Link And Lever Patents (Class 292/196)
  • Patent number: 11840868
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes: a latch mechanism switching member which switches a latch mechanism to an unlatching state; a first lever member which moves to an operating position when a door handle is operated to open a door; a link member movable to an unlock position where the link member is engaged with the latch mechanism switching member and the latch mechanism is switched to the unlatching state, and a lock position where the latch mechanism is not switched to the unlatching state; a second lever member releasably engageable with the link member and causing the latch mechanism switching member to move to the operating position by moving from an initial position to an operating position; a biasing member which biases the link member toward the lock position; and a drive unit which drives the second lever member to move from the initial position to the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Hayashi, Yasuaki Tanino, Yasuhiko Sono
  • Patent number: 11765850
    Abstract: An assistant installation device, including a base, a carrier, and a handle, is provided. The base is adapted to be placed on a first object. The carrier is slidably disposed on the base and is adapted to carry a second object. The handle is connected to the base and the carrier. The handle is adapted to drive the carrier to move relative to the base, so that an assembling portion of the second object corresponds to an assembling portion of the first object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Siyun Tan, Yisheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11746571
    Abstract: A ratchet unit for motor vehicle flaps or motor vehicle doors, in particular motor vehicle rear doors, preferably motor vehicle rear sliding doors, which are equipped with an electromotive drive and a ratchet lever which can be acted on by the drive. The ratchet lever is set up to lock and open the motor vehicle flap. According to the invention, the ratchet lever continuously adopts its closed position and is only moved into its open position with the aid of the drive to open the motor vehicle flap. The ratchet lever in its closed position is deflected resiliently when the motor vehicle flap is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Rob Hunt, Scott Brown, Dave Taylor
  • Patent number: 11512509
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly having a latch mechanism is provided. The latch mechanism includes a ratchet and a pawl assembly pivotally supported for movement between a ratchet holding position whereat the pawl assembly is positioned to hold the ratchet in its striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position whereat the pawl assembly is located to permit movement of the ratchet to its striker release position. The pawl assembly has a carrier and a pawl configured for rotation relative to one another about a pawl pin and a roller carried by the carrier. The roller is disposed between the pawl and the ratchet for selective rolling movement therebetween. The roller is disposed into abutment with a closing surface of the ratchet while the pawl assembly is in the ratchet holding position and is spaced from closing surface while the pawl assembly is in the ratchet releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Roman Cetnar, Franco Giovanni Ottino, Kris Tomaszewski
  • Patent number: 10920470
    Abstract: A lock and method of locking a lockable volume is described. The lock may be located on a door of a lockable volume, such as a locker configured to hold an item. The lock may comprise a post and a cam, the cam having an opening corresponding to the size and shape of the post. The cam is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotation of the cam about the axis releasably secures the post within the opening, thereby locking the door to which the post is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Donald E. Irwin, Nan K. McKenzie, William Albert Tartal, Victoria K. Stephen, Michael J. Amato
  • Patent number: 10830460
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a latch assembly for an access panel of a housing includes a latch structure having a first surface, a second surface, and an intermediate step therebetween. The latch assembly also includes a fastener configured to facilitate coupling of the first surface to the access panel, and a locking system configured to engage with a structural support of the housing via the second surface. The locking system is configured to be rotated to secure the second surface to the structural support and rotated to release the second surface from the structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ravindra B. Salunkhe, Siddappa R. Bidari, Praveen Y R, Kunal J. Gandevia
  • Patent number: 10676966
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Rooftop Anchor Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Whiting, Timothy Edward Rainey
  • Patent number: 10378256
    Abstract: A latch having a housing and a latch mechanism located within an interior portion of the housing. The latch mechanism includes an arm, a pair of socket screws, a pair of torsion springs, each of which is connected rotatably to the arm and engages a corresponding one of the pair of socket screws, a bolt mechanism attached rotatably to the housing, and a link attached pivotally to the arm and attached to the bolt mechanism. The socket screws are utilized to adjust loads on the springs. The bolt mechanism is movable between a first position, in which the arm and the link are toggled with one another under the loads of the springs and the bolt mechanism is adapted to engage an external structure, and a second position, in which the link and the arm are untoggled with one another and the bolt mechanism is disengaged with the external structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Arconic Inc.
    Inventor: Thai Do
  • Patent number: 10370881
    Abstract: Provided is a telescopic lock that can be fixed to a variety of closures of different configurations to thereby provide another closure protection measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KNOCK N'LOCK LTD.
    Inventor: Ilan Goldman
  • Patent number: 9869116
    Abstract: A pneumatic operated hinge and latch system for agriculture seed box lids preventing loss of the lid during adverse weather conditions, wherein the system provides a more reliable and secure locked engagement and an easy transition to an unlocked engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Ray Neuman
  • Patent number: 9862257
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system can include a cover sized and shaped to cover the truck cargo box and a spring clamp designed to secure the cover to the truck cargo box. The spring clamp can include a rod connected to the cover. The rod can have a rod axis. A clamp body can be rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod. The clamp body can include a pair of oppositely disposed catches spaced apart from the rod axis. The catches can extend in a catch length direction intersecting the rod axis at a first angle. A grasping tether can be attached to the clamp body for manually sliding the clamp body along the rod in a direction away from the cover. Due to the flexible nature of the grasping tether, potential interference of the clamp with cargo in the cargo box can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Paul Kozlowski, Mark Alan Hickey
  • Patent number: 9745777
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: SafePro, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard J. Whiting, Timothy Edward Rainey
  • Patent number: 9333838
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a routing structure that is for an operation cable and that, with a simple structure, can route an operation cable (7) with sufficient excess length. The present invention has: a handle device (5) that is affixed to the door (1) of a vehicle and that causes the operation force to an operation handle (3) rotatably connected to a handle base (2) to be output from an output section (4); a door lock device (6) that is disposed in proximity to the output section (4) of the handle device (5); and an operation cable (7) that couples the output section (4) of the handle device (5) and the door lock device (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: ALPHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 9033093
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a latch mechanism, an actuator, and an actuation link. The latch mechanism may be movable to allow and restrict movement of a vehicle door relative to a vehicle frame. The actuator may be configured to be movable by a user to cause corresponding movement of the latch mechanism. The actuation link may interconnect the latch mechanism and the actuator. The actuation link may include a portion that is laterally compliant to absorb a lateral force and axially rigid to transmit motion of the actuator to the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Robert M Schoen
  • Publication number: 20150076836
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism is disclosed that produces high travel advantage in one phase of linear actuator motion and high mechanical advantage in another phase of linear actuator motion. The linkage mechanism may be powered by a hydraulic actuator system and is capable of producing high preloads and a high amount of travel with minimal actuator motion or force. The linkage mechanism may be used to secure a hatch door to a pressure vessel housing or may be used in any environment involving high pressure differentials, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: David Albert Gooding
  • Patent number: 8967678
    Abstract: Described herein is a motor vehicle lock for use in all types of closing elements of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle lock can be brought into different function states such as “unlocked”, “locked”, “theft protected” or “child locked.” The motor vehicle lock includes a coupling device designed for quick decoupling which includes a coupling arrangement with a shiftable switch element that can be shifted by means of at least one control drive. Depending upon the coupled state, the switch element couples together or decouples two swivelable adjustment elements of the actuating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Rosales, Jens Lueke
  • Publication number: 20140346785
    Abstract: Provided is a door locking device which includes: a latch mechanism with which a striker is engageable or from which the striker is disengageable; a first link which operates the latch mechanism in an interlocking manner with an inner door handle so as to release the striker; a second link which is movable between an unlocked position where the second link is operated in an interlocking manner with the first link and a locked position where the second link is not operated in an interlocking manner with the first link, and operates the latch mechanism in an interlocking manner with an outer handle by way of the first link in the unlocked position so as to release the striker; and a locking lever which changes over the second link between the unlocked position and the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: U-SHIN LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuya AKAGI
  • Publication number: 20140339835
    Abstract: For a gate in a fence, where a person on the street-side cannot access the latch on the yard-side. A lock-assembly is fixed to the gatepost on the street-side, and a latch-assembly is fixed to the yard-side. A cable passes through the gatepost, and connects the assemblies. The latch-assembly is a more-or-less traditional gate latch. The street-side lock-assembly includes a lock-base and a lock-cover, which are relatively openable/closable in a clamshell mode. A combination-lock locks the cover to the base, unlocking the lock-assembly enables a street-side person to open the cover. The opening-movement of the lock-cover is cabled to the latch-lever, unlatching the gate and enabling the gate to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Donald William Wepf
  • Publication number: 20140284946
    Abstract: A lever operated compression latch has an elongated, hook-ended pawl carrying a longitudinal slot, and is cam guided and pin rotated while translated to engage and withdraw from a keeper cup. The compound movement of the pawl includes a lateral translation towards the keeper cup while rotating there into, followed by a lateral withdrawal to exert a compression force between the latch body which is attached to a door and the keeper cup which is attached to a door frame. A series of interconnected links is operated by a lever handle to fold into one another to provide a compact envelope when the latch is closed and to expand outwardly to open the latch and disengage the pawl from the keeper when operated by the lever. Of this series of links, a pair of release links operates in contact with one another, and rotates on respective individual pivot points to extend outwardly from the latch envelope to engage a striker plate portion of the keeper cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Paul Bennett, Philip John Kempson
  • Publication number: 20140252783
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism includes a first link rotatably supported on a fixed shaft, a second link rotatably supported on a latch shaft, and an intermediate link that is rotatably connected to the first link by a first link shaft and rotatably connected to the second link by a second link shaft. While the linkage mechanism moves a latch from a half-latch position into a full-latch position, the first link shaft moves in an area on one side of a plane serving as a boundary including a shaft center of the fixed shaft and a shaft center of the latch shaft, and the second link shaft moves in an area on the other side of the plane serving as the boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki YOKOTA
  • Patent number: 8827328
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes a housing including: an outer housing body including a covering portion covering an outer side of an electric motor and an outer side of a worm, an outer shaft-supporting portion supporting an active lever, and an outer shaft-supporting portion supporting a worm wheel; and an inner housing body including an inner shaft-supporting portion supporting an active lever, and an inner shaft-supporting portion supporting the worm wheel. An outer surface of the covering portion of the outer housing body and an outer surface of the outer shaft-supporting portion, which is provided in the outer housing body, for supporting the active lever, are formed in the same flat surface, and an outer surface of the outer shaft-supporting portion, which is provided in the outer housing body, for supporting the worm wheel, is formed in a dented surface dented inwardly with respect to the flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryujiro Akizuki, Takashi Nishio, Nobuko Watanabe, Yasuhiko Sono, Kazunori Kojima
  • Patent number: 8827327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door lock for locking and closing doors of motor vehicles, particularly of doors of agricultural machines, such as tractors, having a rotary catch arrangement and a release mechanism, by means of which the rotary catch arrangement can be unlocked, wherein the rotary catch arrangement has a recess for a lock case having a locking stud, in which at least one, preferably two rotary catches are pivotally supported, wherein the rotary catch is drivably connected to a rotary catch spring, particularly in the rotary catch opening direction (D), and wherein in the lock case at least one pivotable pawl is disposed, by means of which the rotating movement of the rotary catch can be locked, and thus the rotary catch can be closed, wherein the release mechanism has a near controllable releasing unit and a remote controllable releasing unit having a transverse tube with remote control means disposed therein, a remote control button, and a cable pull mechanism operatively connected to rem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: D. La Porte Soehne GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Kutschat
  • Patent number: 8814226
    Abstract: A door lock device for a vehicle, provided with an opening lever driven as a door handle is operated, an opening link interposed between the opening lever and a lift lever of a latch mechanism, a lock operation unit for switching the opening link to an unlock position or a lock position, and a locking lever for driving the lock operation unit. A retaining portion is provided to the opening lever. The retaining portion holds the opening link at a retaining position between the lock position and the unlock position when the opening link becomes switched by the locking lever through the lock operation unit from the lock position to the unlock position with the opening link driven by the opening lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryujiro Akizuki, Takashi Nishio, Nobuko Watanabe, Kazunori Kojima, Sho Sannohe, Yusuke Yamada, Yasuhiko Sono
  • Publication number: 20140203570
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for joint action upon at least two different elements of a motor vehicle door lock, with at least one sheathed cable having a core and sheath, wherein the sheathed cable is provided in the longitudinal extent thereof with at least two force transmission units which are designed for interaction with a first element at one end and with a second element at the other end upon action on the sheathed cable, and one of the two elements is designed as an actuating lever, wherein the other element is a closing/opening element operating on a locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Ulrich Nass, Christian Barmscheidt, Carsten Fuchs, Ludger Graute
  • Publication number: 20140159387
    Abstract: A high security locking system can be used in a conventional pivot door adapted for use with a latch and deadbolt lock combination. The high security system can be a multi-point lock, received in a recess formed in a locking edge side of a door stile, cooperating with a linkage or other mechanism in a conventional deadbolt/location. The lock can be actuated with a keyed cylinder and thumb turn combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Hagemeyer, Dan Raap, Gary E. Tagtow, Tracy Lammers, Allen Rickenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20140159386
    Abstract: A hood latch release system for a vehicle. The hood latch release system may have a cable and a linkage. Deflection of the cable may actuate the linkage to unlatch the hood latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Iskander Farooq, Srinivasan Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 8727397
    Abstract: An occupant reminder system to remind at least one occupant of a vehicle, prior to leaving such vehicle, that there is at least one other occupant in the vehicle (such as a child or pet). Upon initial setting and occupancy of a vehicle, the reminder system temporarily prevents the door of the responsible occupant from latching shut to assist reminding the responsible occupant of such at least one other occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Scott D. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8701817
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a latch mechanism, an actuator, and an actuation link. The latch mechanism may be movable to allow and restrict movement of a vehicle door relative to a vehicle frame. The actuator may be configured to be movable by a user to cause corresponding movement of the latch mechanism. The actuation link may interconnect the latch mechanism and the actuator. The actuation link may include a portion that is laterally compliant to absorb a lateral force and axially rigid to transmit motion of the actuator to the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Robert M Schoen
  • Patent number: 8690202
    Abstract: A control mechanism has a means for lifting, a lifting cable, and a lifting cable housing. The means for lifting has a control post, and a lift handle attached to a lift body frame about a lift pivot. The lift body frame extends longitudinally perpendicular from the control post. A hydraulic strut extends between an upper lift pivot and a lower lift pivot. A slide rail extends from a roller housing through the slide rail housing. A roller rests between a roller pin and a set pin within the roller housing. A plurality of spacing sliders straddle the slide rail. Removal of one or more of the spacing sliders allows the roller housing and the slide rail to move towards the lift housing member, thereby allowing rotation of the lift body frame and compression of the hydraulic strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Lankford
  • Patent number: 8485570
    Abstract: A door lock assembly for a vehicle door comprises a door inner panel, including a stop, and a bell crank assembly. The bell crank assembly includes a bell crank main plate mounted adjacent to the door inner panel and pivotable about a bell crank pivot axis, a door lock rod extending generally vertically from the main plate and including an end accessible by a vehicle occupant, a latch rod extending horizontally from the main plate and including an end engaging a latch for locking and unlocking the latch, and an inertial pendulum having a first end affixed to the main plate and an opposed free end cantilevered from the main plate, with the inertial pendulum configured so that inertia on the inertial pendulum causes the free end to engage the stop to prevent rotation of the main plate during a vehicle impact event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Publication number: 20130140833
    Abstract: A high security locking system can be used in a conventional pivot door adapted for use with a latch and deadbolt lock combination. The high security system can be a multi-point lock, received in a recess formed in a locking edge side of a door stile, cooperating with a linkage or other mechanism in a conventional deadbolt/location. The lock can be actuated with a keyed cylinder and thumb turn combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Amesbury Group, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130056996
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes a housing including: an outer housing body including a covering portion covering an outer side of an electric motor and an outer side of a worm, an outer shaft-supporting portion supporting an active lever, and an outer shaft-supporting portion supporting a worm wheel; and an inner housing body including an inner shaft-supporting portion supporting an active lever, and an inner shaft-supporting portion supporting the worm wheel. An outer surface of the covering portion of the outer housing body and an outer surface of the outer shaft-supporting portion, which is provided in the outer housing body, for supporting the active lever, are formed in the same flat surface, and an outer surface of the outer shaft-supporting portion, which is provided in the outer housing body, for supporting the worm wheel, is formed in a dented surface dented inwardly with respect to the flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryujiro Akizuki, Takashi Nishio, Nobuko Watanabe, Yasuhiko Sono, Kazunori Kojima
  • Patent number: 8353542
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door, wherein during a crash event, the closure latch has an inertia member that prevents the vehicle door from opening. The inertia member may only temporarily prevent the vehicle door from opening, or alternatively it may cause a lock lever to move to a locked position, so that the vehicle door remains locked even after the inertia member is no longer actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Closures S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Cumbo
  • Publication number: 20130001961
    Abstract: A door lock (2) includes a linking rod (730) movable in an unlatching direction for moving a latch (38) to an unlatching position and movable in a latching direction for moving the latch (38) to a latching position. When a draw bar (640) is in an extended position and when an operative member (688) is operated, a follower plate (482) and the connecting rod (730) are moved in the unlatching direction through a connecting member (498) and a connecting rod (512). When the draw bar (640) is in a retracted position and when the operative member (688) is operated, the connecting member (498) and the connecting rod (512) are moved in the unlatching direction. Movement of the follower plate (482) in the unlatching direction is stopped by a stop member (668), preventing movement of the linking rod (730) in the unlatching direction and retaining the latch (38) in the latching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Chun-Meng Shen
  • Patent number: 8328248
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a tailgate of a truck includes a striker plate, a clasp, a handle, and a fastening mechanism. The clasp is attached to the striker plate and defines a first pivot point. The handle includes a first free end and a second anchored end. The second anchored end is attached to the clasp and defines a second pivot point. The first free end of the handle moves about the both the first pivot point and the second pivot point. The first free end is secured by a spring clip of the fastening mechanism to latch the tailgate of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rugby Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Vincent J. Scherr
  • Publication number: 20120274084
    Abstract: Described herein is a motor vehicle lock for use in all types of closing elements of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle lock can be brought into different function states such as “unlocked”, “locked”, “theft protected” or “child locked.” The motor vehicle lock includes a coupling device designed for quick decoupling which includes a coupling arrangement with a shiftable switch element that can be shifted by means of at least one control drive. Depending upon the coupled state, the switch element couples together or decouples two swivelable adjustment elements of the actuating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: BROSE SCHLIESSSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: David Rosales, Jens Lueke
  • Publication number: 20120260700
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch assembly that includes a pawl assembly, a lever assembly and a lock assembly. The pawl assembly is actuated from an open position to a closed assembly by the lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a drive lever having a slot and a driven lever having a slot that is open on one end. The lock assembly has an engagement member that moves along the slot of the drive lever between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the engagement member is received within the slot of the driven lever. When in the disengaged position, the engagement member is outside of the slot of the driven lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel A. Matre
  • Patent number: 8282140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hidden locking mechanism for furniture that includes a pivoting locking bar that locks and unlocks a lid of the furniture in response to the horizontal movement of a sliding leg provided on the furniture that is attached to one end of the locking bar. When viewed from outside the furniture, the bar is not visible and the leg appears to be fixed and unmovable so that it is not obvious how to unlock the lid of the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Heather L. Joy
  • Patent number: 8238087
    Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include a single piece housing and a display module. The display module can include a protective top glass cover that is bonded to a plastic display frame and surrounded by a seal frame. The display module can also include a display panel and its associated circuitry suspended from the display frame below the protective glass cover. The display module is coupled to the single piece housing mounting clips in a manner that allows the display module to move relative to the single piece housing during an impact event. The plastic display frame can include inserts that provide structural support near openings in the single piece housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Joshua D. Banko, John P. Ternus, Matthew B. Morris, Peter M. Thompson, Kevin Gibbs, Timothy G. Van Vorhis, Martin B. Adamcyk, Arthur J. Lucchesi, Brian S. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120119520
    Abstract: A door lock device for a vehicle, provided with an opening lever driven as a door handle is operated, an opening link interposed between the opening lever and a lift lever of a latch mechanism, a lock operation unit for switching the opening link to an unlock position or a lock position, and a locking lever for driving the lock operation unit. A holding section is provided to the opening lever. The holding section holds the opening link at a holding position between the lock position and the unlock position when the opening link becomes switched by the locking lever through the lock operation unit from the lock position to the unlock position with the opening link driven by the opening lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryujiro Akizuki, Takashi Nishio, Nobuko Watanabe, Kazunori Kojima, Sho Sannohe, Yusuke Yamada, Yasuhiko Sono
  • Patent number: 8167195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Publication number: 20120000255
    Abstract: A lockable enclosure includes a housing and a loading cartridge assembled with the housing and vertically slidable between a secured position in which a recess of the loading cartridge cannot be accessed through a bottom opening of the housing, and an access position in which at least a portion of the recess extends through at least a portion of the opening, such that a storable item may be withdrawn from the recess. A locking mechanism is assembled with the housing and configured to secure the loading cartridge in the secured position in a locked condition and to release the loading cartridge in an unlocked condition for downward vertical movement from the secured position to the access position. A lock interface assembled with the housing is configured to move the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition in response to proper user manipulation of the lock interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Zachery T. Nave, Steven B. Hedlund, John William Grosz, Michael Stephen Rafferty, Curtis J. Scadden
  • Publication number: 20110241359
    Abstract: A blocking device (11) for a door locking system, in particular on the cabin door (10) of a passenger airplane, has a locking disk (12) with a link (13) which is stepped in such a way that, depending on whether an electromagnet (19) is turned on or turned off, the sliding block (15) of a sensing lever (14) either strikes a link stop (20) or runs into a free-running area (17) of the link when the door (10) or the locking elements of said door is/are moved as a result of being coupled in terms of movement to the locking disk (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: DIEHL AEROSPACE GMBH
    Inventor: Lothar Trunk
  • Publication number: 20110215598
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a tailgate of a truck includes a striker plate, a clasp, a handle, and a fastening mechanism. The clasp is attached to the striker plate and defines a first pivot point. The handle includes a first free end and a second anchored end. The second anchored end is attached to the clasp and defines a second pivot point. The first free end of the handle moves about the both the first pivot point and the second pivot point. The first free end is secured by a spring clip of the fastening mechanism to latch the tailgate of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Rugby Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Vincent J. Scherr
  • Patent number: 7857199
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: United Stated Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Mikolajczyk, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7832148
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Publication number: 20100283268
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door, wherein during a crash event, the closure latch has an inertia member that prevents the vehicle door from opening. The inertia member may only temporarily prevent the vehicle door from opening, or alternatively it may cause a lock lever to move to a locked position, so that the vehicle door remains locked even after the inertia member is no longer actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Francesco CUMBO
  • Publication number: 20100207400
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door. The closure latch includes a ratchet movable between an open position and a closed position, a first door release lever operatively connected to the ratchet, a second door release lever, and a lock lever movable along a lock lever path including a first lock lever position wherein the second door release lever is operatively disconnected from the first door release lever, a second lock lever position wherein the lock lever operatively connects the second door release lever to the first door release lever, and a third lock lever position wherein the lock lever carries out an additional function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Kris Tomaszewski, Francesco Cumbo
  • Patent number: 7743556
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Publication number: 20100132262
    Abstract: The lock mechanism comprises a first subunit (6) arranged to be fixed on an outer face of an upright tubular member (7) of the hinged leaf and a second subunit (8) arranged to be fixed within the tubular member (7). The second subunit (8) comprises a frame (9), a bolt member (10) movably mounted on said frame (9) between a projected and a retracted position, and a bolt operating mechanism which comprises a gear train (20, 21, 22) to increase the travel of the bolt member (10). The first subunit (6) comprises operator means (26, 28, 29). The lock mechanism further comprises a rotary shaft (32) by means of which the bolt operating mechanism can be coupled to the operator means so that only a hole has to be made in the tubular member (7) of the leaf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Talpe