Link And Lever Patents (Class 292/36)
  • Patent number: 7708322
    Abstract: An actuator for use in fenestration systems having a swinging sash or door is characterized by the use of a linear member running continuously from an actuating assembly to a locking pin assembly. The linear member can be a flexible linear member, allowing it to convey motion to the locking pin assembly around corners. The locking pin assembly has a moveable locking pin with an actuator and an extension that can engage a keeper. The linear member has multiple actuator engagement sites along its length where the actuator of the locking pin can engage the linear member. The linear member can then be used to move the locking pin with respect to the locking pin assembly so that the extension can engage or disengage a keeper. The locking pin assembly can be mounted on a fenestration frame and the keeper opposingly mounted on a window or door mounted in the fenestration frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: E. Erik Timothy, Peter Minter
  • Patent number: 7524002
    Abstract: A storage cabinet assembly for use in storing firearms or the like includes a cabinet with a recessed bifold door arrangement, to facilitate access to items contained within the cabinet assembly. The door arrangement includes a single-point locking system, which provides a secure arrangement for maintaining the doors in a closed position while providing ease in opening and closing the doors. Various support and storage modules or components are adapted to be contained within the interior of the cabinet, including stock rests for positioning in the bottom of the cabinet interior, as well as barrel rests and pistol supports that are secured to amounting member which may be adjustably positioned within the storage cabinet interior. A bin or shelf arrangement may also be positioned within the storage cabinet interior. The various support and storage modules or components may be used in various combinations, and may be moved to various positions within the storage cabinet interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: William H Punzel, Jane E Glass, Andrew J. Kolman, Steven S. Dingle, James C. Muth
  • Patent number: 7513539
    Abstract: A lock member that pivotally engages a slide bolt movement member connected to a slide bolt of a locking astragal and that is moveable between locked and unlocked positions includes a user engagement portion and a lock portion. The user engagement portion is substantially flat and adapted to be flush with an outer surface portion of the slide bolt movement member when the lock member is in the locked position and the unlocked position. The lock portion is positioned opposite the user engagement portion, and has an unlocked side that is substantially flat and a locked side having an arcuate shape. The arcuate shaped lock side is positioned adjacent an interior portion of the slide bolt movement member when the lock member is in the locked position, and the substantially flat unlocked side is positioned adjacent the interior portion of the slide bolt movement member when the lock member is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Phipps
  • Publication number: 20090079202
    Abstract: An integrated lock and tilt-latch mechanism for a sliding window combines ease of installation and adjustment with simplicity of use at a low cost. The mechanism includes an actuator assembly operably connected by a flexible linking member to at least one tilt-latch mechanism adapted for mounting in a window sash. The tilt-latch mechanism includes a housing and a plunger having a latch-bolt portion retractable within the housing. A plunger-latch member automatically latches the plunger in a retracted position to enable tilting of the sash. The tilt-latch may include a locking member, adjustable from outside the housing of the tilt-latch, to lock the flexible linking member to the plunger, thereby operably coupling the actuator mechanism with the tilt-latch. The actuator assembly also includes a control lever that rotates a sweep cam and a selectively rotates a spool, thereby locking or unlocking the sliding window or actuating the tilt-latch mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Glen Wolf
  • Patent number: 7497103
    Abstract: A latch has a pair of oppositely acting latch bolts slidable on a housing that are engageable with latching formations on a strike. The housing has a pair of substantially parallel posts configured to shield portions of the latch bolts during insertion into and withdrawal from openings defined by the strike. A plug is turnable on the housing to slide the latch bolts toward and away from each other between latched and unlatched positions. In lockable embodiments of the latch, the plug may be provided with a keyway into which a key can be inserted and turned to move the latch bolts; and, in some embodiments, the latch bolts are retained in their latched positions when the key is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Michael O. Misner
  • Patent number: 7469737
    Abstract: A door system is provided for a door opening defined by a pair of vertically spaced jambs, a header positioned near the vertical extremity of the jambs, and a floor supporting the jambs. The door system includes a door, a plurality of track sections, the door being movable on the track sections, and a support system coupled to the door. Engagement of the support system when the door is in a closed position enables transfer of forces applied to the door at least to one of the header and the floor. One embodiment provides for automatic actuation of the support system by movement of a pivoting motor assembly to a closed position. Another embodiment provides for manual actuation of the support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Allen C. McDowell
  • Patent number: 7455333
    Abstract: A side lock apparatus comprises a retainer, a rotor rotatably supported on the retainer, a pair of rods which are brought into engagement with positions which are point symmetrical relative to an axial center of the rotor at proximal end portions thereof and are supported in such a manner that distal end portions thereof appear from and disappear into both ends of a lid so as to be brought into engagement with and disengagement from a circumferential edge of an opening, a knob supported on the retainer in such a manner as to be pushed and pulled on and a return spring mounted on the rotor. When the knob is pulled on, since a pusher element of the knob pushes on a bearing portion of the rotor, the rotor rotates against the biasing force of the return spring, whereby the rods are withdrawn into the inside of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ookawara
  • Patent number: 7437899
    Abstract: A suitcase lock assembly formed of a push-button lock and a pin tumbler lock for working with two locking units and two linking units in a suitcase, in which each push button of the push-button lock has two grooves for receiving a movable member to force a movable plate away from the linking units for allowing the linking units to be driven by the push blocks to open the locking covers, and the pin tumbler lock has an actuation block rotatable with the key to move the movable plate away from the linking units for allowing the linking units to be driven by the push blocks to open the locking covers. Thus, the user can selectively use the push-button lock or the pin tumbler lock, enhancing the security and convenience of use of the suitcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Min-Tsung Ma
  • Publication number: 20080185225
    Abstract: A step ladder stabilizer for mounting behind the front step portion of a step ladder and having two adjusting legs which adjust as a slide moves vertically along a channel having a bracket at each end of the channel for attaching to the rear of the ladder steps. Within each of the steps is an adjustable extension leg used for various stability requirements. When not in use, the ladder stabilizer may be closed flush against the back of the ladder steps or it is easily removed from the step ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Robert G. Spengler
  • Patent number: 7389615
    Abstract: A sheet is removably positionable adjacent to a window. The sheet has upper, lower and side edges. A plurality of braces is secured to the sheet. Each brace has a metal base plate and a pair of fixed housings. A vertical push rod is slidably supported in each fixed housing for axial reciprocation. A cam is rotatably secured in each fixed housing. A swivel rod is secured to the handle and both of the cams. A reciprocable housing has an open upper face and a lower face. The housing is secured to the push rods. A rubber bumper is secured to the upper face. The bumper is adapted to contact an adjacent surface when in the extended operative orientation during operation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Paul J. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7387076
    Abstract: A locking system for a door of an enclosure has a handle, lock, and locking bolts mounted to the door, door jams mounted to the enclosure, dead bolts coupled to the locking bolts, and a blocking bolt coupled to the lock. When door is closed and handle is closed, then locking bolts are moved to locked position, such that door jams block path of locking bolts and thereby prevent door from being opened. When lock is unlocked, dead bolts can move toward each other allowing door to be opened. However, when lock is locked, door cannot be opened because blocking bolt, between dead bolts, prevents dead bolts from moving toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Merritt Industies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Bauman, Joseph T. Armfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7384079
    Abstract: A lock which can be used for doors which are fitted on the right or left. The lock includes a nut which can be adjusted from the outside by an actuating element and which is disposed in a housing. The lock enables a bolt to be displaced between a closed position, when it is pushed out from the housing, and an open position, when it is pushed into the housing, by an adjusting element. According to this invention, the bolt is maintained in a closed position, counter to the pretension of a spring, in order to enable the type of lock, which can be optionally used on the left or on the right, to be produced without any additional costs. The nut can be adjusted from the pushed out bolt or the closed position, optionally, in a clockwise direction or in an counter-clockwise direction, in order to move the bolt into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Karl Simon GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Bantle, Jürgen Eschle
  • Patent number: 7343762
    Abstract: A garage door locking system includes a central elongated spindle having an inside end and an outside end. An outside locking member is positioned on the outside end of the spindle, and an inside locking member is positioned on the inside end of the spindle. An actuator yoke on the inside end of the spindle includes at least one end configured for connection to an end of an elongated lock bar or a snap latch cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Amarr Company
    Inventors: A. Anthony East, Tracy Edmonds, Tony Jarrett, Martin Murdoch
  • Patent number: 7334438
    Abstract: A latch assembly having a keyless toggle lock capability and capable of being unlocked by either a low level security key or a master key. When a user rotates the front handle or rear handle the actuator of the latch assembly provides for sliding movement of a sliding element so as to provide for actuation of a latching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Torsten Johansson, Claes Magnusson
  • Patent number: 7201407
    Abstract: A latch includes a cup adapted for mounting to a first member, snap legs for securing the cup to a first member, and a lever supported by the cup. The lever pivots about a pivot axis that is linearly movable relative to the cup. The lever includes a crossbar that is capable of engaging a keeper that is fixed relative to a second member. The crossbar is confined by the cup to move in a substantially straight linear direction that is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the pivot axis of the lever relative to the cup as the lever is moved pivotally about its pivot axis. The first member moves in a straight linear motion toward its secured position as the lever is moved to its closed position while the crossbar is in engagement with the stationary keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
  • Patent number: 7178716
    Abstract: A latch assembly of the type used on postal cluster units, such as central mailbox units including a latch assembly of multiple dual bold latch mechanisms for securing at multiple latch points a pair of center meeting hinged doors upon closure of the doors. The dual bolt latch mechanisms of the latch assembly are enclosed within the cabinet of the postal cluster unit and are operable by a single concealed handle to simultaneously unlatch the multiple latch points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: 2B Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Teng-Long Yong
  • Patent number: 7155946
    Abstract: A mortise lock having a double locking function is provided, which includes: a deadbolt for performing a locking function of a door by going in and out the door; a latchbolt going in and out the door by a handle installed on the door; and a locking member for maintaining the latchbolt in a locked state by keeping the latchbolt projected when the deadbolt is projected, whereby it is possible to improve the security, and reducing breakage and malfunction of the deadbolt due to forced operations of the door, since the door employing the mortise lock cannot be forcedly opened without breaking the latchbolt as well as the deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Seoul Commtech Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Han Lee, Jin-Sub Shin
  • Patent number: 7118142
    Abstract: A latching apparatus for sliding windows or doors, comprising a striker and a latch assembly. The latch assembly comprises a support, a spring biased latch member slideably retained on the support and movable between a latching position in which it engages the striker and a non-latching position, a spring biased retainer connected to the support and movable between a retaining position in which it retains the latch member in the non-latching position and a non-retaining position in which it releases the latch member to move to the latching position. The retainer includes an actuating portion that is externally engageable by the striker as the frames of the closure are slid closed to move the retainer to the non-retaining position. An actuator is connected to the latch member by for returning the latch member to the non-latching position thereby freeing the frames and the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Xiangui Xu
  • Patent number: 7073220
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and siderails supported by the frame. A latch member is configured to prevent vertical movement of the siderail. A latch position indicator is configured to provide an indication of the position of the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Simmonds, Brent Goodwin, James K. Findlay
  • Patent number: 7070211
    Abstract: An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly for a sash window slidable within a master frame, including a handle movable among a first, a second and a third position to adjust the assembly among a respective locked, unlocked and tiltable position. The integrated assembly further comprises a rotor coupled to the handle and having a locking cam. The integrated assembly also includes a keeper adapted to be connected to an upper sash window. The integrated assembly further includes a latch bolt housing having a latch bolt slidably disposed therein and a spring for biasing the latch bolt towards the master frame. The integrated assembly further includes a connector coupled proximate a first end to the latch bolt and proximate a second end to a first end of a linkage member. The second end of the linkage member is pivotably coupled to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Allen D. Polowinczak, Jason L. Annes
  • Patent number: 7040675
    Abstract: A latching system includes a control unit that houses a remote signal responsive relay and a crank arm that is pivoted by the armature of the relay when the relay is energized to oppositely move a pair of elongate links each of which is connected to a separate latch assembly for moving operating arms of the latch assemblies to unlatched positions for causing the latch assemblies to release their latched engagement with strikers that hold a closure closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Brian M. Ott, Michael O. Misner, Thomas Heinrich, Timothy P. Laabs
  • Patent number: 7004515
    Abstract: This fenestration locking system for a swinging sash or door is characterized by the use of a linear member running continuously from an actuating assembly to a locking pin assembly. The linear member can be a flexible linear member, allowing it to convey motion to the locking pin assembly around corners. The locking pin assembly has a moveable locking pin with an actuator and an extension that can engage a keeper. The linear member has multiple actuator engagement sites along its length where the actuator of the locking pin can engage the linear member. The linear member can then be used to move the locking pin with respect to the locking pin assembly so that the extension can engage or disengage a keeper. The locking pin assembly can be mounted on a fenestration frame and the keeper opposingly mounted on a window or door mounted in the fenestration frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Patent number: 6955382
    Abstract: A wafer container, and methods of constructing a wafer container. The wafer container has an enclosure portion with at least a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back, an open front, and a door to close the open front. The door includes a door chassis with at least a first latching mechanism. The latching mechanism has a rotatable cam member and at least one latching arm. The latching arm has a bifurcate cam follower portion that engages with the periphery of the cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Eggum
  • Patent number: 6935660
    Abstract: A locking system is described for use with a storage container. The locking system is integral with a door of the cargo storing container. The locking system comprises a housing mounted to and extending through a door with two rods extending from the housing. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Each of the two rods has at least one tapered edge on the inside edge extending beyond the periphery of the door in the locked position. Two rod receivers, each rod receiver corresponding to one of the two rods, are adapted to receive the tapered edges of the two rods in the locked position. The tapered edges engage the two rod receivers thereby acting to seal the door tightly in the locked position. A handle recessed behind the housing rotatably engages a cam plate contained within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Mobile Mini, Inc.
    Inventors: Russ Lemley, Aric Clawson
  • Patent number: 6907830
    Abstract: An enclosure lock comprises at least one keeper 2 and latch 5. The keeper is mounted to an interior of the enclosure body 18. The latch is mounted to the interior side of the enclosure door 1. The keeper includes spaced projecting lugs 3 having an aperture 4 therebetween. The latch includes a mount 6 having a projecting lug 7 and a slidable bolt 8. The bolt includes spaced projecting lugs 12 having an aperture 13 therebetween. The bolt can slide between door locking and unlocking positions. When the door is closed, the mount lug 7 is positioned within the keeper aperture 4. The bolt lugs 12 can then be slid to the locking position behind the keeper lugs 3 to lock the door to the enclosure body. The locking arrangement prevents the door from being opened by rotating the door or by laterally sliding the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems
    Inventors: Terrance Leocyn Guinan, Michael John Cardinal
  • Patent number: 6889894
    Abstract: A multi-compartment facility having a master door which can be opened by use of a master key and, when opened, admits substantially unrestricted access to all of the mailbox compartments, the master door incorporating a plurality of pivotally-mounted, sub-doors arranged to register each with a different one of the compartments and the sub-doors being individually lockable and openable only by assigned key holders. A manually operable control determines the condition of the flaps and employs a gear and rack system which moves a cam to longitudinally displace hinge rods for the sub doors, flap locking members being carried by the hinge rods and either preventing opening of the flaps or permittting them to open depending on the displacement condition of the hinge rods. In a modified arrangement, the flaps can be selectively and individually rendered non-lockable whereby the users can opt to receive junk mail and other deliverables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Teng Long Yong
  • Patent number: 6871884
    Abstract: A bar lock for a locking system is provided, and comprises a lock body having guide slots and two recessed areas symmetrically disposed on opposite sides between the guide slots and separated from one another by a central member. Two lock bars are received in the guide slots and have engagement openings. Two spaced apart pinions are received in the recessed areas. Rotation of the pinions is converted into a longitudinal displacement of the lock bars. The pinions are positively interconnected via a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Hoffmann, Manfred Sauerland
  • Patent number: 6851287
    Abstract: A lock includes a quick unlocking device and a secondary locking device. Thus, when the inner handle is rotated, the latch bolt and the dead bolt are unlocked synchronously by operation of the quick unlocking device, so that the door plate can be opened rapidly, thereby facilitating the user opening the door during the emergency condition. In addition, when the locking block is pressed inward, the locking stud of the locking block is locked in the locking hole of the locking seat to lock the control knob on the locking seat without rotation, such that the dead bolt is fixed by the control knob, thereby forming a secondary locking effect to achieve the anti-theft purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventors: Zhen-Lin Yang, Sheng-Jan Yang, Mu-Gui Yang
  • Patent number: 6832792
    Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) adapted for releasably securing a sash window (12) to a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11) is disclosed. The tilt-latch (10) comprises a housing (42) having an outward end opening (44) and an inner wall (55). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose (47) adapted for engaging a respective one of a pair of guide rails (16) of the window assembly (11). The latch bolt (46) also has at least one protrusion (124). The latch bolt (46) is moveable between a deployed position wherein the nose (47) extends through the outward end opening (44) and the protrusion (124) is spaced from the inner wall (55), and a retracted position wherein the protrusion (124) engages a trailing edge (55c) of the inner wall (55) to maintain the latch bolt (46) in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Allen D. Polowinczak, Vincent F. Eslick
  • Patent number: 6810699
    Abstract: An espagnolette (1) for the fixed leaf of a double-leaf door, having a lock case (5) in which there is mounted a handle follower (9) by rotational actuation of which at least one driving rod (20, 26) can be displaced parallel to a lock case front (6), the end of the rod forming or controlling a bolt, the espagnolette having an entry opening (7, 8) for a bolt (4) or a latch (3) of a lock (2) associated with the moving leaf, a driving-rod connection slide (20, 26) which is guided in the lock case (5) being assigned a blocking element (28, 29) which, in the open position of the lock mechanism (1), is located in the region of the entry opening (7, 8), in order to obstruct the entry of the bolt (4) of the moving-leaf lock mechanism, and, in the locked position of the lock mechanism (1), is located outside the region of the entry opening (8) such that the displaceability of the driving rod (26) into the open position can be blocked by entry of the bolt (4) of the moving-leaf lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Fuhr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Siegfried Nagy
  • Patent number: 6691462
    Abstract: A sliding structure, includes a frame, at least one sliding sash received in the frame, with the sliding sash having upper and lower locking bars. An actuating mechanism is provided for moving the upper and lower locking bars of the sliding sash in opposite directions, to thereby allow attachment of the sliding sash to the frame at several positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Schüco International KG
    Inventor: Markus Oestermann
  • Patent number: 6688657
    Abstract: A dual hinge door assembly is provided that enables selective opening of one side of a two sided door or removal of the door. The two sides of the door have identical assemblies that connect via a horizontal bar. Actuating a switch causes the bar to move horizontally in one of two directions. Movement of the bar causes assemblies on each side of the door to rotate and translate the horizontal motion of the bar to vertical motion of a set of lock pins, and causes the handle on the side of the door selected for opening to become visible to the operator. Upon pulling the handle, the side of the door adjacent to the lock will open while the opposite side remains stationary. Alternatively, the assembly may be modified to cause both handles to release. The operator may then pull both handles to remove the door from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Larry Peacock, William C. Wann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6651389
    Abstract: An improved casement window is provided which includes a tie bar and at least two tie bar guides through which the tie bar slidably extends. The tie bar guides are secured to a window frame which includes an elongated groove that extends parallel to the tie bar. Each tie bar guide includes at least one locating leg that extends outward from the tie bar guide body and that is received in the groove of the window frame to assist in the easy location of the tie bar guide and tie bar along the window frame. Further, each tie bar guide may be equipped with a protruding nib that is received in an aperture disposed in the tie bar. The cooperation of the tie bar guide and the aperture of the tie bar ensures that the tie bar guide is properly spaced along the length of the tie bar. The nib is sheared off of the tie bar guide after the tie bar guide is secured to the window frame and the tie bar is moved axially through the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Roto Frank of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Minter, John A. Chiaia
  • Patent number: 6641182
    Abstract: A multipoint latch system for releasably securing a first panel member against an enclosure cabinet or frame, the latch system having a translatable rod member adapted to be carried on a door panel, a rod guide which is fixably mounted on the door panel, a panel block which is connected to the translatable rod member and a pawl member rotatably mounted to the panel block so that the arm translates with the rod member, there further being a camming mechanism which causes the pawl to move relative to the rod member as the pawl is translated with the rod. A keeper is provided for installation on a corresponding enclosure frame, and an actuator is provided to facilitate translation of the rod member to release the pawl from engagement with a keeper after.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Schlack, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., D. Dale Turner, Stephen Keith Spatig, Paul Dulieu, Richard S. Perriello
  • Patent number: 6622883
    Abstract: A Modified door for wafer container, includes a rotatable cammed member, two first links coupled to the rotatable cammed member and vertically aligned and moved in and out of respective first latch holes on the wafer transport module upon rotary motion of the rotatable cammed member, and two second links respectively coupled to the first links and horizontally moved in and out of respective second latch holes on the wafer transport module upon movement of the first links. The links each have a slope adapted to be moved with the respective link over a respective bearing means of the door body to force the door body inwards against the wafer transport module, keeping the wafer transport module well sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tzong-Ming Wu, Jen-Rong Huang, Muh-Wang Liang
  • Patent number: 6592155
    Abstract: A locking system is described for use with a storage container. The locking system is integral with a door of the cargo storing container. The locking system comprises a housing mounted to and extending through a door with three rods extending from the housing. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Each of the three rods has at least one tapered edge on the inside edge extending beyond the periphery of the door in the locked position. Three rod receivers, each rod receiver corresponding to one of the three rods, are adapted to received the tapered edges of the three rods in the locked position. The tapered edges engage the three rod receivers thereby acting to seal the door tightly in the locked position. A handle recessed behind the housing and rotatably engages a cam plate contained within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Mobile Mini, Inc.
    Inventors: Russ Lemley, Aric Clawson
  • Publication number: 20030047948
    Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) adapted for releasably securing a pivotable sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11) is disclosed. The sash window (12) comprises a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24, 26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) comprises a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44) and a cover (51). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose (47) adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The latch bolt (46) also has a slot (66). The tilt-latch (10) further has an actuator (48) having a post (90). The post (90) is received by the slot (66). The tilt-latch (10) also has a spring (50) for biasing the latch bolt (46) through the outward end opening (44). The actuator (48) is connected to the latch bolt (46) and is sized to be positioned over the entire cover (51) of the housing (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Allen D. Polowinczak, Vincent F. Eslick
  • Patent number: 6523870
    Abstract: An actuator handle mechanism used in conjunction with a multi-point latching system is adapted to allow a panel or door, such as a panel or a door on a cabinet to be opened and closed. The handle mechanism comprises at a handle, at least two end caps, at least two links, and a crossbar. The mechanism allows a user to open the system by rotating a handle around a vertical axis, as opposed to the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
  • Patent number: 6508087
    Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for use with a cargo container. The locking system comprises a housing which is adapted to be mounted to a door of the cargo storing container. Three rods extend from the housing with the rods having a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. A handle extends from the housing. The handle rotatably engages a cam plate contained within the housing. The cam plate is operatively engaged with the three rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam plate which moves the rods from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the cam plate into a recess in the housing. The locking tab is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Mobile Mini, Inc.
    Inventors: Russ Lemley, Aric Clawson
  • Patent number: 6477810
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing mechanism for a ship's door comprising: a number of latches arranged around said door; a substantially planar rod mechanism connected to said latches and comprising a number of guided rods; an operating member connected to said rod mechanism for operating said latches via said planar rod mechanism; wherein at least one of said rods is curved and guided between at least two rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Eno B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Van De Keuken
  • Patent number: 6389855
    Abstract: In a locking device for a door, window or the like, having a main lock box, at least one supplementary lock box, and at least one drive rod connecting the supplementary lock boxes to the main lock box, better resistance to break-ins is attained in that the supplementary lock box has a latch bolt that can be retracted freely into the latching position, wherein the latch bolt is displaceable by a spring and/or by a gear past the normal latching position into its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Gretsch-Unitas GmbH Baubeschlage
    Inventors: Walter Renz, Wolfgang Röger, Thomas Henzler
  • Patent number: 6391258
    Abstract: A pressure vessel, such as a bench top sterilizer, including a pressurizable chamber housing having an interior for receiving items to be sterilized. The chamber housing includes an access opening and the sterilizer or pressure vessel includes a door with hinge structure facilitating door movement between an opened condition, a latch condition and a latched and sealed condition. A seal is connected with at least one of the chamber housing and the door and is disposed in sealing engagement around the access opening when the door is in the latched and sealed condition. After latch structure on the door is initially actuated by a user, a motorized drive mechanism with a rotatable output connects with the latch structure such that rotation of the output moves the door from the initially latched condition to the latched and sealed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Peake, Jason A. Harms
  • Patent number: 6361086
    Abstract: A mechanical latch for securing a moveable structure to a fixed is provided. The mechanical latch includes a movable catch pin and a proximity pin disposed within a housing cavity. Both pins are spring loaded to urge the pins towards the moveable structure, and both pins also include stops projecting therefrom to limit this movement. An insert member is attached to the housing between the pins and has an end which is engaged by the stops. In an engaged position, the catch pin interacts with a slot in the moveable structure. In the engaged position, the proximity pin and the moveable structure generate a gap between its stop and the insert which allows the other catch pin to be selectively drawn rearward from its latched condition. A peg carried by the catch pin is urged into the gap and against the insert which secures the catch pin in a latched condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Norman B Robbins, Craig A Confer
  • Patent number: 6357806
    Abstract: An in-flight meal server 1 comprises a door 20 supported by a hinge 22 at the opening of a box-shaped main body 10. A main latch device 100 for locking the door 20 to the main body 10 has a handle 110, and when the handle 110 is pulled up, a lever 120 rises and pulls out the bolt from a catch in the main body side. The plural bolts may be operated through a link mechanism connected to the lever 120, but the bolt of an auxiliary latch device 150 may also be locked by operating a knob 180 manually. When the link mechanism fails, the door is locked manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventor: Fumiaki Saku
  • Patent number: 6354638
    Abstract: A bar-type closure for a door is provided. An actuating device is disposed on the outer surface of the door leaf and is rotatable between an opened and a closed position, with the rotational movement of the actuating device being convertible to longitudinal displacement of at least one locking rod that is guided parallel to the pivot axis of the door on the inner side of the door leaf thereof. The actuating device is provided with a hand lever that is pivotable outwardly about a hinge line axis oriented parallel to the pivot axis of the door and to the direction of displacement of the locking rod. The enlargement of the spacing between the hand lever and the door leaf, when the hand lever pivots, is converted into displacement of the locking rod into its release position by means of a Z-shaped drive lever that is disposed between the door leaf and the hand lever. One end of the drive lever is non-displaceably mounted in a first journal on an inner surface of the hand lever that faces the door leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Rainer Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20010026070
    Abstract: A multipoint latch system for releasably securing a first panel member against an enclosure cabinet or frame, the latch system having a translatable rod member adapted to be carried on a door panel, a rod guide which is fixably mounted on the door panel, a panel block which is connected to the translatable rod member and a pawl member rotatably mounted to the panel block so that the arm translates with the rod member, there further being a camming mechanism which causes the pawl to move relative to the rod member as the pawl is translated with the rod. A keeper is provided for installation on a corresponding enclosure frame, and an actuator is provided to facilitate translation of the rod member to release the pawl from engagement with a keeper after.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Richard E. Schlack, Richard B. Langkamp, D. Dale Turner, Stephen Keith Spatig, Paul Dulieu, Richard S. Perriello
  • Patent number: 6152497
    Abstract: A multi-point latching system is adapted for mounting on a panel and securing the panel to a frame. The system includes a central latch, remote latches and connecting rods. The central latch includes a housing and a handle assembly pivotably mounted in the housing for rotation about an axis parallel to the panel for opening and closing the central latch. The handle assembly extends through the housing and includes a handle and a pivot arm. The pivot arm extends from the back of the housing. The central latch also includes an actuator pivotably mounted for rotation normal to the panel; and a link connecting the handle assembly to one of the connecting rods, which is also connected to the actuator, such that the actuator is rotated by rotating the handle assembly. The remote latches are engaged by rotation of the actuator plate through the connecting rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Vickers, David Milne, Richard E. Schlack
  • Patent number: 6139071
    Abstract: A double-hung window construction includes a window jamb and a pair of sashes slidably movable within the window jamb. A pivot member pivotally connects each sash to the window jamb such that the sash can tilt relative to the window jamb around the pivot member. A combined locking and tilting mechanism is attached to each sash. The mechanism is movable between a locked position preventing sliding or tilting of the window, an operative position permitting sliding of the sash and preventing tilting of the sash, and a tilting position which allows the tilting movement of the sash. Each locking and tilting mechanism is independent of the operation of the remaining locking and tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: James P. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6109666
    Abstract: An espagnolette or espagnolette-lock for a door or the like, having a control mechanism including, on the one hand, a springy mechanism for automatically restoring a operating rod into locking position and, on the other hand, a locking device capable of maintaining this operating rod in its unlocked position upon opening of the leaf.The locking device consists of a lever fitted in the casing, about a spindle perpendicular to the plane of the latter, so as to be capable of tilting between an inactive position and an active position in which it co-operates with a stop directly or indirectly made integral with the operating rod, in order to impede the latter from moving under the action of the springy means, the lever being extended, beyond its axis of pivoting, by a control pawl on which are capable of acting an unlocking mechanism in the shape of an actuator directly or indirectly integral with a spring-bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Ferco International, Ferrures et Serrures de Batiment SA
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Collet
  • Patent number: 5943886
    Abstract: A chest lock has a linking action and consists of a base, a lock tool set mounted on the base and composed of a lock tool and two linking members which are located at two ends of the lock tool, two retaining members disposed at two ends of the lock tool set such that the retaining members are actuated by the linking members to slide on the base, two lock retainer sets consisting of a lock retainer seat, a slide block and a lock retainer. The lock retainer seat is disposed at one end of the base for the retaining hook to be inserted thereinto. The outer ends of the retaining members are inserted into the lock retainer seats. The slide blocks are slidably disposed in the lock retainer seats and provided with a retaining portion corresponding to the retaining hook. The lock retainer has a body which is pivoted at one portion thereof with the lock retainer seat, and connected at other portion thereof with the slide block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Chih-Tien Chiang
    Inventor: Chih-Chang Chiang