Rigid Operating Means Patents (Class 292/241)
  • Publication number: 20090127872
    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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jintian Ye
  • Patent number: 7481470
    Abstract: An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly for a sash window slidable within a master frame, including a handle movable among a first, a second and a third position to adjust the assembly among a respective locked, unlocked and tiltable position. The integrated assembly further comprises a rotor coupled to the handle and having a locking cam. The integrated assembly also includes a keeper adapted to be connected to an upper sash window. The integrated assembly further includes a latch bolt housing having a latch bolt slidably disposed therein and a spring for biasing the latch bolt towards the master frame. The integrated assembly further includes a connector coupled proximate a first end to the latch bolt and operably coupled proximate a second end to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Mark B. Eenigenburg, Dean Pettit, Mark V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7438332
    Abstract: A cam-action remote latch mechanism comprises a housing; a support, placed inside the housing, being able to perform a movement between an innermost position and an outermost position; a plurality of guiding openings in the housing for guiding the movement of the support; a cam, set on a primary axis and placed inside the housing, when turned driving the movement of the support; and a pawl, mounted on an outer side of the support, protruding from the housing when the support has reached the outermost position and exerting a sealing force driven by the support, with the cam and the support stably holding each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Feng-Ho Wang, Kai-Yu Hsiao, Han-Jou Lee
  • Publication number: 20080211281
    Abstract: An inertial latch assembly including a planar shaped sector pivotally mounted between a pair of spaced apart support plates. The sector exhibits a bottom including a central projecting shoulder separating first and second bottom surfaces. An arcuate interior channel in the sector is offset from its pivotal mounting location, a pin extending through a second channel defined in a selected support plate and seating within the arcuate channel so that the pin exerts a bias against the sector during travel along the arcuate interior channel. A pendulum is secured in sandwiching fashion between the support plates and proximate the bottom extending surface of the planar shaped sector, an arcuate edge thereof seating against a selected bottom extending surfaces of the rotatable sector, depending upon a pivoted position established between the sector and the support plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Bae Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Grable, Keith Brantley
  • Publication number: 20080169658
    Abstract: A locking system for locking together the sashes of a window includes a base assembly, a cover assembly, and a keeper. The base assembly includes a cam receiver with an interchangeable cam that can engage the keeper so as to lock the window. The cover assembly includes an interchangeable shroud adapted to fit over the base assembly and a handle for rotating the cam. The base assembly, the cover assembly, and the keeper include additional features that resist forced entry through the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Glen Wolf
  • Patent number: 7272903
    Abstract: A picture frame turn button has a base plate with at least one fastener for attaching the base plate securely to a picture frame back. Pivotably mounted to the base plate is a latch plate with an arm and a tongue portion opposite of each other. The latch plate may be pivoted about base plate between an engaged state, where the picture frame back is locked closed, and a disengaged state, where the picture frame back may be removed to replace a picture sandwiched between the picture frame and picture frame back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Armand E. Roy
  • Patent number: 7261340
    Abstract: A cam remote latch mechanism comprises a housing; a support, placed inside the housing/ being able to perform a movement between an innermost position and an outermost position; a plurality of guiding openings in the housing for guiding the movement of the support; a cam, set on a primary axis and placed inside the housing, when turned driving the movement of the support; and a pawl, mounted on an outer side of the support, protruding from the housing when the support has reached said outermost position and exerting a sealing force driven by the support, with the cam and the support stably holding each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Feng-Ho Wang, Kai-Yu Hsiao, Han-Jou Lee
  • Patent number: 7159908
    Abstract: An improved window sash latch which has a locking mechanism and a keeper is provided with a handle that rotates from a “locked” to an “unlocked” position. An inner cavity of the handle has a spring assembly having a sliding part that can be forced into a detent as the handle slides around a cylindrical extension of an outer surface of the latch. The detents correspond to a “locked” and an “unlocked” position of the latch. The latch also provides two cams where both cams revolve relative to each other; one cam is activated by the handle through the handle's shaft, the other cam engages the keeper, and both cams engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Liang
  • Patent number: 7147255
    Abstract: A latch reinforcing block for engagement with the nose portion of any tilt latch assembly and preferably with the above-mentioned camlock/tilt latch combination, the block comprising a top and bottom and having extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom there-through fastening portions to fasten the reinforcing block within the track of a preferred window assembly, the reinforcing block having disposed proximate the top thereof at least one cutout, notch or pocket extending towards the bottom and for receipt of a corresponding nose portion of the latch assembly in order to pass loads such as wind loads or the like to the frame section to which the reinforcing block is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 420820 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
  • Patent number: 7140801
    Abstract: A latch is designed to attain and keep full engagement of a sub-assembly in a chassis and to increase the reliability and longevity of connectors by increasing the chances that they remain fully engaged even in the presence of shock and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael J. Greenside, Alisa C. Sandoval
  • Patent number: 7100951
    Abstract: A water gate locker comprises a locker body, a bracket, a fastener-seat, a press-bolt, a position-ring, a nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Tyrone Marine Hardware Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee-Wen Jien
  • Patent number: 7070215
    Abstract: A dual function lock, a tilt latch assembly, and tilt latch for use on a hung or double hung window are provided. The lock includes a base, a handle, and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. The tilt latch assembly includes a lock, left and right latches, and an extensible member. The tilt latch actuating mechanism is adapted to receive the extensible member and has a null zone between locked and unlocked positions of the handle. In the null zone, no substantial movement of the extensible member as the handle is rotated from the locked to unlocked positions. The tilt latch actuating mechanism causes the extensible member to move in a direction toward the lock as the handle is rotated from the unlocked position to a tilt position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kelley, David R. Bogenhagen
  • Patent number: 7063361
    Abstract: A locking window having a window frame and a window latch for use with the window is disclosed. The window latch, which is adapted to be attached to the window using a distinct fastener, is selectively movable between a first open position and a second locked position to secure the window sash in the closed position. The window latch includes an actuator arm, a locking arm, a non-compressible pivot and a housing. A pivot location is situated at the union of the actuator arm and the locking arm. The pivot location permits the actuator arm and the locking arm to be selectively movable between a first closed position and a second open position. The housing may include a securing feature for maintaining the housing substantially set relative to the window while at the same time permitting the actuator arm and the locking arm to be selectively movable between a first closed position and a second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Barry Gene Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7017954
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a trailer roll up door has a base plate, a handle and hook assembly with a locking flange rotatably mounted to the base plate, a closed keeper to selectively retain the handle in the closed position. The closed keeper is moveably mounted to the base plate for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. The movement of the closed keeper is limited by stops on the base plate and further has a rotation stop that is adapted to contact a portion of the handle when the closed keeper is in the unlatched position and the handle is moved to the closed position to move the closed keeper into the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley K. Eklund, Andrew Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7017957
    Abstract: A sash lock (10) is provided for a sash window assembly (12). The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window (14) and a lower sash window (16). Each of the sash windows (14, 16) are mounted within opposed guide rails (20) on a master frame (22) wherein at least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame (20) relative to the other sash window. The sash window assembly (12) further includes a keeper (26) for mounting on a rail of one of the sash windows. The keeper (26) includes a keeper surface (26a). The sash lock (10) includes a locking assembly (28) for mounting on an adjacent rail of the other of the sash windows. The locking assembly (28) includes a housing (30) having an aperture (32), an actuator arm (34) having a shaft (38) disposed along a rotational axis and within the aperture (32) of the housing (30), and a cam (36) having a cam surface (36a) for engaging the keeper surface (26a) of the keeper (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Murphy, Dean Pettit
  • Patent number: 7000957
    Abstract: An improved locking device for sash-type windows is provided. The locking device includes a keeper defining an internal or keeper cavity, a housing defining first and second tier-recess combinations, a solid cam rotatively positioned within the first tier-recess combination, and a washer positioned between the housing interior and the flat top portion of the cam. The second tier-recess combination, or keeper recess, is defined by at least a portion of the housing that engages the keeper, such that the keeper is nestable within (wholly or partially enclosed by) the second tier-recess combination. Attempting to force the cam past the keeper cavity when the locking mechanism is locked results in the distribution of the force across the surface area of the keeper recess. The first tier-recess combination further defines an aperture for mounting a handle to engage and operate the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Barry G. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6962024
    Abstract: A window latch includes a sweep latch; a housing including a support wall; a non-compressible pivot fastener for attaching the sweep latch to the housing; and a detent for retaining the sweep latch in one of an open position and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hughes Supply Company of Thomasville, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Keith Miller, Christopher R. Rogers, Farrell Smith, Jeffrey T. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6938377
    Abstract: A double hung window is provided with a keeper on the upper pane that also provides an elongate surface for receiving a downward force for moving the upper pane. The keeper has a tongue provided on an inner side of a central web of the u-shaped member that forms the combined keeper and surface. The force-applying surface is provided on a vertically upper surface of the same central web. The force-applying surface is curved along a slight radius such that it comfortably accommodates the fingers of a user to provide the downward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Gorman
  • Patent number: 6877784
    Abstract: A dual function lock for use on a hung window is provided that includes a base, a handle and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. A tilt latch for use on a hung window is also provided. Furthermore, a tilt latch assembly including a lock, left and right latches and an extensible member is provided. Furthermore, a hung window and tilt latch assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kelley, David R. Bogenhagen
  • Patent number: 6871886
    Abstract: A sash lock apparatus which includes a keeper disposable on a first window sash and having a keeper aperture therein for lockingly receiving therein a selectively retractable element from a sash lock and the sash lock having the selectively retractable element disposable on a second window sash wherein the first and second window sashes are disposed for movement in a direction parallel to each other. The sash lock includes a rotatable lever having a tab extending therefrom and a spring slide deformable by rotation of the rotatable lever and movement of the tab against the spring slide for selectively causing a portion of the spring slide to enter and retract from the aperture to cause locking and unlocking of the first and second window sashes relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: John D. Coleman, Raymond Hufnagle
  • Patent number: 6871885
    Abstract: A latch reinforcing block for engagement with the nose portion of any tilt latch assembly and preferably with the above-mentioned camlock/tilt latch combination, said block comprising a top and bottom and having extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom there-through fastening portions to fasten said reinforcing block within the track of a preferred window assembly, said reinforcing block having disposed proximate the top thereof at least one cutout, notch or pocket extending towards the bottom and for receipt of a corresponding nose portion of the latch assembly in order to pass loads such as wind loads or the like to the frame section to which the reinforcing block is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: 420820 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
  • Publication number: 20040262929
    Abstract: The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of these windows are mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other window. The window latch system includes a locking assembly for mounting on one side of the sash window. The locking assembly is designed to engage a keeper on the adjacent side of the other sash window. The locking assembly includes a housing having an extended hollow central shaft, an actuator arm, and a cam having a latching blade for engaging the keeper. Alignment pins or tabs are located on the bottom of the housing. A single retaining screw extends through the extended hollow central shaft and secures the housing to the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Atrium Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyn O. Trickel
  • Patent number: 6830270
    Abstract: A window latch for use with a window frame comprises a main body having a top portion and a bottom portion. A locking member extending through the main body pivotally mounting therein having a lock arm extending out the bottom portion and a manually operable handle exposed at the top portion. A shoulder separating the top and bottom portion so that the bottom portion projects downwardly from the shoulder. A flange portion at one end of the bottom portion projecting along the main body generally parallel to the shoulder and spaced from the shoulder leaving a recess therebetween. Wherein the bottom portion is arranged to be inserted into a hole cut into a top wall of a window frame such that shoulder sits on a top surface of the top wall and the flange engages underneath a lip of the top wall with the lip being received in the recess thus supporting the respective end of the main body to the frame and a fastener for holding an opposed end of the main body within the hole in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Inductec Alchemist (1987) Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick G. Ellis, Gerald Bruce Hiebert
  • Publication number: 20040217600
    Abstract: A latch assembly providing continuous engagement with a corresponding door includes a housing, an actuator, a biasing member, a latch, and a cam. The housing may optionally include a handle. The actuator may include an actuator shaft and the actuator shaft may be optionally rotated by a handle, a thumbturn, a pushbutton, or a locking mechanism. The biasing member may be a spring, which may be positioned between the housing and the latch and which may consistently exert a force against the latch to bias the latch toward the locked position. The cam may be rotated by the actuator shaft and may contact a bottom surface of the latch. The cam may contact the latch at points of minimum and maximum thickness. When the cam contacts the latch at the point of minimum thickness, the latch is in the locked position and the biasing member biases the latch their in. When the cam is rotated from the locked position, the latch is pivoted to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Argo
  • Publication number: 20040207212
    Abstract: A catch is provided for a window, the catch comprising a striker member 10 for attachment to a first window component and attached member 11 for attachment to a second window member which is movable with respect to the first window member, the catch comprising at least one bolt member which can be shot into locking engagement with the striker member 10 by means of a manually rotatable lever 21. A catch member according to the invention provides greater security than known window catches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Heywood Williams Components Limited
    Inventor: Glen William Wallis
  • Publication number: 20040201227
    Abstract: An automatic locking window latch including a housing for holding a handle with a fully integrated bolt for securing a window, and a catch for engaging the window to release the bolt to secure the window, as well as to hold the bolt open to open the window. The catch may include a catch body, a spring guide, and a trigger pin. The spring guide slideably fits over a post attached to the housing for guiding the catch body and positioning a catch spring. In an unlocked position, an external force acting against the trigger pin causes the catch body to slide from between the bolt and a slide surface of the housing along the post. As the catch body moves past the bolt, bolt springs push bolt extensions of the bolt through the housing and into an adjoining window molding to secure the window. The catch spring presses the catch body against the bolt until the handle pulls the bolt from the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Richard B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6796603
    Abstract: A cam-type door latch assembly comprises a handle and an arm assembly terminating in a finger-like cam and pivotal to bring the cam into engagement with a conventional locking pin assembly. The arm assembly is selectively adjustable for lengthening or shortening the arm assembly, thereby adjusting the contact force between the cam and the locking pin and, consequently, the door closing force. The arm assembly comprises a sleeve enclosing a wedge nut and a cam arm having offsetting inclined faces which are tightened against each other with a threaded connector to lock the wedge nut and cam arm in position in the sleeve when the cam has been properly adjusted relative to the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers Incorporated
    Inventor: Todd A. Pringnitz
  • Patent number: 6779818
    Abstract: A door control mechanism including a latching member for aligning and latching a pivotal door on a cargo container. The latching member includes a single tine or locking tongue formed integral with and extending from a head portion of the latching member. A distal end of the locking tongue has a tapered configuration to promote introduction of the tine into latching relation relative to a keeper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Powerbrace Corporation
    Inventor: Brian A. Senn
  • Publication number: 20040128916
    Abstract: A latch mechanism, which is coupled to a window sash that travels within a window frame, is adapted for being coupled to a pocket brace, which extends across the channel opening of the jamb pocket of the side jamb. The latch mechanism includes a main housing, a bolt, and a tension device. The main housing has a sidewall, which includes one or more sidewall sections which extends around at least a portion of the housing and defines an interior space, and has an opening in said sidewall at one end of said housing. The sidewall forms a channel within the interior space of the main housing having an end that coincides with said opening. The bolt is substantially located within the housing and travels along the channel, and has a first end which is adapted for extending through the opening of the housing and extending into the side jamb of a window frame. A first end of the bolt has a protrusion, which projects in the direction of travel of the window sash within the window frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ken Fullick
  • Patent number: 6705795
    Abstract: An attachment mechanism for connecting a cooling device with a component to be cooled and carried by a connector is disclosed. The attachment mechanism includes a plate, a bore that connects with a portion of the cooling device, a hinge that can be removably hinged on the connector, and a latch assembly that includes tilt relief profiles that allow the latch assembly to pivot on the plate so that a latch profile on the latch assembly can be removably latched on the connector. The latch assembly further includes a spring locator and a spring that are positioned within a slot in the latch assembly and hold the spring pre-loaded in compression. When the latch assembly is tilted on the plate, the latch profile is pivoted outward to facilitate latching onto the connector. After latching onto the connector, the spring is further compressed and exerts a load between the cooling device and the component to be cooled such that contact resistance is reduced and thermal transfer is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Shankar Hegde
  • Publication number: 20040036299
    Abstract: A latch reinforcing block for engagement with the nose portion of any tilt latch assembly and preferably with the above-mentioned camlock/tilt latch combination, said block comprising a top and bottom and having extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom there-through fastening portions to fasten said reinforcing block within the track of a preferred window assembly, said reinforcing block having disposed proximate the top thereof at least one cutout, notch or pocket extending towards the bottom and for receipt of a corresponding nose portion of the latch assembly in order to pass loads such as wind loads or the like to the frame section to which the reinforcing block is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: 420820 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
  • Publication number: 20040036300
    Abstract: A latch reinforcing block for engagement with the nose portion of any tilt latch assembly and preferably with the above-mentioned camlock/tilt latch combination, said block comprising a top and bottom and having extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom there-through fastening portions to fasten said reinforcing block within the track of a preferred window assembly, said reinforcing block having disposed proximate the top thereof at least one cutout, notch or pocket extending towards the bottom and for receipt of a corresponding nose portion of the latch assembly in order to pass loads such as wind loads or the like to the frame section to which the reinforcing block is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: 420820 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
  • Publication number: 20040026932
    Abstract: A sash lock apparatus which includes a keeper disposable on a first window sash and having a keeper aperture therein for lockingly receiving therein a selectively retractable element from a sash lock and the sash lock having the selectively retractable element disposable on a second window sash wherein the first and second window sashes are disposed for movement in a direction parallel to each other. The sash lock includes a rotatable lever having a tab extending therefrom and a spring slide deformable by rotation of the rotatable lever and movement of the tab against the spring slide for selectively causing a portion of the spring slide to enter and retract from the aperture to cause locking and unlocking of the first and second window sashes relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Coleman, Raymond Hufnagle
  • Publication number: 20030205903
    Abstract: A dual function lock for use on a hung window is provided by the invention. The lock includes a base, a handle and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. A tilt latch for use on a hung window is also provided. Furthermore, a tilt latch assembly including a lock, left and right latches and an extensible member is provided. Furthermore, a hung window and tilt latch assembly is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kelley, David R. Bogenhagen
  • Patent number: 6634683
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a window sash lock comprising a handle, a latch, a base and a base cover that fits over at least a substantial portion of the base and completely covers the base fasteners, while not interfering with the handle and latch. The base cover is typically a molded plastic design but may be formed as a metal stamping or fabricated from any suitable material. The base cover may be attached to the base by snap means or by an interference fit for easy removal and reinstallation so that the base cover can be replaced when decorating to provide a color, style or textural change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Warren F. Brannan
  • Patent number: 6609338
    Abstract: A retainer clip includes a shaft extending along a clip axis. The shaft has a shaft diameter and first and second opposed ends. A head extends radially outwardly from the shaft adjacent the first end of the shaft. The head has a head diameter which is greater than the shaft diameter. The head includes a cam surface extending circumferentially about the shaft and facing the second end. At least two portions of the cam surface located at different circumferential positions about the shaft are disposed at different axial distances from the second end. A frame/panel assembly may be formed by mounting and retaining a panel member in a frame using one or more of the retainer clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Tenn-Tex Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hightower
  • Publication number: 20030151262
    Abstract: A sash lock (10) is provided for a sash window assembly (12). The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window (14) and a lower sash window (16). Each of the sash windows (14, 16) are mounted within opposed guide rails (20) on a master frame (22) wherein at least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame (20) relative to the other sash window. The sash window assembly (12) further includes a keeper (26) for mounting on a rail of one of the sash windows. The keeper (26) includes a keeper surface (26a). The sash lock (10) includes a locking assembly (28) for mounting on an adjacent rail of the other of the sash windows. The locking assembly (28) includes a housing (30) having an aperture (32), an actuator arm (34) having a shaft (38) disposed along a rotational axis and within the aperture (32) of the housing (30), and a cam (36) having a cam surface (36a) for engaging the keeper surface (26a) of the keeper (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Mark V. Murphy, Dean Pettit
  • Patent number: 6568723
    Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sash windows is mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock comprises a keeper for mounting on a style of one of the sash windows. The keeper includes a keeper surface. The sash lock also includes a locking assembly for mounting on an adjacent style of the other of the sash windows. The locking assembly includes a housing having a hole, an actuator arm, and a cam having a cam surface for engaging the keeper surface. The locking assembly also includes a shaft extending through the housing hole and operably coupling the actuator arm to the cam. The keeper, the housing, the actuator arm and the shaft are formed of plastic and the cam is formed of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Ashland Paroducts, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Murphy, Dean Pettit
  • Publication number: 20030057717
    Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sash windows is mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock comprises a keeper for mounting on a style of one of the sash windows. The keeper includes a keeper surface. The sash lock also includes a locking assembly for mounting on an adjacent style of the other of the sash windows. The locking assembly includes a housing having a hole, an actuator arm, and a cam having a cam surface for engaging the keeper surface. The locking assembly also includes a shaft extending through the housing hole and operably coupling the actuator arm to the cam. The keeper, the housing, the actuator arm and the shaft are formed of plastic and the cam is formed of metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Mark V. Murphy, Dean Pettit
  • Patent number: 6527315
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a dishwasher door having a bolt secured to the door. The bolt has a catch including a ramp surface facing toward the tub. An actuator is slidably connected to the bolt. A switch is secured to the bolt such that movement of the actuator may selectively close the switch. A handle is moveably mounted to the bolt in a position for access from the front surface of the door. A strike plate is connected to the tub and includes a latching portion extending toward the door. The strike plate flexes vertically to deflect up over the latch when the door moves to the closed position. The strike plate may be released from the latch by moving the handle upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. Marks, John M. DeBoer
  • Patent number: 6523868
    Abstract: A sweep lock locking the check rails of an upper and lower sash improves window resistance to negative wind force. The lock accomplishes this by a cam with a pair of locking rims that engage cam receiver projections extending upward and downward to lock along two vertically separated locking lines, which tends to resist sash tilting from vertical as sash are deformed in response to negative wind force. Preferred embodiments of a cam lock and mounting hub include a two-piece hub that snaps together within a rotational opening of the cam lock to form a subassembly ready for mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Patent number: 6478347
    Abstract: A sweep lock locking the check rails of an upper and lower sash improves window resistance to negative wind force. The lock accomplishes this by a cam with a locking rim that extends both upward and downward to engage cam receiver projections above and below the locking rim to lock along two vertically separated locking lines, which tends to resist sash tilting from vertical as sash are deformed in response to negative wind force. Preferred embodiments of a cam lock and mounting hub include a two-piece hub that snaps together within a rotational opening of the cam lock to form a subassembly ready for mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Publication number: 20020145291
    Abstract: A latch reinforcing block for engagement with the nose portion of any tilt latch assembly and preferably with the above-mentioned camlock/tilt latch combination, said block comprising a top and bottom and having extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom there-through fastening portions to fasten said reinforcing block within the track of a preferred window assembly, said reinforcing block having disposed proximate the top thereof at least one cutout, notch or pocket extending towards the bottom and for receipt of a corresponding nose portion of the latch assembly in order to pass loads such as wind loads or the like to the frame section to which the reinforcing block is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
  • Patent number: 6457752
    Abstract: A locking window. The window includes a window frame including a window sash which is selectively movable between a first closed position and a second open position. A window latch is adapted to be attached to the window and is selectively movable between a first open position and a second locked position to secure the window sash in the closed position. The window latch includes a sweep latch, which is preferably offset, and a non-compressible pivot fastener for attaching the window latch to the window. The offset arrangement provides sufficient space for substantially unequal length actuator and locking arms to provide a mechanical advantage when the window latch is operated. The pivot fastener includes a support bushing and a fastener extending through the support bushing for attaching the offset sweep latch to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Hughes Supply Company of Thomasville, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Keith Miller, Christopher R. Rogers, Farrell Smith
  • Patent number: 6422618
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locking and unlocking a camper shell from the inside. The device can be purchased as an inexpensive after market part and easily and quickly installed without the need for expensive tooling. The device includes a handle having proximal and distal ends and fashioned with a lateral bore at its proximal end for connecting with a torsion bar already existing on the latching mechanism of the camper shell. The distal end of the handle includes a cam, pivotally connected thereto, which can move between a position which in which the cam is generally flush with the handle and other positions in which the cam extends laterally from the handle. A cam lock is provided to engage the cam and hold it in one or more selected positions, the positions providing corresponding amounts of lateral extension from the handle. The when extended, the cam prevents the handle from being turned, thereby preventing the camper shell from being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: David Guldner, Efrain Quiles
  • Publication number: 20020089189
    Abstract: A latching mechanism that uses lubricant impregnated bearings to improve the operation, reduce the corrosion, ease the maintenance, and extend the life of the latching mechanism. The latching mechanism comprises a spindle rotatably disposed in a sleeve that is fixed to a frame (e.g., a door frame). Positioned in the annular space between the spindle and sleeve, the lubricant impregnated bearings separate dissimilar materials and provide a constant source of lubrication. To replenish the bearings, lubricant is introduced into the annular space through a channel in the spindle that communicates between an inlet opening in the end of the spindle and an outlet opening at the annular space. The lubricant impregnated bearings are grooved to enhance lubricant flow and distribution around the bearing surfaces. A shield is attached to the spindle and is disposed around the exterior of the sleeve to prevent debris from entering the annular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Robert L. Heimann, Wayne L. Soucie
  • Patent number: 6412834
    Abstract: A window fastener having a mounting base (21), a latching flap (12) moveably coupled thereto, a handle (14) and a latching tongue (15). the handle (14) is movable between first and second positions and is coupled to the latching tongue (15) so that the latching tongue moves the latching flap (18) when the handle (14) moves to a latching position. A movement inducing mechanism (34, 41) operable by the handle (14) causes movement of the flap (12) to occur when the handle is moved from the latching position to a non-latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventors: Rana James Waitai, Steven Frank Wilkes
  • Patent number: 6397644
    Abstract: A service vehicle ladder lock for fastening a step or extension ladder to a conventional ladder rack running either along a side of the roof of the vehicle or across the top thereof. This ladder lock forms a rectangular framework for placement about the ladder and the ladder rack in close proximity to inhibit movement in any direction upon rapid starting or stopping. In the preferred configuration the ladder lock comprises three portions of narrow bent flat metal stock fastened together wherein the first and second portions are attached by a hinge to allow opening and closing; and the second and third portions are attached to each other. The free end of the first portion has a strike plate thereon for receiving the latch of a tension latch/lock assembly integrally mated to the free end of the third portion. This ladder lock optionally includes means for adjusting the frame width and/or height to insure a close fit around the ladder and the ladder frame to insure safety and security thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Gidding
  • Patent number: 6347820
    Abstract: The sash lock has a rotatable cam which engages the keeper. The sash lock has a slide plate mounted below the cam and the slide plate moves between a retracted position in which its leading edge is flush with the sash to which the lock is mounted. In an extended position in which the leading edge of the plate extends far enough to block the narrow gap between the sashes. The slide plate is mounted for movement perpendicular to the edge of the sash and parallel to the plane of the top surface of the sash. The slide plate includes an arcuate recess in one side of the plate which is engaged by a pin extending from the rotatable cam. The recess in the slide plate is contoured so that during initial portion of the movement of the cam from its open position toward its locked position, the slide plate does not move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Allen Stevens Corp
    Inventor: Edward J. Subliskey
  • Patent number: 6345846
    Abstract: An overcenter latch assembly for securing a moveable member including a bracket secured to a first member and a saddle secured to a second member in opposed relation to the bracket. The saddle includes longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending recesses formed thereon. Each recess is formed with a transversely extending raceway ending in opposed inboard and outboard pivot sockets. A release cover is pivotally connected to the bracket. The release cover has a member pivotally secured thereon. The pivoting member has opposed extensions adapted to be received in the inboard pivot socket of the recess for pivotal movement of the release cover about an inboard axis in a latching direction from an initial unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Delbert D DeRees, Patrick J O'Mahoney