Keepers Patents (Class 292/340)
  • Publication number: 20090250951
    Abstract: A strike plate is provided. Such strike plate includes a substantially flat member, manufactured from a predetermined material and having a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. Such substantially flat member includes a first aperture disposed there through for receiving a bolt portion of a deadbolt attached to a door. A securing mechanism is engageable with such substantially flat member and a door frame of such door for securing such substantially flat member to such door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: PABLO RODRIGUEZ
  • Publication number: 20090218832
    Abstract: A door strike comprising: a body; a retaining means for retaining a latch bolt, the retaining means being movable with respect to the body between a latch bolt retaining position and a latch bolt releasing position; a locking means for releasably locking the retaining means in the latch bolt retaining position; and detecting means for detecting removal of the body from a door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Shanghhai One Top Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Trevor Mackle
  • Patent number: 7562918
    Abstract: The invention concerns a locking/unlocking device for a swivel latch of a door opener with a locking lever, that locks or unlocks the swivel latch, and a safety lock that holds the locking lever in a locking position and can be swiveled with the help of an electromagnet in a position unlocking the locking lever, wherein the safety lever is positioned in its center of gravity. Thus only one safety lever is required for the impact safety of the door opener, the susceptibility to shocks and vibrations can be reduced and a space-saving arrangement can be achieved. In a preferred form of execution, the safety lever has two arms wherein the electromagnet is in active connection with one lever arm and a compression spring is in active connection with the other lever arm. The assembly of the device is position-independent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik Gmbh
    Inventors: Augustin Toma, Norman Wittke
  • Publication number: 20090174195
    Abstract: An SMA actuator includes an SMA element having a first end, a second end, and a central portion therebetween, the SMA element being oriented so that the first and second ends are adjacent one another and attached to one of an anchor interface or payload interface, and so that the central portion of the SMA element is attached to the other of the anchor interface or the payload interface. An electrical shorting device electrically connects the first and second ends, whereby electrical potential may be provided between a first point located between the first end and the central portion and a second point located between the second end and the central portion, thereby causing the SMA element to activate reducing the length of the SMA element. Related latches are disclosed including such actuator, or other simplified or more complex actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: ALFMEIER PRÄZISION BAUGRUPPEN UND SYSTEMLÖSUNGEN
    Inventor: Andrei Szilagyi
  • Patent number: 7543864
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for repairing the jamb of a door, window, or the like, without removal or replacement of the jamb, through use of an elongated U-shaped channel adapted to slide over a portion of the jamb and be secured in place on the jamb. The channel includes slots therein for receipt of a latching mechanism where required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Philip E. Barthel
  • Publication number: 20090121499
    Abstract: A system of locking a door is disclosed. The system according to the present invention comprises a releasable keeper that secures a door locking mechanism to keep a door secured to an enclosure in a locked position. A release mechanism that is operated from the interior of the enclosure releases the releasable keeper from the enclosure and enable the door to be opened and prevents people from becoming trapped within the enclosure by a locked door. In an exemplary embodiment, the release mechanism is operated by a lever that operates a pulley system to disengage the release mechanism from the releasable keeper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST MOBILE STORAGE, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Bacco, David Bosch, Richard H. Stout, Dean Leo Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7520544
    Abstract: A striker plate assembly and security hinge system for use between a door and a door casing is provided, comprising a striker plate having a face plate and a housing adapted to receive an extendible member from the door, and a reinforcing member comprising a first flange having an opening adapted to matably and interlockingly engage said housing of the striker plate, and a second flange having a first hole pattern. The system also includes at least two security hinge assemblies connected between the door, the door casing and the interior wall structure, wherein each security hinge assembly comprises first and second hinging plates operatively connected by a pin, wherein the first hinging plate is attached to the door and includes a backstop plate, and wherein the second hinging plate includes an anchoring plate attached to the interior wall structure. Optionally, a routing guide may be employed which assists in the formation of a slot for the security hinges through the door casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Cutrer
  • Patent number: 7510224
    Abstract: A system of locking a door is disclosed. The system according to the present invention comprises a releasable keeper that secures a door locking mechanism to keep a door secured to an enclosure in a locked position. A release mechanism that is operated from the interior of the enclosure releases the releasable keeper from the enclosure and enable the door to be opened and prevents people from becoming trapped within the enclosure by a locked door. In an exemplary embodiment, the release mechanism is operated by a lever that operates a pulley system to disengage the release mechanism from the releasable keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Mobile Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bacco, David Bosch, Richard H. Stout, Dean Leo Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20090079208
    Abstract: A striker further excellent in durability is provided. A striker for a vehicular opening/closing member of the invention includes a base plate made of a steel penetrated with a post hole, and a post projected from the base plate by being caulked in a state of inserting an end portion of a rod member made of steel to the post hole. An inner face of the post hole is formed with at least one groove recessed in an outer direction of a diameter relative to an axis center of the post hole. The end portion clamps a surface side edge and a back face side edge of the post hole and is made to plastically flow at inside of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki MIZUNO, Katsutaka Tanikawa
  • Publication number: 20090077909
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for repairing the jamb of a door, window, or the like, without removal or replacement of the jamb, through use of an elongated U-shaped channel adapted to slide over a portion of the jamb and be secured in place on the jamb. The channel includes slots therein for receipt of a latching mechanism where required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Philip E. Barthel
  • Publication number: 20090058108
    Abstract: A striker of a vehicle door latch device comprises a longitudinal plate-like metal base and a U-shaped metal engaging member including a first leg part, a second leg part and a front connecting part. The first leg part has, at a front side portion thereof, a latch engaging part which is engageable with an engaging recess of a latch of the vehicle door latch device. The first leg part has, at a rear side portion thereof, a reinforced large diameter part with a larger diameter than that of the latch engaging part. A length of the reinforced large diameter part being 20% or more of the length of the first leg part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio SAWAJIRI, Hiroyuki SAKAGAMI, Miki OGINO
  • Publication number: 20090008965
    Abstract: A striker reinforcement plate is configured for installation into the interior of a closed section, hydroformed tubular automotive frame member. The striker reinforcement plate is formed with an enlarged mounting tab at one end and a weld tab at the opposing end. The striker reinforcement plate is inserted through a slot formed into the wall of the tubular frame member, against which the enlarged mounting tab prevents the striker reinforcement plate from falling through the slot, and the weld tab is inserted through a special formed opening to receive the weld tab. The weld tab can then be welded to the exterior surface of the tubular frame member, which combined with the enlarged mounting tab secured against the slot holds the striker reinforcement plate in place for final assembly of the striker. The striker can then be bolted to the reinforcement plate and be positionally adjusted in a conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Xiaoming N. Chen, David Anthony Wagner, Lou Ratsos, Daniel J. Szalay
  • Patent number: 7472934
    Abstract: A latching strike assembly for a door lock has a body (1, 201, 301) adapted to be fitted to a doorjamb. A latching strike (4, 204, 304) is mounted to the body (1, 201, 301) and defines a boundary of the latch bolt recess (3, 203, 303) of the body (1, 201, 301). The latching strike (1, 204, 304) is pivotable between open and closed positions for releasing and retaining a latch bolt (100) respectively. A bi-stable detent (7, 207, 307) is displaceable between a sable locking position at which the detent (7, 207, 307) engages the latching strike (4, 204, 304) to lock the latching strike (4, 204, 304) in the closed position and a stable unlocking position at which the detent (7, 207, 307) is disengaged from the latching strike (4, 204, 304), thereby enabling the latching strike (4, 204, 304) to be deflected to the open position by the latch bolt (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Securicom (NSW) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher John Burke, Richard Bruce Harward
  • Patent number: 7469945
    Abstract: A striker assembly, and method of forming, for use with a closure for a vehicle compartment is disclosed. The striker may have a main shaft with a hoop extending from a first end, threads extending around the main shaft, and a rotational retention feature adjacent to the threads. A bracket may have a pair of mounting flanges, a first wall including a threaded hole therethrough that engages the threads, a second wall, spaced from the first wall, having a hole therethrough that engages the main shaft, and a flexible arm having a catch engageable with the rotational retention feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7448235
    Abstract: A locking assembly for locking a cover over an opening of an enclosure includes a mounting bracket including a first wall having opposing first and second ends, a second wall joined to said first end and extending in a first direction away from the first wall. A stud joined to the first wall extends in a second direction away from the first wall. Hooking structure extends from the second wall of the mounting bracket for extending into the opening of the enclosure and engaging the enclosure to secure the mounting bracket relative to the enclosure. A locking bracket includes a first wall having opposing first and second ends and a first surface facing the first wall of the mounting bracket. A second wall is joined to the first end of the mounting bracket and extends in a first direction away from the first wall of the locking bracket. In one embodiment, a lock housing is fixed to the first wall of the locking bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy B. Ely, Frederick P. Finck, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080265590
    Abstract: A door strike construction and installation method is provided for aid in locating and installing a door strike in a door frame. The door strike of the present invention comprises a strike plate for coupling to a door frame, an opening in the strike plate adapted for receiving a door latch bolt, a dust box coupled to the strike plate at a boundary or perimeter of the opening and adapted to receive the door latch bolt, and one or more center point apertures formed on a generally flat, innermost portion of the dust box and positioned to provide center points for marking one or more positions for drilling into the door frame to provide a space for receiving the dust box and installing the dust box in the door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Jerry B. Bodily, Troy Dalsing
  • Publication number: 20080252085
    Abstract: This invention is for an adjustable strike. The adjustable strike is a strike plate having a hole to receive a latch bolt. There is an adjustment piece that adjusts the size of the hole so that the latch bolt will latch properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ERVOS, INC.
    Inventors: Alfred L. Langtry, Jeffrey A. Yonkey, Robert J. Roach
  • Publication number: 20080224486
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Edward R. ANDERSON
  • Publication number: 20080217932
    Abstract: A striker apparatus for a vehicle includes a striker adapted to be engaged with a locking member secured at an engaging object and having a pair of base portions, a base member having a pair of attaching holes, a reinforcement member placed on the base member and including a pair of insertion holes opening to face the pair of attaching holes respectively, and a pair of flanges formed at each of base portions being inserted into each of the pair of the attaching holes and each of the insertion holes for holding the base member and the reinforcement member therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukifumi YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20080202034
    Abstract: A system for reinforcing the security of a locked door and door jamb combination which includes a first L-shaped plate secured to the studs of the wall adjacent the door jamb, with the L extending into the space between the studs and the door jamb; a second L-shaped plate secured to the inner face of the door jamb, including two members extending into the space between the studs and the door jamb, and one member positioned adjacent the L of the first plate; the two plates firmly secured to the door jamb and the studs, so that when force is applied to the door jamb, the plates overlap to provide a very secure relationship between the door, the door jamb and the underlying studs adjacent the door jamb virtually incapable of being compromised by an intruder. There would be provided a second assembly on the opening edge of the door and the header of the doorway to provide maximum security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: John Campbell
  • Publication number: 20080203739
    Abstract: A refrigerator capable of preventing the loss of cool air caused by successive closing of both refrigerating compartment doors. The refrigerator includes a body having a storage compartment, a pair of first and second doors provided at opposite sides of the body to open or close the storage compartment together, and a closing keeping unit provided between each door and the body, to prevent the first door, which is in a closed state, from being opened by a predetermined external force generated as the second door is closed, while allowing the first door to be opened by an external force exceeding the predetermined external force, thereby efficiently preventing the loss of cool air due to the unintentional opening of the closed door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Jae Myung Han
  • Publication number: 20080197643
    Abstract: A striker assembly, and method of forming, for use with a closure for a vehicle compartment is disclosed. The striker may have a main shaft with a hoop extending from a first end, threads extending around the main shaft, and a rotational retention feature adjacent to the threads. A bracket may have a pair of mounting flanges, a first wall including a threaded hole therethrough that engages the threads, a second wall, spaced from the first wall, having a hole therethrough that engages the main shaft, and a flexible arm having a catch engageable with the rotational retention feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert P. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7407202
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for fixing a top member to a base member of a foldable electronic device includes a magnet, a locking member, and a first resilient member. The magnet is for being mounted to the top member of the foldable electronic device. The locking member for being movably received in the base member of the foldable electronic device includes a hook at a top thereof that is made of magnetic material, for engaging with the magnet. The first resilient member is for being mounted between the base member of the foldable electronic device and the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., ltd.
    Inventors: Dian-Hong Ye, Xiao-Gang Jiang, Chien-Li Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080179892
    Abstract: An improved latch incorporating adjustable backset and cylinder latch bolt assemblies, working in cooperation with a door handle, mounting rods and spindle. The backset latch includes novel configured inner and outer casing parts through which extend the mounting rods and spindle, and which sandwich therebetween an actuating plate and follower plate arrangement. The cylinder latch bolt further includes a novel subassembly including a bolt mounted in spring biasing fashion via a stem portion extending therefrom and interengaging the actuating plate to selectively retract the bolt into a cylinder shaped and interiorly open body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Zhiman Yuan
  • Publication number: 20080180013
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a mounting structure capable of easily and conveniently achieving the mounting process for elements to be installed in an inner case. The refrigerator includes a first body including an inner case, an outer case, and a urethane foam filled between the inner case and the outer case, a coupling hole formed through the inner case, a mounting member coupled to the coupling hole at a first outside of the inner case by a first end of the mounting member and provided with a fastening hole, the mounting member being fixed between the inner case and the outer case by the urethane foam when the urethane foam is filled, and a fastening member fastened to the fastening hole at a first inside of the inner case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: BYUNG KIL LEE, GEUN HO HER, CHUN YOUNG OH, JIN SU LEE, MIN JUNG KIM
  • Patent number: 7405927
    Abstract: A latching mechanism comprising a hook connected to a first component. The hook has a first position disposed within the first component and a second position extending from the first component. The latching mechanism further comprising a receptacle disposed within a second component and engaged with the hook. A magnet is disposed within the second component and moves the hook from the first position to the second position as the second component is disposed in close proximity to the first component. A push-button release mechanism is disposed within the first component and moves the hook from the second position so as to disengage said hook from said receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Lev
  • Patent number: 7399012
    Abstract: A striker locks two members by engagement with a groove of a hook, wherein the striker is fixed to one of the two members and the hook is rotatably fixed to the other of the two members. The striker includes a mounting plate portion fixed to the one of the two members; a base plate portion which is formed so as to extend perpendicular to the mounting plate portion by a bending process along a bend line; and a folded-back plate portion which is formed by folding over an extended portion. The folded back plate portion extends from one end of the base plate portion in a direction of the bend line, onto the opposite side of the base plate portion from the mounting plate portion side, so that the extended portion overlies the base plate portion. The base plate portion is positioned closer to the hook than the folded-back plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd., Shiroki Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7396054
    Abstract: An adaptor for a window locking mechanism wherein the locking mechanism includes a keeper on a window sash and a cam roller on a window frame, the adaptor comprising a body portion having first and second sides with a recess being formed in the body portion, the recess being sized to receive a portion of the cam roller, the body portion further having at least one ramped portion extending from an edge of the recess to the first side. The adaptor can be used with conventional cam roller windows and provides an improved surface engagement and a greater displacement span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Christian Carrier
  • Patent number: 7396055
    Abstract: A security strike plate comprising a strike plate portion adapted to receive a locking bolt and a security member. The security member includes a ceiling having an outer surface and an inner surface, an outer side wall extending downwardly from the ceiling, and a floor extending inwardly from the outer side wall. The ceiling is located in the same plane as the strike plate portion and is an extension thereof. The ceiling and the floor are substantially parallel. An inner side wall can extend upwardly from the floor substantially parallel to the outer side wall, the inner side wall having an outer end that abuts against the inner surface of the ceiling. The ceiling and floor having openings therein adapted to receive an elongated anchor member therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher L. Arneson, Todd M. Quint
  • Publication number: 20080136199
    Abstract: The present invention provides a door opening prevention device of a vehicle door outer handle. The door opening prevention device includes: a handle base having a lever mounting part; a lever rotatably mounted on the lever mounting part, having a return spring and having a locking hole formed in a shaft of the lever so as to pass through the shaft; a lever cover mounted on the lever mounting part so as to be provided outside the lever and having an elastic rotary member; a locking arm formed in the elastic rotary member, the locking arm being inserted into the locking hole when the elastic rotary member is rotated. The present device can reliably prevent the door from being opened in the event of a broadside collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Min-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7377134
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: McGard, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Sullivan, Eric R. Nolle
  • Publication number: 20080116700
    Abstract: A striker apparatus for mounting to a support structure of a vehicle and for engagement with a corresponding latching mechanism can include a striker, and a base plate for supporting the striker extending outwardly from a first surface. A second surface opposite from the first surface of the base plate can include at least one radius of curvature defining a generally concave profile on the second surface or through the entire base plate. The base plate includes sufficient flexure to be substantially positioned in mating contact with a support structure of the vehicle when attached by one or more fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Snyder, Sigmond Jamison
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080100070
    Abstract: A striker assembly for use with a vehicle door latch is disclosed. The striker assembly may include a U-shaped strap that mounts to vehicle body structure, and a striker pin that is mounted to the strap. The striker pin may include a neck that is peened to form a head and neck that fills a countersunk pocket in a pin support arm of the strap. The strap may also have a base plate that mounts to vehicle structure and includes one or more water drain channels and a coined edge to better control water drainage and intrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Fannon, Richard K. Mette
  • Patent number: 7360810
    Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable striker assembly for use with a closure for a vehicle compartment, and a method of forming such a striker assembly. A striker has a shaft with a hoop extending from one end, and engagement rings extending around the shaft, defining at least one gap between the engagement rings, and being canted relative to an axial direction of the shaft. The engagement rings may include a detent or a catch. The assembly also includes a bracket, which may be molded around the striker, that includes partial threads extending into at least one of the gaps, and flexing fingers that may operatively engage the detents or catches on the engagement rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7360809
    Abstract: A kick-in resistant door reinforcing assembly consisting of a doorway hook having a laterally outwardly extending doorway engaging face; a jamb hook having a laterally inwardly extending jamb engaging face; and at least a first hook interconnecting flexible band spanning between the doorway and jamb hooks, the hook interconnecting flexible band being adapted for permitting alternate laterally inward and outward movements of the doorway and jamb hooks with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Joel Associates, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin D. Poston
  • Patent number: 7357429
    Abstract: A safety lock for a closing-off device which can be opened, has an actuating unit with an actuator which is guided in a displaceable manner, and has a locking unit into which the actuator, with the closing-off device closed, can be pushed and can be locked via an electromagnetically actuable, pivotable catch, by way of interengaging engagement surfaces, the actuator has a trigger element and the locking unit has a response element which, with the actuator pushed in, reacts to the trigger element by emitting an electric signal which triggers the locking action, in the case of which the catch can be pivoted about an axis extending parallel to the movement direction of the actuator, and the engagement surfaces of the catch and of the actuator run perpendicularly to the movement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: K.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Manfred Eichenauer
  • Patent number: 7347069
    Abstract: A lock that includes a frame which is arranged to be secured on the outside against a first side of a tubular member of a hinged gate and at least one bolt which is arranged to extend through the tubular member, out of a second side thereof, into the keeper device. The keeper device is mounted on a fixed member, which is usually a pole arranged in the ground. In order to make it more difficult to force the gate open by inserting, for example, a crowbar between the gate and the fixed member, the lock and keeper set comprises a security device arranged to prevent the gate and the fixed member from being forced apart sufficiently to disengage the bolt from the keeper device. This security device includes a first security piece arranged to be secured to the frame of the lock and to project from the second side of the tubular member to extend, in the closed state of the gate, behind a second security piece on the keeper device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Talpe
  • Patent number: 7344169
    Abstract: A striker assembly of a vehicle is mounted with a coil part of a torsion spring at one column of the striker, thereby forming a simple and compact appearance of the striker, exerting a pop-up function within the simple structure, and enabling to reduce the weight, raw material and improve the appearance of the trunk room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Je-Sun Han
  • Publication number: 20080036220
    Abstract: A lock guard system includes a shield which overlies the jamb face of a door in surrounding relation to the keeper recess in the jamb. The shield blocks insertion of a tool or device from movement toward the latch or lock bolt to be interposed between the lock latch and the keeper so such inserted device can be used to jimmy the latch out of the recess and thereby free the door from the jamb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Pempa Tashi
  • Patent number: 7311339
    Abstract: A latching system and method are provided for facilitating an easier and/or smoother latching of a locking mechanism, such as a latching and catching mechanism for use with the closing of doors. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary latching system comprises a catch device and a latch handle configured for maintaining closure of a door. To reduce or prevent any undesirable “kick-back” of the latch handle during closure of the door, the catch device can comprise a catch spring mechanism configured to facilitate engagement with the latch handle. To provide for a substantially even balance against the catch device and/or to provide for a substantially even pressure against a door gasket, the latch handle can comprise a latch spring mechanism configured to allow engagement of the latch handle to the catch device as well as facilitate engagement of the door during closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber, Todd O. Bolenback
  • Patent number: 7306269
    Abstract: A lock is provided for a door of a motor vehicle. The lock includes a closing mechanism designed for coupling with a lock striker along a direction of relative coupling. The closing mechanism includes a supporting body having a housing seat for receiving an engagement portion of the lock striker. An elastically compliant buffer delimits the housing seat at least in the aforesaid direction of relative coupling in order to define a damped arrest of the engagement portion of the lock striker. The buffer is coated on its surface, in an area of interaction with the engagement portion of the lock striker by a rigid protective shield. The shield is fixedly secured to the buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roman Cetnar, Franco Giovanni Ottino
  • Publication number: 20070241570
    Abstract: A latch and latch striker interface including a latch striker which has a contoured bridge configured for insertion into and engagement with the fishmouth of a latch body, at least one wall in the fishmouth being at least partially flexible and flexed or deformed by contact with a contoured or protruding profile of the latch striker bridge for an anti-vibration and anti-chucking interface between the latch striker and latch. A fitted plug attached to the latch striker is configured for partial insertion into the fishmouth of the latch body when the latch striker is engaged with the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Almantas K. Paskonis
  • Patent number: 7275774
    Abstract: A striker assembly reduces a force of a latch required to latch and unlatch a side door over a door opening of a motor vehicle. The door opening includes a striker opening which is disposed adjacent the door opening. The striker assembly includes a frame fixedly secured to the motor vehicle over the striker opening. The base includes a base opening. A striker assembly also includes a striker slidably secured to the frame allowing the striker to move outboard during the unlatching of the side door and inboard during the latching of the side door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ntier Automotive Closures Inc.
    Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
  • Patent number: 7270355
    Abstract: An electrically controlled door lock (11) provided with a blocking member (21) and a detent (20), the blocking member being in contract with an electrically controlled actuator (24) such as a piezo-electric member which is used to control movement of the blocking member which in turn causes either the release of a locking member (12) from a door to allow the door to be opened or the engagement of the locking member to prevent the door from being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: PBT (IP) Limited
    Inventor: Simon Powell
  • Patent number: 7264286
    Abstract: A lift gate latch is used with a lift gate and a handrail on a boat having a deck. The handrail has a jamb with a hollow interior having a predetermined width and breadth. The lift gate has a stile and a sliding hinge. The lift gate latch comprises a cup inserted in the deck, to receive the stile. A flange extends outward from the cup upper end, to mount against the boat deck. A tongue extends outward from the flange. A block extends upward from the tongue. The block is slidingly received in the jamb. The block has a breadth less than the jamb interior breadth, to allow adjustment of the clearance between the jamb and the stile. The flange and the tongue each present a low profile on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7261332
    Abstract: A multi-position latch mechanism is provided for a subsurface aircraft ground servicing chamber formed by a pit having an upright interior wall and a pit lid seat disposed atop the pit. A pit lid is provided which, when closed, rests upon the pit lid seat. The latch mechanism includes a catch member depending from the pit lid adjacent the upright wall of the pit. The catch member is mounted to the pit lid for rotatable movement relative thereto. A latching member is mounted on the upright interior pit wall and has a plurality of vertically spaced teeth that face the catch member. The catch member has a hook facing the latching member. The hook is alternatively engageable with each of the teeth, depending upon the extent to which debris on the pit lid seat holds the pit lid off of its pit lid seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dabico, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Petersen, Dennis Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20070182168
    Abstract: Shims are provided to be placed behind a door jamb strike plate in order to reduce the distance between the door edge and the strike plate. Decreasing the distance between the strike plate and the door permits the dead latch or the locking arm of a door latch to more fully engage a hole in the strike plate so that the door may be held shut. The shims may have various thicknesses and may be used in combination to achieve a desired overall adjustment. The shims are typically plastic which is provided in the shape of the strike plate or cut to a desired shape. The shims may be placed either at the time of a door installation, or at a later date when the door or jamb may have settled, or expanded slightly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Randy Grant Allen
  • Patent number: 7226094
    Abstract: A door latch extension is attachable to a doorjamb for maintaining a door in an ajar position. The door latch extension includes a support member, an extension member, and a cover. The support member is mountable to the door jamb by a striker plate portion. The extension member is pivotally connected to the support member. The extension member is provided with a door stop member and a latch cup member. The door stop member is for supporting the door. The latch cup member has a retaining space for a door latch so that the latch cup member cooperates with the door support member to latch the door in the ajar position. The cover is selectively moved in an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the cover selectively latchingly supports the extension member whereby the door is secured in the ajar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Kerry L. Swink
  • Patent number: 7189043
    Abstract: A retainer for holding nuts, bolts and other components includes a pocket configured for retaining a portion of the component and having an entrance opening for insertion of the component into the pocket. A deflectable blocking element is disposed in the opening and yields to insertion pressure, allowing the component to enter the pocket. A tether secured near the distal end of the blocking element resists deflection of the blocking element in response to withdrawal force applied to a component in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Brian R. Peek