Flexible Patents (Class 292/38)
  • Patent number: 11927039
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch mechanism for latching a door or window panel to a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Centor Design Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Ma, Glen Pacholke, Nigel Spork, Andrew Cooksley
  • Patent number: 11345540
    Abstract: A locking container lid with actuating handle and an accompanying container to which the locking container lid is able to be selectively secured. The locking container lid with actuating system that includes a spring-loaded handle and an alignment system that ensures the handle can only be actuated when the container lid is upright. It also has a locking mechanism that includes spring-loaded opposing locking wings that move laterally and are sized to engage substantially more than half of the rim of the accompanying container when in a locked position. The locking container lid with actuating handle and accompanying container are structured so that once it is locked on the accompanying container, the locking container lid can freely rotate around the accompanying container but cannot be lifted off absent actuation of the actuating handle while the container lid and accompanying container are standing upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas DiBartolo
  • Patent number: 10648200
    Abstract: An exit device assembly for use in association with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface. The exit door assembly includes an exit device configured to be mounted on the surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member, a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and a non-rigid device for causing movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Arlinghaus, David M. Schacht, Michael D. Coleman, Abdur Rahman Shareef, Matthew A. Phillips, Marlin Austin
  • Patent number: 10233685
    Abstract: A valve device for an ice dispensing conduit includes a bearing structure having a passage to be coupled with the conduit, an obturator mounted rotatable in the bearing structure between a closed position and an opened position, and a motor for rotating the obturator between the closed position and the opened position. A wire made of a shape-memory material, capable of shrinking when an electric current flows therethrough, has one end anchored to the bearing structure and the other end coupled with the obturator through a transmission mechanism. A flow of an electric current in the shape-memory wire causes a shrinking thereof and a consequent rotation of the obturator towards the opened position, and an interruption of such current allows the shape-memory wire to re-expand and the obturator (12) to return towards its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Marone
  • Patent number: 10234307
    Abstract: Fenestration unit monitoring apparatus configured to retrofit an existing fenestration unit to incorporate components that are capable of monitoring the locked or unlocked status of the existing lock assembly and/or the panel position status of a movable panel of the fenestration unit. The fenestration unit monitoring apparatus described herein may provide a relatively easy and aesthetically pleasing option to monitor the lock status and/or panel status of an existing fenestration unit with an existing lock assembly already located thereon. The fenestration unit monitoring apparatus may be inserted into an existing lock assembly slot in a frame member of an existing fenestration unit that already contains a lock assembly without requiring removal of the lock assembly from the lock assembly slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ANDERSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ross McGruder, Chris Buege
  • Patent number: 10012012
    Abstract: A method includes assembling a first latching device and a second latching device. The first latching device includes a first support housing and a first sliding assembly. The first sliding assembly is selectively movable, relative to the first support housing, between a latched position and an unlatched position. The second latching device includes a second support housing, a second sliding assembly, and an actuating mechanism. The second support housing is substantially identical to the first support housing. The second sliding assembly is selectively movable, relative to the second support housing, between a latched position and an unlatched position. The actuating mechanism is operatively disposed in the second support housing and is configured to selectively maintain the sliding assembly in the latched position until the actuating mechanism is selectively actuated. The first latching device does not include the actuating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Robert Dallos, Jr., Roger Herbert Culver, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9957734
    Abstract: In one form, a multipoint locking assembly includes a first latch device, a second latch device, and a mortise assembly coupled to the first and second latch devices. The mortise assembly may comprise a first transmission coupled to the first latch device via a first flexible member, a second transmission coupled to the second latch device via a second flexible member, and an actuation assembly operable to actuate the first and second transmissions. At least one of the transmissions comprises a slack removal device operable to remove slack in the flexible member to which it is coupled, thereby ensuring proper transmission of pulling forces between the transmission and the latch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Maksood Ali, Sushanth A Kondi, Kemparaju Putaswamy, Matthew Scott Graham, Michael D. Coleman
  • Patent number: 9441414
    Abstract: A sliding fenestration sash assembly includes a sliding sash and a frame having a first longitudinal member including at least one aperture. A pin is operatively connected to a handle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin is biased toward the first longitudinal member by a biasing member. The pin being biased into the aperture by the biasing member when the pin is aligned with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Eric A. Baczuk, Travis James Dodge, Michael A. Barton
  • Patent number: 9238930
    Abstract: A locking system provides multiple lockable latching mechanisms that are collectively operable and lockable from a central actuation mechanism. Each latching mechanism can be positioned and actuated independent of the positioning of others of the latching mechanisms. In particular, the latching mechanisms need not be aligned with one another. The system uses flexible connectors between the central actuation mechanism and the respective latching mechanisms. The flexible connectors can have different respective lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: CAPITOL DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Phan Quang Tuyen
  • Patent number: 9227494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle sliding roof device with a cover unit that comprises a cover and a cover frame and that is shiftably supported on guides of the sliding roof device by a support device and that can be adjusted between a closed position covering a roof opening and at least one open position, whereby it is provided in accordance with the invention that the cover is detachably attached on the cover frame, that is shiftably supported on the guides, and can be removed for freeing a roof opening from the cover frame arranged in particular in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Gioacchino Inzerillo, Pasquale Marrocco
  • Patent number: 9045023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle sliding roof device with a cover unit that is shiftably supported on guides of the sliding roof device by a support device and that can be adjusted between a closed position covering a roof opening and at least one open position, whereby it is provided in accordance with the invention that a locking device which detachably locks the cover unit at least in its closed position and that an arresting device with which the cover unit can be arrested from shifting relative to the guides at least in different opening positions can be activated by a manually operated activation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Gioacchino Inzerillo, Pasquale Marrocco
  • Patent number: 8657345
    Abstract: A safe linkage lockset has a holding box, wherein a left and a right driving seat are assembled into its internal holding space parallelly and reversely. A linkage member is set rotatably between the driving seats. A door handle assembling portion is formed on the middle of the linkage member. The assembling portion could be provided with a door handle. When pressing the door handle, the linkage member will be driven so that the driving seats are driven close to each other. When pulling up the handle, the driving seats are driven far away from each other. Two bolt bars are separately located into the assembly hole of the driven end on left and right driving seats, and the action end of bolt bar is protruded out of the holding box. Hence, this could adapt to common users locking and unlocking habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Feng-Ming Shih
  • Patent number: 8624736
    Abstract: A status monitoring device for a fenestration unit is provided. The device is positioned in or on the fenestration unit and includes a panel position sensor and a lock status sensor. The device is capable of transmitting panel position data and lock status data to a remote device, trigger an audible alarm on the device or the remote device, trigger a visual alarm on the device or the remote device, or a combination of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Sachin Gore, David Plummer, Daniel Timmerman
  • Patent number: 8291732
    Abstract: A retractable hand lever actuator which can be locked in a trough for driving a latch for a switch cabinet or the like is described. The hand lever is articulated at a drive shaft supported in the trough. According to the invention, the hand lever actuator comprises a handle such as a T-handle or L-handle having two connection levers which are arranged relative to one another in a parallelogram configuration and which are articulated by one end at the drive shaft and by the other end in a similar manner at the handle in such a way that, on the one hand, they hold the handle in its direction parallel to the extension of the trough when the handle is folded out of the trough and, on the other hand, are able to transmit a rotational movement of the handle to the drive shaft in the folded out position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: DIRAK Dieter Ramsauer Konstruktionselemente GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Ramsauer, Klaus Bergmann, Reinhard Gottschling
  • Patent number: 8210578
    Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a housing defining a latching groove, a cover defining a latching hook to engage in the latching groove, and an opening assembly mounted in the housing. The opening assembly includes a sliding member slidably positioned in the latching groove, and an operation member positioned in the housing and connected to sliding member. The sliding member defines an abutting surface on the sliding member. The operating member is capable of pulling the sliding member to slide along the latching groove, so that the abutting surface of the sliding member pushes against the latching hook and disengages the latching hook from the latching groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
  • Patent number: 7954912
    Abstract: A cabinet comprises a cabinet frame having a first side and a second side, a pair of doors coupled to the frame on the first side, wherein one of the pair of doors includes a locking rod positioned along a portion of the length of the door, a latch coupled to the frame on the first side and positioned to receive the locking rod, an actuator positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame and coupled to the latch, and an access door, positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame, the access door restricting access to the actuator. Opening the access door allows activation of the actuator to release the locking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph H. Bergesch
  • Patent number: 7878035
    Abstract: A lock system includes a lock mechanism for holding a lid element in a locked state, an electric actuator for driving the lock mechanism to an unlocking side based on an operation of an open switch, and a key cylinder adapted to be operated to rotate by a key so as to be switched through the rotational operation to an “UNLOCK” position where the open switch is enabled to function and a “LOCK” position where the open switch is disabled from functioning, whereby unlocking of the lid element is prohibited through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “LOCK” position. An operating unit of the lock system causes the key cylinder and the lock mechanism to be mechanically linked with each other by a wire cable, whereby the lock mechanism is forcibly driven to the unlocking side through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “OPEN” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taishi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 7823933
    Abstract: A vehicle door latching assembly has a rotating disk assembly to open and latch a door with handles located remote to the latches. The door latching assembly has at least one handle assembly and a hub assembly. The hub assembly includes a rotatable disk mounted to a disk bracket assembly. At least one handle connector connects the hub disk assembly to the handle assembly. A latch connector connects to the hub disk assembly to upper and lower latch assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron J. Layos, Mark S. Jeffries, Lee S. Weinerman
  • Patent number: 7775564
    Abstract: An animal-resistant latching system for inhibiting animals from accessing food and food containing refuse within containers. The device is composed of an access panel containing an opening to which is secured at least one latching members, a cam assembly, a cover, and a bracket. The latching members are positioned so as to inhibit access to the container when the member is in the latched position and allow access to the container when the member is in the unlatched position. The cam assembly communicates with the latching members so as to move the members between the latched and unlatched positions. The cover and bracket are dimensioned and positioned on the access panel in a predetermined manner so as allow human hands access to the cam assembly and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Compumeric Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: David E Moore
  • Patent number: 7770959
    Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door being selectively movable with respect to the structural member. An actuator includes an active material that is configured to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The actuator is configured such that the change in at least one attribute causes the door to move relative to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Xiujie Gao, Jack L. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7753418
    Abstract: A door latch operator includes a hand grip actuator lever for retracting one or more latch bolts mounted at a free side edge of a door, such as an entry door for a residence or place of business. The actuator lever is pivotally mounted at an inboard side of a manually grasped handle for grasping and squeezing with the fingers against the door handle to operate a torque converter or cam module for indexing a rotary cam through a rotary step. The rotary cam is coupled to a latch bolt retractor mechanism for retracting the latch bolt or bolts and thereby permit opening of the door. In a preferred form, the latch bolt retractor mechanism operates multiple latch bolts mounted along the free side edge of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: W & F Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 7735881
    Abstract: A cargo bay cover for a pickup truck includes at least first and second panels hingedly connected to each other. The first panel includes a release mechanism including a lever arm that is movable between a released position and an unreleased position, and a lock that is movable to a locked position preventing movement of the lever arm. The cover includes a resiliently deformable panel latch that is released when the first panel is opened and that is capable of flexing around a keeper if the cover is opened incorrectly. The cover includes a unique mounting clamp for attachment to the pickup truck. A second half of the mounting clamp rides up a shoulder on a first half of the mounting clamp as the halves are drawn together, enabling the to pinch in two directions—one parallel to the drawing force and another perpendicular to the drawing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, Douglas C. Steffens, Mark J. Heintskill
  • Patent number: 7712798
    Abstract: A locking handle which is in particular provided for a motor vehicle comprises a star handle which is rotatably supported around an axle and to which one or more locking rods are fastened. An improved locking handle of this type comprises a longitudinally displaceably guided slide actuator with an actuator part. An engagement part is provided at the star handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Plettenberg Entwicklungs- und Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Kraus, Ralf Gerndorf
  • Patent number: 7708355
    Abstract: A cabinet comprises a cabinet frame having a first side and a second side, a pair of doors coupled to the frame on the first side, wherein one of the pair of doors includes a locking rod positioned along a portion of the length of the door, a latch coupled to the frame on the first side and positioned to receive the locking rod, an actuator positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame and coupled to the latch, and an access door, positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame, the access door restricting access to the actuator. Opening the access door allows activation of the actuator to release the locking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph H. Bergesch
  • 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: 7585005
    Abstract: A bezel has a locking mechanism that allows bezel designs to locate the bezel lock anywhere along the length of the bezel. The bezel includes a bezel frame, a first plunger mechanism, and a second plunger mechanism. Each plunger mechanism is moveably coupled to the bezel frame at opposite ends of the bezel frame and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A first rod is attached to the first plunger mechanism and a second rod is attached to the second plunger mechanism. A cam lock is positioned between the first rod and the second rod. The cam lock is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the cam lock restricts movement of both rods sufficiently to stop the plunger mechanisms from moving from the latched position to the unlatched position when the cam lock is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald J. Cote, W. Brian Cunningham, Albert F. Beinor, Jr., C. Ilhan Gundogan
  • Patent number: 7581768
    Abstract: An anti-effraction safety system for a door or window frame comprising a fixed frame and a mobile frame, in which the mobile frame comprises at least one sectional element with a longitudinal groove with two undercut portions set on opposite sides of a longitudinal central opening and in which at least one transmission rod slidably engages said groove and can be displaced in a longitudinal direction by means of a control handle. Fixed to the transmission rod is at least one closing element co-operating with a complementary detent fixed to the fixed frame. The transmission rod has two through openings both open on respective longitudinal edges of the rod. The closing element comprises two separate complementary parts fixed to one another, in which each of said separate parts engages a respective through opening of the transmission rod and has a respective tenon that slidably engages in a longitudinal direction a respective undercut portion of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Savio S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio
  • Publication number: 20090140530
    Abstract: A flexible folding doorknob latch piston molded to size. With fmgers folded, this doorknob latch piston, can be installed, into, the latch piston borehole. With latch piston installed, it will work as a doorknob, to latch a door closed. To strap the door jam to the door for shipping, install a headed, locking, strap tie. This helps to prevent door damages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Alen LePage
  • Patent number: 7513540
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for an active/inactive door system wherein an inactive door lock prevents the locking of an active door lock unless the inactive door lock is first engaged in a locking position. The active door lock includes a dead bolt and a lever for extensible locking engagement with a strike plate on the inactive door. The inactive door lock includes an upper and lower shoot bolt lock, each shoot bolt include a spring lever. Each spring lever is selectably biased against a back side of the strike plate in a first or second detent. The first detent is positioned on the strike plate such that when the corresponding spring lever is biased against in the first detent against a back side of the strike plate the corresponding dead bolt or latch bolt cannot be extended into engagement with the strike plate in a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignees: Pella Corporation, Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Hagemeyer, Fredrick L. Hrdlicka, Gary E. Tagtow, Chad Swier, Daniel L. Raap
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080272606
    Abstract: A lock (1) comprises at least a bolt (7) actuated by means of a flexible shape memory element (14), which can take an extended and a shortened configuration as a result of heating. Constraint means (P, 10, 17) cause the arrangement of at least an intermediate portion of the shape memory element (13), within which portion said element is associated to the bolt (7); the constraint means (P, 10, 17) are in such relative positions that said intermediate portion of the shape memory element (14) takes a substantially V-shaped arrangement at least when the first controlled element (7) is in its operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Stefano ALACQUA, Francesco Butera, Alessandro Zanella, Gianluca Capretti
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070170725
    Abstract: A combined sealing system for use with a combination of a panel and a frame includes a first sealing system and a second sealing system. The first sealing system is positioned within a first side of the frame, and the second sealing system is positioned within a second side of the frame separate from the first side of the frame. The first and second sealing systems have a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration upon the panel being positioned within the frame. The panel pivots relative to the frame, and the first sealing system is a reciprocal motion sealing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: MAGIC DOOR AND WINDOW, INC.
    Inventors: William Kip Speyer, Jonathan D Thielmann, Robert E Pruss
  • Patent number: 7182373
    Abstract: In this side lock apparatus, a opening and closing member is fixed to a support unit so that the opening and closing member can be opened and closed, left and right latches being movably held on the opening and closing member, the left and right latches being urged by a pressure of a spring toward a lock hole formed in the support unit, a free end portion of the latches being moved back from the lock hole in the support member against the spring means by an operation of the operating handle, wherein the left and right latches are operatively connected together via a link lever supported rotatably via a shaft on the opening and closing member, the operating handle being provided with an operating portion engageable with the latch, at least one latch being provided with two contact surfaces engageable with the operating portion of the operating handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7070215
    Abstract: A dual function lock, a tilt latch assembly, and tilt latch for use on a hung or double hung window are provided. The lock includes a base, a handle, and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. The tilt latch assembly includes a lock, left and right latches, and an extensible member. The tilt latch actuating mechanism is adapted to receive the extensible member and has a null zone between locked and unlocked positions of the handle. In the null zone, no substantial movement of the extensible member as the handle is rotated from the locked to unlocked positions. The tilt latch actuating mechanism causes the extensible member to move in a direction toward the lock as the handle is rotated from the unlocked position to a tilt position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kelley, David R. Bogenhagen
  • 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: 7013603
    Abstract: An integrated tilt/sash lock assembly for a sash window is disclosed. The sash window assembly has an upper sash window and a lower sash window slideable within a master frame, the integrated assembly has a keeper adapted to be connected to the upper sash window. A rotor assembly is adapted to be supported by the lower sash window, the rotor assembly having a rotor connected to a spool. A latch bolt is adapted to be supported by the lower sash window and is adapted to engage the master frame. A connector has a first end connected to the spool and a second end connected to the latch bolt. An actuator is connected to the rotor assembly. The actuator has a locked position wherein the rotor engages the keeper. The actuator is moveable to an unlocked position wherein the rotor assembly is disengaged from the keeper, and is further moveable to a tiltable position wherein the connector retracts the latch bolt from the master frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Mark B. Eenigenburg, Dean Pettit, Aaron Eiger, Scott Rote, Scott Zeeb
  • Patent number: 7011347
    Abstract: A latch for a section door wherein near the hinges located between the door elements there are provided, at each end of the elements, small rolling wheels which turn on horizontal pivots and slide within side guide bars having a vertical branch, an upper horizontal branch, and a curved connection branch located between the vertical and horizontal branches; the latch is located sideways and is intended for engaging, in its active position, in an opening provided in one of the side guide bars. The side latch is located coaxially with one of the small wheels intended to slide within the side guide bars of the section door. Preferably, the small wheel coaxial to the latch is mounted on a hollow pivot, and the latch is guided to slide within the bore of this hollow pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ivo Finardi
  • 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: 6957513
    Abstract: An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly for a sash window is disclosed. The integrated assembly comprises 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 comprising a locking cam and the rotor. The integrated assembly further has a pawl operably associated with the handle and abuttingly engages the rotor. The assembly also has a keeper adapted to receives at least a portion of the locking cam and a latch bolt adapted to be slidably disposed in a sash window. A connector is also provided which has a first end and an opposed second end. The first end of the connector is coupled to the latch bolt and the second end of the connector operably engages the appending member of the pawl. The assembly also has a spring for biasing the latch bolt towards one of the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Dean Pettit, Mark B. Eenigenburg, Mark V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6899362
    Abstract: A linkage assembly includes a frame, an arm movement coordinating member slidably supported by the frame, and a pair of arms pivotally connected to the frame and connected to the coordinating member to ensure that the arms pivot in unison when the coordinating member is slided relative to the frame by depressing a push button that is connected to the frame for translation relative thereto. Either of the arms can be link-connected to a latch assembly for operating either a single latch assembly or for concurrently operating a pair of latch assemblies in response to depression of the push button. An optional emergency release cable may connect with the arm movement coordinating member to facilitate latch operation from inside a tonneau cover of a pickup truck or the like that is held closed by the latch or latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs, Arthur J. Kuminski
  • Publication number: 20040108734
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a hinged door comprises first and second actuators having first and second bolts associated therewith, each said bolt being movable between free and locked settings. The first actuator is adapted for mounting on a frame for the hinged door, and the second actuator is adapted for mounting on the door at a location spaced from the first actuator. A drive mechanism interconnects the second actuator with the first bolt when in its locked setting, such that operation of the first actuator to move the first bolt to its locked setting causes operation of the second actuator to move the second bolt to its locked setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Alan James Maple, Ian Martin Lennard
  • Patent number: 6675536
    Abstract: The apparatus is used for closing and securing a door in its frame. A movable wedge is supported in a slot in the frame. A closing mechanism is employed for closing the door and a second mechanism is employed for moving the wedge into a slot formed in the edge of the door when the door is closed. A shape memory wire is used in conjunction with the closing mechanism for allowing the closing mechanism to close the door. A second shape memory wire is used in conjunction with the second mechanism for allowing the second mechanism to move the wedge from the frame slot into the door slot when the door is closed for securing the door to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Williams, Richard Anthony, Aravind Seshadri, Nicholas A. Teufel, James H. Kim, Kisoo Jung, Kartik Moorthy
  • Publication number: 20030094817
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved latching mechanism for use on doors and in particular, mini storage doors. The improved latching mechanism includes a latch and latch plate which permits the latch to have an open position and a closed position. Attached to the latch is at least one loop, whereby a person can insert a finger or prosthesis into the loop to facilitate moving the improved latch from its closed position to its open position and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: LANDMARK INTEREST CORPORATION
    Inventor: M. David Boothe
  • Patent number: 6497438
    Abstract: A latch assembly comprising a latch mechanism and latch housing wherein the latch assembly is useful for containers such as coolers in which it is desired that the cooler lid be secured to the container to keep the contents in the cooler while allowing the cooler lid to be opened and closed without having to change the position of the latch mechanism securing the cooler lid to the body of the cooler. The latch mechanism is mounted to the body of the cooler. The latch housing is mounted to the cooler lid and comprises a receptacle member and a clip which applies pressure to the receptacle member. The latch housing is designed to fit the latch hook and to automatically align the latch hook as it is rotated into the latch housing. The latch housing may also be part of the cooler lid handle used for gripping the cooler lid when opening or closing the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Holub, Glen Bellows
  • Patent number: 6427500
    Abstract: A latch, lock and hinge system having components that are well suited for use with closures such as tonneau covers that close the upwardly opening rear cargo compartments of pickup trucks and the like, includes rotary latch assemblies that are mounted on hinges for releasably engaging latch strikers to provide cover mounting connections that permit the cover both to pivot between open and closed positions, and to be removed when desired. The hinges have pivotally connected arms that are biased to hold the hinge-carried latches adjacent the cover when the cover is removed. Also included are other rotary latch assemblies that are connected by flexible cables to a latch operator assembly having an elongate housing that defines near its opposite ends a pair of recesses wherein latch operators are nested that can be concurrently moved toward each other by the fingers of one hand to unlatch and pivot open the cover. The latch operator assembly is lockable to prevent the cover from being opened and/or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 6309008
    Abstract: A pull handle mechanism for vehicle caps and the like of the type having an access door with at least one cable actuated closure latch, includes a base, with an exterior portion received through a mounting hole in the access door and an interior portion configured with an axially extending slide cavity. A retainer engages the exterior portion of the base to mount the pull handle mechanism in the access door. A handle having a scoop-shaped exterior portion with a downwardly opening finger recess, includes a rearwardly extending shaft slidingly received in the slide cavity to permit longitudinal reciprocation therebetween. A biasing member is positioned between the base and the handle, and urges the same together. A cable mount connects the actuator cable with the handle, such that pulling the handle outwardly tenses the actuator cable and releases the closure latch to permit the access door to be pivoted to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Bauer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. Bacon
  • Patent number: 6279266
    Abstract: A school bus split-sash window with a latch release bar than can be pushed with the upward motion of one thumb. In the preferred embodiment, two normally-extended spring loaded release pins are retracted by tension on cables which are pulled around fixed stanchions in the window frame when the release bar is pushed up. The window can be opened by one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas Searcy
  • Patent number: 6006560
    Abstract: A door hinged to a structure has a latch mechanism holding the door in a closed locked position. The latch mechanism has spring biased bolt units secured to opposite sides of the door connected with a single cable. A handle and lock assembly located in a recess in the outside of the door between the bolt units and mounted on the door has a hook with a groove accommodating the cable. When the handle is moved from its locked position cable is pulled to release the bolts allowing the door to be moved to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky DeVries
  • Patent number: 5992907
    Abstract: A position control mechanism for a double/single-hung window, including retractable plungers mountable on opposite sides of a window sash and received in a track on the frame to support the window sash for movement. An elongated member is secured at opposite ends to the plungers. A tilt latch actuator is mountable to the window sash between the plungers for pivoting about an axis, and includes a shaft with an opening therein oriented substantially radially relative to the axis and receiving the elongated member when secured to the first window sash. The ends of the shaft opening are substantially equal radial distances from the axis, and the elongated member is substantially linearly oriented when secured to the plungers with the plungers received in the one track. Guide openings defined by a bushing concentric with the axis are spaced from the shaft at substantially equal distances on opposite radial sides of the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia L. Sheldon, Stephen O. Myers, Robbin J. Delaske, Joseph P. Landherr