Plastic Latch Parts Patents (Class 292/DIG38)
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Patent number: 5372395Abstract: An apparatus for locking a battery cover by which it is convenient to change a battery and by which the battery cover can be firmly locked. The apparatus comprises a body having a hinged portion and an engaged portion in its corner in which a battery housing is formed, a battery cover having a pair of slide pins disposed in the hinged portion of the body in order to be opened and closed, a pair of sliding guide members disposed in the hinged portion of the body in order for the slide pins to be right and left slidably received when she battery cover is opened and closed and a locking knob molded in the engaged portion of the body in order to latch and unlatch the battery cover, the locking knob being upwardly and downwardly movable. As the battery cover can be firmly latched, it is not separated from the body even if accidental impact, vibration or the like is given.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: Goldstar Information & Communications, Ltd.Inventor: Jae S. Yang
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Patent number: 5358291Abstract: A hatch for a boat or other application is provided. The hatch includes a frame for mounting in an opening in a panel and a hatch cover pivotally mounted thereto. The cover includes a hinge pin that pivotally engages a hinge receptacle mounted on the frame. A handle is slidably mounted in the hatch cover and includes a latch that releasably engages the frame when the hatch is in a closed and latched position.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Tempress, Inc.Inventors: John A. Malmanger, Kim Hunter
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Patent number: 5348356Abstract: A hidden, releasable latch for a molded plastic enclosure having a first panel abutting a second panel along a seam. The first panel has a pressure bump on its inside surface a first distance from the seam, and a projecting tang on its inside surface at a further distance from the seam. The second panel has a tab from its inside surface projecting inside, parallel and spaced from the inside surface of the first panel, the tab contacting the pressure bump, and capturing the projecting tang in a hole within the tab. The tab is flexible enough for slight deflection during the capturing of the tang by the hole during an assembly process, and the releasing of the tang by movement of the tab from pressure from the pressure bump during a disassembly process.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: James I. Moulton
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Patent number: 5329710Abstract: A foldable table top for converting an ironing board to a utility table comprises equivalent rectangular sections coupled together by a flexible hinge. Two handles on opposite ends of the table top latch together to hold the table top in a folded position for storage and transportation. The handles double as attachment brackets that pivot beneath the ironing board deck, snugly receiving each end of the deck within a recess to sandwich the ends between the handles and the bottom of the table top. If the ironing board has adjustable legs, the resulting utility table may be lowered or raised to the extent of the adjustment of the ironing board legs for the convenience of the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1992Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Inventor: Leona B. Huddleston
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Patent number: 5328219Abstract: A ratchet type vehicle closure latch is secured to a vehicle door by a pair of bolts. One is located in proximity to engaged teeth of a rotatable ratchet and pawl and the other is located in proximity to engaged portions of the ratchet and a striker. The closure latch has a plastic housing that includes a thin integral plastic sleeve that breaks away in service to provide a sleeve bearing that eliminates metal-on-metal contact between the rotatable ratchet and a ratchet stud. The ratchet stud and a pawl stud hold several parts of the door latch together. The door latch has several non-metallic parts and an insert molded ratchet for minimizing the metal-on-metal engagement, operational noise and lubrication requirements. Some parts are non-handed and other parts are identical to reduce manufacturing costs.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1992Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Alfred L. Portelli, Rita M. Paulik
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Patent number: 5319937Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler and warmer which has a unique ventilation system to distribute cool or warm air throughout the unit so that there are no hot or cool spots, a door which is mounted so that it can be easily opened whether the door is facing up or facing front, a lid or door latch which can be easily and reliably operated, and/or a handle configuration which does not unbalance the unit so that it can be advantageously placed with the door up or on an end with the lid or door facing front so that it can be advantageously used as a conventional chest or as a portable mini-refrigerator or warming unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Igloo Products CorporationInventors: Udo Fritsch, James J. J. Costello
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Patent number: 5316355Abstract: An integral door knob assembly for mounting on a face of a door has a spring return so that the door knob rotates to one position when released. A shank formed integral with or attached to the door knob is formed of plastic material eliminating the requirement of a separate plastic bushing in the rose member, and has flexible fingers to provide a snap lock between a spring assembly member and the end of the shank to hold the knob assembly to the rose member. The spring assembly member is also formed of plastic material and has sufficient flexibility to allow a torsion spring to be inserted and removed.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1993Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventors: Rae Hartwell, Ian Garben
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Patent number: 5308131Abstract: A door latch has a housing for installation in a prepared cavity at a door edge and has interchangeable faceplates for finishing the door edge. The interchangeable faceplates each have an opening for permitting extension and retraction of a latch bolt, have a peripheral shape required for compatibility with the prepared cavity, and have features providing for releasably securing the faceplates to the housing and to the door edge. This permits installation of door latches regardless of the door preparation by merely interchanging the faceplates to match the door preparation.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Schlage Lock CompanyInventors: Jaime Galindo, Ralph Neary
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Patent number: 5301989Abstract: A latch for selectively connecting a sash of a double-hung window to a slide track in a window frame, including a lever including a gear at one end, a latch housing mountable to the sash, the housing including means for pivotally supporting the lever, and a locking member movable between a locked position securing the sash to the track and an unlocked position releasing the sash from the track. The locking member includes a tongue projecting from the latch housing when the tilt latch is in the locked position and lying within the latch housing when the tilt latch is in the unlocked position, and a rack engaging the lever gear to move the locking member to locked and unlocked positions in response to pivoting of the lever. The lever gear includes a disk formed along one side, and the locking member includes a channel along the rack receiving the disk during pivoting of the lever.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1993Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: Truth Hardware CorporationInventors: Mary B. Dallmann, Guy C. Stormo
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Patent number: 5301088Abstract: A fastening structure of a disk drive having a pair of dovetail seat plates is mounted to the lateral edges of the disk drive. Each end of the plate is dovetail shaped and the center region of the plate is extended upward to form a fastening plate having an inverse "L" shape. The end edge of the fastening plate is extended upward to form a press portion. The surface of the fastening plate is provided with a protruded strip. A disk drive securing support has two lateral sides for the mounting of disk drive. The inner wall of the lateral side has a dovetail groove of width corresponding to the dovetail seat plate. The lateral wall is provided with hole corresponding to the protruded strip. When mounting the disk drive, the dovetail seat plate is engaged into the dovetail groove of the disk drive securing support so as to cause the protruded strip to fasten with the hole, to complete the fastening of the disk drive.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1993Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Enlight CorporationInventor: Morgan C. Liu
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Patent number: 5297405Abstract: A door handle assembly having a snap-in attachment apparatus for assembling a key cylinder to a door handle assembly without the use of separate fasteners and retainers. The door handle assembly has a bored tubular extension that utilizes slots to define tubular sections that yield radially outward upon inserting the key cylinder into the bore of the tubular extension. The tubular sections have openings that receive lugs extending from the periphery of the key cylinder and that prohibit inward axial movement and rotary movement of the key cylinder. A shoulder in the door handle assembly abuts an end of the key cylinder to prohibit outward axial movement of the key cylinder. The engaging surfaces of the lugs and tubular sections have drafted angles that pull the tubular sections radially inward toward the key cylinder upon a push-in force applied to the key cylinder from outside the vehicle and directed toward the center of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Steven F. Manning, Compeau, James D. Girard, Joseph E. Mishark
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Patent number: 5292159Abstract: A new latch mechanism for a vehicle glove box doors, or other locking requirements, wherein the door is to be held in flush position relative to an adjoining panel surface, said latch mechanism comprising, an injection molded plastic body, an injection molded plastic handle, an injection molded lock member or actuator member, with the previous parts being spring biased into their appropriate positions during operation of the latch mechanism, and with the actuator member being of sufficient width to provide a strong retaining force for the latch mechanism upon the event of a vehicle crash impact and also acting to provide a wide contact locking surface to thereby assist in preventing flex distortions between said door and panel surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1993Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Assignee: NYX, Inc.Inventors: Chain S. Sandhu, Lev Lilov
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Patent number: 5273326Abstract: A door hold back for holding the cargo door of a vehicle in the open positon while the vehicle is being loaded and unloaded wherein a link having spherical end portions is connectable between a socket provided in a mounting plate on the vehicle wall and a socket provided in a receiver on the cargo door. The spherical end portion on one end of the link in the base plate socket is larger than the spherical end portion on the other end of the link in the receiver socket so that the larger spherical end portion of the link is captivated in the base plate socket, and the smaller spherical end portion is releasably mounted in the receiver socket. The link and associated spherical end portions, mounting plate and receiver are all molded of high impact polypropylene plastic.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1991Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Wells Cargo Inc.Inventor: James R. Kinkaide
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Patent number: 5270011Abstract: A plastic reaction vessel for small liquid volumes is provided with a lid for closure of the opening of the vessel. The lid is held in the closed position by a securing device which comprises a flexible backing tab and a securing peg.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1991Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Inventor: Ralph Altherr
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Patent number: 5263750Abstract: A door handle assembly for attachment to a door panel includes a handle housing and a door handle. The handle and housing include self-locking snap-together pivot connection portions for connecting the handle pivotally to the housing. A torsion spring continuously biases the handle toward the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Dennis E. Smith, Joseph E. Mishark
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Patent number: 5263346Abstract: A locking device for a lid on a box includes a frame adapted to be fixed on the side of the lid and provided with a cylinder lock having an eccentric shaft and a cylindrical retaining part for retaining the cylinder lock therein. An opening-shutting knob is pivotally supported on the frame and has a depressing claw part, and a locking member is provided on the side of the frame for locking a striker disposed on the side of the box. An operating lever has one end portion thereof connected to the eccentric shaft of the cylinder lock and the other end portion thereof serving to release a locked state of the locking member by interfering with the depressed claw part of the opening-shutting knob during unlocking of the locking device. The operating lever is formed of a synthetic resin material and has an elastic engaging piece integrally formed to the one end portion. The elastic engaging piece has a projecting part formed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: Kato Hatsujo Kaisha, Ltd.Inventors: Seiichi Sato, Seiji Sawatani
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Patent number: 5261259Abstract: A locking device for use with a video cassette tape to prevent unauthorized usage in view of its content. The device incorporates a member that is expandable into certain recesses of the cassette when placed into a locking mode and, is not expanded when the cassette is in a non-locking mode. A specialized key is utilized with the device to prevent its duplication.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1992Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Inventor: Craig R. Ployd
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Patent number: 5251104Abstract: An enclosure latch system includes an insertable member (106) connected to a first enclosure section (102), and a mating recess (108) within a second enclosure section (104) for engaging with the insertable member (106), thereby latching the first and second enclosure sections (102, 104) together. The insertable member (106) includes an extender member (202) connected at an attachment end to the first enclosure section (102) for extending the insertable member (106) into the second enclosure section (104), and a latch tooth (204) protruding from the extender member (202) near a free end. The latch tooth (204) has a mating surface (206, 208) that tapers from flat on a first side to cylindrical on a second side opposite the first side for latching the first and second enclosure sections (102, 104) when the latch tooth (204) is in the mating recess (108).Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1992Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Henry Wandt, Dwight D. Brooks
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Patent number: 5217263Abstract: A quick release clip molded of either aluminum or plastic for mounting on a window or door frame for securing a screen. Six such clips are equally spaced around the frame for latching cooperation with the screen. The clip is formed of a base secured to the frame by a press-fitting or a screw, a lever pivoted to one edge of the base and a clamp pivoted to a surface of the lever. Integral male and female cooperating snap parts on the lever and the base, respectively, secure the clip in latching position.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1992Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Inventor: Sofia A. Peterson
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Patent number: 5217269Abstract: A portable handled door stop with an elongated rod, a handle a one end, and a wedge-shaped block at the other end of the rod. The rod extends for a length which is about equal to the distance between the user's hand in the lowermost position of the arm and the floor with the user in an upright position. A molded plastic one-piece construction formed with a cross section similar to an I-beam. A non-skid surface is provided on the base of the unit. A hook-shaped projection at the top end of the door stop enables it to be stored when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Inventor: Charles M. Wiltberger
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Patent number: 5215342Abstract: A lock striker unit comprises generally a striker and a plastic cover. The striker includes a base plate, a generally U-shaped rod secured to the base plate and a molded plastic material covering the rod to provide each shank portion of the same with a diametrically larger portion and a diametrically smaller groove portion. The groove portion is positioned near the base plate. The plastic cover is sized to cover a major surface of the base plate and has an elongate slit which is constructed to permit the U-shaped rod to pass therethrough. The elongate slit includes two circular openings connected through a thinner slit. Each circular opening is so sized as to make a latched engagement with the groove portion of the shank portion when the plastic cover is properly attached to the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1992Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaaki Yuge, Tatsuyuki Takaishi, Hitoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 5213913Abstract: A cordless electric device has a main body portion extending along an axis and a handle portion extending at an obtuse angle with respect to the axis, the handle portion receiving therein along a second axis a battery pack. The device has a two-part housing, with the parts respectively defining the front and rear of the body and handle portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Snap-on Tools CorporationInventors: Philip M. Anthony, III, Edward S. Wahoski, Michael A. Norris
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Patent number: 5211432Abstract: A latch unit having a cylindrical housing consisting of two half portions for containing a latch bolt, a moving member to retreat the latch bolt and a recovering member to push the latch bolt forward to an original position in which the latch bolt extends out of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1992Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Inventor: Jui C. Lin
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Patent number: 5205595Abstract: A simple drawer lock mechanism used in connection with a portable drafting table, combines in a unitary assembly a bolt, an actuating prong passing through an opening in the drawer face, and resilient biasing legs projecting from each side of the bolt. The actuating prong can be squeezed through the opening. The biasing legs can bear against the bottom of the drawer or be anchored to the back of the drawer face.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1992Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Inventor: Oswald C. Svehaug
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Patent number: 5193706Abstract: A utility box (10) includes a base portion (13) and a cover portion (11) attached thereto as by hinges (12). The cover portion (11) includes a downwardly directed skirt (17) and the upper end of the base portion (13) is provided with a complementary skirt (27). At least one latch assembly (28) is recessed within the complementary skirts (17, 27) and includes a latch handle (30) having an outer contour matching the complementary skirts (17, 27). A lock receiving area (52) is also recessed within the complementary skirts (17, 27). Side handles (62) are formed in the base portion (13) and recessed beneath the cover portion (11). A top handle (66) is provided within a recess (67) in the top surface (14) of cover portion (11).Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1990Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: Thomas E. Hanna, Keith E. Brightbill
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Patent number: 5188381Abstract: This is a device for detachably attaching large wheels to the bottom of a suitcase. The wheels are connected together by a common axle. A bracket is molded or attached to the bottom of the suitcase and the bracket has axle receiving slots formed therein. A lever is pivotally mounted on the bracket, and when the axle of the wheels is inserted in the axle receiving slots, the lever is pivoted in a direction which closes off the entrance to the slot and locks the axis in the slot. A device is provided for pivoting the lever in a direction which allows the axle to be removed from the slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1991Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Inventor: Dick T. Kho
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Patent number: 5188403Abstract: A catch for a door latch or the like for use with a strike for latching a door. The catch is formed of a single piece, typically a molding or a stamping, with a base for mounting at a door or door frame, a lever fixed to the base, and a tang carried on the lever. The tang has a normal position and a latching position with the lever functioning as a spring to urge the tang to the normal position, and with the tang being deflectable to the latching position for passing over a ramp of a strike.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1991Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignee: The Hartwell CorporationInventor: John P. Anderson
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Patent number: 5183302Abstract: A handle housing intended for attachment on a vehicle door panel is of injection molded plastic construction and has a base adapted to engage against the surface of the door panel. The housing carries at least one anchor leg, and preferably several, which project from the base and extend through registering apertures provided in the panel. Each of these anchor legs has a foot at the end thereof which is adapted to engage and underlie the underside of the panel when the housing is slid longitudinally along the surface so that the foot will engage with the underside of the housing and thereby prevent the housing from being pulled away from the panel. The housing also has a plurality of locking legs projecting from the base and extending through registering openings in the panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1991Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Richard Pelachyk, Lowell W. Satterlee, Dante C. Zuccaro, Timothy M. Farris
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Patent number: 5181754Abstract: A vehicular door lock device comprises a body having on its front side a guide groove for receiving a striker and on its rear side a raised portion for defining the guide groove, a latch, a ratchet engaged with the latch, outer and inner levers connected to outer and inner handles of the door respectively, a locking lever connected to a key, an outer link placed between the locking lever and the open lever and changed to an unlocked position and a locked position when the locking lever rotates, an inner link conencted to the inner lever so as to release the ratchet from the latch when the inner lever rotates irrespective of a locked condition. The outer link and the locking lever are connected through an intermediate link. A back plate is fixed to the rear side of the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Thoru Shibata
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Patent number: 5158329Abstract: A slam latch for a sliding or hinged cabinet door has a body formed from side and rear walls from which extends a flexible lower plate having a catch. The latch mounts in an aperture positioned so that the flexible lower plate extends beyond the edge of the door and over the edge of an adjacent panel to secure the two together.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1991Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
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Patent number: 5149152Abstract: A lockable latch assembly including a base, a latch member pivotally supported on the base for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a locking mechanism housed in the base. The locking mechanism comprises a driver member that is pivotable between a lock position and an unlock position, the driver member including an elliptical outer cam surface. The locking mechanism also comprises a locking member including a flexible band surrounding the cam surface and slidingly engaging the cam surface, the band being deformable to conform to the contour of the cam surface, and a pair of diametrically opposed locking bars extending radially outwardly from the band. Pivotal movement of the driver member actuates reciprocal movement of the locking bars between extended and retracted postions by deforming the band. When in the extended positions the locking bars are engagable with the latch member to restrict movement thereof from the latched position.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1992Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Flambeau Products CorporationInventor: Charles A. Lanius
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Patent number: 5147099Abstract: A child-proof latch which prevents a child from directly accessing the latch member (arm) itself, thus rendering it extremely difficult for a child to open a cabinet secured by the latch. The latch of the invention comprises a latch member, a support for the latch member, and an actuator member for selectively moving the latch member between its extended position (in which the cabinet is prevented from opening) and retracted position (in which the cabinet is allowed to open). Mutually engageable locking surfaces are provided on the actuator and the support, such that the actuation is normally locked with the latch member in its normally extended position. In order to open the cabinet, it is necessary to first disengage the locking surfaces and then depress the actuator sufficiently to move the latch, which is biased toward its extended position, to its retracted position. As it is unlikely that a child could accomplish both tasks, the latch is extremely secure.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1991Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Kidie Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas McLinden, Ralph M. Nowak
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Patent number: 5139294Abstract: A latch member of a case or similar container blow-molded from thermoplastic material is pivotally and permanently secured to the case by a bearing formed substantially simultaneously with and from the same thermoplastic material as the body of the case. Formation of a permanent bond between the bearing member and the latch member is avoided by employing a latch member formed of material having a higher melt temperature than the material used in the formation of the main body of the case and the bearing member, and also by effecting relative movement between the latch member and the bearing member while the thermoplastic material forming the bearing member is still in a heated condition. Apparatuses for positioning the latch member within the mold are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1991Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Southern Case, Inc.Inventors: William W. Ward, Andrew E. Dembicks
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Patent number: 5129694Abstract: An inside door handle assembly is comprised of a bezel secured to a door of a vehicle and a handle pivotally mounted on the bezel for opening the door. The bezel and/or door has a main portion of a hard rigid material and an outer surface portion of a resilient material.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1991Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsurou Tanimoto, Morihito Nomura
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Patent number: 5127684Abstract: A tension clamp for releasably joining two components. The clamp is anchored on a first component 10 by a mounting element 18 and is hooked onto the second component 11. The mounting element 18 is inserted under resilient bias into securing elements 17 on the first component, and has a resilient portion which produces the tension forces for joining the two components 10 and 11. The locking hook 20, which hooks onto the second component 11, is connected to the mounting element 18 by an intermediate link 19 and is preferably a plastic injection molding.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1990Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbHInventors: Arthur Klotz, Rudolf Leipelt
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Patent number: 5125697Abstract: A container (10) includes a base portion (12), a cover (11) and a latch assembly (13) for releasably attaching the cover (11) to the base portion (12). The latch assembly (13) includes a latch body portion (24) having lower upper end (27) pivotally connected to the base portion (12) and an upper end (26) carrying lug members (36) which can engage a rib (37) on the cover (11). A lock receiving tab (40) extends outwardly from the cover (11) and is positioned adjacent to a slot opening (42) in the latch body portion (24) when the latch assembly (13) is engaging the cover (11). In this position, a lock can be positioned through the slot opening (42) and through an opening (41) in the tab (40) to lock the latch assembly (13) and thus the cover (11) on the base portion (12).Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: W. Henry Kahl, Raymond B. Ferbrache
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Patent number: 5123681Abstract: A silicon wafer storage box must be secured by a functional and convenient latch during the fabrication and transportation of silicon wafers. The present invention encompasses such a functional, convenient latch adaptable for either manual or automated manipulation. The invention includes a rigid upper tab having a peg adapted for interaction with a robot arm of an automated process. The invention also includes a resiliently flexible bottom bight having a horizontally extending rigid lower tab, adapted for manual manipulation. The invention permits convenient, efficient manipulation of the latch by either a person or by an automated process.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1991Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Kos, Tracy J. Niebeling, Shawn D. Eggum
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Patent number: 5121952Abstract: This invention relates to a one-piece latching device comprising a body of thermoplastic elastomer of specified durometer hardness having a substantially plane supporting surface, which is disposed in slidable relation in a recess or nesting site in a door or supporting panel, which comprises an elongated opening substantially in the plane of the supporting panel. One edge of the body, transverse to the supporting surface, terminates in a latching lip for engaging a striker bar or surface in cam-like fashion. The body is provided on its upper surface with means for providing a manual pull or thrust for retracting the latching lip and causing the body to slide in the direction of its opposite end, which terminates in an elastic spring member. The latter is compressed against an edge of the nesting site on the side opposite the latching lip imposing a spring-bias on the body, which causes it to slide in the opposite direction when the manual pull is released.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1991Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: Elastolatch, Inc.Inventor: Donald M. Jason
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Patent number: 5121951Abstract: A window frame and sash combination having an exterior side and an interior side for providing pressure equilization between the window frame and sash on the exterior side thereof comprising a vent and drain channel extending along the inner perimeter of the window frame adjacent the exterior side of the sash, and a rectractable latch plate with detent arm on each side of the sash adjacent the window frame for latching the sash to the frame and for sealing the vent and drain channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1991Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: Plastmo Ltd.Inventors: John Harbom, Allan Skjodt
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Patent number: 5100015Abstract: A latch unit for releasably latching a lid to a mating container. The latch unit comprises a horizontally disposed resilient beam which is spaced from the rim of either the lid or the container and includes a resilient finger plate which extends toward the bottom of the lid or container to terminate in a free end. The finger plate has a detent disposed at its other end with a horizontal abutment surface. A locking cage is disposed on the side wall of the other of the lid or container and includes a horizontally disposed stop for engagement with the abutment surface when the latch unit is latched. The latch unit may be unlatched by flexing the finger plate to release the detent from the stop.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1991Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Electro-Wire Products, Inc.Inventor: Al Vanderstuyf
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Patent number: 5096240Abstract: A lock assembly for a window assembly. The window assembly has a window sash installed for reciprocal sliding movement within a window frame. The window sash includes a header frame member. The lock assembly comprises a housing and a finger disposed within the housing. The finger is adapted for sliding movement between an extended position wherein the finger engages the window frame and a retracted position wherein the finger avoids engagement with the window frame. The lock assembly further includes a lock button and a socket for receiving the lock button.The lock button includes a cap and a generally hollow cylindrical body depending from the cap. The cylindrical body includes first and second radially opposing, projecting tongues. Each of the tongues is in spaced relationship with the cap to form respective first and second grooves. The lock button further includes a locking tab depending from one of the tongues for selective engagement with the finger to selectively prevent retraction of the finger.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1991Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Ashland ProductsInventor: Steven E. Schultz
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Patent number: 5088781Abstract: A handle structure includes a handle lever and a grip member in latched engagement with the handle lever. The grip member has a recess formed therein and includes a sleeve-like outer member and an inner member received in the outer member. The inner and outer members are detachably engaged with one another, and the inner member is detachably engaged with the handle lever by a latch pawl that engages with a latch opening in the handle lever. The upper latch pawl is exposed to the outside of the grip member through a window opening formed in the outer member and the latch opening. The engagement between the inner member and the handle lever can be released through the window opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1991Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomio Ono, Hiromi Koyama
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Patent number: 5076461Abstract: A device for child proofing a cassette player includes a front plate portion of elongated rectangular configuration and a pair of clip members which are integrally attached to opposite ends of the plate portion. The clip members are of generally U-shaped configuration and they are receivable in resiliently biased engagement with opposite extremities of a cassette port in a cassette player for releasably securing the front plate portion in obstructing relation with respect to the cassette port.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1990Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Assignee: Playskool Baby, Inc.Inventor: Khipra Nichols
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Patent number: 5062671Abstract: The latch (100) includes a catch (102) having a beveled edge (102A). An aperture (104) receives a downward force to release the catch from the lip (106A) of a housing (106). A stop (108) limits the downward movement of the latch. A retaining tab (110) traps the latch within the door pocket and limits the upward movement of the latch. The retaining tab includes a beveled surface (110A) to facilitate the insertion of the latch into the pocket. A cantilever spring (112) exerts an upward force on the latch when compressed. The latch, including all of its associated parts, can be plastic injection molded in a single-action mold. The door (200) includes a substantially parallelepiped pocket (202) having an opening at the top to receive the latch. The pocket includes a front aperture (202FA) in the upper, front surface (202F) of the pocket, and a rear aperture (202RA) in the lower, opposing rear surface (202R).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1990Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Assignee: IBM CorporationInventors: Frederick E. Goetz, Michael S. Miller, Homer Shelton, Jr.
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Patent number: 5060990Abstract: A door latch mechanism, such as for a calculator battery enclosure, has a pair of ridge and groove mating points. The mechanism has a partially engaged position in which only a single ridge engages a groove and a fully engaged position in which both ridges engage grooves. A shock to the calculator, such as by dropping it, will generally not release the mechanism to a disengaged position. Consequently, the batteries will be retained and memory functions thereby preserved.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1991Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Mark A. Smith, David L. Smith, Tom B. Lindberg
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Patent number: 5046771Abstract: A shoe for slidably and rotatably mounting a door latch control rod on a vehicle door includes a molded plastic body rotatably mounted on the door and having a slot formed therein for receiving the rod. The slot is defined by first and second conical converging walls projecting into the plastic body and intersecting one another to define a C-shaped edge circumjacently engaging the rod in slip fitting rattle free relationship therewith so that the rod may slide through the shoe upon operation of the door control rod by the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1990Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Paul M. Dedrich
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Patent number: 5042855Abstract: A latch for slidable window panels of a vehicle. The latch includes a rotatable handle carried by one window panel and a cam part carried by the other window panel. The handle engages the cam part as the handle is rotated to draw the slidable window panels together. The handle defines a narrowing channel which engages the cam part as the window handle is rotated from an open position to a locked position. The narrowing channel, formed by a thickening outer side wall of the handle, draws the cam and its connected window toward the handle. Detents are provided to impart a positive snap feel to the handle when rotated into either its opened or closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1990Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bruce A. Bennett, Raymond S. Butler, Todd E. Cripe
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Patent number: 5040834Abstract: A container (10) includes a base portion (12), a cover (11) and a latch assembly (13) for releasably attaching the cover (11) to the base portion (12). The latch assembly (13) includes a latch body portion (24) having lower upper end (27) pivotally connected to the base portion (12) and an upper end (26) carrying lug members (36) which can engage a rib (37) on the cover (11). A lock receiving tab (40) extends outwardly from the cover (11) and is positioned adjacent to a slot opening (42) in the latch body portion (24) when the latch assembly (13) is engaging the cover (11). In this position, a lock can be positioned through the slot opening (42) and through an opening (41) in the tab (40) to lock the latch assembly (13) and thus the cover (11) on the base portion (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: W. Henry Kahl, Raymond B. Ferbrache
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Patent number: 5039145Abstract: A movable door actuating member is mechanically connected to a door latching control through a flexible sealing membrane in the door panel. The door actuating member is movably mounted to the door panel and includes a camming surface which deflects the membrane which in turn engages a cam follower of the latching mechanism for actuating the door latch for opening the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Dale J. Frye
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Patent number: 5033778Abstract: An over-center toggle latch which can be integrally molded with the first and second members of a case. The over-center toggle latch includes a hinge arm that has first and second spaced ends. A first living hinge attaches the first end of the hinge arm to the first case member. A second living hinge is for coupling a lever arm to the second end of the hinge arm. An engagement member-receiving seat is formed on the second member of the case. An engagement member is mounted to the lever arm and is spaced from the second hinge. The engagement member pivotally engages the seat with the hinge arm in an over-center position with respect to the engagement member. The latch is configured for use with first and second case members that have sides and edges. When the first and second case members are secured by the latch, the edges are generally coplanar and perpendicular to the sides.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gerald J. Niles, Davis W. Chamberlin, Jacqueline J. Forbes