Spring Projected Patents (Class 292/60)
  • Patent number: 11891846
    Abstract: A door lockset for a sliding door includes a latch assembly, a plunger, a plunger retention assembly, and a secondary unlocking feature. The latch assembly has a first end and a second end. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the latch assembly. The plunger is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The plunger retention assembly has a first end having a recess, a second end opposing the first end, and an actuation member positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Romero, Scott Calvin Baker
  • Patent number: 11852315
    Abstract: A lamp includes a light source, a housing having a mounting fixture fitting the light source, a lid frame defining an opening, a first gasket provided in a first groove formed in the lid frame, a transparent body nested with the first gasket and reflecting light emitted by the light source to be outputted through the opening, retainer clips provided along longitudinal edges of the first groove to compress and seal the first gasket to prevent ingress of dust and moisture through the opening, and three fasteners to securely attach the lid frame to the housing. The housing is configured to be installed recessed of a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Appleton Grp LLC
    Inventors: Prashant S. Dixit, Ritu Raj, Rahul Bhamare
  • Patent number: 11536425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lamp and a lamp mounting structure, wherein the lamp includes a lamp panel as a light source; two lateral supports arranged opposite to each other, wherein the lamp panel in use is fixed to a lamp supporting structure through the two lateral supports; and a locking mechanism for securing the lamp panel between the two lateral supports. The lamp disclosed herein has a better versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: CH LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jizhong Pu, Jiangfeng Jiang
  • Patent number: 11530787
    Abstract: A collapse preventing lamp including a lamp panel and a lamp frame, wherein the lamp panel as a light source is installed in the lamp frame, and wherein a gap is defined between at least one side edge of the lamp panel and an edge of the lamp frame; and a baffle for shielding the gap is provided which is overlapped on the lamp frame, and the baffle is provided with an anti-collapse member for supporting a corresponding side edge of the lamp panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: CH LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jizhong Pu, Jiangfeng Jiang
  • Patent number: 11473340
    Abstract: A door stopping mechanism for a sliding glazing patio door or like, independent in construction from the sliding glazing for which it is stopping, includes a vertical and horizontal component. The horizontal component is within the track of the door, while the vertical component is selectively attached to the sliding member. The mechanism is changeable from a locked to unlocked position by manipulation by a user at mid-height of the door, and at least one of the locked or unlocked positions is maintained by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: FRANKLIN & JACKSON GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Charles J. Digmann
  • Patent number: 11473351
    Abstract: A door lockset for a sliding door includes a latch assembly, a plunger, a plunger retention assembly, and a secondary unlocking feature. The latch assembly has a first end and a second end. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the latch assembly. The plunger is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The plunger retention assembly has a first end having a recess, a second end opposing the first end, and an actuation member positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Romero, Scott Calvin Baker
  • Patent number: 11306510
    Abstract: Cylinder assembly with rotating winged latch bolt for sliding door lockset includes a special latch bolt that holds in an extended position and holds in a retracted position which alternates back and forth by pressing the latch bolt with your finger. The special latch bolt rotates ninety degrees by turning the doorknob, door handle, thumb turn, or coin turn and rotates back ninety degrees by turning the doorknob, door handle, thumb turn, or coin turn back. The special latch bolt has a special winged shape that catches within the strike plate when rotated ninety degrees and releases from the strike plate when rotated ninety degrees back. Also there is a special face plate or cylinder face plate with tabs or notches that serve as a two-position mechanical stop to prevent the latch bolt from over rotating beyond ninety degrees in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Qianyan Cheng
  • Patent number: 11234535
    Abstract: The crib bed (1) has a crib sidewall (5) secured to the crib bed leg construction (7) by means of a latching system (6). A latching bar (13) is spring-loaded by means of a latch bar spring (14) for engagement of the latching pin (16) with a stationary guide member (19). The latching pin (16) is retractable into the latching bar (13) against the load of a spring (17) arranged in the latching bar by displacement of the latching pin along a sloped surface (22) of the stationary guide member (19). The latching pin (16) is secured to the latching bar (13) with a linkage pin (15) extending through a slot (18) of the latching pin and extending through a hole in the latching bar. The linkage pin (15) is guided in a guide rail (12) in the latch housing (11) for retraction of the secured latching pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: CAM CAM COPENHAGEN A/S
    Inventor: Drew Rosskelly
  • Patent number: 10934749
    Abstract: A sliding bolt latch as disclosed herein is convenient to use and more reliable than counterpart door locking mechanisms of the prior art. A user may open and close a door with only one hand, but the present mechanism requires both a rotational movement and a translational movement of elements against a biasing force. Such requirement makes opening doors much more difficult for livestock confined to spaces by the closed doors. Also, the biasing of elements into the locking state makes embodiments of the invention less likely to unlock inadvertently in the presence of ambient vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Alik Alexander Braz
  • Patent number: 10892180
    Abstract: Embodiments of lift pin assemblies are provided herein. In some embodiments, a lift pin assembly includes an elongate base formed of a first material and having a first feature formed in a distal end of the base to interface with and removably support a tip; and a tip formed of a second material different than the first material and having a support surface on a first side of the tip and an opposing second side of the tip, wherein the opposing second side includes a second feature to mate with the first feature of the base to removably retain the tip on the distal end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Bonnie T. Chia, Jallepally Ravi, Manjunatha Koppa, Vinod Konda Purathe, Cheng-Hsiung Matthew Tsai, Aravind Miyar Kamath
  • Patent number: 10413096
    Abstract: A trash bin cabinet for a checkout station in a retail store is described. The checkout station includes the trash bin cabinet with a drawer locking mechanism, and a trash level sensor with an optical notification system. The trash bin cabinet has a drawer unit that contains at least one trash bin. The drawer locking mechanism locks the drawer when the drawer unit is closed so the drawer unit does not come open by itself and become a hazard or a nuisance. The trash level sensor senses the level of trash in the trash bins and sends a trash level status signal to the optical notification system. The optical notification system optically radiates the trash level status signal so people or sensors can monitor the level of trash in the trash bins without visiting the checkout station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventor: Yurgis Mauro Bacallao
  • Patent number: 9656226
    Abstract: Apparatus for the delivery of fluid products comprising a base, a base support associated thereof, a plurality of dispensing units to dispense the fluid products contained in containing receptacles. The dispensing units are disposed on a platform rotatable with respect to the base support so as to assume at least a first position in which the fluid products can be delivered from the receptacles toward a container. The apparatus also comprises sliding means which allow the rotation of the platform. Rapid connection means are provided so as to achieve the connection of the base support with the base and/or with the sliding means in order to achieve a selective stable coupling and to prevent a reciprocal vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: CPS COLOR EQUIPMENT SPA CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Giuliano Solera, Daniele Dall'Olio
  • Patent number: 9551205
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a modular locking and retaining mechanical design solution to reliably secure immersed, unrestrained and un-powered objects in a fluid environment to a fixed support surface such as a mounting frame or panel, with a quick connect/disconnect engagement method by a diver (i.e. manual mate) or remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) mate, into a fixed mounting frame or panel installed at a subsea deployed platform for oil and gas offshore applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Raul Gonzalez, Matthew Christopher Bartell
  • Patent number: 9506276
    Abstract: A closing device pivots on a vehicle body between a closing position and an opening position, such as a rear flap of a motor vehicle, with a closing element on the body side and an opposite closing element on the flap side for locking and unlocking the flap and with at least one ejection element. A plunger can be moved in a guide at least between a working position and a rest position, which upon movement into a working position can be tensioned against the force of a tensioning device. The plunger interacts with the flap for the manual opening and closing through the at least partial relaxing of the plunger. The plunger is lockable and unlockable through a locking device in a locking position in which it is tensioned at least as far as to the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rasel, Gregor Zoledzki, Peter Kahler, Hans Geiser, Heiko Dietrich
  • Patent number: 9103144
    Abstract: A door travel limiting device includes a housing, a stop member, a compression spring, and a flexible member. The stop member is slidably received by the housing, and is slidable in first and second sliding directions, and has first and second ends respectively extending outwardly from different portions of the housing. The stop member is biased to slide in the first sliding direction, causing a portion proximate to its second end to normally retract into the housing. Extreme sliding positions of the stop member are limited by protrusions. A flexible member protrudes from the stop member to selectively engage portions of a housing track, to retain the second end of the stop member at an intermediate position between its first and second positions, when the stop member is first actuated to slide from the first position to the second position, and is then no longer actuated but biased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Vision Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang, David Chen
  • Patent number: 8982549
    Abstract: A flash drive protection structure includes a decoration cover and a protective cover. The decoration cover that is made by elastic materials includes a cover block and a receiving space spacedly. The cover block has a cover hole facing the receiving space, and a connecting post is formed inside the receiving space. The protective cover has a first and a second surface, and the protective cover is disposed in the receiving space of the decoration cover through the first surface, while the second surface is exposed outside the decoration cover. The protective cover has a connecting hole at the first surface to connect the connecting post of the decoration cover. Also, the protective cover has a receiving trough toward the cover block, and one end of the flash drive is plugged into the receiving trough, while the other end is plugged into the cover hole of the cover block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Yang
  • Publication number: 20140367974
    Abstract: A latch for securing a storage container is described, and which includes a longitudinally moveable spindle member, which extends and is otherwise biasingly supported by a closure member, and which is mounted on and moveable relative to the storage container; a pinion mounted on a distal end of the spindle, and which forcibly engages an elongated locking member; and a latch control collar mounted on the spindle, and which, when selectively moved, allows the spindle to be selectively rotated so as to locate the locking member in given positions so as to secure the closure member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Joshua W. Keely
  • Patent number: 8261500
    Abstract: A wall panel system including a retractable floor anchor for converting a wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly and a pivoting wall panel assembly that may be configured to slide or pivot. A retractable floor anchor configured to be included in the pivoting wall panel assembly includes retractable spindle that is coupled to a base member by a linear actuator. The spindle is rotatably coupled to a door closer included in the retractable floor anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: C.R. Laurence Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Patent number: 8250811
    Abstract: A cane bolt is spring biased up to allow a movable barrier with which the cane bolt is engaged to move. The cane bolt can be pushed down into a strike hole to prevent movement of the barrier. To hold the cane bolt down, a pin on the cane bolt abuts a slotted stop on the barrier. To raise the cane bolt, the cane bolt is simply rotated so that the pin aligns with and thus passes through the slot, allowing the spring to urge the cane bolt up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Sjirk W. Zijlstra
  • Patent number: 7946632
    Abstract: A mounting system for accessories, including motorcycle windshields and windscreens, that quickly and securely attaches the accessory in such a manner that that the accessory will not come unexpectedly detached. After the initial installation of the components of the mounting system, the installation of an accessory requires a minimum of force and the installation and removal of an accessory is accomplished without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Allen B. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20100244465
    Abstract: A bolt mechanism comprising a backing plate adapted to be mounted on a complementary surface of a flat panel, a bolt assembly housing attached to the backing plate, a sliding bolt assembly carried on the bolt assembly housing one end of which has means adapted to engage and latch to a striker, a spring on said housing for keeping the end of the bolt extending out of the bolt assembly housing, the backing plate having means adapted to enable attachment to and detachment from an actuator housing assembly having complementary means adapted to enable attachment and detachment. An actuator housing assembly comprising an actuator housing having an opening therein, a movable actuator member received in the opening, the actuator member having a front surface and a rear surface and being digitally movable in said opening, and a hammer extending from the rear surface of said movable actuator member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Manuel Loret de Mola
  • Patent number: 7775565
    Abstract: A closing mechanism for a movable closing element, preferably for a door, a cover or a flap on a household appliance, such as a dishwasher, a washing machine, or a refrigerator, the mechanism comprises a carriage that can be displaced between a locking position and an unlocking position and is loaded by a spring force in the direction of the locking position. The carriage carries a closing hook that can be engaged with the closing element for the closing action and/or disengaged therefrom for the opening action. A rotary latch co-operates with the closing element during the closing action. As a result of this co-operation, the rotary latch acts on the carriage in such a way that the carriage is displaced into the locking position during the closing of the closing element by the force of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hartmann, Dieter Hotz, Cengiz Kuecuek, Heinrich Mueller, Axel Rastemborski, Bernd Schessl, Erich Schmid, Martin Stickel
  • Patent number: 7540073
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasably clipping to a frame an element for removing particulates, impurities, and/or moisture from an air stream, the apparatus preferably comprising: a self-aligning attachment post; a clip which is longitudinally movable on the post; and a locking member which can be pushed inwardly on the post and which interacts with one or more locking tabs in a manner effective for compressing a biasing member and locking the biasing member in a compressed position for holding the clip in engagement with the element. The apparatus preferably also comprises a handle clip on the outer portion of the attachment post which can be pulled and rotated for installing or removing a second element and can be rotated to a second position and released such that the handle clip will automatically hold the second element on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Braden Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Gilstrap
  • Publication number: 20080185849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing mechanism for a mobile closing element, especially for a door, a cover, a flap or the like on a household appliance, such as a dishwasher machine, a washing machine, a refrigerator or the like, said mechanism comprising a carriage that can be displaced between a locking position and an unlocking position and is loaded by means of a spring in the direction of the locking position. The carriage carries a closing hook that can be engaged with the closing element for the closing action and/or disengaged therefrom for the opening action. A rotary latch can co-operate with the closing element during the closing action. As a result of this co-operation, said rotary latch acts on the carriage in such a way that the carriage is displaced into the locking position during the closing of the closing element by the force of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Michael HARTMANN, Dieter Hotz, Cengiz Kuecuek, Heinrich Mueller, Axel Rastemborski, Bernd Schessl, Erich Schmid, Martin Stickel
  • Patent number: 7360659
    Abstract: Components can be received within regions of limited access present in an equipment-supporting rack using an installation fixture including a pair of mounting plates which are pivotally connected to each other by a hinge positioned along lateral edges of the respective mounting plates. One mounting plate includes a bracket for fixed connection to the rack, and the other mounting plate includes a surface for receiving a desired component. Rotation of the mounting plate receiving the component relative to the mounting plate fixed to the rack permits the component to be conveniently accessed when servicing is desired, and returned to the region of limited access during normal system operations. A locking mechanism is preferably provided for securing the component and the mounting plate which receives the component in desired position during normal system operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Seungyun Yoon, Terry W. Louth
  • Patent number: 7195291
    Abstract: A locking device for locking an opening-and-closing moving body in a stopped position includes a striker body disposed on one of a striking part of the opening-and-closing moving body and a struck part of a non-moving body hitting against the striking part of the moving body in the stopped position, and a catcher body disposed on the other of the striking part of the moving body and the struck part of the non-moving body. The catcher body includes an inner part with a receiving part for receiving the striker body, an outer part for holding the inner part, a forcing device for urging the inner part, and a damping device for damping the inner part. The forcing device urges the inner part to engage the outer part and stop when the inner part is situated in a forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Yasutomo Kobayashi, Kensuke Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20040094967
    Abstract: A door latch comprises a follower mounted for rotational movement in a latch housing, a guide pin provided on an actuating arm of the follower which is operatively linked to a multiplier, a bolt biased outwards of the housing, and an inelastic flexible element connected between the multiplier and bolt. In operation rotational movement of the follower is amplified by the guide pin acting on the multiplier. The increased rotational movement of the multiplier is converted to rectilinear movement of the bolt into the housing by the inelastic flexible element, which wraps around an outside edge of the multiplier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Edward Atkinson, Jonathan Rodger Laws
  • Patent number: 6655720
    Abstract: A lock for preventing one member from moving relative to another member has a housing securable to one member, and a plunger unit mounted in the housing. The plunger unit has a sleeve, a plunger slidably mounted in the sleeve, and a spring acting between the plunger and the sleeve to resiliently bias the plunger to a locking position in which a free end portion of the plunger projects from one end of the sleeve. The plunger also has a manually operable portion projecting from an opposite end of the sleeve. In the locking position, the free end portion of the plunger projects from the housing to extend into an aperture in the other member, when the housing is secured to the one member, and thereby prevent relative movement between the members. The plunger also has an unlocking position in which the free end portion thereof is withdrawn from the aperture in the other member by pulling the manually operable portion against the action of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Edmond L. Rampen
  • Publication number: 20030057712
    Abstract: A positional control device is provided to prevent accidental drifting of an overhead sectional door upward or downward from a fully opened, partly opened or fully closed position. The device allows the door to be manually moved to a different elevation without requiring a separate operation to release the door from its original position. This is achieved by a mechanism which couples the upward and downward motion of the door to the rotation of a sprocket wheel engaged with a spring loaded ratchet arm with a bifurcated head specially shaped for ratcheting engagement with the teeth of the sprocket wheel. Suitable adjustment of the spring allows the ratchet mechanism to hold the door in its given position by exerting a force which can readily be overcome by manual raising or lowering the door to a different position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: William English
  • Patent number: 5829282
    Abstract: A lock assembly for locking a control lever in a neutral or non-active position includes a lock mechanism having a locking pin and a locking bracket for receiving the locking pin. The locking bracket is secured to the control lever and prevents the lever from moving when the locking pin is engaged with the bracket. The control lever controls a work function of a work machine and the lock assembly prevents unintentional activation of the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Surridge
  • Patent number: 5671957
    Abstract: A child safety latch which cannot be actuated by those having relatively short fingers. A spring-biased lock is slidably moved within the J-shaped tracks of a guard tube. The latch is in an unlocked position when the locking pin rests in the larger side of the J-shaped track. In this position, the spring biases the locking pin against the top of the larger side of the track. Actuation of the latch, i.e. pushing down on the button located on top of the lock, lowers the lock against the spring. The complete lowering of the lock and the full compression of the spring occurs when the locking pin is at the bottom of the J-shaped track. A slight counter-clockwise twist of the finger urges the locking pin into the smaller side of the J-shaped track, where the lock is spring biased against the top of the smaller side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Roger Raffini
  • Patent number: 5590918
    Abstract: Door securing device and method comprising a cam having a periphery, a shaft perpendicularly connected to the cam, and a socket adapted to be formed in a floor adjacent a door. The shaft is operatively pivotally mounted in the socket with the periphery of said cam abutting the door. The socket secures the shaft therein and the cam abutting the door against breaking the door in. While maintaining the securing of the shaft, cam and door against break-ins, the shaft is pivotal in the socket, without removing the shaft from the socket, to and from respective selected pivot positions of the shaft in the socket, in which positions a respective portion of the periphery of the cam abuts the door in a completely closed position of the door, and respectively, in at least one partially open position of the door. The shaft is removably mounted in the socket for removal when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Sergei Kambalov
  • Patent number: 5362184
    Abstract: A locking device is disclosed which is adapted to be welded to at least two support rails of the bed of a truck such as a garbage truck and which engages the I-beams of the container such as a garbage container to eliminate the necessity of chaining the container to the garbage truck, thus saving time and providing safety from snapping a chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Blaine E. Pugh
  • Patent number: 5275029
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator door-locking device is provided for locking a refrigerator door to a refrigerator body which may preferably be manufactured substantially of molded plastic parts. The locking device has an elongated first mountable casing which has an elongated opening, and a plunger member which has a projecting rod end and slotted outer rod end slidably fits within the opening. A bayonet connector is located at the projecting rod end of the plunger and a spring biases the plunger toward the projecting rod end. A bayonet receiver is located in a second mountable casing and interacts with the projecting rod end bayonet connector. The locking device provides a visual indication of when it is locked or unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Fort Lock Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Myers
  • Patent number: 5157826
    Abstract: A mechanical lock where a rod axially translatable through a lock housing is normally gripped by a clutch spring axially fixed to the housing, and a lever is actuated for unwinding the spring to release the rod. The lock housing is formed in a single piece by die cutting and stamping from flat sheet stock in a sequence which can be carried out in a single progressive die, to minimize the parts count and simplify assembly of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Porter, George V. Babiciuc
  • Patent number: 5120093
    Abstract: A floor-mounted doorstop comprises a tubular housing having an upper flange which is affixed to the floor, and a closed lower end. A plunger is telescopically received within the bore of the housing, compressing a coil spring which normally drives it to its deployed position; however, the plunger can be depressed with the foot, and a twist of the foot latches it in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Donald Carney
  • Patent number: 5062669
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for safely locking doors, such as trailer-tractor vehicle doors and for controllably releasing same including a reciprocal or rotatable locking member such as a sliding bolt movable up through the floor of a trailer to a first locking position wherein a door is positively locked and a release position wherein the vehicle door is released with the locking member housed in a tamper-proof box with a pivotal panel that is held shut by a latch released by a latch operator means which is activated by an air drive that can be primarily operated only when connected to the air pressure system of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventors: Donald P. McManigal, David G. Yaksic, John McHugh
  • Patent number: 5032045
    Abstract: A quick release toggle clamp utilizes a spring that requires a deliberate positive action for disengagement. The clamp has a sliding bolt that provides a latching mechanism. The bolt is moved by a handle that tends to remain in an engaged position while under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Frank S. Calco
  • Patent number: 4997218
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positively locking latch or latch/hinge mechanism for use in pplications requiring quick connections and disconnections. The mechanism is comprised of a flange, a pin and base from which a plurality of plate extensions perpendicularly extend. The flange is dimensioned to fit snugly between two of the extensions. The extensions and the flange have axially aligned through holes of equal diameter. The pin axially translates through the aligned holes of the extensions and flange so that the flange is pivotally securable to the base. The diameter of the pin is only slightly less than the diameter of the holes so as to prevent radial movement of the flange relative to the pin axis. The mechanism includes a means for biasing the pin into an engaged position in which the flange is pivotally secured to the base and, alternately, a disengaged position in which the flange is removable from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Robert K. Culling
  • Patent number: 4815773
    Abstract: A door-locking assembly for securing the door of freight transporting compartment includes a bolt which is movable between a first, door-locking position and a second, door-unlocking position, and is additionally movable into a third, door-unlocking position which provides additional restraint against motion of the bolt into the first or second positions. The assembly also includes catch means for selectively and alternatively either blocking or clearing the movement of the bolt between the first and second positions and between the first and third positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Richard L. Merrell
  • Patent number: 4730469
    Abstract: The application relates to a lock having a closing cylinder for a drop door of a motor vehicle, with the free end of the rotor being provided with a locking projection. To enable the drop door to be slammed shut even when the lock is closed, a ring is provided which can be turned through a certain angle about the rotor longitudinal axis against spring force and is mounted on the end of the rotor remote from the insertion opening for the key. A rotary latch body which is acted upon by a spring is coupled to the ring in hinged manner. The rotary latch body, in a base area, has a central passage opening for the free end of the rotor and a recess for the passage of the locking projection at a certain angular position. The rotary latch body has a projection with a bevelled side face which interacts as a mating piece with an inclined plane fixed to the vehicle to be movable against spring force when the door is slammed shut, to then be returned by the spring force to the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Hanel, Fritz Haberle, Gotz Motting, Walter Munsinger
  • Patent number: 4645160
    Abstract: A cam operated locking device for selectively locking or releasing an isolator frame for a seat that is slidable longitudinally on a support. The seat includes insolator frame has a locking recess therein. The locking device includes a U-bar housing affixed to a bracket on the support. There is a lever rod rotatable and slidable within the U-bar housing that is adapted to engage the recess in said isolator frame for locking the seat with respect to the bracket. Cam means including at least one pair of cam surfaces are formed on the U-bar housing. The lever rod carries a pin, which extends transversely within the U-bar housing and cooperates with the cam means. Spring means are disposed about the lever rod for biasing the lever rod into the recess in the seat frame. A handle is secured to the lever rod for rotating same. When the lever rod is in a first position on the cam means, the spring means will bias the lever rod into engagement with the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Seats Incorporated
    Inventor: Harold J. Van Duser
  • Patent number: 4635327
    Abstract: A quick disconnect mechanical coupler includes a housing having a longitudinal slot within which is positioned an elongated coupling pin which is displaceable within the slot along the length thereof. A first end of the housing is adapter to receive a mounting lug coupled to a first structure while a lateral portion of the housing is adapted for coupling to a second structure. With the mounting lug positioned in the first end portion of the housing, the elongated pin, which includes a knob at one end, is spring-biased in a firt direction for insertion in an aperture in the mounting lug to securely couple the housing thereto. Displacement of the coupling pin in a second, opposite direction disengages the housing from the lug and disconnects the first and second structures. The pin is provided with first and second locking projections positioned along the length thereof and extending transversely therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Frederick P. Netznik
  • Patent number: 4530528
    Abstract: A double action securing device for the drop side of a crib comprises a guide member connected to the crib or to the drop side in a vertically oriented position. A slide member is slidably mounted to the guide member between two positions for raising and lowering the drop side. A catch pin is axially and rotatably mounted to the slide member and engageable with an opening of the guide member in at least one of the relative positions. The catch pin has a head which defines a recess for embracing a lower edge of the guide member opening. The weight of the slide member causes the head recess to drop over the lower edge of the opening to lock the slide member with respect to the guide member. The catch pin can further be rotated to increase the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Inventor: Louis Shamie
  • Patent number: 4494781
    Abstract: A self-locking lock assembly for a cabinet or locker door includes a rotary operating member (25) having a head (26) adapted to be operated from the exterior of the door, and an inner bolt (31) provided with a rib (36) inclined with respect to the axis of said operating member so that its cooperation with a flange (14) of a door opening (3) causes it to rotate while compressing a return spring (41) whenever the door is manually pushed. The lock assembly can advantageously be used in cabinets or lockers the doors of which must be opened only by safety personnel, but may be closed by maintenance personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventor: Jean Lafosse
  • Patent number: 4465328
    Abstract: A rotatable latch, as for the door of an enclosure, has a positive indication of latching, the indication capable of being felt and heard. A rotatable latch member mounted, for example, on the door, has a radially extending finger which engages with a latch plate mounted on the door frame. The latch plate has an inclined surface up which moves the finger, against a spring bias. At the end of the inclined surface is a detent into which the finger snaps, under the action of the spring bias, when the rotatable latch member is in a fully latched position. The snapping of the finger into the detent can be both felt and heard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: George Tihanyi, Zbigniew T. Karwowski
  • Patent number: 4327530
    Abstract: A weatherproof enclosure for electronic equipment includes a base portion and a mushroom-shaped hood portion. When unlatched, the hood portion rises by spring action to permit full access to the electronic equipment mounted on the base portion. A moderate force on the hood, assisted by an internal counterweight, serves to return the hood to the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Bush
  • Patent number: 4274228
    Abstract: A metallic anti-intruder type gate, particularly adapted for use in windows offering access to a fire escape. The gate includes an outer frame element permanently installed within a window frame, and a hinged gate element supported by the frame and maintained in locked position relative thereto by a sliding bolt. The door is formed to include a rectangular peripheral frame and metal lattice which avoids adequate ventilation and light consistent with mechanical strength. The sliding bolt is shielded to permit access thereto for operation only from that side of the door facing the interior of the building in which it is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: Manhattan Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Witold Kondracki
  • Patent number: 4202570
    Abstract: The latch for sliding panels comprises a spring-loaded bolt assembly carried on the panel by means of a mounting plate, and catchplate fixedly mounted to the casement. The bolt and bolt receiving holes in the catchplate being oriented at acute angles to the vertical. By this structure, force applied on the panel results in increased engagement of the bolt into the receiving holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Inventor: Robert J. Riggins
  • Patent number: 4138150
    Abstract: A window comprising a first sash, and a second sash movable relative to one another, and a window lock mounted on one of the sashes. The window lock includes a housing having an inner wall adjacent one sash and an outer wall. A block is fixed on the inner surface of the outer wall. A plunger is slidable in openings in the inner and outer walls and block. The opening in the inner and outer walls are circular. The opening in the block includes radial portions and the plunger has a radial projection conforming generally to the radial projection of the opening in the block. The other sash has an opening adapted to be engaged by the plunger such that when the plunger is in engagement with the opening in the other sash the other end of said plunger is spaced from the outer surface of the other wall. A knob is releasably engageable with the outer end of the plunger for engaging the plunger and moving it axially to unlock the sashes. A spring yieldingly urges the plunger toward the opening in the other sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Inventor: Marius W. Bills