With Latch, Lock, Or Gravity Closer Patents (Class 312/333)
  • Patent number: 8210624
    Abstract: A self-closing drawer slide has a housing with a linear channel extending therein at an inner end of an outer longitudinal section. A catch is slidably mounted within the channel and has pivot pins 36 extending out either side thereof (only one side is shown) into corresponding slots in the sides of the channel. The catch is symmetrical about a longitudinal centre line of the housing and rocks rearward to unlock and engage a latch on an inner longitudinal section and forward to lock and release the latch. The catch is biased to slide to an inner end of the channel when the catch is unlocked and there are no external forces on the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Waterloo Furniture Components Ltd.
    Inventor: Samuel Jurja
  • Publication number: 20120161599
    Abstract: An anti-drop structure includes a rail assembly, a drag assembly, and two latching members. The rail assembly includes a pair of L-shaped sliding rails. Each L-shaped sliding rail includes a sidewall and a holding portion bent outwards from an end of the sidewall. One end of the sidewall defines a latching opening. The drag assembly is slidably positioned on the holding portions of the sliding rails and located between the sidewalls of the sliding rails. The drag assembly includes two opposite side plates. Each latching member is positioned on an inner surface of a corresponding one of the side plates, and includes a latching portion passing through a corresponding side plate. The latching portion is configured to slid into a corresponding latching opening to prevent the drag assembly from dropping out of the rail assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HSUAN-CHANG CHEN, CHIA-MING CHANG, PING-HUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 8205951
    Abstract: A closing device that includes a latching member that when moved a given distance utilizes a gear to effect a mechanical advantage that results in an end of a biasing member being moved less than the given distance. The biasing member is used in moving a first drawer slide member to a closed position relative to a second drawer slide member, and use of the gear and the resulting mechanical advantage provide a smoother transition when the first drawer slide member is engaged or disengaged from the closing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Boks
  • Publication number: 20120153791
    Abstract: A clip system having a post for use with a drawer, such as a drawer used to support a computer keyboard, wherein the drawer includes a hingedly attached drop down front member that can pivot to an open or horizontal position to allow access to the keyboard. The locking device holds the front member in a vertical or closed position to prevent an inadvertent release thereof so that the drawer can function as a conventional desk drawer. The clip system includes a clip secured to the front member and a post secured to the bottom of the drawer. The clip and post cooperate together to hold the front member in the vertical position. A locking pin is provided which cooperates with the post and the clip for locking the front member in the vertical/closed position to prevent the inadvertent release and drop down of the front member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Bush Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Green
  • Publication number: 20120153792
    Abstract: A slide rail assembly includes a first slide rail, a second slide rail, a ball bracket slidably sandwiched between the first and second slide rails, a locking member fixed to the first slide rail, and a positioning member fixed to the second slide rail. The ball bracket is locked to the first slide rail by the locking member. The second slide rail is positioned to the first slide rail by the positioning member. The locking member may be operated to release the second slide rail and the ball bracket from the first slide rail at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: MO-MING YU, GUANG-HUA GU
  • Patent number: 8199482
    Abstract: A peripheral device assembly is disclosed wherein the assembly includes a device bay for receiving a peripheral device carrier. An interior side surface of the device bay defines at least one extrusion portion surrounding a hole for receiving a first end of a lever arm of the peripheral device carrier, and the extrusion portion comprises edges protruding from the interior side surface of the device bay toward an exterior side surface of the device bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Anthony Sanchez, Stephen James Wotherspoon, Steven J. Zielnicki, David M. Ajo
  • Patent number: 8191977
    Abstract: An ejection device for a furniture part mounted movably in or on a furniture body includes an ejector, a drive unit, and a friction clutch. The friction clutch is designed in such a manner that it decouples the drive unit and the ejector from each other when a predetermined torque is exceeded. The friction clutch includes two parts which are rotatable in relation to each other with respect to two directions of rotation. A spring is provided which interacts with the two parts in such a manner that the torque at which the decoupling takes place differs for the two directions of rotation of the two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Gasser, Edgar Huber
  • Publication number: 20120133260
    Abstract: A latch system for a sliding member and a stationary member has upper and lower bodies fixed to the sliding member; an anchor block fixed to the stationary member; a release body slidably connected to the anchor block such that the release body can move relative to the anchor block; a lower arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lower arm being attached to the release body; a control arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the control arm being rotatably attached to the second end of the lower arm; and a swivel cam having a first end and a second end, the first end of the swivel cam being rotatably attached to the second end of the control arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edwin E. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20120134092
    Abstract: A connector for a disk drive unit includes a base, a curve portion, a tab, a support, a hook, and a first spring arm. The base has a left portion, a right portion, a bottom portion, and a top portion. The curve portion extends from a back of the top portion of the base. The tab is adapted to be inserted into a retention opening of a static wall of a server. The support extends substantially horizontally from an opposite end of the curve portion, and is adapted to flex up and down when the tab is inserted into the retention opening of the static wall of the server. The hook is physically connected between the support and the tab, and is adapted to flex the support when the hook pressed into contact with a top of the retention opening, and to snap fit around the top of the retention opening when the connector is completely inserted into the retention opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS, LP
    Inventors: Kevin Terwilliger, Hisham Besheer, Robert Moser
  • Patent number: 8189337
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided to hold a number of data storage devices each including opposite sidewalls. The mounting apparatus includes a bracket, a number of fasteners, and a number of fixing members. The fasteners are fixed to the sidewalls of each data storage device, respectively, and each fastener includes a head portion abutting the corresponding sidewall. Each fixing member includes a main body fixed to the bracket, a number of cushioning boards fixed to the main body, and a number of guiding rails fixed each fixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of cushioning boards. Each guiding rail defines a sliding groove. When the data storage devices are moved along two adjacent fixing members, the head portions are slid in the corresponding sliding grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Tang Peng, Jun-Xiong Zhang, Zhi-Xin Li
  • Patent number: 8186489
    Abstract: In a pull arrangement including a housing with a guide structure movably supporting a carrier element which has a park position at one end of the guide structure and a rest position at the other end and a reversing structure is provided at the other end of the guide structure and a tension spring extending around the reversing structure is connected with one end to the carrier element and the opposite end to the housing for moving the carrier element to the end position, the tension spring comprises an area of high spring stiffness where it extends around the reversing structure and an area of low spring stiffness where the spring is connected to the housing away from the reversing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Günther Zimmer, Martin Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8186779
    Abstract: A slide assembly with a security device includes a first slide member, a second slide member, first and second stop members and an elastic member. The first slide member has a guiding passage. The first and second stop members are located on the first slide member. The first and second stop members each include an engaging portion and a stop portion. The engaging portions and the stop portions of the first and second stop members are in the guiding passage. The elastic member is connected to the first and second stop members. The stop portions contact against first and second stop walls. The first and second stop members are moved from the guiding passage when the second slide member is inserted in the first slide member via the guiding passage, so that the second slide member may be connected to the first slide member correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8182054
    Abstract: A retraction mechanism for a drawer includes a guiding member, a holding member, and an elastic member. The guiding member includes a first wall, a second wall, a first channel and a second channel, a first end portion extending from first ends of the first and second walls. The first end portion includes a locking portion adjacent to the first channel. The holding member includes a pin slot, and a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion to hold against the first and second channels, respectively. The first supporting portion includes a first supporting leg corresponding to the locking portion. The drawer includes a pin for engaging with or disengaging from the pin slot when the drawer is pulled or pushed. The elastic member is adapted to act on the holding member. The drawer urged by the elastic member will be retracted into a furniture body when the drawer is moved to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Ken-Ching Chen, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8172345
    Abstract: A self-moving device for movable furniture parts includes a movable part which is movable with respect to a stationary part. The movable part includes first and second connecting portions. A closing mechanism includes a slide base which is movable in response to a force generated by a first elastic member. A locking member connected to the slide base is adapted to engage with the first connecting portion so that the movable part is urged by the first elastic member to be self-closing with respect to the stationary part. An opening mechanism includes a push member urged by a second elastic member to act on the second connecting portion. The movable part may be pushed by an external force to disengage the locking member from the first connecting portion so that the movable part is urged by the second elastic member to be self-opening with respect to the stationary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Ken-Ching Chen, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8167390
    Abstract: A shelf assembly mounting structure for a refrigerator includes stoppers respectively provided on both sides of a shelf assembly, a plurality of supporting ribs respectively provided on both side surfaces of a storage space, the supporting ribs being formed to extend in a fore and aft direction of the storage space to support a bottom surface of the shelf assembly; and a plurality of guide slots respectively provided in upper surfaces of the supporting ribs, the stopper sliding in the guide slot in a state where the stopper is positioned therein when the shelf assembly is moved in the fore and aft direction of the storage space. The stopper is moved in the fore and aft direction along the guide slot and brought into contact with front and rear ends of the guide slot, whereby a moving distance of the shelf assembly is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bon-Young Koo, Jong-Gon Kim, Oh-Chul Kwon, Yoo-Min Park, Myung-Soo Kim, Young-Hoon Gwak, Hyeon-Po Cho
  • Publication number: 20120097147
    Abstract: An extension rack assembly is mountable within and removable from a consumer appliance side walls. The extension rack assembly is movable between an overlapped position and an extended position. A mechanism is provided for automatically securing the extension rack assembly in the consumer appliance when the extension rack assembly within the side walls is moved from the overlapped position to the extended position and for allowing removal of the extension rack assembly when the extension rack is maintained in the overlapped position and slid from the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Steurer, Eric Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 8162416
    Abstract: An anti-tip system for a piece of furniture having adjacent drawers, including a center panel having an aperture extending therethrough, a left drawer, and a right drawer, wherein the drawers each have a control member attached thereto. The invention includes a shuttle pin extending through the aperture, wherein the shuttle pin has a left end extending from the left side of the center panel and a right end extending from the right side of the center panel. The invention also includes a left wedge and a right wedge associated, whereby the wedge associated with one drawer is adapted, when the drawer is opened, to move the shuttle pin within the aperture and into the path of the control member of the adjacent drawer, thereby blocking the travel of the adjacent drawer. The invention is also directed to a method of utilizing such an arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bush Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Green
  • Publication number: 20120089248
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Scott I. Biba, Randall S. Koplin, Daniel J. Lee, Kathy L. Soukup, James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 8147011
    Abstract: A slide assembly includes a first slide member having a guiding base and a lock portion, a second slide member having a first slide segment and a second slide segment, a third slide member movably mounted on the second slide segment, an aid-sliding member slidably connected between the first slide member and the first slide segment, and a positioning device connected to the second slide member. The positioning device includes an elastic member and a positioning member which is movable by a force of the elastic member, so that two ends of the positioning member are respectively located corresponding to the guiding base and the third slide member. The positioning member is engaged with the lock portion when the second slide member is moved relative to the first slide member, and is disengaged from the lock portion when the third slide member is retracted relative to the second slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, I-Ming Tseng, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8147010
    Abstract: A slide assembly having an automatic retractable device includes a sliding member, a fixing base, a retainer, a guiding member provided on a sliding rail, and a stationary rail. The sliding rail is free to move with respect to the stationary rail. The sliding member is slidably disposed in the stationary rail. The fixing base is secured at the end of the stationary rail. The retainer is disposed in the stationary rail. The sliding member is linked to a first resilient member, which urges the sliding member back to the fixing base. An engaging plate is provided on the sliding member. The engaging plate has a first end and a second end. The first end of the engaging plate is pivotally connected to the sliding member. An engaging rod is provided on the second end of the engaging plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Shih-Long Huang, Shun-Ho Yang, Xue-Long Liu, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20120068588
    Abstract: A cash drawer having a secured storage compartment accessible from the front when the drawer is closed or open is disclosed. The storage compartment includes a cover and bottom tray, the forward upper ends of which are upwardly positioned to define a chute which is in communication with a slot in the cash drawer front plate for depositing items such as, for example, large denomination paper currency into the storage compartment. Controlled access to the compartment is provided by a suitable lock such as, for example, a dead bolt key lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Paul E. Specht
  • Publication number: 20120068590
    Abstract: A double-lock structure includes a first module, a second module, a lock, at least one deflecting roller and a transmission element. The first module is installed at an end of a slide rail of each drawer. When one of the drawers is pulled open, other slide rails are linked and locked. The second module is installed on the first module for linking and locking the first module. The lock and the deflecting rollers are installed in a cabinet. An end of the transmission element is connected to the lock, and another end of the transmission element is passed through the deflecting rollers and then connected to the second module. When the lock is operated, the transmission element drives the second module and the first module to perform a drawer interlock to achieve a keylock effect, so as to reduce the manufacturing cost and provide both interlock and keylock functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: MARTAS PRECISION SLIDE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wan-Lai CHEN, Tsung-Po CHANG
  • Patent number: 8136898
    Abstract: A closing and retaining device for an extension guide includes a rail of an extension guide, a housing slidably disposed on the rail, and a driver disposed on the housing. The closing and retaining device also includes a damper housing retained in the housing, a displaceable piston coupled between the damper housing and the driver, wherein the damper housing is displaceable in a direction of movement of the piston, and a latch disposed on the driver to connect the piston to the driver. After the piston is connected to the driver, the damper housing is pushed into position by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Paul Hettich GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Stefan Rüter
  • Patent number: 8132875
    Abstract: A multiple steps rail arranged in the two opposite sides of a frame includes a retainer, a first sliding unit, and a second sliding unit in each side. The retainer is approximately a concave body and a plurality of stopping units are formed on proper positions thereof. The first sliding unit is approximately a bow body and can be sliding arranged into the retainer. The first sliding unit further has a dip switch and a double-side stopping unit on a side facing the retainer. The second sliding unit is sliding arranged into the first sliding unit and can be fixed to a case body with a side thereof. When the case body is drawing out, the second sliding unit will slide out from the first sliding unit and the first sliding unit will slide out from the retainer in order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Jheng-Hong Juang
  • Patent number: 8132873
    Abstract: A rail assembly includes an outer rail, a middle rail, an inner rail, and a retrieving unit. The middle rail has a receiving space defined in an underside thereof, such that a length and a moving range of the middle rail are increased. A guiding member is disposed in the inner rail and temporarily engages with a clip to connect the inner rail and a moving part. At least one spring is disposed between a fixing part and the moving part. Two receiving slots are respectively disposed between the fixing part and the moving part with the outer rail, such that the inner rail spans across the receiving slots to reach the closed end of the outer rail space for increasing an overall spread length of the rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Jui-Lien Yang
  • Patent number: 8118378
    Abstract: A rail assembly includes an outer rail, a middle rail, an inner rail, and a retrieving unit. The outer rail has an outer rail space for accommodating the middle rail, the inner rail, and the retrieving unit. The middle rail slides in the outer rail space and has a middle rail space for accommodating the inner rail. The inner rail is accommodated in the middle rail and slides in the middle rail space. The retrieving unit is assembled on one end of the outer rail space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Li-Mei LIN
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Wei, Jui-Lien Yang
  • Patent number: 8109582
    Abstract: Lockable pushing-out device (1) for a furniture part guided in a movable manner in or on a piece of furniture, in particular for a drawer or door, having a spring-loaded drive element (5) for moving the movable furniture part out of a closed end position into an open position, wherein the drive element (5), for the purpose of transmitting force to the movable furniture part, is arranged such that it can be displaced in a guide track (8), and wherein the guide track (8) has at least one portion (A, A?) which is designed such that the furniture part can be moved by virtue of the spring-loaded drive element (5) interacting with the guide track (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Fredi Dubach
  • Patent number: 8104730
    Abstract: A rail assembly of an industrial computer is arranged symmetrically to a machine frame. Each side of the rail structure includes two sets of rail and rail base within a height of 1U (4.45 cm). Each rail is formed in one piece with better mechanical strength and load ability. Each rail is arranged to a rail base. Through a protruded surface, a computer, disk driver, keyboard can be fixed and arranged to the rail base. The contact surfaces of the rails to the rail bases are formed as cambered surfaces. The two sets of rail can be arranged to the interfaces needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lif J.K. Corporation
    Inventor: Chi-Tsun Cheng
  • Patent number: 8100486
    Abstract: A drawer seal includes a magnetic coupler, a bellows filled or substantially filled with a vibration dampening material and which is affixed to either a drawer or cabinet by a base member. The base member can be embodied as a dart that extends into a hole formed into the drawer or cabinet. A refrigerated food storage cabinet includes a self-closing drawer provided with the drawer seal whereby the drawer is less likely to rebound open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Prince Castle, LLC
    Inventor: Loren Veltrop
  • Patent number: 8100487
    Abstract: A slide assembly with an auxiliary positioning device includes a positioning member and a guiding base. The positioning member is pivotally connected to a first slide member and includes a pin member. The guiding base is connected to a second slide member and includes a separation body, an engaging body, multiple passages and slots. When the second slide member is retracted, the pin member is located in a first passage. When the second slide member is pushed inward, the pin member moves from the first passage into a first slot. When the force is released, the pin member moves through a second passage and the second slide member pops out. When the second slide member is retracted again, the pin member is engaged with the engaging body and then disengaged from the engaging body by a pushing force, the pin member moves through a third slot and a third passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Ken-Ching Chen, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8096628
    Abstract: A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Allen Ostrowski
  • Patent number: 8091971
    Abstract: A soft-close cabinet slide assembly permits the soft-close action and/or a soft-open action of a drawer, and thus the reduction of effort by an operator, when the drawer is opening or closing. The cabinet slide assembly includes a cabinet, a drawer, and at least one slide mechanism coupling the drawer to the cabinet to permit movement of the drawer between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A forcing means for exerting an extension force, preferably a gas spring, is also be included in the soft-close cabinet slide assembly having a first end coupled to the cabinet and a second end coupled to the drawer. Preferably, the soft-close cabinet slide assembly also includes a first and second pivotal coupling, which permit the gas spring to swing through an arc as the drawer moves between the fully open position and the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rev-A-Shelf Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Ward, Michael G. Dobrick
  • Patent number: 8083304
    Abstract: A self-closing mechanism for drawer slides includes a stationary housing, a slider, and a latch. The slider is configured to slide relative to the housing, and the latch is configured to translate along with the slider and to rotate within the slider to lock and unlock the slider at predetermined locations. The housing may be coupled to a cabinet member, with a drawer member adapted to engage the latch as the drawer is opened and/or closed. In embodiments of the invention, the self-closing mechanism may include a damper mechanism, such as, e.g., a cylindrical damper or a rotary gear damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Accuride International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Sheng-Shyong Hu
  • Patent number: 8079653
    Abstract: A sliding track assembly includes an inner slide rail with a circulating guide groove, a slide block supported on and movable along the inner slide rail, a positioning block set that has a guide rod coupled to the circulating guide groove of the inner slide rail and a positioning rod inserted through the slide block, an intermediate slide rail unit having a first intermediate slide rail member movable by the slide block and a second intermediate slide rail member mounted in the first intermediate slide rail member and a locating block mounted in the second intermediate slide rail member adjacent to the slide block, the locating block having a transverse groove for receiving the positioning rod of the slide block to hold the slide block in position, and an outer slide rail unit receiving the inner slide rail unit and the intermediate slide rail unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Nan Juen International Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kuo-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8077467
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a disk drive includes a tray, a bracket, and a latch member. The tray supports the disk drive. A resiliently deformable hook is formed on the tray. The tray defines two pair of first and second sliding slots. The bracket receives the tray and the disk drive, and defines a positioning opening. Two pair of posts are formed at two opposite ends of the latch member. The posts slide and rotate in the sliding slots. A positioning tab is formed the latch member and engages in the positioning opening to prevent the tray sliding out of the bracket. A blocking tab is formed on the latch member, and engages with the hook to remain engagement between the positioning tab and the positioning opening, and to disengage from the hook when the hook is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Fa-Ming Jiang, Zhong-Hai Zhang
  • Patent number: 8072745
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus for locking a disk drive within a bracket is disclosed. The retaining apparatus includes a latch member and a securing member. The latch member includes a securing portion and a locking portion capable of locking the disk drive in the bracket. A resisting piece is formed on the securing member to resist against the latch member to move towards the bracket to block the disk drive from moving out of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Hai-Tao Gong, Rui-Peng Shen
  • Patent number: 8056989
    Abstract: A latch is provided for engagement between the closure member of an enclosure and the frame of the enclosure, the latch comprising a member with a first portion, including a hook portion to engage the frame and prevent the closure member frame from fully opening. The first portion and a complementary second portion each may include buttressing wall sections, one of which must be deflected from alignment with the other to allow the hook portion to be deflected and clear the frame. The latch may be useful as a childproof device to prevent unwanted entry into the enclosure. In addition, a pin may extend from the hook portion and engage a hole in the frame to provide a third feature which must be actuated in order to fully open the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Randall S. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 8052235
    Abstract: A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Kelly, Aaron W. Arvia, Edmund Scott Richardson, Kenneth L. Pope, Richard B. Moulder, David A. Simoni
  • Patent number: 8047620
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism is provided for retaining a slide rail to a chassis with an anchor member extending from a side thereof. The rail includes a mounting slot defined therein for receiving the anchor member of the slide rail. The mounting mechanism includes a resilient retaining member secured to the slide rail and a releasing member pivotably engaged with the retaining member. The retaining member includes a protrusion formed thereon capable of retaining the anchor member in the mounting slot of the slide rail. The releasing member is capable of being pivoted to urge the retaining member to disengage the protrusion thereof from the anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mo-Ming Yu, Hai-Chen Zhou, Song Wang
  • Publication number: 20110260596
    Abstract: A case has a body defining an accommodation such as may be sized to accept a squat cylindrical object such as a magnetic tape, a CD-ROM, a DVD or such like object. The case may include a locking mechanism, and that locking mechanism may be a combination locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may permit axial access to the accommodation, or it may permit radial access to the accommodation. The accommodation may lie in whole or in part between relatively movable members of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: JASON CHAPNIK
  • Patent number: 8045326
    Abstract: A bracket for holding a disk drive or other subassembly in a chassis may have a pair of rails that lie under the disk drive when the disk drive is coupled to the bracket. A bracket assembly may include an injector pivotably coupled to a base of the bracket. The injector may include a pin that engages a slot in the chassis to urge the bracket assembly into the chassis. The injector and base may, include latch elements for latching the injector to the base. A latch element of the base may be integrally formed with a body of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America Inc.
    Inventor: Naum Reznikov
  • Patent number: 8029080
    Abstract: An opening and closing system permits a drawer to be operated by pressing on a front panel of the drawer (e.g., in a hands-free manner). By way of example, the system includes a first sub-assembly coupled to the drawer and a second sub-assembly coupled to a drawer frame. A linear spring provides a tensioning force for operation of the drawer. The first sub-assembly includes a first pivot biasly coupled to the drawer, a fixed-length arm having a first end fixed to the first pivot and a second end coupled to a roller. The second sub-assembly includes first and second guide arms coupled to a second pivot, the first guide arm having an upper surface for engaging the roller when the drawer is being closed, the second guide arm having an arcuate-shaped region sized to receive at least a portion of the roller after the drawer is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Christopher MacElveen
    Inventor: Christopher MacElveen
  • Patent number: 8032053
    Abstract: A latch apparatus has a latch base, a latch frame, and at least one flexible bracket connecting the latch frame to the latch base. Connectors are used to connect the flexible bracket to the latch frame and connect the flexible bracket to the latch base. The connectors prevent the outer surface of the flexible bracket from moving along the surface of the latch frame or the surface of the latch base. A biasing member is connected to the latch base and the latch frame. The flexible bracket maintains a gap between the latch base and the latch frame and prevents the latch base from contacting or sliding along the latch frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Atwood, Joseph M. Wing, Michael L. Gumina, Brian J. Perry
  • Patent number: 8028965
    Abstract: A bracket for a slide assembly includes a fixing base which is disposed on a slide assembly and includes a first wall, a second wall, a first side wall, and a channel. The first wall has a first bend portion perpendicular to the second wall. The second wall has a second bend portion corresponding to the first wall. A sliding member is slidably connected to the channel of the fixing base and includes a third wall, a fourth wall, and a second side wall. The third wall has a third bend portion perpendicular to the fourth wall. The fourth wall has a fourth bend portion corresponding to the third bend portion. A fixing member is connected to the sliding member and includes a fixing portion. The length of the sliding member is adjustable with respect to the fixing base to fit the longitudinal depth of a rack for mounting purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Ching Chen, Chun Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8027158
    Abstract: A snap relieving device includes a first movable part, a second movable part, an inclining guiding groove, a guiding piece, and a snap. The first movable part moves along a first direction. The second movable part moves along a second direction, wherein the first direction is substantially orthogonal to the second direction. The inclining guiding groove is disposed on the first movable part. The guiding piece is coupled with the inclining guiding groove and disposed on the second movable part. The snap is connected to the first movable part or the second movable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung-Chi Chen, Chia-Te Tsao, Chung-Cheng Hua, Chong-Kuo Lai, Chien-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8016374
    Abstract: A pull-out slide for drawers can include a cabinet member, a drawer member, with a unit which defines the closed position of the slide and/or the drawer, and which acts on the slide and/or the drawer and whereby a depth adjustment of the slide and the drawer is planned for. A holding device can be present, that engages the unit intermittently whereby the holding device and/or the unit is depth adjustable on the slide and/or height and/or side adjustable. A drawer can comprise a pull-out slide described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kropf, Klaus Schneider, Dieter Seewald, Guenter Grabher, Franz Reischl
  • Patent number: 8011743
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device for influencing the movement of furniture parts (1, 2) which can be moved relative to one another, having a movement-influencing unit which comprises an installation housing, in which movement-influencing coupling means are accommodated such that they can be displaced at least in a translatory manner, and having a coupling element, to which the coupling means are connected in the operating state. In order to provide a device which is of space-saving construction and is comparatively straight-forward to install, the movement-influencing unit is designed such that, by virute of a relative movement between the coupling means and the coupling element in a displacement direction of the coupling means, the coupling means can be coupled to the coupling element to produce a connection which has a predeterminable coupling force. Also proposed are a drawer guide and a production method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Nussbaumer, Markus Albrecht, Jürgen Amann
  • Patent number: 8007060
    Abstract: A slide assembly includes an outer slide, a blocking member mounted on the outer slide, an inner slide slidably attached to the outer slide, a sliding block slidably mounted on the inner slide, and a long bar slidably attached to an inner side of the inner slide. A groove is defined in the blocking member. The sliding block is inserted in the groove to fix the inner slide on the outer slide. A slanted protrusion extends from the long bar. When the long bar is pulled towards a first direction, the slanted protrusion pushes the sliding block. The sliding block moves towards a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction to disengage the inner slide from the outer slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi-Ming Duan, Jun Liu, Xiu-Fang Hou
  • Patent number: 8002367
    Abstract: A food refrigerator including a refrigerator compartment for storing therein kimchi, fruit, vegetables, greens, drinking water, wine, beer, etc., and an accessory storage compartment for storing therein a variety of accessories related to the use of the food stored in the refrigerator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Winiamando Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung Woo Kim, Kyung Ho Park, Hi-In Shin, Seok Jae Choi
  • Publication number: 20110187249
    Abstract: A drawer received in an electronic device includes a drawer assembly and a locking assembly. The drawer assembly is detachable attached to the electronic device and can be used as a carrying case for components of the electronic device. The locking assembly includes a rotatable key set on the drawer assembly, a rod operable to fix or release the drawer assembly from the electronic device, and a moveable member movably connected between the rotatable key and the rod. The moveable member is driven by the rotatable key to drive the rod to fix or release the drawer assembly from the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD ., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHUAI ZHANG