Keepers Patents (Class 292/340)
  • Patent number: 8697002
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may be a latch for a hydroprocessing vessel. The latch may include an elongated substantially cylindrical shaft, a helical pawl coupled to the elongated substantially cylindrical shaft, and a grip coupled to the elongated substantially cylindrical shaft. Usually, the grip forms a polygon having at least three sides and adapted to be engaged by a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Naunheimer, Aziz Sattar
  • Patent number: 8684426
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking positions for burglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door attached to a frame having a header including comprising the steps of providing a marking apparatus the marking apparatus including an arm, a positioning member with a longitudinal centerline attached to the arm, and punch point attached to the positioning member, the punch point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioning member; at least partially opening the door; placing the positioning member in a hole in the header and closing the door; while the door is closed causing the positioning member to make a mark on the top of the door; and opening the door and removing the positioning member from the hole in the header; and causing an opening to be made in the door at the location of the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Joseph Morales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8616612
    Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a biasing mechanism that, when engaged by the latch mechanism, simultaneously biases the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The biasing mechanism provides dual damping rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn G. Quinn, Michael E. McGuire, Scott W. Thorpe, Altaf S. Imam
  • Patent number: 8608213
    Abstract: Arrangement with a locking element for an imaginary mechanical locking arrangement, consisting of the locking element (2) and a locking hook (3) whose hooked part can be connected with the locking element to close the lock. The locking element (2) is part of a single-part or two-part elongated body (4) consisting of curved and/or straight sections. The locking element (2) is located in the recess (6) of a plastic body (5). The parts of the elongated body (4) lying beyond the locking element (2) are, for the most part, embedded in the plastic body (5), where the direction of at least one of these embedded sections is towards the interior of the plastic body (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: S-Fasteners GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Homner
  • Patent number: 8608245
    Abstract: A seat latch for use in retaining a seat back or other element in a locked position. The seat latch may include a lifting element configured to lift a locking fork into locking engagement with a retaining hook. The lifting element may be a spring that experiences increased tension when the seat back is folded into an upright position. The increased tension can cause the spring to lock the seat back relative to the retaining hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
  • Patent number: 8579340
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable strike having a striker plate, an end cap removably attached to an end of the striker plate, and the end cap having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each for attaching the end cap with a door frame. The end cap also has a tab for removably attaching the striker plate with the end cap. The invention also relates to a method of providing the adjustable strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Assa Abloy New Zealand Limited
    Inventors: Steven A. Gledhill, Shelly Ellen Farrell
  • Publication number: 20130285395
    Abstract: A striker plate assembly for use with a latch includes a base plate having an angled first end and an angled second end. A generally u-shaped striker wire extends perpendicular to the base pate. A first sidewall and a second sidewall are connected to the first end and the second end of the base plate respectively. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend generally perpendicular to the base plate in the same direction as the striker wire. The first sidewall and the second sidewall include a geometric feature. A first bumper is connected to the first sidewall through the geometric feature and a second bumper is connected to the second sidewall through the geometric feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Fernando Burciaga, Francisco Javier Lujan, Rodrigo Alonso Galindo
  • Patent number: 8562035
    Abstract: A safety lock mechanism is provided that facilitates accurate and consistent alignment between a locking bolt and a locking receptacle prior to engaging the locking bolt. To this end, a safety lock configured to mount to a door frame is provided with an internally disposed hard stop that protects the electrical and mechanical components within the safety lock housing from door impact shock. An extended portion of the hard stop protrudes through the housing facing the direction of door travel. A corresponding receptacle assembly configured to mount to the door is fabricated to include a bolt receptacle hole as well as an open window that engages with the extended portion of the hard stop when the door is in the closed position. When the window in the receptacle is engaged with the extended portion of the hard stop, door movement is limited in five directions even when the locking bolt is not yet engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Burdenko, Dennis C. Mackey, Richard Galera, Steven Tambeau
  • Patent number: 8544895
    Abstract: An strike door keeper assembly having first and second bodies matable to form an assembly body, a keeper subassembly disposed within said assembly body, and an actuator member such as an electric solenoid disposed within said assembly body the actuating member terminating in a blocker, wherein said keeper subassembly includes an axle journaled in at least one of said first and second interlocking bodies, a keeper flange pivotable on an axis of said axle and protruding through an opening in one of said first and second interlocking bodies, and a tang extending into interfering relationship with said blocker to fix said keeper flange in a locking position when said solenoid is in one of an energized and a de-energized state. In one aspect of the invention, the assembly includes a faceplate assembly having flanges and keys for mounting and preventing rotation of the door keeper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Allen Webb, Scott Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8534745
    Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. A biasing mechanism includes a bumper fixedly attached to the striker assembly, and an arm fixedly attached to the latch mechanism. The arm is flexible about an axis in one of an inward direction or an outward direction. The arm engages the bumper and is biased inward in response to movement of the latch mechanism toward the striker assembly for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn G. Quinn, Michael E. McGuire, Scott W. Thorpe, Altaf S. Imam
  • Publication number: 20130234450
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a latch assembly for securing a gate or other pivotal structure. The latch assembly includes a pair of independently retractable, outwardly biased latch members carried by a latch carriage. When in an extended position, the latch members define a striker retention slot. Cooperation of the latch members in the extended position provides for retention of a striker member in the striker retention slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: KENNETH HOBBS, TRAVIS GORBET, BOBBY KEY, TIM ADAMS, CRAIG STARNES, WILLIAM PATCHELL, LOWELL MILLER
  • Patent number: 8454063
    Abstract: A lockable keeper arm extends across an opening of a door strike housing. A pivotally mounted transmission lever releasably engages the keeper arm. A pivotally mounted release lever releasably engages the transmission lever. An actuator engages the release lever at a point between the release lever pivot and the transmission lever and drives the release lever between alternate positions in either fail-safe and fail-secure modes. The actuator engagement point may be closer to the release lever pivot point than the transmission lever engagement point. A stop limits travel of the release lever and may be positioned in alternate positions. In alternate positions, the primary lever unlocks the keeper arm when the actuator is either energized or de-energized, placing the strike in fail-safe or fail-secure modes. Magnets may be mounted inside the housing to attract metal particles. The actuator may be an electric solenoid or a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dewey David, Matthew Petersen
  • Patent number: 8449006
    Abstract: A technique and various door/latch structures are provided to deal efficiently and effectively with excessive appliance door closure/opening forces that can arise in the case that the door strike extension depth is not ideally matched to the relative location of the mating latch mechanism. This is particularly useful in connection with the use of a push-push style access door that must be compressed against a compressible seal gasket in order to effect both opening and closing of the door. A strike member is mounted to one of an appliance cabinet and door so as to be engagable with a latch mechanism when the door is in the closed position. The installing involves initially tentatively mounting the strike in a first of at least two provisioned ways, to thereby provide a first of at least two different strike extension depths. The door operation is then tested to determine whether an excessive operation force is required in order to open or close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Joerger, Chris H. Hill, Jason Schott, Douglas C. Norman
  • Patent number: 8439410
    Abstract: A prehung door jamb assembly is provided that includes a strike plate mounting assembly configured to fasten to a door jamb. The strike plate mounting assembly includes a longitudinal extending support plate, a longitudinal extending second plate, first and second strike plate supports, a spacer, at least one adjustment fastener, and at least one fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Mark L. Sauder
  • Patent number: 8439409
    Abstract: A door panel of a side door of a machine has a latching mechanism, and a frame of the machine includes a striker. The striker includes a pair of vertically arranged mounting base portions, a pair of slanted shimmy-stopping surface portions formed on the mounting base portions so as to protrude in a V-like shape towards the latching mechanism, and a metal hooking portion protruding from a flat end portion that is provided between the slanted shimmy-stopping surface portions. The latching mechanism includes a mechanism body portion including main body plates. A U-shaped latch groove portion for engaging the metal hooking portion of the striker is formed by cutting away a part of each main body plate, and shimmy suppressing portions that are vertically arranged in a V-like shape are provided at the open end of each latch groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Ryoji Uto, Shigemi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20130076049
    Abstract: A striker that may be used with a latch assembly. The striker may include first and second mounting flanges and a striker body. Striker body may include an indentation that may extend toward the second mounting flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas Buchner
  • Publication number: 20130069375
    Abstract: A door holder for holding open a door of an emergency or utility vehicle is described. The door holder includes a loop portion and a base portion. The loop portion is affixed or attached to an exterior surface of the door. The base portion is affixed or attached to a rear end wall of the ambulance. The base portion receives the loop portion in order to hold the door open. The loop portion and the base portion are adjustably positionable on the vehicle, which makes the installation of the door holder easier. Further, the adjustability of the door holder allows the operator to adjust the engagement of loop portion to the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AUSTIN HARDWARE & SUPPLY, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Steven Jeffries
  • Patent number: 8393655
    Abstract: A slam catch that holds a side-load trailer gate or door in a closed position relative to the body of a trailer having a primary gate closure mechanism by which the trailer gate is fully secured in the closed position. The slam catch includes a catch hinge mounted on the body of the trailer, a latch mounted on the trailer gate, and a catch pivotally coupled to the catch hinge and configured to automatically engage the latch when the trailer gate is moved toward the closed position. The engagement of the catch with the latch holds the trailer gate in a closed position so that an operator can secure the primary gate closure mechanism without having to physically hold the gate closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wilson Trailer Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Barge, Mark Grunewald
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8360487
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a housing having a cavity between first and second end walls. The housing includes first and second journal members and first and second swing arm apertures at the second end wall. A swing arm member having a joining end is positioned within the cavity having first and second swing arms connected to the joining end having portions extending freely through the first and second swing arm apertures. A keeper/catch member is rotatably connected to the first and second journal members. Keeper/catch member rotation from an orientation rotated away from a longitudinal axis defined by a portion of the first and second swing arms extending through the swing arm apertures to an orientation approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis creates an over-center locking condition for the housing and a pushing force acting through the keeper/catch member to push a first component into contact with a second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Howard M. Sheehan, Brian E. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8353544
    Abstract: A locking magnet closure consists of a first closure module and a second closure module and comprises a magnet-keeper construction with at least one magnet in the first closure module and a keeper or second magnet in the second closure module, wherein on closing the magnet-keeper construction pulls the first closure module and the second closure module together in a closing direction. The closure further comprises a locking device for positively locking the closure modules between the first closure module and the second closure module. The locking device comprises at least one spring locking element, consisting of an engaging protrusion and a spring, wherein the spring locking element is arranged in the first closure module, and a locking piece which is arranged in the second closure module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: FIDLOCK GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8353540
    Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism comprises a housing, a cover and a latch. The housing has at least one hook protruding therefrom. The cover has at least one latching hole defined therethrough and releasably latching with the hook. The latch is rotatably mounted to the cover and resisting the hook. When the latch is rotated relative to the cover, the latch pushes the hook to release the latching engagement of the hook and the latching hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Shui-Jin Dong
  • Patent number: 8336932
    Abstract: A closure system for a door opening includes a striker having a support plate and a striker wire, and a lock having a bolt actuated by a detent pawl and adapted to retain the striker wire in the door opening. The lock and the striker each have at least one attachment feature that is complementary and separate from the bolt and the striker wire. The striker is thus secured to the lock during the installation of the closure system on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Inteva Products France SAS
    Inventors: Jerome Roussel, Michel Noel
  • Publication number: 20120319412
    Abstract: An engaging mechanism of a closing device includes an engaging block, a positioning hook and a pin. The engaging block has a contact surface and a guide surface extending from the contact surface. The positioning hook is connected to the engaging block and has a resilient portion and a stop which extends from the resilient portion. The stop is located adjacent to the contact surface and located at a distance from the guide surface. The pin is located corresponding to the engaging block and slidably contacts the contact surface and the stop of the positioning hook. The pin moves over the stop and is disengaged from the contact surface by contacting against the stop and the deformation of the resilient portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Ken-Ching Chen, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8328248
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a tailgate of a truck includes a striker plate, a clasp, a handle, and a fastening mechanism. The clasp is attached to the striker plate and defines a first pivot point. The handle includes a first free end and a second anchored end. The second anchored end is attached to the clasp and defines a second pivot point. The first free end of the handle moves about the both the first pivot point and the second pivot point. The first free end is secured by a spring clip of the fastening mechanism to latch the tailgate of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rugby Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Vincent J. Scherr
  • Publication number: 20120304542
    Abstract: A door lock retainer may include a door-latch-mechanism frame, a retainer, and a door-lock cylinder. The door-latch-mechanism frame may support a linkage and include a landing surface. The retainer may include an aperture and a first surface engaging the landing surface and restricting deflection of the linkage. The door-lock cylinder may be received in the aperture and supported by the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: John S. Kargilis, Terence P. Grace, Ronald A. Evans, Derek Chance
  • Publication number: 20120306237
    Abstract: A system for releasing and lifting an automobile hood includes a sensor located proximate a front location of an automobile that detects impact with an object. Also included is a hood having a striker pin operably connected to the hood for engaging a rotatable latch, wherein such engagement places the hood in the secured position. Further included is a releasing mechanism operably connected to one of the striker and the latch for lifting a front region of the hood in response to a signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Srinivasan Sundararajan
  • Publication number: 20120291358
    Abstract: A latching system includes a striker defining an outer width and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a support structure including a first side plate, a second side plate spaced from the first side plate, and a top plate fixedly attached to and extending between the first side plate and the second side plate. The first side plate and the second side plate are spaced from each other a separation distance that is greater than the outer width of the striker such that the outer width of the striker is completely disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate when the latch assembly is in a lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Steven Bauer
  • Publication number: 20120286525
    Abstract: In order to produce a lock retainer (1) for locks, preferably motor vehicle locks, a rod-shaped raw material made of steel is first solidly shaped into the lock retainer (1) by means of cold extrusion in a plurality of sub-steps, wherein during said solid shaping process the final shape of the lock retainer (1) is produced in such a way that further processing steps can be omitted. The only remaining step then is to remove the opening (10) from the accordingly designed or shaped lock bow having the bow legs (5, 8) and to remove the retaining holes (3, 4) from the base plate (2) by means of punching or laser cutting or a similar process. The lock retainer (1) produced by means of such a method is characterized by a clear and smooth overall geometry, a surface structure (20?) being applied and optionally material being accumulated in the severely loaded areas and thus overall a lock retainer (1) not requiring further post-work being available after the sub-steps of the cold extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Bernhard Kordowski, Thomas Waldmann, Volker Westerwick, Holger Schiffer
  • Patent number: 8308205
    Abstract: A toggle latch for a gate has a first unit mounting a pivotal latch arm and adapted to be mounted on the gate and a second unit providing a receiving and latching cavity and adapted to be mounted on a gate post, the body portion of the second unit having a forward nose to provide a ramp to deflect upwardly and over the nose the latch arm when impacting thereon and an interior retaining surface defined in the body and having upper and rear surfaces of the cavity to deflect down into the cavity the latch arm after it has ridden up over the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: D & D Group Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Filip Tejszerski
  • Publication number: 20120228887
    Abstract: There is provided a door frame security device, the frame having an inside portion and an outside portion with a strike plate affixed thereto, the strike plate mating with a bolt of the door as the bolt passes through it and a bolt bore in the door frame. The door frame security device includes a security plate adapted to be affixed to the inside portion of the door frame before installing the door frame. A reinforcing device for reinforcing the bolt bore may be interdependent with and extend from the security plate and may be positioned in-line and placed through the bolt bore. When the door is locked, the bolt passes through the strike plate and the bolt bore in the door frame and engages the reinforcing device that extends from the security plate. The bolt, security plate and reinforcing device jointly resist impact forces on the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Terry G. McMullen
  • Patent number: 8246088
    Abstract: A striker cover completely conceals a striker and includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion pivots with respect to the striker, and the second cover portion pivots with respect to the first cover portion. A spring element biases the first cover portion to pivot away from the striker. The second cover portion may be biased by inertia or a spring element to pivot toward the striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Matt Stechschulte
  • Publication number: 20120192493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of doors and more particularly to an automated strike assembly for a sliding door. In particular, it relates to an automatically operable strike, which functions with existing manual latches. When using the automated strike, an engaged latch may be released by automatically sliding the entire strike plate over the latch hook. The automated strike comprises a strike plate adapted to engage with a latch, mounting means for slidably attaching the strike plate to a door jamb and driving means adapted to receive a control signal and to slide the strike plate between a latched position and an unlatched position. The invention also relates to a method for unlatching a door using the automated strike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: JEFFREY A. WOLFE
  • Publication number: 20120169073
    Abstract: A dish for mounting a latch thereto, the dish including a strike, a peripheral sidewall, a recessed bottom wall forming a dish interior, a flange surrounding the peripheral sidewall adapted for mounting the dish to a container, and a cavity in the recessed bottom wall adapted for receiving a latch, the dish divided into two parts, a lower first part and an upper second part, the strike integral with the upper second part, the strike in proximity to the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: T.C.H. Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Hugh HOLLEBONE
  • Publication number: 20120139287
    Abstract: A vehicle closure assembly includes a vehicle body defining an opening, a latch assembly mounted to the vehicle body, a track mounted to the vehicle body, a slidable closure movable with respect to the vehicle body for selectively covering the opening, and a roller and striker assembly connected with the slidable closure for movement with the slidable closure. The roller and striker assembly includes a roller riding on the track and a striker for cooperating with the latch assembly. The roller moves with respect to the track to allow the slidable closure to move with respect to the vehicle body. The striker engages with the latch assembly to preclude movement of the slidable closure with respect to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kitayama, Matthew Weyand Schmitt, Michael A. Schrader
  • Patent number: 8186729
    Abstract: A bi-swing gate lock uses an electric actuator to unlatch the gate on request, and a failsafe mode that automatically unlatches the gate during emergencies or power failures. The traplock uses two swing arms that pivot retractable door stops in and out on either side of a closed gate from a stationary 4? post. Loads trying to force open a locked gate are redirected through polyurethane pads on the sides of the retractable door stops directly to the insides of matching pockets within the post. Such loads can flex the swing arms, but significant loads will not reach the swing arm pivot bearings. Keeping the gate locked requires electric power applied to a lock actuator, and the loss of power automatically unlocks the traplock. Power applied to a retraction actuator pushes out the retractable door stops. A sensor detects when the gate returns to a closed position and the lock actuator can be energized once again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: David Dudley
  • Publication number: 20120126550
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch mechanism having a housing. A catch is rotatably connected with the housing and includes a striker retaining slot. A pawl is operably connected with the housing. A pawl isolation disk is disposed between the pawl and a frame plate. A striker is adapted for engagement with the catch. A striker bumper is adjacent the housing and includes an abutment surface and a striker damper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Patel, Kosta Papanikolaou
  • Publication number: 20120119523
    Abstract: A safety lock mechanism is provided that facilitates accurate and consistent alignment between a locking bolt and a locking receptacle prior to engaging the locking bolt. To this end, a safety lock configured to mount to a door frame is provided with an internally disposed hard stop that protects the electrical and mechanical components within the safety lock housing from door impact shock. An extended portion of the hard stop protrudes through the housing facing the direction of door travel. A corresponding receptacle assembly configured to mount to the door is fabricated to include a bolt receptacle hole as well as an open window that engages with the extended portion of the hard stop when the door is in the closed position. When the window in the receptacle is engaged with the extended portion of the hard stop, door movement is limited in five directions even when the locking bolt is not yet engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael N. Burdenko, Dennis C. MacKey, Richard Galera, Steven Tambeau
  • Publication number: 20120112477
    Abstract: A movable wedge device for a vehicle door fixing apparatus includes a base plate configured to be fixed to one of a vehicle body panel and a door panel, a mounting hole formed on the base plate and configured to be inserted with a mounting member, a movable wedge provided at the base plate to be movable between a position where the movable wedge covers the mounting hole and a position where the mounting hole is exposed, the movable wedge configured to press onto a fixed wedge configured to be provided at the other of the vehicle body panel and the door panel, a biasing member biasing the movable wedge towards the position where the movable wedge covers the mounting hole, and a hold member detachably provided for stopping a sliding movement of the movable wedge and retaining the movable wedge at the position where the mounting hole is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira MURAMATSU, Kosuke Tsukamoto, Yoshiki Odaka
  • Patent number: 8172284
    Abstract: The door handle contains a positioning element, an engaging ring, and a handle member. The positioning element is flat and substantially rectangular with four rounded corners. Four notches are formed besides the four corners, respectively. The inner circumference of the engaging ring is divided equally into four arc sections, each having a J-shaped track. Along the outer circumference of the engaging ring, a curved slot where an elastic plate is embedded and a neighboring axial groove are provided. After the positioning element is fixed to a lock on a door, the engaging ring and a first cover of the handle member are sleeved over the positioning element. By twisting the first cover which in turn rotates the engaging ring, the four corners follow the J-shaped tracks and are thus locked and the elastic plate is embedded into one of the notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Der-Yuh Chern
  • Patent number: 8157302
    Abstract: An electric strike which provides vertical adjustability of the position of the strike relative to the latch bolt in the closure with modification to the doorframe on the dust box. A ramp element on the strike housing is slidably adjustable relative to the strike housing and is securable at the time of installation to align with the center of the latch bolt. The ramp element has a channel to allow entry and exit of a latch bolt having a dead latch. A keeper engages the dead latch and maintains it in a retracted position when the closure is locked and is released when the electric latch solenoid is energized. A travel limiting foot limits rotation of the keeper so that the latch bolt may transition from the keeper to the ramp element without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Webb, Joshua T. Peabody, Scott Sullivan, Steve Whisel
  • Patent number: 8152206
    Abstract: A securing device for a loading system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft. The securing device comprises at least one securing catch arranged in the region of a cargo compartment door, a control mechanism and an activation member, in particular a foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Fred Schettel, Jens-Christoph Hayunges, Stefan Ackerstaff, Torsten Kaatz
  • Patent number: 8132832
    Abstract: A door jamb reinforcing system comprising a first reinforcing member, wherein the first reinforcing member comprises a plurality of first screw receiving openings for receiving mounting screws, a latch bolt receiving aperture, and at least one deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture; a strike plate; and a second reinforcing member, wherein the second reinforcing member has a substantially L-shaped cross section and comprises a plurality of corresponding second screw receiving openings for receiving mounting screws, a strike plate receiving aperture, and at least one deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture, wherein the deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture is formed to correspond to the deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture; wherein when the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member are attachable to a door frame in overlying contacting abutting relation with each other and with the door jamb with mounting screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Edward R. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120056439
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter device (3, 45) for use with an open strike plate (5) designed to cooperate with a lock comprising a bolt or latch in order to lock a lockable element in a fixed position. The invention also relates to a strike plate arrangement (1) comprising an open strike plate (5) in combination with an adapter device (3). The invention also relates to a method of attaching an adapter device (3) and a strike plate (5) in or on a jamb or lockable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Fredrik Stendal
  • Patent number: 8128138
    Abstract: A vehicle including an anti-chucking striker overmold for minimizing chucking of a vehicle door having a latch therein. The anti-chucking striker overmold may include a striker mount connected to a striker and including one or more wedges including a first portion contiguously engageable with a latch frameplate opening to minimize movement of the vehicle door relative to the striker in a first direction. The wedge may include a second portion formed line-to-line with a fishmouth opening of the latch to minimize movement of the vehicle door in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles G. Bambenek, Kosta Papanikolaou, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8113607
    Abstract: A storage assembly comprises a storage unit having a plurality of walls that cooperate to form an interior space and an opening in communication with the interior space, a first track having a first width and a second width along the length thereof, and a second track having a first width and a second width along the length thereof, wherein the second widths are different than the first widths, respectively. The storage assembly comprises a first door assembly slidably disposed along the first and second tracks via first guide members each having width less than the first width of the first and second tracks, and a second door assembly slidably disposed along the first and second tracks, and having a pair of second guide members each having a width that is greater than the first width of the first and second tracks and less than the second width of the first and second tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Slager, Timothy S. DeVries
  • Patent number: 8112954
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate generally to systems and components for sealing and locking doors, including sliding doors for use with modular walls. A locking system can be configured to secure and release a sliding door. In particular, the locking system can include a sliding door with one or more receiving channels configured to receive a pin extending from a floor's surface. A locking mechanism can be included and configured to selectively drive a shaft to capture and release a pin that has been received by the receiving channel. The sealing system is configured to seal a gap between a modular wall and an adjacent sliding door. In particular, the sealing system can include a connector configured to connect trim to a wall panel wherein the connector includes an integrated gasket seal configured to seal the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dirtt Environmental Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens F. Smed, Thomas Alfred Brown, Steven M. van Beveren
  • Publication number: 20120032569
    Abstract: A latch plate and striker assembly serve also to prop open the door of a front load laundry washer or other washing or laundry appliance, so as to releasably maintain the door in an open, chamber venting position (regardless of whether the appliance installation is perfectly level). The latch plate also includes a ramped receptacle, and the strike structure includes a prong designed to be guided into the receptacle by the ramp, to align (as necessary) the door strike with the door latch/lock as the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Chris H. Hill, Jason Schott, Douglas C. Norman, Tommy D. Brindle, JR., Jerry Rosenberger
  • Patent number: 8109544
    Abstract: An unlocking device for actuating a control device in the locked condition to release it. The unlocking device has an actuating magnet guided in a coil base and/or in housing elements (28) of the actuating magnet and has an actuating element that can be displaced and that releases, in an actuation position, an unlocking path for a control unit has a locking element (30). The locking element, when unlocked by the actuating element via the control unit, releases the trajectory for the control device to be actuated. The locking device (30) is guided in the housing element (28) of the actuating magnet and prevents the control device from being unintentionally locked again by maintaining it in the unlocked position by a blocking part (48). The unlocked position corresponds to a release of the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hydac Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Jacobus, Alexander Weingardt
  • Patent number: 8096594
    Abstract: In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door. Dual springs are compressed by the plunger in response to solenoid energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Alan K. Uyeda