Operating Means Patents (Class 292/220)
  • Patent number: 11118375
    Abstract: A lock for overhead roll doors and particularly a retrofit lock that enables both manual and remote wireless locking and unlocking of a roll door. More specifically, a roll door lock having an interior plate with a cylinder lock aperture, a motorhead gear coupled to a motor and rotationally secured within the housing, and a controller functionally coupled to the motor, wherein the controller may be commanded to operate the motor to lock the roll door lock by causing a blocking coupler edge to reduce the diameter of a ball-pin aperture, and unlock the roll door lock by withdrawing the blocking coupler edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Justin Zastrow, Ira Hayes
  • Patent number: 10998145
    Abstract: An object is to make it easy to specify, when a switch device for a vehicle gets wet, a path of liquid which attaches on the switch device. There are included: a switch member 13; a connector part 15 connected to the switch member 13; and a casing 14 enclosing the connector part 15, wherein in a state of being attached to a vehicle, an opening end part 14d of an outer circumferential part 14a of the casing 14 includes an end face 21 inclined relative to a direction of gravity G or a curved surface inclined relative to the direction of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Fujimoto, Kyoko Udo
  • Patent number: 10590917
    Abstract: A coil spring unit includes a coil spring; and a metal plate supporting the coil spring, the metal plate including a plurality of supporting portions cooperative with each other to support the coil spring, wherein the supporting portions are provided by bending the metal plate at bending lines and have supporting surfaces substantially perpendicular to the bending lines, respectively, and wherein the supporting surfaces are substantially parallel with outside tangential lines of the coil spring and support the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shota Kase
  • Patent number: 10036514
    Abstract: A retrofitting kit for retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture having a troffer housing includes an adaptor bracket and a door assembly. The adaptor bracket includes a channel configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system, and further configured to be located between the T-bar and the troffer housing, a slot, and a latch surface. The channel defines an open slot configured to receive and retain a portion of the troffer housing thereby facilitating a retrofit installation. The door assembly includes a latch configured to engage the latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with the slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Scribante, Matthew S. Tlachac, Scott A. Green, Brandon J. King
  • Patent number: 9927072
    Abstract: A retrofitting kit for retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture having a troffer housing includes an adaptor bracket and a door assembly. The adaptor bracket is configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system, and further configured to be located between the T-bar and the troffer housing. The adaptor bracket includes a base portion and a wall coupled to the base portion, and the troffer housing of the existing troffer light fixture rests on the base portion when the adaptor bracket is disposed between the T-bar and the troffer housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The base portion extends horizontally and along the entire length of the adaptor bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Scribante, Matthew S. Tlachac, Scott A. Green, Brandon J. King
  • Patent number: 9140041
    Abstract: A compression latch comprising a housing, a handle, and a latch member is provided. The housing has an inboard and an outboard side, and defines a plane substantially parallel to a closure plane. The handle is pivotably connected to the housing at a handle pivot point having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the plane, and the latch member is pivotably connected to the housing through a latch member pivot point, which is remote and inboard from the handle pivot point and also has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to that of the handle pivot point. The latch member is pivotable about the latch member pivot point between an open and a closed position. The handle is connected to the latch member by a first linkage so the latch member is moveable between the open and closed positions by angular movement of the handle about the handle pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Weston Body Hardware Limited
    Inventors: Martin Wollacott, Michael Leslie, Mark Jeffries
  • Patent number: 9103117
    Abstract: A mechanical drop-away ceiling may include a frame and a panel. The frame may be configured to be suspended above a floor. The frame may include a movable element movable between a closed position and an open position. The panel may be selectively retained at the frame by the movable element in the closed position and may be free to drop away from the frame when the movable element is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: WINDCHILL ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: David Alan Lundskog, John Roy North, Lane Mack Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9086198
    Abstract: A retention structure for retaining a recessed lighting fixture behind a ceiling includes an attachment structure that has a first wall and a second wall. The attachment structure is designed to be attached to a housing of a recessed light fixture. The retention structure further includes a screw attached to the first wall of the attachment structure and to the second wall of the attachment structure. The retention structure also includes a pawl attached to the threaded screw. The pawl is rotatable along with the threaded screw. The pawl is also axially movable along the threaded screw between the first wall of the attachment structure and the second wall of the attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Grzegorz Wronski, Zhihong Lin, Steven Pyshos, Jyoti Gururaj Kathawate
  • Publication number: 20150115629
    Abstract: A lock including a housing having an opening for a locking bolt, a locking bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an actuator positioned within the housing, and a rotary blocking device that prevents the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position is disclosed. The lock may optionally include a tamper resistant mechanism that is designed such that attempting to forcibly move the locking bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position while the actuator remains in the locked condition causes the locking bolt to engage the tamper resistant mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Klaus W. Gartner
  • Publication number: 20150076833
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door arrangement, wherein a pivotable catch and an inlet mouth for a lock striker are provided, wherein the catch can be brought into at least one closed position and into at least one open position, wherein the catch as such in its closed position may hold the lock striker by a holding engagement between the catch and the lock striker and in its open position may release the lock striker, wherein during a closing cycle the lock striker comes into an actuating engagement with the motor vehicle lock such that the catch moves from its open position into its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: David Rosales, Michael Wittelsbuerger
  • Publication number: 20150021932
    Abstract: A latch includes a protrusion that extends from a latch body. The protrusion moves from a fully extended position to a partially extended position when the door or window to which the latch is mounted is moved to a closed position. This movement of the protrusion disengages an anti-slam mechanism, allowing movement of a latch mechanism. Further, the partially extended protrusion engages in an anti-lift recess in the strike. Alternatively, the protrusion may extend from the strike and engage with an anti-lift recess in the latch body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Stuart Horwood
  • Patent number: 8833809
    Abstract: A window vent stop for use in a sliding member of a sliding sash window assembly or a sliding door assembly. The vent stop has a housing adapted to be disposed in a recess in the non-movable sash member of the assembly. This housing includes a cavity with a bottom plate. A tumbler has at least one pivot for pivotally securing the tumbler to the housing for movement between an extended position, to prevent movement of the sliding member and a retracted position, to allow movement of the sliding member. Also within the housing is a spring for biasing the tumbler toward the extended position. The housing has one or more flexible members extending from the end walls of the housing that secure the housing to the non-movable sash member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8814229
    Abstract: Latching mechanisms for electronic modules. In one example embodiment, a latching mechanism for an electronic module includes a latch, a latch return spring, and a release slide. The latch is configured to rotate between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch includes a latch arm on a first end of the latch and an engagement pin on a second end of the latch. The latch return spring is configured to bias the latch in the latched position. The release slide includes a slide ramp. The slide ramp is configured to engage the latch arm as the release slide is slid away from the engagement pin, which causes the latch to rotate from the latched position to the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Kiyoshi Togami, Gary Dean Sasser, Joshua John Edward Moore
  • Patent number: 8807606
    Abstract: An electrically powered lock, e.g. an electric strike, includes a housing and a latch mounted with respect to the housing so as to be pivotable about a latch axis between an open position and a locking position. The latch has a latch face and a segment that projects laterally of both the latch axis and the latch face. A locking element is mounted for rotation about a lock axis normal to but offset from the latch axis for selectively blocking the laterally projecting segment to hold the latch in the locking position or allowing the latch to move to the open position to thereby place the lock respectively in a locked condition or an unlocked condition. An electrically powered driver is disposed within the housing laterally of the latch axis actuable in a direction generally parallel to the latch axis for effecting rotation of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: K.J. Ross Security Locks Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Keith James Ross, Geoffrey Howard Ross, Beverley Ann Ross
  • Patent number: 8783739
    Abstract: For facilitating the work of applying a pivotal member, which is to be pivotally connected to a base member, with a satisfied biasing force, a coil-shaped torsion spring is mounted on the pivotal member having one end thereof pressed on a projection of the pivotal member, then the pivotal member is moved to the base member in such a manner that the end of the torsion spring is brought into abutment with and pressed against a stopper portion of the base member while releasing from the projection of the pivotal member, and the pivotal member is further moved toward the base member until the pivotal member is properly set to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20140125070
    Abstract: A cooling package latch system is disclosed. The cooling package latch system includes a bracket removably coupled with a cooling package. The bracket includes a protruding striker. The cooling package latch system also includes a latch plate coupled to a sidewall proximate to the cooling package, and pivotable about a lateral axis. The latch plate includes a slot configured to hold the protruding striker to latch the cooling package at an angular position relative to an operational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Luka G. Korzenioski, Sukumar Veerappan
  • Publication number: 20140069017
    Abstract: A tilt latch system that comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position; a lock-out member movable from a retracted position to an extended position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position; and an engagement member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position is provided. The actuator and the engagement member are maintained in the second and disengaged positions, respectively, when the lock-out member is in the extended position. The actuator and the engagement member are automatically biased to the first position and the engaged position, respectively, upon movement of the lock-out member from the extended to the retracted position. The tilt latch system may further comprise a lock- out device and/or be optionally utilized in a modular configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael A. Barton, Gordon H. Liebel, Eric A. Baczuk
  • Patent number: 8651596
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus is provided with a housing, a rockable member rockably secured to the housing, and a lock mechanism including an engaging portion and an engageable portion. The rockable member is locked to the housing when the engageable portion is engaged with the engaging portion. The image formation apparatus is further provided with a displaceable guide member secured to the housing or the rockable member. A guiding member is provided to the housing or the rockable member. The guiding member slide-contacts the guide member when the rockable member rocks so that the state of the rockable member is changed from a rockable state to an unrockable state. The engageable portion is displaced to move closer to the engaging portion in a case where the guide member contacts the guiding member than in a case where the guide member does not contact the guiding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Fukui
  • Publication number: 20140035293
    Abstract: A latch assembly is provided that includes a housing. The latch assembly also includes a latch in rotatable connection with the housing at a first axis. The latch assembly also includes a drive lug in rotatable connection with the housing at a second axis, wherein the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis on the housing. Rotation of the drive lug in a first rotational direction responsive to a striker acting on a first portion of the drive lug is operative to cause the latch to rotate in the same first rotational direction as the drive lug, such that a first portion of the latch moves in transverse relation relative to the striker to a position in which the striker extends between the first portion of the drive lug and the first portion of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: THE EASTERN COMPANY
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Grant A. Lugas, David J. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 8628127
    Abstract: A value engineered latch system for latching and unlatching closures in plurality of stages namely fully open, partially open and fully closed comprising: a spring comprising of a metal rod with plurality of wound segments, bent segments and free ends; a metal striker comprising of profiled edges and slots that interact with said spring; a self presenting secondary release system actuated by the movement of the said spring; a base plate that supports the said spring and the said self presenting secondary release system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Hari Prasad
  • Publication number: 20130333426
    Abstract: A rebound locking mechanism (10) is taught that consists of a spring loaded shaft (28) having an activating flat (34) thereon, a spring loaded latch (78) interfacing with the shaft activating flat and a rebound plate (40) attached to the shaft. An inertia flywheel (56) having an offset protruding striker (58) is in alignment beneath said rebound plate, with an electric motor (60) rotating the flywheel. In operation when the motor rotates the flywheel in a counter clockwise direction, the striker hits a top surface of the rebound plate and bounces the flywheel clockwise until the striker hits beneath the rebound plate causing the shaft to rotate realigning the flat permitting the latch to rotate under spring urging and thereby repositioning the catch from a locked position into an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Gun Vault Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Baker
  • Publication number: 20130234578
    Abstract: A door locking device includes a supporting frame, a latch rotationally carried about a first axis by the supporting frame, a receiver for a locking tooth of the latch and first elastic element for rotating the latch between a first steady position in which, in use, with the door being closed, the tooth of the latch engages the receiver, and a second steady position, in which the tooth does not engage the receiver. The supporting frame is shaped to be fixed, in use, to one side of an access opening of the electric household appliance, integral with a casing of the latter; and the receiver has at least one seat carried, in use, by an edge of the door facing, in use, the side of the access opening provided with the supporting frame; moreover, the first axis is transversally movable with respect to itself, relatively to the supporting frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Gianbattista Ala, Pierluigi Carli
  • Publication number: 20130106121
    Abstract: For facilitating the work of applying a pivotal member, which is to be pivotally connected to a base member, with a satisfied biasing force, a coil-shaped torsion spring is mounted on the pivotal member having one end thereof pressed on a projection of the pivotal member, then the pivotal member is moved to the base member in such a manner that the end of the torsion spring is brought into abutment with and pressed against a stopper portion of the base member while releasing from the projection of the pivotal member, and the pivotal member is further moved toward the base member until the pivotal member is properly set to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.
    Inventor: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8424930
    Abstract: In an incubator according to the present invention, physical condition of a newborn is less likely to get out of order though a hand insertion window can easily be opened by operation with, for example, an elbow instead of a hand. A latch in a latch mechanism has a spiral face that extends to at least part of the periphery of a rotation shaft that extends along a side of a newborn chamber. A releasing member in the latch mechanism presses the spiral face of the latch by movement along the side of the newborn chamber and rotates the latch from a holding position to a releasing position for a hand insertion door. In addition, even if the latch in the latch mechanism rotates about the rotation shaft between the holding and releasing positions for the hand insertion door, the releasing member does not rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Atom Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Terumi Matsubara, Eiji Koike, Naoki Honma, Yoko Nagai, Kazuo Matsubara
  • Patent number: 8360484
    Abstract: A vent stop is installed into a window/door to limit travel therein of a sash member, and being particularly adapted to permit ease of its installation, especially into a wooden door/window. The stop incorporates multiple retention features to inhibit the stop's removal, once properly installed. The retention features include a wedge-shaped protrusion located at a distal end of the stop housing, which engages the wood of the window opening when pivotally installed therein, to secure a first end of the stop. The opposite end of the stop may be redundantly secured. A first feature for securing the opposite end may comprise one or more arcuate flanges on housing side walls, flanges being adapted to unidirectional movement so as to permit its movement relative to the window opening during installation, but thereafter deterring counter-pivotal motion that would allow removal of the vent stop. A second feature comprises a deformable spring clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Publication number: 20120223534
    Abstract: A gear-driven clutching and resetting device of a door lock comprising a clutch 1, a rotary ring 2, a reset block 3, a reset spring 4, a reset block 5, and a locating pin 6. The clutch 1 is assembled inside the rotary ring 2, both of them rotate around the same center shaft. The reset spring 4 is fitted inside the reset block 5 which is in turn fitted inside the reset block 3, all three rotating around the same center shaft. A projection 61 of the locating pin 6 is fitted inside the groove 51 of the reset block 5, and has a limiting role on the reset block 5 when rotating. The gear 31 of the reset block 3 engages with the gear 11 of the clutch 1, thus realizing the transmission function between the reset block 3 and the clutch 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Yu Min
  • Publication number: 20120126551
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a forkbolt movable between a released position, allowing opening of a closure, and a restrained position, preventing opening of the closure. A forkbolt spring is configured to bias the forkbolt toward the released position. A primary detent is mounted with respect to the forkbolt and movable between an open position, allowing the forkbolt to move into the released position, and a closed position, not allowing the forkbolt to move into the released position. A secondary detent is movable between an unlocked position, allowing the primary detent to move into the open position, and a locked position, preventing the primary detent from moving into the open position. An actuator selectively moves the secondary detent from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicants: DYNALLOY, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Joseph P. Fannon, Bobbi E. Alton, James Holbrook Brown, Brian W. Bowling, Alan L. Browne
  • Publication number: 20120091739
    Abstract: An electrically powered lock, e.g. an electric strike, includes a housing and a latch mounted with respect to the housing so as to be pivotable about a latch axis between an open position and a locking position. The latch has a latch face and a segment that projects laterally of both the latch axis and the latch face. A locking element is mounted for rotation about a lock axis normal to but offset from the latch axis for selectively blocking the laterally projecting segment to hold the latch in the locking position or allowing the latch to move to the open position to thereby place the lock respectively in a locked condition or an unlocked condition. An electrically powered driver is disposed within the housing laterally of the latch axis actuable in a direction generally parallel to the latch axis for effecting rotation of the locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: K. J. ROSS SECURITY LOCKS PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Keith James Ross, Geoffrey Howard Ross, Beverley Ann Ross
  • Publication number: 20120074824
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus is provided with a housing, a rockable member rockably secured to the housing, and a lock mechanism including an engaging portion and an engageable portion. The rockable member is locked to the housing when the engageable portion is engaged with the engaging portion. The image formation apparatus is further provided with a displaceable guide member secured to the housing or the rockable member. A guiding member is provided to the housing or the rockable member. The guiding member slide-contacts the guide member when the rockable member rocks so that the state of the rockable member is changed from a rockable state to an unrockable state. The engageable portion is displaced to move closer to the engaging portion in a case where the guide member contacts the guiding member than in a case where the guide member does not contact the guiding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi FUKUI
  • Publication number: 20120068480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle with a locking mechanism comprising a catch (4), a first-position pawl (13), a primary-position pawl (6), a blocking lever for blocking the primary-position pawl, and a driver for the first-position pawl, wherein the driver is a lateral contour area of the first-position pawl (13) and functions to rotate the primary-position pawl out of its notched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: KIEKERT AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Bendel, Serkan Gülkan, Karsten Barth, Ulrich Weichsel
  • Publication number: 20120049543
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hood latch module that can minimize the volume of the latch module by removing a latch spring of a hood latch and by using a torsion spring with a small volume and can reduce noise generated by vibration of the spring by improving an coupling structure of a pawl and the latch. The hood latch module comprises: a release cable configured to transmit a hood opening force; a pawl coupled to one side of the release cable so as to be rotated; a latch configured to interact with rotation of the pawl to be rotated and to couple and fix a hood striker; and a pop-up spring configured to contact with the hood striker at one side thereof. The pop-up spring is deformed as the hood striker is coupled with and fixed to the latch when the hood is closed and applies a restoring force as the hood striker is released to withdraw the hood striker from the latch when the hood is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyeon Jung Park
  • Publication number: 20110252844
    Abstract: A door lock for use with an overhead door having a plurality of rollers or a bar moving along a track, includes a movable latch and a release mechanism. The movable latch is associated with the track and biased toward a door-locking position. The latch is configured to allow at least one of the rollers or bar to pass the latch as the overhead door closes. The latch is also configured to engage a roller or bar to prevent movement past the latch as the overhead door attempts to open. The release mechanism is mechanically coupled to the latch for withdrawing the latch from the track to allow the roller or bar to pass by the latch and the overhead door to open. A door position sensor is also disclosed including a movable lever and an electronic means for sensing the position of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney T. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20110198871
    Abstract: A latch structure of fire door lock includes a lock base, a latch unit, a blocking member, an elastic member and a linking set. The lock base comprises an accommodating slot, a first lateral portion having a first sliding slot, and a second lateral portion having a second sliding slot. The latch unit has a combining pin. The blocking member is disposed in the accommodating slot and includes a contacting portion. The contacting portion is pressed by the elastic member. The combining pin is connected at the linking set and the latch unit. Two end portions of the combining pin are slidably disposed at the first sliding slot and the second sliding slot respectively. The end portions of the combining pin are restrained within a first recess of the first sliding slot and a second recess of the second sliding slot respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Shih-Min Lu, Fu-Chih Huang
  • Publication number: 20110175375
    Abstract: A rotary latch for selectively locking a closure, such as a tonneau cover, is provided with a bottom pull release lever. The pivot axis of the release lever is vertically offset relative to the pivot axis of a latch arm so that the latch arm extends in a first direction and the release lever extends generally transverse thereto in a second direction, and the latch arm engages the release lever at a middle portion thereof between the pivot axis and an actuator mount on the end of the release lever. The actuator mount is actuated by pulling substantially linearly in the first direction with minimal changes in the direction of the actuator force acting on the actuator mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: David Lee Terhaar, David Jay Terhaar
  • Publication number: 20110169282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock unit (1) comprising at least one catch (2), wherein the catch (2) has a primary position (8) and a first position (9), a main pawl (3) having an axis of rotation (4), a blocking pawl (5), which blocks the main pawl (3) upon engagement with the catch (2), and a first pawl (6), which is rotatably disposed on the axis of rotation (4) of the main pawl and is engageable with the catch (2), wherein the lock unit (1) comprises at least one elastic element (7) that biases the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) against each other, at least part of the time, such that the tension between the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) is preferably the largest in the open position of the catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Michael Scholz
  • Publication number: 20110113695
    Abstract: A sash window restrictor (20) has a housing (22) which is to be let into a vertical frame member (10) of one sash (normally the upper, outer sash) of a window, at a position, say, 10 cm above the top rail of the lower sash when the windows are closed. A tab (24) is mounted in the housing and can be retracted into the housing or extended from the housing. A mechanism acts between the tab and the housing and allows the tab to be pressed into the housing and held in the housing for a period of time before the tab is released to allow the tab to extend. With the tab extended, the lower sash (12) can be lifted until it reaches the tab (24) but no further, so that a 10 cm gap will be opened at the bottom of the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Mighton Products Limited
    Inventor: Michael Derham
  • Publication number: 20110109104
    Abstract: A value engineered latch system for latching and unlatching closures in plurality of stages namely fully open, partially open and fully closed comprising: a spring comprising of a metal rod with plurality of wound segments, bent segments and free ends; a metal striker comprising of profiled edges and slots that interact with said spring; a self presenting secondary release system actuated by the movement of the said spring; a base plate that supports the said spring and the said self presenting secondary release system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Hari Prasad
  • Publication number: 20110074170
    Abstract: The latch includes a ratchet and pawl operable to move between an engaged position to hold a striker and a released position to permit the striker from exiting the latch. In addition, a release lever and a lock lever are pivotally mounted to the opposite surface of the latch housing. A lock link lever connects the release lever to the lock lever, having a first end pivotally mounted to the lock lever and a second end slidably located in a slot on the release lever. Actuating the release lever while the second end of the lock link lever is in its locked position pivots the lock link lever in a first arc and actuating the release lever while the lock link lever is in its unlocked position pivots the lock link lever in a second arc to actuate the pawl into its released position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Kris Tomaszewski, Roman Cetnar
  • Publication number: 20110062727
    Abstract: A vent stop is installed into a window/door to limit travel therein of a sash member, and being particularly adapted to permit ease of its installation, especially into a wooden door/window. The stop incorporates multiple retention means to inhibit the stop's removal, once properly installed. The retention means includes a wedge-shaped protrusion located at a distal end of the stop housing, which engages the wood of the window opening when pivotally installed therein, to secure a first end of the stop. The opposite end of the stop may be redundantly secured. A first means of securing the opposite end may comprise one or more arcuate flanges on housing side walls, flanges being adapted to unidirectional movement so as to permit its movement relative to the window opening during installation, but thereafter deterring counter-pivotal motion that would allow removal of the vent stop. A second means comprises a deformable spring clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 7905524
    Abstract: A door with a pressure opening comprises articulated hinges for hinging to the piece of furniture, and a pull-push closing device to be released by manual thrust of the door towards the inside. At least one articulated hinge comprises a spring acting for its movement from the closed position to the open position, in the way of pushing the door to the open position against the retaining action in the closed position performed by the pull-push device in order to help in opening the door upon release of the pull-push device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Agostino Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Migli
  • Publication number: 20100321882
    Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a release button, a pivot shaft on which the release button is provided, a locking element fixedly mounted on the pivot shaft, and a stop member that is aligned with the locking element when the locking mechanism is in a locked position, wherein contact between the locking element and the stop member prevents pivoting of the locking element and the pivot shaft but depression of the release button moves the locking element clear of the stop member to enable pivoting of the pivot shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Dustin L. Hoffman, Paul J. Doczy, Jeffrey A. Lev, Earl W. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100313488
    Abstract: An adjustable stop is adapted to limit travel of a sliding sash window/door, and can be installed upon the window/door master frame during initial manufacturing of the product, or may be an after-market option added at some time after manufacturing was completed. The stop may even be installed upon sash windows/doors currently in service in a building. The stop is intended to limit sash travel between a closed position and a safe position, where the safe position is a position significantly less than a full-open position. The safety stop may be comprised of a housing and a tumbler being pivotally mounted within a cavity in the housing, with a spring to bias the tumbler out of an opening in the housing. Mounting is by a flange extending from the housing, with spacers of varying thickness that are capable of removably attaching thereon to accommodate sash to master frame height differences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Luke Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 7770942
    Abstract: The releasable locking arrangement for two components consists of a hook-connecting element arranged on a first component (10) and a spring-loaded locking hook (26) with swivelling axis (22) arranged on a second component (20). The locking hook (21) and the hook-connecting element can be connected with one another to form the lock. The hook-connecting element on the first component (10) is a retaining rod (11) whose ends are movable in a guide track (12, 12?). The swivelling axis (22) of the locking hook (21) on the second component (20) is connected with a holder (27). The holder (27) has a sliding bevel (24-S, 25-S) for the retaining rod (11). When the two components (10, 20) approach one another, the retaining rod (11) slides upwards on the sliding bevel (24-S, 25-S) of the holder. This causes the retaining rod to move in its guide track (12, 12?) at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: S-Fasteners GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Homner
  • Patent number: 7699364
    Abstract: An exemplary housing of a foldable device includes a first cover, a second cover, a knob, a latching member, and an elastic member. The first cover includes a first latching portion. The second cover includes a fixing portion. The latching member includes a second latching portion configured for engaging with the first latching portion. The knob is rotatably positioned on the second cover. At least a portion of the knob is exposed out of the second cover. The knob connects with the latching member. The elastic member connects to the latching member. The knob is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a first circular direction and the elastic member is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a second circular direction opposite to the first circular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
  • Publication number: 20090268381
    Abstract: A locking bracket and a lock housing wherein the locking bracket generally comprises a clamping member and a fastening lever that attaches to a wall of a meter box base. The lock housing generally comprises a unitary member with a perpendicular flange. The meter box lid is secured to the meter box base when the locking bracket is secured to the side wall and used in combination with the lock housing and a locking shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: John Edward Stachowiak, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090184524
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fixing structure applicable to a frame, wherein a first latch plate and a first support plate parallel to each other are disposed vertically on the frame. The fixing structure includes a board, a second latch plate disposed on a surface of the board, and a second support plate parallel to the second latch plate disposed on the board. When the fixing structure is placed on the surface of the frame, the first support plate is passed through a second opening of the fixing structure. A resilient element is pivotally coupled between the first support plate and the second support plate, such that the fixing structure can be moved on the frame by the resilience of the resilient element, enabling an operator to easily install or remove an electronic peripheral on or from the space between the first and second latch plates of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lin-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7431356
    Abstract: A window vent stop for use in a sliding sash window assembly or a sliding door assembly. The vent stop has a housing adapted to be disposed in a recess in a non-movable sash member. This housing includes a cavity with a bottom plate therein. A tumbler has at least one pivot for pivotally securing the tumbler to the housing for movement between an extended position, to prevent movement of the sliding sash member and a retracted position, to allow movement of the sliding sash member. Also within the housing is a spring for biasing the tumbler toward the extended position. The tumbler has a first locking member that contacts a second locking member on a release member when the tumbler is in the retracted position and the first locking member does not contact the second locking member when the tumbler is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventors: Luke K. Liang, Tong Liang
  • Publication number: 20080211240
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a gripping-operating unit including a gripping subassembly, a base subassembly for mounting the components of the unit and an operating subassembly. The gripping subassembly includes a gripper, from which, at one of its vertical extremity, a lever, integral with the gripper, extends horizontally. The base subassembly generally includes an elongated body and a positioning-attachment element connected to the latter. The operating subassembly comprises a spring guide block with opposed channels, a helical compression spring, located in one of the channels, and a pushing pin having a tooth like extension. Should the lever act on the pushing pin, the later, via the tooth like extension, operates against the helical compression spring, and simultaneously moves beyond the spring guide bloc. When a lock is used, a subassembly strike-stopper and a lock actuator-stopper deactivator subassembly are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Ross Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20080169657
    Abstract: A latching system for securing two members together is disclosed that includes a housing. A pawl is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between a closed or engaged configuration and an open or disengaged configuration. The pawl is provided with a torsion spring member that biases the pawl toward the open or disengaged configuration. An electrically actuated locking member is supported by the housing. A lug projecting from the pawl is engaged by the locking member to retain the pawl in the closed configuration. When latched, the pawl captures the keeper to secure the latch to the keeper. Energizing the electrical actuating mechanism retracts the locking member out of engagement with the lug of the pawl, thus allowing the pawl to rotate under spring bias to the open configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTHCO, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Horton, Andrew Thornton
  • Publication number: 20080121147
    Abstract: A power and data station rotatably mounted in an opening in a work surface comprising, a base having sloped power and data receptacle panels, a pair of torus hinges rotatably attached to said base, a lock bolt having a lock tooth fixedly attached to said base, a lock button slidably attached to said lock bolt, a first lock strike slot in one of said torus hinges, said lock tooth adapted to engage said lock strike slot to hold said station in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Marvin R. Cooke, Conrad Marini