame members; and at least one sash guided by the vertical frame members and supported to be openable and closable by being slid vertically. The sash has: latch devices provided respectively at left and right ends in an upper end portion of the sash; an upper frame element having first passage holes formed in a top surface thereof and through which respective operating members of the respective latch devices are exposed toward an indoor space; a lower frame element; left and right vertical frame elements, each having a second passage hole formed in a depth-direction surface of the vertical frame element and through which a fastening section of the latch device is passed; and a face material provided inside the upper, lower, and left and right vertical frame elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: YKK AP, Inc.
    Inventor: Akio Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7841632
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a latch mechanism configured to securely fasten a first member to a second member and a dampening system configured to reduce acoustical noise generated in response to actuation of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Steven S. Homer, Dan V. Forlenza, Earl W. Moore
  • Patent number: 7815228
    Abstract: 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) 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. The latch further includes an actuation tab coupled to the body to engage the body in a movable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: David William Grunow, Richard C. Sohaney, Faiza Hassan, Anil Damani
  • Publication number: 20100244464
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Vijai Rajagopal, James Carl Infanti, Timothy Herbert Kyowski
  • Publication number: 20100244465
    Abstract: A bolt mechanism comprising a backing plate adapted to be mounted on a complementary surface of a flat panel, a bolt assembly housing attached to the backing plate, a sliding bolt assembly carried on the bolt assembly housing one end of which has means adapted to engage and latch to a striker, a spring on said housing for keeping the end of the bolt extending out of the bolt assembly housing, the backing plate having means adapted to enable attachment to and detachment from an actuator housing assembly having complementary means adapted to enable attachment and detachment. An actuator housing assembly comprising an actuator 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 said opening, and a hammer extending from the rear surface of said movable actuator member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Manuel Loret de Mola
  • Patent number: 7796396
    Abstract: A latch for retaining moving parts on an enclosure service module (ESM) is provided. This latch comprises a retaining groove in the latch that holds a self-clinching standoff fastener attached to the ESM. A return spring is contained within a molded cavity in the latch, and an alignment groove in the latch is placed at one end of the return spring. The alignment groove guides an alignment pin on the ESM into a secure position, and the return spring applies pressure against the pin while the pin is in the alignment groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7793369
    Abstract: A bed is disclosed having a retractable side barrier that is retractable by moving in rotation and in translation, and that is controllable using one hand only, by means of a handle incorporated into the barrier. The barrier element is associated with a deformable-parallelogram mechanism including a deployment bar provided with a cam profile with which a latch co-operates that is actuated by a handle in order to release it from said cam profile, said latch co-operating with abutments of said cam profile to define at least one stable position for said deformable-parallelogram mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Guguin, Thierry Jaffre, Philippe Kaikenger, Stephane Frayssinet
  • Patent number: 7789439
    Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism used in portable electronic device (10) is described including a cover member (11), a housing member (12), a latch base (14), a latch member (13), and a return member (15). The latch base can be securely attached to the housing member. The latch member is mounted on the latch base and movable relative to the latch base to latch the cover member to the housing member. The return member is compressed when the cover member is latched to the housing member. The cover can be detached from the housing either by a movement of the latch member driven by the return member or by another movement further compressing the return member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Xiang-Guo Zhao, Chih-Chiang Chang, Zhi Li, Si-Quan Chen, Zhi-Yun Shen
  • Patent number: 7789438
    Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism used in portable electronic device (10) is described including a cover member (11), a housing member (12), a latch base (14), a latch member (13), and a return member (15). The latch base can be securely attached to the housing member. The latch member is mounted on the latch base and movable relative to the latch base to latch the cover member to the housing member. The return member drives the latch member to move in such a manner that the movement of the latch member detaches the cover member away from the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Publication number: 20100180511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device (11) with a bolt part (13) and a lock part (15) for arrangement on a room-closing element having an opening and a door (17) closing the opening. The bolt part (13) has a longitudinal guiding device (25) and a bolt (23) that can be displaced in a longitudinal displacement direction (21) with respect to the longitudinal guiding device (25). The lock part (15) has a receiving opening (29) for receiving a first end of the bolt (23). The bolt part (13) has in addition to the longitudinal guiding device (25) a transverse guiding device. Spring means (39), which are in active engagement with the longitudinal guiding device (25) and the transverse guiding device cushion a displacement of the bolt (23) in a transverse adjustment direction (47). The adjustment direction (47) is directed transversely to the displacement direction (21) of the bolt (23) and parallel to the door plane and is defined by the transverse guiding device (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Pilz Auslandsbeteiligungen GmbH
    Inventor: Fouad Mahdi
  • Patent number: 7740290
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first housing, a first lock mechanism disposed in the first housing, a second housing, and a second lock mechanism disposed at the second housing. The first housing has a first surface. The second housing pivoted to the first housing is suitable for rotating relatively to the first housing. The second housing has a second surface and a third surface which are respectively disposed at the two opposite sides of the second housing. When the second surface is closed to the first surface and a first portion of the second slider is protruded from the second surface, the first portion is locked with the first lock mechanism. When the third surface is closed to the first surface and a second portion of the second slider is protruded from the third surface, the second portion is locked with the first lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Sheng Lo, Hung-Cheng Lee, Yu-Yuan Chen, Ying-Chi Chou
  • Patent number: 7740291
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a door handle assembly is provided. The door handle assembly includes a door handle and a mount. The door handle can be attached to the mount. The door handle is adapted to allow a bolt to move into and out of a wall aperture. A cam assembly is disposed adjacent the bolt. The cam assembly includes a locking cam. The locking cam is adapted to abut at least a portion of the bolt. The locking cam is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. A lock release mechanism is coupled to the cam assembly and to the door handle. The lock release mechanism is adapted to disengage the locking cam from the bolt when the door handle is actuated such that the bolt is free to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Owen Baser
  • Patent number: 7731251
    Abstract: A sash lock for use with door and window is provided. The lock has a base housing shaped into a laterally extending crib to contain a partially protruding plunger sliding under a forward bias, a large button block that occupies a substantial area at the top of the lock to allow for a unique squeeze release of the plunger and translates in a perpendicular plane with respect to the plunger movement under an expansive bias for normally pushing the button block away from the base housing in cooperation with the biased counteraction of the cam surfaces of the plunger but yielding to a manual depression to activate the plunger through a cam engagement, and a top housing fastened to the base housing to enclose the plunger and button block. The plunger has cam surfaces at a rear end facing forwardly and a beveled lip portion at a front end while the button block has a beveled surface facing the cam surfaces of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jintian Ye
  • Patent number: 7726705
    Abstract: A locking device of a tray includes a button; a first hooking part connected to an end of the button and including a support rod, movable in a first direction within a through hole formed in a base plate, and a hooking projection which is locked to or released from a hooking groove; a return spring interposed between the first hooking part and the base plate so as to provide elastic force to the first hooking part; and a second hooking part which is attached to a slanted slot in a side of the first hooking part so as to move in a slantwise direction with respect to the first hooking part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byoung Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20100123321
    Abstract: A gate latch system including a button assembly, a latch assembly, and a keeper assembly. The gate latch assembly can be opened from the side of the gate opposite the latch through the use of a spindle extending from a button assembly on one side of the gate to a latch assembly located on the opposite side of the gate and which includes a latch retention member. The latch assembly and button assembly are configured so that the spindle extends from the button assembly to the latch assembly through the gate opening such that there is no need to make a hole through the gate and/or covering to accommodate the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Nationwide Industries
    Inventors: E. Erik Timothy, Bryan Fern
  • Publication number: 20100117378
    Abstract: The doorlock device according to the present invention comprises a latch which is attached to a door for closing it, a cover including a latch opening and a latch slider which is elastically supported due to the insert of the latch, a locker which restricts the latch slider, a slider which moves the locker up and down, a solenoid which pushes a push cam in accordance with control signal to rotate a rotation cam so that the slider is moved left and right, a housing including the locker, the solenoid and a contact point part in which electric signal is inputted, a locker withdrawal part which forcibly withdraws the protruded locker by the operation of a torsion spring which is elastically supported, thereby separating a movable plate from a fixed plate upon abnormal withdrawal of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Sang Won Seo, Sang Baek Kim, Hyeon Sik Kim, Min Seob Jin
  • Patent number: 7682727
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a battery for providing electricity to the portable electronic device; a housing for accommodating the battery; a battery cover for covering the battery; a latch affixed to the housing in a slidable manner along a first direction, wherein when the latch is at a first position, the latch is capable of fixing the battery cover and the housing together; and an elastic unit for lifting the battery cover when the latch is at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hua Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100043508
    Abstract: A locking device includes a shaft, a locking head joined to the shaft, and a lock body having a lock opening for receiving a locking end of the shaft. A latch member is disposed within the lock body and includes a shaft aperture for receiving the locking end of the shaft therethrough. The shaft aperture includes an edge portion spring biased radially inward of the lock opening to engage the recessed portion with the edge portion when the locking end of the shaft is disposed in the lock opening. A locking member is disposed within the lock body. Rotation of the locking member from a locked condition to an unlocked condition moves the edge portion of the shaft aperture out of engagement with the recessed portion of the shaft to permit withdrawal of the shaft from the lock opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Gary Burmesch, D. Scott Kalous, Dean Paulson
  • Patent number: 7665774
    Abstract: A lock unit used for an electronic apparatus that includes a foldable and unfoldable housing that has a first surface that is foldable, and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface includes a lock member that locks the housing in a folded state, an operation member that moves the lock member and releases a lock of the housing by the lock member, and a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force applied to the operation member to the lock member by changing an operating direction of the operation member to another direction, and moves the lock member in the other direction, wherein the operation member is provided on the second surface, and an operating direction of the operation member is a first direction perpendicular to the second surface, the lock member projecting in a second direction orthogonal to the first surface, and a moving direction of the lock member being a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Minoru Kumagai, Ikki Tatsukami, Kazuo Kobayashi, Wataru Tanaka, Kaigo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7665813
    Abstract: A protection mechanism is provided for protecting connectors which are to be connected to electronic interfaces at a rear panel of a computer chassis. The protection mechanism includes a bracket secured to the rear panel, a first cover pivotally attached to the bracket for shielding the connectors, a second cover pivotally attached to the bracket, and a locking device. The first cover defines a plurality of slots for extension of cables of the connectors therethrough. The second cover is closed to abut against a side panel of the computer chassis to prevent the side panel from withdrawal. The locking device is so arranged between pivot ends of the first and second covers, that one of the first and second covers can be opened only when the other one is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhao-Yu Wang
  • Publication number: 20100037524
    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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 7652720
    Abstract: An opening structure of a portable apparatus includes a hook module and a camera module installed on a cover of the portable apparatus. The hook module includes at least one hook portion, at least one retaining portion and at least one resilient member. The camera module includes a casing, a camera lens and an axle, and a conversion component is connected to the axle. The hook portion is disposed on the retaining portion, and a resilience member is connected separately to the retaining portion and the cover, and the casing includes a camera lens and an axle installed on the casing. If the axle is rotated to produce a rotation force, the conversion component will convert the rotation force into a pushing force which will push the hook module to trigger a switch installed at the cover and turn on the portable hook module while the cover is being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Yan-Lin Kuo, Tsan-Shenh Chen, Sheng Kuo Jonathan Chang, Ker Wei Lin
  • Publication number: 20090315341
    Abstract: A bolt mountable on adjacent members of a structure having a bolt assembly mountable on a first member of said structure and a keeper assembly mountable on a second member of said structure. A slide bolt is positioned to move slidably in a first channel in a slide block of bolt assembly which is aligned between the bolt assembly the keeper assembly to provide locking operation with a locking pin depending thru the keeper and is controllable from above keeper. The slide block includes a second channel in longitudinal connection with first channel, but not having entire lengthwise communication with the first channel in order to provide for compressibility. A coil spring is positioned in the second to react with the slide bolt, and a retainer depends from near one end of the slide bolt to provide compressibility for the coil as the slide bolt is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert L. Willcox
  • Publication number: 20090284110
    Abstract: An overhead storage system for attachment to a ceiling includes a hollow housing, frame and a pair of pivots pivotally attaching a rear end of the frame to a rear end of the housing so that the frame pivots between a storage position wherein the frame is disposed generally coplanar with a ceiling surface and an access position wherein the frame is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the ceiling surface. A latch assembly releasably secures the frame in the storage position. There is a storage container which is telescopically movable through an open front end of the frame between a retracted position wherein the storage container is substantially disposed within confines of the frame and an extended position wherein a front end of the storage container is disposed a predetermined distance from the open end of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: MARK L. MASCARI
  • Patent number: 7607703
    Abstract: A tray latching device includes a latch including a hook panel to catch an end of a clasp panel that protrudes from a side of an automobile tray, a heart cam to release the clasp panel of the tray from the hook panel when a predetermined stroke is applied thereto by the clasp panel of the tray, and a plurality of supporting indentations each formed with a plurality of stepped supporting portions. The tray further includes a housing and a plurality of inertial sensors each including a supporting portion to be coupled to the housing via a shaft, and an extension that protrudes from the supporting portion to support an innermost supporting portion of one of the indentations of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joung-Hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 7607701
    Abstract: An adjustable door latch that enables one to adjust its length without removing any functionality from other areas of the door latch assembly. The improved door latch assembly includes a strike plate, adjustment head, adjustment stem, resilient member, and housing. The improved door latch utilizes a threaded adjustment head, which is screwed into an adjustment stem. The adjustment stem has a threaded aperture located on the front surface of a circular disc. The circular disc has at least one rib, which fits into the groove of a drum, this configuration prevents rotation of the circular disc when adjustment is necessary. The adjustment member and stem have apertures that allow one to thread the spindle of a door knob through the door latch assembly and to the other door knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Levine
  • Patent number: 7604264
    Abstract: A hook shaft balance connection structure includes an operating element, a balance rod, and a connecting part. The operating element moves into a shell along the direction of the imposed force. The operating element includes a protrusion toward the direction of the force. The balance rod includes two axial parts and an eccentric part. The axial parts are on both ends of the balance rod, pivotally connected with the shell. The axes of them are on the same extension line. The eccentric part is disposed between the two axial parts, deviating from the axial parts by a predetermined distance. Its axis is parallel to those of the two axial parts. The eccentric part includes a first eccentric part in contact with the protrusion of the operating element and a second eccentric part by the first eccentric part. The connecting part includes a pushing part and two coupling parts. The pushing part is connected with the second eccentric part. The two coupling parts are connected to both ends of the connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Lin, Chih-Hsiung Liao
  • Patent number: 7600794
    Abstract: The description relates to a snap fastening for fixing a thin wall, such as a housing wall, door leaf, or shutter, which is provided with an opening, to a wall support such as a housing frame, door frame, or wall opening edge, which is likewise provided with an opening, with a base part that can be arranged at the wall support in its opening, with a head part which extends away from this base part and which has a diameter that initially increases and then decreases again in its longitudinal section from the end of the head part in direction of the base part, which head part is a male plug-in part which, by overcoming a spring force acting radially outward in direction of the diameter, can be received by an undercut female plug-in part that is formed or carried by the opening of the thin wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 7585005
    Abstract: A bezel has a locking mechanism that allows bezel designs to locate the bezel lock anywhere along the length of the bezel. The bezel includes a bezel frame, a first plunger mechanism, and a second plunger mechanism. Each plunger mechanism is moveably coupled to the bezel frame at opposite ends of the bezel frame and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A first rod is attached to the first plunger mechanism and a second rod is attached to the second plunger mechanism. A cam lock is positioned between the first rod and the second rod. The cam lock is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the cam lock restricts movement of both rods sufficiently to stop the plunger mechanisms from moving from the latched position to the unlatched position when the cam lock is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald J. Cote, W. Brian Cunningham, Albert F. Beinor, Jr., C. Ilhan Gundogan
  • Patent number: 7553237
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a cabinet having a top box mounted on a main body. The top box has a door for allowing user access to an inner area of the top box. A lock assembly in the top box locks/unlocks the door and a release assembly in the main body operates the lock assembly. The lock assembly and the release assembly are configured to automatically engage one another when the top box is mounted on the main body. Thus, no manual connection is needed between the two assemblies and the lock assembly may be preinstalled independently of the release assembly. Moreover, any suitable top box design may be used with the lock assembly, and any suitable main body design may be used with the release assembly. This allows the top box to be selected much later in an assembly process than previously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Rodriguez, Gregory J. Tastad
  • Patent number: 7543862
    Abstract: A magnet latch applying magnetic force for opening and closing the upper and lower cases is provided. The magnet latch includes a push button, a sliding block, a magnet, a magnetic hook, and an elastic member. To close the upper and lower cases, one moves the push button to slide the sliding block to one side. The magnetic hook is attracted by the magnet to move upwards. Once the magnetic hook attaches to the magnet, the push button is released and the sliding block moves toward and holds the magnetic hook, so as to achieve the purpose of magnetic latching. On the other hand, to open the upper case, one moves the push button to slide the sliding block to the other side, thereby opening up the upper case. Due to the weakened magnetic force and its own gravity, the magnetic hook returns back into the lower case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Jung-Hong Lin
  • Patent number: 7540046
    Abstract: A crib railing includes a driving means, an opening/closing means and a railing coupling with the driving means and the opening/closing means. The driving means' seat has a top surface formed as a helical parabolic surface to allow the railing to automatically return at any angles relative to the driving means. The opening/closing means has an upper cover, a depressing means, a handgrip means, a slider, a lower cover and a linkage bar. The depressing means and handgrip means are single-handed operable at meantime, and can drive the linkage bar running through the handgrip means up and down to form an open or latch relationship with the railing. The handgrip means has a wedge with an inclined member to drive the slider to latch on a latch member of the railing. The invention provides the opening/closing movements of the driving means and opening/closing means and swiveling return of the railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-I Lai
  • Patent number: 7539521
    Abstract: A locking mechanism includes at least one spring loaded locking member, a lock release device operatively coupled to the spring loaded locking member, and at least one latching member. The latching member is securely gripped by the spring loaded locking member when the lock release device is in partial frictional contact with the spring loaded locking member under the spring bias of the spring loaded locking member. The latching member is released from the grip of the spring loaded locking member when the lock release device is forced in frictional sliding contact with the spring loaded locking member against the spring bias of the spring loaded locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sang-Eun Nam
  • Patent number: 7513542
    Abstract: In a door panel with an integrated door stopper disposed in a door rabbet wherein the door stopper comprises a stopper bolt movably disposed in the rabbet and a compression spring for biasing the door stopper in frictional contact with an underlying floor and an operating mechanism disposed in the door panel and including an operating member movable between two rest positions and connected to the stopper bolt for moving the stopper bolt out of contact with the under laying floor against the force of the compression spring, the operating structure for the stopper bolt extends from a housing accommodating the operating structure in such a way that no space is needed adjacent the side walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Hermann Schumm
  • Publication number: 20090058102
    Abstract: An electromechanical push to close latch has a pawl positioned for linear movement in a housing, with the pawl being biased to the outward extended position. An electric motor operates a cam to change the position of the pawl thereby retracting it into the housing. An electronic circuit board controls the operation of the electric motor under the direction of an outside control signal. The circuit board also senses the position of the pawl to stop the operation of the motor when the pawl is fully retracted. The pawl mounting can be reconfigured for the pawl to extend and thereby operate in a plurality of selectable directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Gilbert Garneau, Robert Benson Speers
  • Publication number: 20090051171
    Abstract: This slide locking device is incorporated in a opening-assistance device, so as to smoothly lock and unlock a reciprocating part so that it can move in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Yamamuro
  • Patent number: 7488012
    Abstract: A pin assembly includes a spring held in compression inside a case by a thermal fuse located at the back end of the pin. The fuse is thermally activated to collapse, which allows the back end of the pin to move forward. The spring drives the front end of the pin out of the case into latching engagement between a first object, such as a fire door, and a second object, such as a floor or a doorframe. The fuse and spring are located on opposite sides of a restrictive opening at the back end of the case. The fuse is preferably cylindrical, surrounds the back end of the pin and is provided with holes oriented perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the fuse forming a web. The holes weaken the fuse and cause it to collapse in a controlled manner at the desired activation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Darren C Eller, Brett E Tannone