Rigid Operating Means Patents (Class 292/242)
  • Patent number: 10941590
    Abstract: Inertial lock systems for push-push latch style vehicle drawers or storage bins including an inertia lock to maintain a drawer in a closed position under a g-force. A shaft is rotatably mounted on a drawer housing; an inertia member is mounted on the shaft; and a confining member is mounted on the shaft and disposed opposite to the inertia member. The confining member is configured to move to a position to restrict movement of a rotating latch of the drawer when a g-forced applied to the drawer exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James Andrew Giddings, Michael Neumann, Tien Vo
  • Patent number: 10704297
    Abstract: A sash window fastener includes lock and latch assemblies, and a fitting. The lock mounts upon the meeting rail, and includes a pivotable cam to engage a keeper on the master frame, and a pivotable arm acting as a follower. The arm interconnects with the latch within the meeting rail, so cam rotation controls arm positioning—causing translation of the latch. The cam can occupy three positions causing three corresponding latch positions: an extended position securing the cam to the keeper, with the latch engaging the master frame to prevent tilting, and also receiving a post of the fitting therein to further secure the window against impact loading; a first retracted position disengaging the cam from the keeper, and permitting sliding of the window into an open position that also elevates the latch member above the post; and a second retracted cam position causing latch member retraction that permits tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Vision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, David Chen, Glen Paesano
  • Patent number: 10633897
    Abstract: A tamper-proof lock includes: a housing, shaft/handle, cam, lever, spring, and plate. The shaft is pivotally mounted in a housing orifice, with the cam pivotally mounted to the shaft. The cam has first and second shaped openings at first and second respective radial positions, and an arcuate recess. The lever is secured to the shaft, and has a protrusion that alternately engages each of first and second ends of the arcuate recess to respectively/selectively drive the cam to rotate/counter-rotate in first and second directions, into locked and unlocked cam positions. The spring biases the plate for a protrusion thereon to be respectively received within each of first and second shaped cam openings, when aligned therewith at those cam positions, and for a curved surface of the plate to be correspondingly received within first and second curved cam recesses, respectively, when aligned therewith, which facilitate withdrawal of the plate protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen, Troy A. Kirkland
  • Patent number: 9903140
    Abstract: A locking apparatus is provided that relates to a fastener and is used to solve a problem that time and labor are consumed and installation efficiency is low in a locking process of an existing locking apparatus. The locking apparatus is configured to lock a first module and a second module, and includes a locking body that is installed on the first module and a locking piece that is installed on the second module. The locking body includes a housing and a rotating block disposed inside the housing, where the rotating block is connected to a handle that drives the rotating block to rotate out of or into the housing, and the locking piece has a notch that accommodates the rotating block. The present invention is used to implement locking between modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Shi, Lang Xu
  • Patent number: 9650818
    Abstract: A rotatable window lock including a cam positioned within a housing and rotatably connected to a handle. The housing defines a vertical protrusion on the exterior surface sized and configured to be inserted within an aperture defined in the bottom surface of the handle. By positioning the protrusion closer to the housing edge than the housing center, the protrusion is able to rotatably refrain the handle, preventing inadvertent rotation of the handle and unauthorized window access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Barry G. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9429996
    Abstract: A cover assembly including a first and second covers, a latch, an elastic unit, and fasteners is provided. The first cover has inner and outer surfaces, wherein first limiting elements, a hook, and a rail are formed on the inner surface, and keyholes are formed through the inner and outer surfaces. The second cover fixed on the first cover with the inner surface facing the second cover has a stud and second limiting elements overlapping the first limiting elements. The elastic unit connected between the latch disposed in the rail and having third limiting elements and the hook applies a restoring force to the latch. The fasteners pass through the keyholes into the stud. The latch is constrained by the fasteners to drive the third limiting elements to pass through the overlapping portions of the first and second limiting elements, and thereby the first and second covers are fixed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Yi-Hsuan Yang, Cheng-Mao Chang, Chien-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9290076
    Abstract: A ventilation system of a motor vehicle includes a first air control flap driven by a first mechanism, a second air control flap driven by a second mechanism, and a counterstop connected with the second mechanism. The counterstop is driven by the second mechanism between an operative position wherein it restricts movement of the first mechanism away from a reference position, and an inoperative position wherein it does not restrict movement of the first mechanism away from the reference position. The second mechanism has an idle region over which the counterstop may be moved without moving the second flap. The second mechanism may include an eccentric disk rotatable by an actuator to move the counterstop between the operative and inoperative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Walter Mayer
  • Patent number: 8967684
    Abstract: A sash lock for single- and double-hung window installations having upper and lower sashes having respective lower and upper check rails. The sash lock includes a latch for being pivotably mounted to the upper check rail of the lower sash, and a catch for being fixedly secured to the lower check rail of the upper sash. The latch includes a draw member, and the catch has a concave surface for being slidably engaged by the draw member. The concave surface is configured so that when the draw member is increasingly engaged with the catch the sash lock forces the upper and lower sashes into proper vertical alignment with one another regardless of whether upper check rail of the lower sash is initially above or below the lower check rail of the upper sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Phelps Company Architectural Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter E. Phelps
  • Publication number: 20140293535
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing detachably latched to the first housing through a latching tab, and a releasing mechanism. The releasing mechanism includes a button, an elastic member, and a shaft. The button surrounds the shaft and is rotatably assembled to the first housing by the shaft. The elastic member is coiled around the shaft and elastically resists the button to apply an elastic force to enable the button resisting the first housing. When the button rotates about the shaft under a pressure overcoming the elastic force, the latching tab is pushed to release the latching tab and the second housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: CHIUN MAI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: FU-HSIN SUNG, CHIA-JU LIN
  • Patent number: 8844985
    Abstract: An improved forced entry resistant sash lock comprises a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted thereto, a locking cam and a delay cam rotatably and fixedly mounted to the shaft, respectively, and a locking spring. The delay cam selectively engages and drives the locking cam between a locked position and an unlocked position. Locking spring biasing causes engagement with a locking earn opening to lock the cam when in the latch-locked position, with engagement to a depth permitting releasable detent engagement in a delay cam recess. Selective engagement and driving of the locking cam comprises a first portion of delay cam rotation being without driven locking cam rotation, and a second portion causing driven locking cam rotation from a retracted position into a protruding position. Selective engagement is by contact between corresponding protrusions on the delay and locking cams. Shaft/delay cam counter-rotation to unlock the latch proceeds in a reverse manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8789857
    Abstract: An improved forced entry resistant sash lock comprises a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted thereto, a locking spring, and a locking cam and a delay cam rotatably and fixedly mounted to the shaft, respectively. The delay cam selectively engages and drives the locking cam between a locked position and an unlocked position. Locking spring biasing causes engagement with a locking cam opening to lock the cam when in the latch-locked position, with engagement to a depth permitting releasable detent engagement in a delay cam recess. Selective engagement and driving of the locking cam comprises a first portion of delay cam rotation being without driven locking cam rotation, and a second portion causing driven locking cam rotation from a retracted position into a protruding position. Selective engagement is by contact between corresponding protrusions on the delay and locking cams. Shaft/delay cam counter-rotation to unlock the latch proceeds in a reverse manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8511724
    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 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8336930
    Abstract: An improved window sash latch which has a locking mechanism and a keeper is provided with a handle that rotates from a “locked” to an “unlocked” position. An inner cavity of the handle has a spring assembly having a sliding part that can be forced into a detent as the handle slides around a cylindrical extension of an outer surface of the latch. The detents correspond to a “locked” and an “unlocked” position of the latch. The latch also provides two cams where both cams revolve relative to each other; one cam is activated by the handle through the handle's shaft, the other cam engages the keeper, and both cams engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Publication number: 20110304163
    Abstract: An auto cam lock is disclosed here. The disclosed auto cam lock comprises a lock housing assembled with a cam and an actuator; a cam adapted to rotate between an extending position and a retracted position, the cam being adapted to be engaged with and retained by the lock housing when the cam is in the retracted position; a cam resilient means for giving the cam a resilient force adapted to drive the cam to rotate from the retracted position to the extending position; an actuator operatively coupled with the cam, said actuator being adapted to move between an extending position and a retracted position, and said the actuator being adapted to release the cam from the cam's retracted position retained by the lock housing when the actuator moves from the actuator's extending position to the actuator's retracted position; and an actuator resilient means for giving the actuator a resilient force adapted to drive the actuator to move from the retracted position to the extending position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Luke Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 7922223
    Abstract: A security lock having a housing and a cam. The housing includes an indent with a pair of guide portions. The cam is positioned within the indent and includes an axle port. A shaft of an axle is adapted to be inserted into the axle port so that the cam and the axle are rotatable together. The cam includes a sweep arm and a channel disposed on an upper surface of the sweep arm. The sweep arm has an outer wall that is either elongate-shaped or semicircular-shaped. The channel has a semi-circular-shaped inner wall and an elongate-shaped outer wall. Upon rotation of the axle, the cam rotates about the guide portions into a locked posture in the housing. The elongate-shaped outer wall of the channel allows the security lock to be self-locating when the housing and a keeper are misaligned when installed, respectively, on opposing window sashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Barry G. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7885064
    Abstract: A portable computer and a locking mechanism thereof are provided. The portable computer includes a battery, a host and a locking mechanism. The battery has a locking hole. The battery includes a restraining protrusion. The host has a receiving through. The locking mechanism is disposed in the receiving through. The locking mechanism includes a main body and a locking protrusion. The main body has a first restraining concave and a second restraining concave. The locking protrusion is connected to the main body. When the restraining protrusion is placed in the first restraining concave, the locking protrusion is locked in the locking hole, so that the battery is locked in the receiving through. When the restraining protrusion is placed in the second restraining concave, the locking protrusion leaves the locking hole, so that the battery is dismounted from the receiving through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Min-Feng Chen, Chien-Chung Chien, Ming-Hui Chen, Shu-Hua Yeh, Chien-Heng Kuo, Yen-Chang Lai
  • Publication number: 20100194123
    Abstract: A window lock is composed of a base and a rotating element. When a force-exertion part of the rotating element is exerted with force to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise by an angle with a central shaft as an axis, a camshaft rotates with the rotating element synchronously, allowing two convex parts to be abutted respectively on inner surfaces of first and second elastic spring leaves, and the first and second elastic spring leaves to be expanded elastically. When the two convex parts are escaped from the inner surfaces of the first and second elastic spring leaves, the first and second elastic spring leaves are restored elastically. Therefore, the rotating element can have an excellent elastic movement upon rotating by an angle, and there will be no concern of elastic fatigue or loosening if the lock is used for a long time by rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Wan-Lai Liau
  • Patent number: 7699365
    Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly where the sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window, each of the sash windows being mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame wherein at least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock has a housing for mounting on a stile of one of the sash windows and a keeper for mounting on a stile of a second sash of the window. The housing has a locking assembly comprising an actuator and a catch. The actuator is adapted to move the catch. The catch is adapted to engage and disengage a keeper as the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position. The movement of the catch from a first position to a second position causes an indicator in the housing to signal whether the locking assembly of the sash lock is in locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Toni Liang, David Chen
  • Publication number: 20100019513
    Abstract: An improved sash lock and keeper for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sashes is mounted within opposed guide rails which permit at least one of the sashes to travel slidably therein. The sash lock includes an actuator for engaging a keeper. The keeper is mounted on a style of one of the sash windows. The actuator has an actuator arm and a cam. The cam has a cam surface for engaging a keeper surface. When the cam surface engages the keeper surface thereby locking the two sashes, a flag extends from the keeper to signal that the actuator is in locking engagement with the keeper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Generowicz, Luke Liang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7322620
    Abstract: A security lock for sash windows includes an elongated cam that revolves in order to engage a keeper. The security lock also includes a tab that urges the cam against a wall of a housing to provide extra security. Once the cam contacts the housing wall it will not rotate to open as occurs in conventional sash locks. A groove and a race within the top inside of the housing direct a guide affixed to the top of the cam a), initially in a circular direction, and b), finally into a lateral direction into engagement with a locking stud on the wall of the housing. A rotating tab affixed to the handle axle causes the final cam movement during the locking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Barry G. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7296831
    Abstract: An improved sash lock and keeper for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sashes is mounted within opposed guide rails which permit at least one of the sashes to travel slidably therein. The sash lock includes an actuator for engaging a keeper. The keeper is mounted on a style of one of the sash windows. The actuator has an actuator arm and a cam. The cam has a cam surface for engaging a keeper surface. When the cam surface engages the keeper surface thereby locking the two sashes, a flag extends from the keeper to signal that the actuator is in locking engagement with the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Generowicz, Luke Liang
  • Patent number: 7234738
    Abstract: A casing assembly includes a casing having a receiving space and an entrance, and a lid mounted detachably in the entrance to deny access into the space. A fastening device is disposed in the casing, and includes a blocking plate and a resilient clip urging the blocking plate to rotate in a predetermined direction to engage the same with the lid, thereby preventing removal of the lid from the casing. The lid may include a downwardly extending tongue which passes through a hole in the casing and is to be engaged by a hook-like portion on the end of the blocking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Applicances Corp.
    Inventors: Johnson Tsao, Hsin-Chih Liu, Wang-Hai Chang
  • 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: 7029041
    Abstract: A door closing mechanism for pulling a door tight to a frame to which the door is mounted comprises a latch arm assembly having a latch arm pivotally secured to a panel of the door and pivotable between a first, open position and a second, latched position. An activating mechanism is operably connected to the latch arm assembly by a connecting apparatus and actuates the latch arm between its first and second positions. A latch member is secured to the jamb in which the door is mounted and is arranged and constructed so that when the latch arm is moved into its second, closed position, the latch arm engages the latch member and exerts force upon the latch member in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the door so as to cause the door to contact the door frame over substantially its entire height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Richard D. Keller
  • 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: 6983963
    Abstract: A sash lock (10) for a sash window assembly (12) is provided. The sash window assembly (12) includes an upper sash window (14) and a lower sash window (16), each of the sash windows (14), (16) mounted within opposed guide rails (18) on a master frame (20), wherein at least one of the sash windows (14), (16) is slidable within the frame (20) relative to the other sash window (14), (16). The sash lock (10) of the present invention includes a keeper (22) adapted for mounting on one of the sash windows (14), (16). The keeper (22) includes a keeper surface. The sash lock (10) also includes a locking assembly (24) adapted for mounting on the other of the sash windows (14), (16). The locking assembly (24) comprises a housing (30) having an aperture (33), an actuator arm (32) rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position and a cam (34) having a cam surface (40) for engaging the keeper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Vincent F. Eslick, Mark B. Eenigenburg
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6705650
    Abstract: A first column-like portion of a hook rod, substantially oval-shape in cross section, is fitted in hooks and then turned around its longitudinal axis by about 90°. Since a diameter in the vertical direction facing to a lower surface of the hook from the center of the first column-like portion having a substantially oval-shape in cross section increases with turning, pressing force becomes larger as the turning angle increases. Therefore, based on the pressing force an upper surface at a flange is pressed toward a flange of a case by a part positioned at the lower end in an outer peripheral surface. Based on the pressing force the flanges, an element peripheral portion sandwiched therebetween is elastically pressed to shrink, whereby the case and the cap are fastened by a simple operation of only fitting and turning the first column-like portion in recesses of the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyoda Boshoku Corporation
    Inventors: Yohichi Ohnishi, Tomohiro Osuka
  • Publication number: 20030193200
    Abstract: A door closing mechanism for pulling a door tight to a frame to which the door is mounted comprises a latch arm assembly having a latch arm pivotally secured to a panel of the door and pivotable between a first, open position and a second, latched position. An activating mechanism is operably connected to the latch arm assembly by a connecting apparatus and actuates the latch arm between its first and second positions. A latch member is secured to the jamb in which the door is mounted and is arranged and constructed so that when the latch arm is moved into its second, closed position, the latch arm engages the latch member and exerts force upon the latch member in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the door so as to cause the door to contact the door frame over substantially its entire height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Keller
  • Patent number: 6565133
    Abstract: A pair of sweep locks and a corresponding pair of tilt latches are combined and mounted together on an upper rail of a lower sash. The tilt latches and sweep locks are then interactively engaged so that locking the sweep locks latches the tilt latches, and unlocking the sweep locks leaves the tilt latches latched. Unlocked sweep locks allow manual unlatching of tilt latches, and relocking of sweep locks automatically relatches tilt latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Patent number: 6547292
    Abstract: A door closing mechanism for pulling a door tight to a frame to which the door is mounted comprises a latch arm assembly having a latch arm pivotally secured to a panel of the door and pivotable between a first, open position and a second, latched position. An activating mechanism is operably connected to the latch arm assembly by a connecting apparatus and actuates the latch arm between its first and second positions. A latch member is secured to the jamb in which the door is mounted and is arranged and constructed so that when the latch arm is moved into its second, closed position, the latch arm engages the latch member and exerts force upon the latch member in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the door so as to cause the door to contact the door frame over substantially its entire height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hi-Fold Door Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Keller
  • Patent number: 6527308
    Abstract: A rotation camlock assembly having a spring, a first body rotatably mounted within a second body, and a cam or pawl mounted to said first body. The first body being a plug member that rotates with respect to the second body, the rotation being regulated by a spring mechanism in combination with a rotation limiting stop washer. The second body being a latch housing mounted to either a door or a stop structure associated with a door for the closure and latching of said door. The cam or pawl member rotates between a first position in which the latch assembly is disengaged and a second position in which the latch assembly is engaged, locking the door to a catch feature on the frame. The spring causes constant bias of the plug member and cam in the direction of engagement and a placed wholly between the first and second bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: S.P.E.P. Acquisitions Corp
    Inventor: Rodolfo A. Linares
  • Patent number: 6336897
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus is provided that includes a specially designed grommet in order to facilitate the introduction of wires and/or tubes through a wall in the infant care apparatus so that wires and/or tubes can be passed through the wall for use with the infant positioned within the infant apparatus and contained with the wall or walls. The grommet is located in one of the walls surrounding the infant and includes a slit formed in a flexible material and where the slit is oriented vertically. The flexible material has a plurality of spaced apart thickened ridges that create barriers to the ease of movement of the wires or tubes along the slit. The thickened ridges preferably are formed in pairs and extend outwardly bidirectionally from the slit and may be tapered inwardly in the direction toward the slit. Thus, a wire or tube may be slid vertically along the slit and located at a desired area between any of the thickened ridges and not interfere with other wires or tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael H. Mackin
  • Patent number: 6129395
    Abstract: A laptop computer includes a base member and a lid member pivotally attached to the base member. A latch member is mounted in the lid member. The latch member includes a top, a bottom, and opposite sides. A hook member protrudes from the top of the latch member. A spring retaining member is positioned adjacent the bottom of the latch member. A pair of flexible snap-in members are positioned on the opposite sides. A first one of the flexible snap-in members is positioned on a first one of the sides and a second one of the flexible snap-in members is positioned on a second one of the sides. The spring retaining member is positioned between the flexible snap-in members. The base member includes a receiver for receiving the hook member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Maria Carmen Schlesener, Mark Ganninger
  • Patent number: 6068306
    Abstract: A window locking arrangement includes a keeper having a locking tab and a lock having a cam member which is rotatably movable into contact with the locking tab. The inner surface of the cam member is flat at its locked location of contact with the keeper tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Richard H. Brautigam
  • Patent number: 5570915
    Abstract: A flush-mounted latching device is provided for two-sided operation of a door. A spring-loaded cam engages a corresponding roller bearing mounted adjacent to the door to prevent opening when the latch is in a locked condition. Touch-operated push-buttons provided on either side of the door may be actuated to release the latch and allow the door to spring open. A push-button mounted flush with the interior surface of the door releases the latch immediately upon depression. A push-button mounted substantially flush with the exterior surface of the door releases the latch when depressed and then released. From either side, the door opens in a direction corresponding to the movement of an operator's finger upon actuating the corresponding push-button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Adams Rite Sabre International
    Inventor: Armond C. Asadurian
  • Patent number: 5438853
    Abstract: A luggage catch has a catch part having an edge, a tongue pivotally mounted on the catch part, extending downward past the edge thereof, and having a pair of oppositely outwardly directed sides, and a strike part having an edge and formed with a seat opening at the strike-part edge and having a pair of oppositely inwardly directed sides generally complementary to and fittable with the sides of the tongue below the catch-part edge in a closed position of the catch with the edges engaging each other. Retaining formations in the strike part and on the tongue engage each other in the closed position of the catch for holding the tongue in place in the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Sudhaus Schloss und Beschlagetechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Georg Bartsch
  • Patent number: 5110165
    Abstract: A window lock has a window sash mounted housing with a cam which is manually pivotable between a locking position engaging a keeper on a second window sash and an open position clear of the keeper. A bearing post projects from the cam and a spring secured to the housing exerts a biasing force against the post. The spring is a leaf spring having a first portion bearing against the post when the cam is positioned toward the locking position from the neutral position, and a second portion bearing against the post when the cam is positioned toward the open position from the neutral position. A curved portion of the spring connects the first and second portions at an angle relative to each other, and bears against the post when the cam is in the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Truth Division of SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen M. Piltingsrud
  • Patent number: 4660872
    Abstract: A cammed latch is provided with two spaced cams each of which has a cam profile made up of two arcuate sections separated by a cusp. The cusp portion constitutes an interference fit during opening end closing. The latch structure is resiliently mounted to flanges which flex to permit the striker rods to pass over the cusps. A torsion spring provides a closing bias in all positions of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest A. Carson, Gordon K. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4063766
    Abstract: An automatically operable window sash lock having a gravity-biased latch plate locking element. The latch plate is biased to a locking position wherein the latch plate is engaged with a catch. The latch structure may be mounted on one window member and the catch may be mounted on an adjacent window member. The latch structure is arranged to cause the latch plate to move to the locked position automatically as the result of the window members being moved to a closed position. The latch structure is further arranged to be retained in a retracted position when it is desired to move the window members to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Inventor: Fred Granberg