Lever Patents (Class 292/66)
  • Patent number: 11384976
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having an interior storage space. A door is coupled to the refrigerator body to open and close the interior storage space. A door handle is coupled to the door in a pivotally rotatable manner and an opening actuator is coupled to the door handle where the opening actuator applies a force to the refrigerator body to open the interior storage space. The opening actuator includes a front bezel, a handle pivot plate coupled to the door handle, a casing enclosing an actuator mechanism, and one or more pushers that extend and retract against a front wrapper edge of the refrigerator body. An intermediate attachment couples the handle pivot plate to the casing and a back bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karen J. Querfurth, Pendyala Supreeth, Michele Wilcox
  • Patent number: 11261630
    Abstract: A camera housing includes a simplified draw latch for securing a first portion and a second portion of the camera housing together. The draw latch can include a draw hook and a mid-linkage. The draw latch enables a user to easily open and close a camera housing, and may also allow a user to establish an air-tight or water-tight seal between the housing portions for use in various activities, including scuba diving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan L. Coons, Joshua P. Davies, Todd Lewis
  • Publication number: 20150001859
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a cargo door assembly that accommodates for dimensional and structure variations is cargo door assemblies to ensure a secure latching mechanism. The latch assembly uses a two piece design that includes a handle unit and a separate plunger unit to enable its use with cargo doors of varying thickness. The latch assembly also uses spacers to selectively position a plunger carriage within a plunger housing to selectively adjust the position of an extensible plunger supported by the carriage relative to the door frame, which ensures that the plunger properly engages the door frame and securely holds the cargo door closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Clyde Ricky Minix, Thomas L. Del Vecchio
  • Publication number: 20140210218
    Abstract: An apparatus that retracts a plunger along an axis about which a handle pivots. The handle has two ends that are perpendicular, the second end having a sidewall with a barrel forming a chamber in which the plunger is slidably mounted. The sidewall has elongated slots through which opposing roller bars that extend from the plunger protrude through. A collar body is rotatably mounted to the second end and has opposing openings with triangular surfaces. The roller bars rest on the triangular surfaces, and when the first end of the handle is rotated about the central axis, the slot sidewalls drive the roller bars around the triangular surfaces, thereby causing axial movement of the plunger away toward the first end of the handle without moving the first end to move out of the plane in which it rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: IncludeFitness, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ryan Eder, Jamison Joseph Float
  • Publication number: 20140062099
    Abstract: A toggle type fastener to releaseably couple a fixed object and a movable object to each other includes a pedestal that is structured to be fixed to the movable object, a toggle lever pivotally coupled to the pedestal, a latching arm pivotally coupled to the toggle lever, a looseness prevention element that prevents movement of the movable object. The looseness prevention element is attached to the latching arm and sized to be hooked to a hooked member that is structured to be fixed to the fixed object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki KAKITA, Koushi YAMAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8567828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap-type locking device for releasable and principally external keeping together of two parts and comprising at least one grip part at least one grip part, at least one movable arm and at least one spring, said at least one movable arm being turnably attached to said at least one grip part as well as, directly or indirectly, to a first part of said two parts. Said at least one spring abuts said at least one grip part in order to urge the same in a direction away from said two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kapman AB
    Inventors: Mårten Andrén, Hans Himbert, Conny Jansson
  • Patent number: 8517435
    Abstract: An espagnolette lock for a door or shutter. An actuating shaft can be rotatably mounted within the interior of a housing and can be coupled with a lock-actuator. The actuating shaft is monolithically formed with a tongue. A securement mechanism is configured for insertion into the housing parallel to the plane of a door panel or of the shutter for fixing the housing in position on the door panel or shutter. The securement mechanism is further configured for being supported against the door panel or shutter. When a mounting of the espagnolette lock is completed, the securement mechanism is configured to engage the actuating shaft to thereby secure and fix the actuating shaft in position in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Friedhelm Runge
  • Patent number: 8181393
    Abstract: The lock mechanism comprises a first subunit (6) arranged to be fixed on an outer face of an upright tubular member (7) of the hinged leaf and a second subunit (8) arranged to be fixed within the tubular member (7). The second subunit (8) comprises a frame (9), a bolt member (10) movably mounted on said frame (9) between a projected and a retracted position, and a bolt operating mechanism which comprises a gear train (20, 21, 22) to increase the travel of the bolt member (10). The first subunit (6) comprises operator means (26, 28, 29). The lock mechanism further comprises a rotary shaft (32) by means of which the bolt operating mechanism can be coupled to the operator means so that only a hole has to be made in the tubular member (7) of the leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Talpe
  • Publication number: 20110168517
    Abstract: A locking device for flaps or doors that are pivotable in or on a frame or housing. The invention in particular includes a door or flap lock that serves as a protection against collisions of objects and/or persons with moving or rotating machine parts, with the possibility of unlocking said door or flap lock by manual operation. The locking device includes a movable bolt disposed on the pivotable flap or door with said bolt being manually operable via a lever, handle, or knob and interlocking with a receiving opening for the bolt that is disposed on the frame. The bolt includes several engagement elements for interlocking with a housing- or frame-anchored receiving element, with said engagement elements arranged along the direction of the bolt's longitudinal axis, which approximately corresponds to the direction of movement of the bolt on opening or closing the pivotable flap or door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Robert Krieger, Reimund Hof
  • Patent number: 7887106
    Abstract: A locking device for a swinging/sliding door for vehicles. The swinging/sliding door includes a door leaf having a guide rail along a bottom horizontal edge in a floor region. The swinging/sliding door is configured to be actuated by a door drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Ges.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Reinhold Jarolim
  • Patent number: 7722095
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid unit for closing the container body 2 that is transported with thin-plates such as semiconductor wafers or the like accommodated therein. Simplified attaching/detaching mechanisms 32 for the production line are provided at the centers of the respective sides opposing with respect to each other. The simplified attaching/detaching mechanism 32 for the production line includes a locking plate 34 for locking the second fitted portion 21 and a drive-out member 35 for allowing the drive-out member 35 to rise and set by being engaged with the locking plate 34. A locking arm 57 for fixing the drive-out member 35 is provided on the drive-out member 35 at the end in the direction of rotation. A supporting rail 56 for controlling the rising and setting movement of the locking plate 34 is provided on the drive-out member 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Miraial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Hyobu, Chiaki Matsutori, Tadahiro Obayashi
  • Patent number: 7626816
    Abstract: An exemplary housing of a foldable electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover, a latching member, a contact member, and a resilient member. The first cover includes a lock receiving portion. The second cover includes a fixing portion. The latching member includes a pivot hole, a first transmission portion, and a lock portion configured for engaging with the lock receiving portion. The pivot hole engages with the fixing portion such that the latching member is rotatable relative to the fixing portion. The contact member includes a second transmission portion. The second transmission portion engages with the first transmission portion and is able to drive the latching member to rotate. The resilient member drives the latching member to rotate to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
  • Publication number: 20080309096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap-type locking device for releasable and principally external keeping together of two parts (1, 2) and comprising at least one grip pat (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22), at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) and at least one spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c), said at least one movable arm (12, 12a, 12b) being turnably attached to said at least one grip part (11, 11a, 18, 20, 21, 22) as well as, directly or indirectly, to a first part (1)of said two parts (1, 2). Said at least one spring (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) abuts against said at least one grip part (11, 11a; 18, 20, 21, 22) in order to urge the same in a direction away from said two parts (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: KAPMAN AB
    Inventors: Marten Andren, Hans Himbert, Conny Jansson
  • Patent number: 7452010
    Abstract: A latch for use with a boat hatch including a housing having a well, a floor, and a flange mounted against the boat hatch. The housing has a boss with a bushing and a vertical bore. A slot extends transversely through the boss and the vertical bore. A pull shaft with an annular O-ring is mounted in the bushing bore. A rotation stop pin on the pull shaft will contact the slot, limiting the rotation to one-half turn. A latch bar projects outward from the pull shaft lower end. A D-shaped handle is pivotally mounted on the pull shaft upper end. A spring is disposed below the rotation stop, to bias the pull shaft downward. A lock shaft is mounted for rotation in the housing. A hook with a finger is attached to the lock shaft. A key rotates the hook into engagement with the second pin. The second pin, enclosed between the finger and the boss slot, prevents rotation of the pull shaft and unlatching of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Oren Cotton
  • Patent number: 7441812
    Abstract: A linear compression latch includes a lever handle linked to a pawl. As the latch is opened, the pawl is initially constrained to move vertically within a carriage. After an intermediate position is achieved, the pawl is constrained to move horizontally within the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Welsh, Eric D. Hyp, Richard C. Saile
  • Patent number: 7438332
    Abstract: A cam-action remote latch mechanism comprises a housing; a support, placed inside the housing, being able to perform a movement between an innermost position and an outermost position; a plurality of guiding openings in the housing for guiding the movement of the support; a cam, set on a primary axis and placed inside the housing, when turned driving the movement of the support; and a pawl, mounted on an outer side of the support, protruding from the housing when the support has reached the outermost position and exerting a sealing force driven by the support, with the cam and the support stably holding each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Feng-Ho Wang, Kai-Yu Hsiao, Han-Jou Lee
  • Publication number: 20080191495
    Abstract: A locking device for a swinging/sliding door for vehicles. The swinging/sliding door includes a door leaf having a guide rail along a bottom horizontal edge in a floor region. The swinging/sliding door is configured to be actuated by a door drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Reinhold Jarolim
  • Patent number: 7261340
    Abstract: A cam remote latch mechanism comprises a housing; a support, placed inside the housing/ being able to perform a movement between an innermost position and an outermost position; a plurality of guiding openings in the housing for guiding the movement of the support; a cam, set on a primary axis and placed inside the housing, when turned driving the movement of the support; and a pawl, mounted on an outer side of the support, protruding from the housing when the support has reached said outermost position and exerting a sealing force driven by the support, with the cam and the support stably holding each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Feng-Ho Wang, Kai-Yu Hsiao, Han-Jou Lee
  • Patent number: 7242576
    Abstract: Quick release couplings for releasably coupling components of a computer to the computer are disclosed. The quick release coupling mechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of the components relative to the computer. That is, the quick release coupling mechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without using conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating the use of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from the computer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quick release couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick and straightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and from the computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may be inserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by a simple flick of a latch or handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, Chiew-Siang Goh, Douglas L. Heirich, Steven Holmes, Jonathan P. Ive, Sung Kim, Rick Mariano, Thomas J. Misage, Dan Riccio, Tang Yew Tan, Jeremy Yaekel
  • Patent number: 7182308
    Abstract: An assembly (20) for releasably interconnecting a pair of concrete form panels (22, 24) having adjacent, apertured walls (30) is provided which completely eliminates loose parts and significantly reduces panel setup and knock-down times. The assembly (20) includes an elongated pin (38) axially shiftable between extended and retracted positions, as well as an elongated connection arm (88) of length to bridge the adjacent walls (30) and engage the remote surface of the wall (30). An operating mechanism (42) is operatively coupled with pin (38) and arm (88). A latch assembly (96) serves to releasably maintain the pin (38) and arm (88) in their respective positions. Preferably, the pin 38 is mounted on a body (36) shiftable along a track (46); the latch assembly (96) is also supported on the body (36) to insure that the operating mechanism (42) can be properly latched in the retracted and extended positions of the pin (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Precise Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Trimmer, Danny R. Dugger, Dwight E. Hibbs, Launnie Kelmel, James L. Brockman
  • Patent number: 7021678
    Abstract: A four position gate latch (20) that is used to fasten and lock a gate. The gate latch includes a self fastening gravity gate latch (22) that is fastened to one face of the gate. A gate latch bracket (28) is fastened to the gate on an opposed face, mating with said gate latch. A latch striker bar slideably extends from the bracket such that the striker bar interfaces with the gate latch and links the gate portions together. A locking bolt (60) slideably extends though the bracket, allowing it to interface with the gate latch and provide positive locking capabilities. The gate latch is capable of being placed in a self fastening gravity gate latch conventional position, a locked position with the locking bolt penetrating a padlock hole, an unlatched position that permits the gate to swing inward on the gate latch side without interference, and a free-swinging position that permits the gate to pivot in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Philippe P. Raoult
  • Patent number: 7021679
    Abstract: A locking device includes a handle member, a rotatable member connected to the handle member, and a bolt member connected to the rotatable member so as to follow rotational movements of the handle between a locking position and an unlocking position of the locking device. The bolt member includes a latch bolt spring-loaded towards an extended locking position and operative to yield towards a less extended position when encountering a stationary part of a coaming when positioned in its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Claes Magnusson
  • Patent number: 6953209
    Abstract: A compression latch with a folding handle for selectively holding a door closed. The latch includes a housing with a cup portion for receiving the handle in the folded down position such that the projection of the latch handle above the exterior surface of the door is minimized in the folded-down position. The handle functions to move a pawl in a combination of rotational and linear translational movements as the pawl is moved between latched and unlatched positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Jackson, Jr., Gerard J. Clisham, Jeremy L. Godin, H. Allen Riblett
  • Patent number: 6854774
    Abstract: A locking device includes a handle member, a rotatable member connected to the handle member, and a bolt member connected to the rotatable member so as to follow rotational movements of the handle between a locking position and an unlocking position of the locking device. The bolt member includes a latch bolt spring-loaded towards an extended locking position and operative to yield towards a less extended position when encountering a stationary part of a coaming when positioned in its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Claes Magnusson
  • Publication number: 20040113432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch for securing together a panel to a keeper thus permitting opening and closing of a portion of the panel while allowing the remaining portion of the panel to remain closed. When the latch is unlatched from a keeper, a user can refasten the panel by lowering the panel until the main pawl and the keeper are fastened together by the action of the keeper on the pawl of the latch. The latch also provides for the opening and closing of a portion of one of the panels while allowing the remaining portion of that panel to remain closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew Hall
  • Publication number: 20040056488
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compression latch with a folding handle for selectively holding a door closed. The latch includes a housing with a cup portion for receiving the handle in the folded down position such that the projection of the latch handle above the exterior surface of the door is minimized in the folded-down position. The handle functions to move a pawl in a combination of rotational and linear translational movements as the pawl is moved between latched and unlatched positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph W. Jackson, Gerard J. Clisham, Jeremy L. Godin
  • Patent number: 6695520
    Abstract: A device for inserting, extracting, and locking a module into, from, and in a rack. The device includes two arms which can pivot with respect to the module and which are articulated together by a common articulation, each of them including, on the one hand, at one end, an anchor for anchoring it into the rack and, on the other hand, a non-common articulation with the module. A device immobilizes one of the arms with respect to the other when the arms are anchored in the rack. Further, associated with at least one of the arms, an elastic device works in compression between the module and the arm when its end is anchored into the rack. Such a device may find particular application in electronics modules for avionics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF Sextant
    Inventors: Claude Sarno, Henri Bouteille
  • Patent number: 6659513
    Abstract: A closure, for connecting two thin walls, such as a sheet metal cabinet door to a sheet metal cabinet frame is disclosed, which comprises a bearing piece, arranged in or on an opening in the first thin wall and a shaft, retained in the bearing piece and which may be rotated and axially displaced therein. A pivoting lever is mounted on the on outer end of the shaft and, on the other inner end of the shaft, a retaining piece is arranged, which may be engaged with an opening in the second thin wall. The retaining piece comprises a cupular guide piece and a sleeve piece, which may be inserted in and rotated in the cupular guide piece against the force of a spring. A catch projects from said sleeve piece in the direction of the wall plane which, in the locked position, extends beyond the outer surface of the guide piece as far as the rear surface of the second thin wall and rests thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6578884
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a casing defining a lever chamber and a spring chamber and having a wall interposed between the lever chamber and the spring chamber and formed with a shaft-extension hole to permit extension of a coupler shaft therethrough such that a pivot portion of the shaft extends into the lever chamber and a threaded portion of the shaft is disposed outwardly of the spring chamber. The threaded portion is formed with a pair of axially aligned grooves. A coupler portion of a latch member is formed with a shaft hole confined by a hole-confining wall for extension of the threaded portion therethrough, and a pair of engaging tongues that extend inwardly and radially from the hole-confining wall and that slidably and respectively engage the slots in the shaft so as to permit sliding movement of the latch member along the length of the shaft and so as to facilitate mounting and removal of the latch member on and from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Hua Chiang
  • Patent number: 6522095
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock including a diode for operating an electric motor drive in one direction of drive rotation. To minimize the electric motor turning back against the direction of drive rotation in the off state, the diode is connected in parallel to the electric motor drive which provides essentially for short circuiting of the electric motor drive when it turns back. In this way, rebound of the electric motor drive is prevented or reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Checrallah Kachouh
  • Patent number: 6457598
    Abstract: A module cover is equipped with at least one door latch transmission mechanism for closing the entrance of a wafer transport module, each door latch transmission mechanism includes a door latch supported on a roller at the module cover, a latch bolt pivotally coupled between one end of the door latch and a part of the module cover, and a driving wheel coupled to the module cover and rotated to move the door latch forwards and backwards and to further turn the latch bolt in and out of a through hole on the module cover and a respective latch hole on the wafer transport module to lock/unlock the module cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Prosys Technology Integration, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Yu Hsieh, Jone Nan Chen
  • Publication number: 20020134784
    Abstract: A module cover is equipped with at least one door latch transmission mechanism for closing the entrance of a wafer transport module, each door latch transmission mechanism includes a door latch supported on a roller at the module cover, a latch bolt pivotally coupled between one end of the door latch and a part of the module cover, and a driving wheel coupled to the module cover and rotated to move the door latch forwards and backwards and to further turn the latch bolt in and out of a through hole on the module cover and a respective latch hole on the wafer transport module to lock/unlock the module cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Chang Yu Hsieh, Jone Nan Chen
  • Publication number: 20020079709
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch assembly for a dishwasher including a door having a front surface and a back surface and a tub. The latch assembly includes a bolt secured to the door. The bolt has a catch including a ramp surface facing toward the tub. An actuator is slidably connected to the bolt. A switch is secured to the bolt such that movement of the actuator may selectively close the switch. A handle is moveably mounted to the bolt in a position for access from the front surface of the door. A strike plate is connected to the tub and includes a forward latching portion extending outwardly from the tub toward the rear surface of the door. The strike plate flexes vertically to deflect up over the latch when the door moves toward a closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Larry D. Marks, John M. DeBoer
  • Patent number: 6397644
    Abstract: A service vehicle ladder lock for fastening a step or extension ladder to a conventional ladder rack running either along a side of the roof of the vehicle or across the top thereof. This ladder lock forms a rectangular framework for placement about the ladder and the ladder rack in close proximity to inhibit movement in any direction upon rapid starting or stopping. In the preferred configuration the ladder lock comprises three portions of narrow bent flat metal stock fastened together wherein the first and second portions are attached by a hinge to allow opening and closing; and the second and third portions are attached to each other. The free end of the first portion has a strike plate thereon for receiving the latch of a tension latch/lock assembly integrally mated to the free end of the third portion. This ladder lock optionally includes means for adjusting the frame width and/or height to insure a close fit around the ladder and the ladder frame to insure safety and security thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Gidding
  • Patent number: 6378962
    Abstract: A display case for preventing the loss and damage to items on a table due to adverse weather. The display case includes a top wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A lip is integrally coupled to and extends downwardly from a back edge of the top wall. The top wall, the side walls, the flanges and the lip are each generally transparent. A plurality of securing members releasably secure the side walls to a peripheral edge of a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Lonnie W. Green
  • Patent number: 6345846
    Abstract: An overcenter latch assembly for securing a moveable member including a bracket secured to a first member and a saddle secured to a second member in opposed relation to the bracket. The saddle includes longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending recesses formed thereon. Each recess is formed with a transversely extending raceway ending in opposed inboard and outboard pivot sockets. A release cover is pivotally connected to the bracket. The release cover has a member pivotally secured thereon. The pivoting member has opposed extensions adapted to be received in the inboard pivot socket of the recess for pivotal movement of the release cover about an inboard axis in a latching direction from an initial unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Delbert D DeRees, Patrick J O'Mahoney
  • Patent number: 6149208
    Abstract: A gate closure for a wire gate includes at least two gate engaging members in spaced relation. Levers are provided in spaced relation for each of the at least two gate engaging members. Each of the at least two gate engaging member is pivotally secured to one of the levers. A linkage is provided between the levers whereby the levers are operated in unison to move the at least two gate engaging members between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Leonard Arthur Jubinville
  • Patent number: 6044673
    Abstract: A locomotive locket device for disabling the forward/reverse control system of a locomotive or other powered railway vehicle has an axially-expandable plug portion which may be inserted into a keyhole chamber in a locomotive controller. The plug portion comprises upper and lower tubular truncated cylinders having complementary angled faces. When drawn together, the cylinders offset axially from one another, expanding their combined axial diameter. The device may be locked in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Inter-Pacific Services (1996) Ltd.
    Inventor: Dean R. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6032986
    Abstract: A door system for closing a doorway in a mine stopping includes a door hinged adjacent the doorway for swinging relative to the stopping between a closed position and an open position. A keeper is mounted in fixed position relative to the doorway. A latch mechanism is cooperable with the keeper for latching the door in its closed position. The latch mechanism has a detent portion and is operable to move the detent portion between a latching position in which the detent portion engages the keeper for latching the door closed, and an unlatching position in which the detent portion is disengaged from the keeper for allowing the door to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5931512
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for a wafer container includes a box sealable to a base plate to form an air-tight space for holding at least one wafer therein. The latch mechanism is located on the base plate and includes a U-shaped latch plate and a cam mechanism. The latch plate has a hook member at a front end thereof. The hook member includes a 7-shape hook with a bottom end pivotly engaged with the base plate and a top end pivotly engaged with the front end of the latch plate. The cam mechanism includes a cam and a linkage bar with a roller disposed therein. One end of the linkage bar attached to the latch plate. Another end of the linkage bar has a pin engaging with a slot formed in the cam. The pin and the roller form a positive and movable engagement with the cam. By turning the cam, the linkage bar and latch plate will have linear motion and trigger the hook to engage the box securely to the base plate or allow the box disengaging with the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Horng-Kuang Fan, Jyhjone Lee, Gwo-Jou Huang
  • Patent number: 5915764
    Abstract: A security door assembly or locking mechanism for securing a single door in locking engagement with an adjacent door jamb structure comprises a first elongate metal blade to be received by a matching elongate groove in a vertical edge of a door. A second elongate metal blade is received by a matching groove in an upper horizontal edge of the door. Mechanical devices are provided for moving said blades partially from the grooves in the door into engagement with receiving grooves in the adjacent door jamb structure to lock the door. The vertical and horizontal blades are coupled together by a linkage mechanism which enables both blades to be operated simultaneously upon actuation of a single lever or knob. The blades and the linkage mechanism are mounted in an L-shaped housing inserted into grooves formed in adjacent edges of the door. Elongate metal strips are provided to be mounted over the grooves in the door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Edwin A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5697654
    Abstract: A security door assembly or locking mechanism for securing a single door in locking engagement with an adjacent door jamb structure comprises a first elongate metal blade to be received by a matching elongate groove in a vertical edge of a door. A second elongate metal blade is received by a matching groove in an upper horizontal edge of the door. Mechanical devices are provided for moving said blades partially from the grooves in the door into engagement with receiving grooves in the adjacent door jamb structure to lock the door. The vertical and horizontal blades are coupled together by a linkage mechanism which enables both blades to be operated simultaneously upon actuation of a single lever or knob. The blades and the linkage mechanism are mounted in an L-shaped housing inserted into grooves formed in adjacent edges of the door. Elongate metal strips are provided to be mounted over the grooves in the door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Edwin A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5688002
    Abstract: A door latching structure for operatively interconnecting an upper latching structure carried by a door and a lower actuator structure carried by the door, the upper latching structure located outside the door, and comprising a longitudinally elongated link sized for reception within the door and to extend into proximity to the latching structure, and to the actuator structure, the link operatively connected to the actuator structure; and a laterally extending link attached to an upper end portion of the longitudinally elongated link, the laterally extending link connectible to the latching structure to transfer longitudinal movement of the longitudinal link effected by the actuator structure to the latching structure, for operating same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Rory M. Riley, Masoud S. Miresmaili
  • Patent number: 5667258
    Abstract: A latch assembly is provided. In the assembly: base-end portions of an operating lever 3 are connected to bearing-plate portions 2 of a base plate 1 through a first pivot 4; base-end portions of a latch arm 5 are connected to intermediate portions of the operating lever 3 through a second pivot 6; and extension-plate portions 12 of a lock plate 11, which are mounted in slots 13 of guide-plate portions 10 of the base plate 1 in insertion manner, are engaged with locking notches 21 of locking-plate portions 20 of a socket plate 19 fixed to the operating lever 3 and slidably urged by a compression coil spring 18 so as to be held in such engagement, whereby the operating lever 3 is locked to the base plate 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhide Takimoto
  • Patent number: 5655799
    Abstract: A latch assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhide Takimoto
  • Patent number: 5584514
    Abstract: A window guard locking device (34) comprises a flange member (36) having a keyhole (42) therethrough, a member (40) having a central cavity (50), an intermediate member (38) having an opening (46) disposed between the flange member (36) and the member (40) with the axis of the keyhole, the opening and the central cavity being coincident, and at least one projection (48) extending inwardly from a wall of the opening (46) adjacent the keyhole (42) with a surface of the projection (48) being aligned with a respective wall of the keyhole (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Mascotte
  • Patent number: 5492208
    Abstract: In a door assembly composed of a door frame, a door having a hinge side and a hinge supporting the door on the frame for pivotal movement of the door between an open position and a closed position, the hinge side of the door facing, and being adjacent to, a portion of the frame when the door is in the closed position, the door is provided with a recess in the hinge side; and the assembly is further provided with at least one projecting element secured to the frame portion to project into the recess when the door is in the closed position and having a mass of thermally intumescent material which is expandable for securing the projecting element to the door upon being heated above a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Pemko Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Philip A. Goossens
  • Patent number: 5489130
    Abstract: A overhead door lock which may be used with both manually operated and motor operated doors. The lock has a base adapted to be mounted on the door, and has a mounting plate and a pair of spaced apart legs. Each leg carries a slide aperture, and one leg includes a lockout hole. A striker plate is attached to the door channel in a position collinear with the base. A spring biased striker is carried by the base and when the door is manually operated, the striker is placed in an operative position where it slides freely through generally aligned slide apertures. When the door is motor operated, the striker may be placed in an inoperative lockout position by placing one end of the striker in the lockout hole. When the striker is in the inoperative lockout position, it cannot contact the striker plate when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5409272
    Abstract: A latch assembly is mounted in an aperture formed in a first member. The latch assembly includes a housing which is received within the aperture of the first member and includes an aperture extending therethrough. A slide is included which is received through the aperture of the housing. A pawl is also provided on the slide. A handle is pivotally attached to the slide for facilitating movement of the slide and pawl axially as the handle is pivoted between closed and opened positions. The pawl engages a second member in a latched position when the handle is pivoted to its closed position. The handle is also adapted for movement in a direction generally along a longitudinal axis thereof upon the closing and the opening of the handle which enables a first end of the handle to be positioned proximate to the housing when the handle is in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. McCormack