Swinging Catch Patents (Class 292/304)
  • Patent number: 11692381
    Abstract: A sash limiter assembly for limiting the distance a casement window can be opened. In a jamb mounted version, the limiter is mounted in one constant location on the jamb rather than multiple locations on the sill which results in the opening distance being essentially the same for all window widths and all hinge types. In both the jamb mounted version and a sill mounted version, a hexalobular or other security screw can be used to retain a limiting arm to a stud attached to a bracket, or a stud attached to a slider which slides on a track to inhibit unauthorized removal of the limiter arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Vetter, Zach Pennaz
  • Patent number: 11535390
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This assembly includes a cowl door movable between a closed position and an open position. The cowl door includes a structural panel and a mount. The structural panel includes an inner skin, an outer skin and a cellular core. The cellular core is connected to and arranged between the inner skin and the outer skin. The mount includes a base and a coupler. The base is connected to and arranged between the inner skin and the outer skin. The coupler projects out from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher B. Shaner, Thomas Sommer, Joseph R. Lundin
  • Patent number: 10851669
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine for an aircraft is provided. The engine includes an engine core comprising a turbine, a compressor, and a core shaft connecting the turbine to the compressor. The engine further includes core casings surrounding the engine core. The engine further includes an aerodynamic cowl which surrounds the core casings. The engine further includes a propulsive fan located upstream of the engine core, the fan generating a core airflow which enters the core engine and a bypass airflow which enters a bypass duct surrounding the aerodynamic cowl. The engine further includes one or more engine accessories mounted in a space between the core casings and the aerodynamic cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Emile Raya, Lucian Ingley, Zahid M. Hussain
  • Patent number: 10070721
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a first drive mechanism for moving a movable furniture part. The first drive mechanism has a lockable first push-out mechanism for pushing the movable furniture part out of a closed position into an open position, and a first locking mechanism for locking the first push-out mechanism in a locked position. The first push-out mechanism can be unlocked from the locked position by an overpressure movement of the movable furniture part into an overpressure position beyond the closed position. A synchronizing device synchronizes the first drive mechanism with a second drive mechanism, and can be moved by the first drive mechanism. The overpressure movement begins free of a movement transfer between the first drive mechanism and the synchronizing device. When the movable furniture part moves in the opening direction, the synchronizing device can be moved by the first drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: JULIUS BLUM GMBH
    Inventors: Harald Brunnmayr, Alexander Simon Flogaus, Hermann Haemmerle, Michael Blum, Bernd Koenig, Christof Goetz
  • Patent number: 9878797
    Abstract: The disclosure herein provides an alignment and safety device for the cowls of the nacelle of an aircraft engine formed by first and second parts to be arranged opposite of each other at the lower edges of the cowls that include first and second alignment arms configured with a portion arranged to enter inside the inner space of the nacelle covered by the opposite cowl. One of the parts includes a blocking member configured to be interposed between the cowls after being unlatched to facilitate their opening operation and also when they return to the closed position from an open position if they are misaligned to facilitate its alignment and subsequent latching applying a force F on the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Ambite Iglesias
  • Patent number: 9784348
    Abstract: A tailgate adjuster in a preferred example comprises an adjustably locking rotatable bracket comprising a plurality of rotatably linked shank components, with at least one shank component joined to a sprocket component having a plurality of sprocket teeth, and at least one other shank component joined to a rotatable trigger component having a sprocket-engaging trigger tooth. The trigger component is preferably spring biased to maintain the trigger tooth in an engaged position with the sprocket teeth, and can be adjusted to disengage the trigger component from the sprocket teeth. The sprocket teeth are spaced to permit the locking of shank components at a desired angle to each other. Holes at each end of the tailgate adjuster permit the rotatable mounting of one such end to a vehicle tailgate or hatchback and the other end to a fixed location of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Guillermo Castelblanco, Carl Steven Castelblanco
  • Patent number: 9663973
    Abstract: A water meter pit assembly includes a water meter pit frame defining an opening and a cover supported within the opening. A latch is moveable between a locked position where the cover is held fixed relative to the water meter pit frame to close the opening and an unlocked position where the cover is moveable relative to the water meter pit frame to allow access to the opening. The latch comprises a rotatable cam that engages the water meter pit frame when in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Derick Foster
  • Patent number: 8905442
    Abstract: A latch structure according to an embodiment includes a cage having an engagement hole, a connector attachably and detachably held in the cage, the connector comprising a connector body having an almost rectangular parallelepiped shape and an insertion part to be inserted into the cage formed on an end surface of the connector body, a latch cover rockably installed in an upper surface of the connector body, being formed of a single plate material and having a cover body for covering the upper surface of the connector body, an engagement claw to engage with the engagement hole of the cage formed at an end portion of the latch cover, a spring member for always energizing the latch cover so that the engagement claw engages with the engagement hole, a rocking member formed in both sides of the cover body of the latch cover and formed by bending the plate material downward and a rocking groove formed in both side surfaces of the connector body for rockably engaging with the rocking member, wherein the rocking memb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ishigami, Kenichi Tamura, Masayuki Nikaido
  • Patent number: 8864184
    Abstract: A pivotable vehicle component is usable as a load or pass-through in a vehicle seat and include a pivotable latch which prevents the pivotable component from being unlatched from a force being applied by luggage (or other objects) during rapid decelerations such as in a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Thies, Andreas Irgang, Lars Lettenmayer, Michael Janzen
  • Patent number: 8757676
    Abstract: A device for locking a motor vehicle opening panel, and a latch designed for such a locking device. The opening panel includes an opening mechanism so that it can be moved between a closed position in which the opening panel closes off an opening in the roof of the vehicle, and an open position in which the opening panel at least partially uncovers the opening. The opening mechanism includes at least one link rod, a first end of which is articulated to the vehicle about a first fixed transverse axis and a second end of which is articulated to the mobile opening panel about a second transverse axis. The opening panel is mounted to pivot about a third transverse axis able to move longitudinally with respect to the roof. The locking device includes a latch including a base fixed to the opening panel and including a throat configured to accept a fist striker in the closed position and a second striker in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Bruno Leroyer
  • Patent number: 8596694
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicle latch including a ratchet, a main pawl, a cam, and at least one auxiliary pawl, wherein a secondary engagement is provided between the cam and the at least one auxiliary pawl in case a primary engagement between the cam and at least one auxiliary pawl is missed. In a particular embodiment of the first aspect, the ratchet is movable between a ratchet open position wherein the ratchet is positioned to receive a striker and a ratchet locking position wherein the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker. The ratchet is biased towards the ratchet open position. The main pawl is movable between a main pawl locking position wherein the main pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the ratchet locking position and a main pawl release position wherein the main pawl permits the movement of the ratchet out of the ratchet locking position. The main pawl is biased towards the main pawl locking position. The cam is operatively connected to the main pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Closures S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Taurasi, Corrado Taviani
  • Patent number: 8556303
    Abstract: An apparatus secures a cover onto a housing of a portable electronic device. The apparatus has a first latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a first hinge, so that in a first rotational position, the first latch contacts a first catch on the housing and in a second rotational position, the first latch is remote from the first catch. A second latch assembly has a second latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a second hinge, so that in one rotational position, the second latch contacts a second catch on the housing and in another rotational position, the second latch is remote from the second catch. By squeezing the first and second latches between two fingers, a user is able to disengage those latches from the catches and remove the cover from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Vijai Rajagopal, James Carl Infanti, Timothy Herbert Kyowski
  • Patent number: 8511502
    Abstract: A litter bin includes a lid hingeably connected to a container. Opposite the hinge, a latch selectively secures the lid to the container. The latch includes a pivotably mounted latch member that has a center of gravity offset from its pivot point. The latch member also includes a catch portion that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position upon pivoting of the latch member. Because the center of gravity of the latch member is offset from the pivot point, tilting the litter bin causes pivoting of the latch member, thereby moving the catch portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Michael P. Wong
  • Patent number: 8418872
    Abstract: A container for sterilizing and storing surgical materials and preserving surgical materials in a sterilized condition is provided. The container can include a lid and tray that may be used to contain an instrument basket for sterilization. The container has a lock that releasably holds the lid and tray together and that can rotate into a second position, after it is released, and non-releasably lock into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Tara Denise Smith
  • Patent number: 8414040
    Abstract: The door holding and releasing device includes a stand upon which a rotatable doorman is located and connected to a string that rotates said doorman atop said stand. The doorman, when engaged, shall hold a door in an opened state. A spring attaches between the stand and doorman in order to return the doorman to a position to hold a door open. The door holding and releasing device is preferably used with a spring-loaded door that returns to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8376422
    Abstract: A door latch assembly is attachable to a door jamb. The door latch assembly includes a base member and an extension member. The base member is mountable to the door jamb. The extension member is connectable to the base member such that the extension member extends from the base member. The extension member has a door stop member and a latch cup member. The door stop member is disposed substantially perpendicular to the latch cup member so that the door stop member provides a support for the door and the latch cup member receives a latch of the door so that the door is maintained in an ajar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kerry Swink
  • Publication number: 20120086223
    Abstract: A device for supporting in an open position a tilting platform, such as a shelf or window, movably connected to a frame, said device comprising a unitary structure having a platform-contacting portion and an anchor portion, wherein the platform-contacting portion and the anchor portion are connected to form a fixed angle between the portions or are movably connected to one another such that the connection of the portions forms an adjustable angle between the portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Golden
  • Patent number: 8123260
    Abstract: A latch apparatus for releasably securing a cover member over an access opening in a bulk storage structure. The latch apparatus is pivotally mounted to a cover member and includes a pair of latch members and a latch bar connected to and extending between the latch members. The latch members have a receptacle that receives a catch member and an extension that extends away from the latch member opposite the receptacle. The extension engages the cover member when the latch member is moved from a locked position to an unlocked position to prevent injury to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Randal L. Marcks, John A. Hanig, Charles E. Sukup
  • Patent number: 8083270
    Abstract: A safety hook structure for a hood is disclosed. The safety hook structure includes a bracket mounted on a rear surface of the hood and has a protrusion with a groove formed on the center thereof, a safety hook having a pivot portion pivotally inserted in the groove of the protrusion and moving in a horizontal direction, and a resilient member having one end fixed to the bracket and the other end fixed to the safety hook and applying a restoring force to the safety hook. Since the safety hook structure, which is moved in the horizontal direction to unlock the hood, is mounted on the hood, an enlarged buffer space for pedestrian protection is secured between an outer panel and an inner panel of the hood. Therefore, if a pedestrian is struck by an automobile, he/she can be protected by a stable buffer force. In addition, the safety hook structure can be easily manufactured by simplifying the construction of the safety hook, which can reduce the manufacturing cost thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: In Hwang
  • Patent number: 7988009
    Abstract: A litter bin includes a lid hingeably connected to a container. Opposite the hinge, a latch selectively secures the lid to the container. The latch includes a pivotably mounted latch member. The latch member includes a catch portion that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position upon pivoting of the latch member. A weight is pivotably connected to the latch member at a point offset from the pivot axis of the latch member, thereby further retaining the catch portion of the latch member in the locked position. The litter bin must be tilted past a nonzero tilt threshold before the latch member pivots the catch portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Mauricio D. Cavalcante
  • Publication number: 20110031767
    Abstract: An opening and/or closing mechanism on doors, gates/flaps or the like for a motor vehicle, with a lock (1) having a housing (2), in which there is arranged at least one retention element, which has a pawl (4) and a rotary latch (3), and with a closing element designed as a striker hoop, which is in operative connection with the lock (1) in the closed position, it being possible for the rotary latch (3) to be moved between a release position and a retention position, in which it catches the closing element, and the rotary latch (3) having at least one rotary latch section with at least one stop surface, and the pawl (4) having at least one pawl section with at least one stop surface, and, in the retention position, the stop surface of the rotary latch section and the stop surface of the pawl section touching in a contact region, and, in the event of deformation of the housing (2), the housing (2) being contacted at least partially by the retention element, in particular by a section of the rotary latch (3), in
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Udo Orzech, Hans-Günter Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20100302721
    Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a housing pivoted to a screen. A transparent portion is formed on the housing. The latch mechanism further includes a light source installed inside the housing for emitting light into the transparent portion of the housing, a waterproof unit installed inside the housing for covering the light source so as to provide waterproof function for the light source, a conductive wire connected to the light source for providing electricity to the light source, and a frame installed inside the housing and connected to the waterproof unit for supporting the conductive wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Po-Yuan Hsu, Chia-Min Sun, Hsing-Wang Chang
  • Patent number: 7832148
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7828341
    Abstract: To provide a storage container which can inhibit and prevent generation of dust due to the motions of an advancing and retracting element, whose door element can be formed with a reduced space and thickness and which can prevent contamination of the articles accommodated therein, the storage container includes a container body 1 for storing precision substrates, a door element 10 that opens and closes the front of container body 1 and a locking mechanism 20 for locking and unlocking door element 10 that covers container body 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Hasegawa, Hiroshi Mimura
  • Patent number: 7802826
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes at least one latch unit having a latch unit housing, a latch notch provided in the latch unit housing, a lock bracket pivotally mounted in the latch unit housing adjacent to the latch notch and positional between latched and unlatched positions and an actuating arm engaging the lock bracket; a torque shaft coupled to the actuating arm; a handle unit having a handle housing and a handle plate pivotally mounted in the handle housing and coupled to the torque shaft; and at least one position indicator lip provided on the handle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: R The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chad D. Schmitz, Jai W. Eller, Richard J. LaConte, Brian Henderson
  • Patent number: 7775566
    Abstract: A push-button box-opening structure is provided in which a push button is pushed in from an unlocking starting position to an unlocking position to open a storage box. The unlocking starting position is set at a position where the push button is pushed in a given depth from a pushing-in starting position so as to prevent inadvertent opening of the storage box. The storage box does not open when the button is inadvertently pushed in up to the given depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hanjono, Yasuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7758088
    Abstract: A motorized lock for a vending machine provides a simple lever mechanism that provides two separate points of engagement between the door and the machine to resist tampering and provide for more even pull in of a gasketed door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Publication number: 20100168905
    Abstract: A banknote storage apparatus for easily removing banknotes stored therein includes a push bar, placed in an input port into which a banknote is inputted in a perpendicular direction, for providing stroke-operating toward a target storage part into which the banknote is determined to be stored; a driving motor for driving the stroke operation of the push bar; a pair of push plates for applying a pressure toward the input port in order to hold the banknotes perpendicularly stored according to the stroke operation of the push bar; and a detecting part for detecting an opening status of the door so that the driving motor is controlled to make the push bar move into a removing position for either one of the storage parts when detecting the opening status of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: NAUTILUS HYOSUNG INC.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Kwak, Woo Ho Lee, Hee Chang Lee
  • Patent number: 7743556
    Abstract: A gate (106) includes a panel (112) movable relative to a fixed member (110) between an open position and a closed position. A linkage (140) is pivotally mounted to the panel (112) about a latch pivot axis. A catch (130) is pivotally mounted to the linkage (140) about a catch pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the latch pivot axis. The catch (130) is movable between a latched position engaged with the fixed member (110) and an unlatched position disengaged from the fixed member (110). The catch (130) defines a groove for slideable receipt on the fixed member (110). When the catch (130) is in the latched position and the panel (112) is in the closed position, the catch (130) abuts against opposite sides of the fixed member (110) along an extended length such that forces are applied on each side at spaced locations to resist twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Garlock Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7731249
    Abstract: A vent assembly has a locking mechanism to retain its cover on its base. The locking mechanism includes a latch and linkage coupled with the latch to move the latch between a locked and an unlocked position. A post member extends from the cover to cooperate with the latch such that in a locked condition, the cover is locked with the base in a closed position. When the latch is moved to a second position, the cover is enabled to pivot away from the base to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Fan-Tastic Vent
    Inventors: Stephen A. Milks, Penny Milks, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20100052340
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a door restraining device. In one embodiment, the door restraining device includes a base portion having a first end and an opposite, second end defining therebetween a base body having a base length and extending along a first direction, a first wall portion extending away from the first end of the base portion along a second direction that is different from the first direction, a second wall portion extending away from the second end of the base portion along a third direction that is different from the first direction, and, a rotatable arm portion rotatably connected at its first end to the first wall portion at a fixed rotation point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: James R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100052341
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicle latch including a ratchet, a main pawl, a cam, and at least one auxiliary pawl, wherein a secondary engagement is provided between the cam and the at least one auxiliary pawl in case a primary engagement between the cam and at least one auxiliary pawl is missed. In a particular embodiment of the first aspect, the ratchet is movable between a ratchet open position wherein the ratchet is positioned to receive a striker and a ratchet locking position wherein the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker. The ratchet is biased towards the ratchet open position. The main pawl is movable between a main pawl locking position wherein the main pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the ratchet locking position and a main pawl release position wherein the main pawl permits the movement of the ratchet out of the ratchet locking position. The main pawl is biased towards the main pawl locking position. The cam is operatively connected to the main pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Marco TAURASI, Corrado TAVIANI
  • Patent number: 7607703
    Abstract: A tray latching device includes a latch including a hook panel to catch an end of a clasp panel that protrudes from a side of an automobile tray, a heart cam to release the clasp panel of the tray from the hook panel when a predetermined stroke is applied thereto by the clasp panel of the tray, and a plurality of supporting indentations each formed with a plurality of stepped supporting portions. The tray further includes a housing and a plurality of inertial sensors each including a supporting portion to be coupled to the housing via a shaft, and an extension that protrudes from the supporting portion to support an innermost supporting portion of one of the indentations of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joung-Hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 7540393
    Abstract: A litter bin includes a lid hingeably connected to a container. Opposite the hinge, a latch selectively secures the lid to the container. The latch includes a pivotably mounted latch member that has a center of gravity offset from its pivot point. The latch member also includes a catch portion that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position upon pivoting of the latch member. Because the center of gravity of the latch member is offset from the pivot point, tilting the litter bin causes pivoting of the latch member, thereby moving the catch portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Michael P. Wong
  • Patent number: 7527572
    Abstract: A chain tensioner includes a housing having a cylinder chamber. A plunger is slidably mounted in the cylinder chamber. A spring is mounted in the cylinder chamber to bias the plunger outwardly of the cylinder chamber. The plunger has a radially extending locking pin at its lower portion near its front end. The housing is formed with a pin hole extending substantially perpendicular to an axis of the cylinder chamber near the front end of the housing and under the cylinder chamber. The chain tensioner further includes a support pin inserted in the pin hole, and a locking lever supported on the support pin so as to be pivotable about the support pin. The locking lever can engage the locking pin when the plunger is sufficiently pushed into the cylinder chamber, thereby keeping the plunger pushed in the cylinder chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Tomoyoshi Izutsu, Satoshi Kitano, Hisashi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7523529
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an engagement mechanism employed in a first assembly part and a cooperating second assembly part. The engagement mechanism comprises a pivot member assembled in the first assembly part; and an elastic member having a double-wedged surface at an endmost portion thereof which extends outwardly from the projecting portion of the first assembly part. The elastic member is employed to provide an elastic force of maintaining the projecting portion extending outwardly from the first assembly part to engage with the second assembly part. The present invention, via the design of the double-wedged surface of the projecting portion, facilitates easy engagement or disengagement of the engagement mechanism, and overcomes the problem of having to provide extra disengagement arrangement in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Chi Yang, Yue-Jun Hu, Mike Cai, Li-Ming Le
  • Patent number: 7510223
    Abstract: A latch device is provided for an electrical enclosure. The latch device includes a latch plate which is movable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the latch plate allows a door to be secured over an opening in the enclosure. In the retracted position, the latch plate permits unencumbered access to components and mounting structures within the enclosure, such as for removal of a mounting unit. The latching mechanism may bias the enclosure door to a closed position, while permitting movement of the door, without unlatching of the mechanism, during fault conditions within the enclosure, such as to permit the escape of hot gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Malkowski, Jr., G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., James Hunter Meriwether, Eric Krieg
  • Patent number: 7490874
    Abstract: A lock device is used for a foldable electronic apparatus. The lock device is mounted on a display unit of the electronic apparatus. The lock device includes a rotatable bolt, an actuator, and an elastic bolt holder. The rotatable bolt is rotatably mounted on the display unit and includes two latch tenons. The elastic bolt holder connects the actuator and the rotatable bolt and keeps the rotatable bolt at a first direction. Movement of the actuator causes the rotatable bolt to rotate from the first direction to a second direction. The lock device can couples with a notch successfully even assemble error exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu-Yung Chen
  • Patent number: 7438336
    Abstract: A storm shutter stud fastening mechanism that includes a quick release for fast and easy removal of conventional storm shutters from a window or door from the inside of a structure in the event of an emergency by allowing occupants of the building to manually disengage a fastening stud from an anchor. The stud mechanism includes an anchor body that receives an actuating arm having prongs at one end that engage and fasten the stud to the anchor body. However, when the arm is when rotated or pivoted from one side to the other, the engaging prongs are spread by stops inside the anchor body, thereby expanding the prong distance, releasing a stud secured between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Edward A. Wolf, Mark Clark
  • Patent number: 7373794
    Abstract: A lock assembly for use with a sliding door. The lock assembly includes a non-handed miniature mortise lock having a retractable and extendable tongue able to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The assembly includes a rotatable spindle and a slidable piece. Manipulation of the slidable piece rotates the rotatable spindle and activates the mortise lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Delta Industrial Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. DePass
  • Patent number: 7367597
    Abstract: A push-to-open latch is selectively moveable between latched and unlatched positions. The push-to-open latch comprises a latch assembly that is reciprocatable relative to a catch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch housing having a housing bore extending to a housing bottom wall. A pin rod shaft extends upwardly from the housing bottom wall and has a pin rod dowel extending outwardly therefrom. The catch assembly includes a catch housing with an inner and outer cam rotatably disposed therewithin and having mating ends that collectively define a cam interior. The inner and outer cam mating ends have cam bores and inner and outer cam mating end ramps that cooperate to alternately engage and release the pin rod dowel from the cam interior such that the push-to-open latch is respectively placed in the latched and unlatched positions during reciprocation of the pin rod shaft through the cam bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Actron Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank H. Rechberg
  • Patent number: 7350836
    Abstract: A security system for constraining the degree to which a door leaf (11) may be opened; the system being selectively activated from an inoperative position in which it does not block the opening and closing of the door leaf (11), into and out of an operative position in which it does so block the opening of the door leaf (11) beyond a predetermined constrained degree; the system being characterized in that it comprises: a chassis (14) adapted for mounting, in use, adjacent an opening edge of a door leaf (11); an electric actuator (17, 28, 36) mounted on the chassis (14); an arm (18, 29, 37) operating in conjunction with said actuator (17, 28, 36) so that the actuator drives the motion of said arm (18, 29, 37) without any lost motion mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: RDS Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Robert David Simpson
  • Patent number: 7338098
    Abstract: A device for holding a door open having a ready release mechanism to enable the closing of the door has a mounting bracket fixedly attached to a wall. A latch is pivotally supported on the bracket and a release lever is pivotally supported on the latch. An end piece having a ramped outer surface and a flat inner surface is attached to the end of the latch. As the door moves towards the wall to its fully open position, it rides over the ramped surface and is latched open between the release lever and the mounting bracket. The door is released towards its closed position by its riding over a ramped surface formed by the release lever and the end piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: James F. O'Kelley, Alan J. O'Kelley
  • Patent number: 7303218
    Abstract: An apparatus for latching a tailgate to supporting structure of a vehicle generally includes a latch, a keeper, and a member for rotating the keeper relative to the latch. The member is rotatably supported by the tailgate such that the member is rotatable between at least a first position and a second position. The latch includes a latching surface, and the keeper includes a keeper surface configured for engagement with the latching surface. The latch is pivotably coupled to the vehicle supporting structure such that the latch is pivotable between at least a closed position and an opened position. To disengage the latching surface from the keeper surface, the member is rotated from the first position towards the second position, which, in turn, causes the keeper to rotate and to pivotally move the latch from the closed position towards the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: David G. Kraenzle
  • Patent number: 7278664
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fastener with lateral fastening mechanism, including an outer case, a slide block, a claw-shaped head, and a flexible member. The outer case is a hollow tubular member. A swing lever is pivotally connected inside the outer case. The slide block can move freely to a first position where the slide block is hidden inside the outer case, and to a second position where the slide block sticks out of the outer case. One end of the slide block is pivotally connected to the claw-shaped head, and the flexible member can constantly provide force for pushing the claw-shaped head and the slide block. A guide area of the slide block can interact with the swing end of the swing lever, and in the state of interaction, the position of the slide block can be decided to be either at the first position or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Tsui-Jung Su, Chia-Hsin Hsu, Yun-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7261343
    Abstract: A rod closure for locking sheet-metal cabinet doors or doors or flaps, having a rod, which is profiled in an elongated manner, extends substantially edgewise parallel to the door edge and is preferably arranged in the bevel space, and a holding element which is arranged at the door frame for holding the rod so as to lock the door in the closed position, and an actuating device for the rod, which actuating device is connected to the door leaf. The rod or a complicated profiled rod is mounted so as to be swivelable between a locked position and an unlocked position around a longitudinal axis arranged close to the side directed away from the door leaf plane, and the holding element forms a contact surface for the other side of the rod facing the door leaf plane, and the actuation device engages the rod close to this side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 7261331
    Abstract: An apparatus with a two-way hidden latch. A main body comprises a magnet disposed under a retainer, which fixes the two-way latch disposed in a cover portion. The cover portion can be placed on the main body with a first or second surface facing downward. The cover portion comprises a first and second opening and a two-way latch is disposed near the two openings. When the cover portion is open, the two-way latch is fixed at an original position and hidden in the cover portion. When the cover portion covers the main body with the first surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a first position, engaging the retainer. Moreover, when the cover portion covers the main body with the second surface facing downward, the two-way latch is drawn by the magnet to a second position, engaging the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Tzu-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 7261337
    Abstract: A hood latch device for a vehicle comprises a base plate secured to a vehicle body. A striker is secured to a pivotal hood of the vehicle body. A primary latch plate and a locking plate are pivotally connected a rear surface of the base plate and engageable with the striker to permit the hood to have a locked full-close position and a released open position. A secondary latch plate is pivotally connected to a front surface of the base plate and engageable with the striker to permit the hood to have a slightly open position and the released open position. A first stopper is arranged to stop an excessive pivoting of the secondary latch plate by contacting a given part of the secondary latch plate. The first stopper is provided by bending an end portion of the base plate without producing an opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Nakagome, Shingo Kiyono
  • Patent number: 7246829
    Abstract: an improved sliding door latch comprising a latch plate attached to the leading edge of the door and projecting outwardly on either side of the door to enable a person to grasp the latch plate to slide the door open or closed, and a latch arm pivotally secured to the door jamb and movable between a first unlocked position which permits the door to be opened or closed and a latched position engaging the latch plate and preventing movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Vernon L. Balsbaugh, Philip D. Grover
  • Patent number: 7222891
    Abstract: A flush mounted latch for a sliding panel or pocket door includes a snap-in, installation, from the edge of the panel or door. A slide handle operates a pair juxtaposed, pivoting, keeper-engaging, hooks to open them. The handle carries a lock rod which is engaged by a privacy knob operated from the inside of the latch or a lock cylinder/lock plug operated from the outside of the latch. A case/housing encloses the latch mechanism with two walls. Each case wall has side top-edge flanges that seat on respective face of the door. A plurality of screws and threaded studs are utilized to adjust the distance between the two opposing flanged housing walls to accommodate variances in door thickness. A first gasket seals the case/housing adjacent its outside wall. A second gasket seals the case housing and slide handle adjacent the inside wall. Cover plates are included on both sides of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Henric Johansson