Releasable Means On Closure Patents (Class 49/465)
-
Patent number: 6338223Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Inventor: James R. Stahl
-
Patent number: 6334282Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a window or door during severe storms. A panel, cut to fit in a window frame, is held in place by the action of the locking assemblies described herein. A rubber gasket can be used along on e side of the panel in place of some of the locking assemblies. Different embodiments of the assembly are described for mounting along the sides of the panel. A “clip-on” assembly is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Inventor: Herman C. Wood
-
Patent number: 6330765Abstract: A skid steer loader cab has window openings in the cab side walls. At least one of the window openings includes a window having a frame and two window panels mounted on the inside of the cab wall. One of the window panels is fixed in position and the other is sliding. The sliding window panel permits an operator to open a section of the window for ventilation or fresh air inlet purposes. A frame track section which supports the lower edges of the window panels is movable to a release position so both the panels can be quickly removed for cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Clark Equipment CompanyInventor: Jeffrey A. Dahl
-
Publication number: 20010039765Abstract: A removable door and hinge for a container. The hinge has at least one tang that has an eccentric cross section with a shortest dimension and a longest dimension. The tang, and preferably a pair of tangs, is operably connected to the door and rotatably engageable within an inner cross section of a bracket. The bracket is operably connected to the container and has an opening wide enough to receive the shortest dimension of the tang and too narrow to receive the longest dimension of the tang. The bracket inner cross section is dimensioned to allow rotation therein of the tang cross section through an arc of about 90 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Peter Andonian, Kristina B. Andonian
-
Patent number: 6308462Abstract: A child safety barrier for positioning across an opening includes a frame and a gate which is hinged to the frame and can be swung from a closed position where the gate lies in the plane of the frame to an open position out of the plane, the gate including an upper rod having a closing mechanism for locking the gate in a closed position or unlocking the gate to allow it to be opened. The closing mechanism includes a pivotable handle and a spring-loaded locking button which cooperates with the handle to retain it in a position wherein it locks the gate in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Finn Andersen
-
Patent number: 6305128Abstract: A bulkhead includes an upper member and a lower member which are vertically adjustable to vary the height of the bulkhead. The bulkhead has a reduced thickness portion along at least one vertical edge. The reduced thickness portion is configured to overlap with a reduced thickness portion of another bulkhead in order to vary the width of the partition.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventors: John F. Horner, Richard J. Coughtry
-
Patent number: 6305124Abstract: A removable window guard for preventing small children and animals from exiting a window. The window guard includes a barrier having a plurality of vertical members intersecting a plurality of horizontal members. On each side of the barrier is a plurality of axial extensions. Each axial extension has a knob. A plurality of brackets are affixed to the side of a window frame. Each bracket retains a knob within the bracket'interior, thereby securing the barrier to the window frame. The barrier may be easily removed from the bracket by an adult located on either side of the window.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Tammy L. Pennington
-
Patent number: 6257656Abstract: A body panel mounting system for a vehicle has a hinge bar (30), a hinge bracket (32), a hinge pivot stop (34), longitudinal positioning collars (36), a latch bar (38), latch bar fasteners (40), and latch brackets (42). The hinge bar (30) is adapted to removably interlock with each hinge bracket (32) to form a hinge mechanism (44). The hinge bar (30) attaches to a vehicle chassis (24). Each hinge bracket (32) retains an edge of a body panel (22). The hinge pivot stop (34) is adapted to limit the pivotal range of each hinge bracket (32) about the hinge bar (30). The latch bar (38) attaches to the body panel (22) via the latch bar fasteners (40), and the latch bar removably attaches to the chassis (24) via the latch brackets (42).Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Paccar INCInventors: Rob A. Cook, Derek L. Davis
-
Patent number: 6233874Abstract: A balanced free-standing juvenile safety gate characterized by its facile placement and displacement in a passageway wherein adjustably connected frame sections include a hinge frame and frame supporting platform with a hinge standpost being fixed to the platform; an extendible latch frame attached to the hinge frame with a latch handle atop said frame section, said latch handle having intermediate pivot connection to the frame section by pivoted connectors which in turn join the latch handle to a lever yoke, the lever yoke being connected at a lower end to a moveable bracket, whereby, upon closure of the latch handle transverse movement of bracket and pressure bar is forced into registry with one extreme of the passageway, against resistance of the standpost on an opposite extreme of the passageway; a caster supports the latch frame in extension of the hinge frame, during positions of passageway closure and opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Marvin B. Johnson, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6223490Abstract: Disclosed is a scuttle hole cover comprising a sleeve and an insulating cap. The sleeve extends into the attic through the scuttle hole and includes a locking mechanism for locking an insulating cover in place. The insulating cap includes a mating locking mechanism and, when inserted into the sleeve, locks into place.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventors: Robert Wessley, Neil Van Boxtel
-
Patent number: 6205713Abstract: A shutter for withstanding hurricane wind and pressures has permanent hardware attached to a structure and a temporary shutter that can be stored until needed. Hardware consists of brackets mounted above or below a window and sliding latches at the edges of the window. Sliding latches have a key way for a carriage bolt to enter and attach. Brackets allow a shutter that has attached hinges to latch and pivot around a bridge. The shutter can be made from any material. Hinges are attached to shutter and are able to be latched and pivoted on the brackets mounted on the house. The shutter can also be swung up to protect a high window. The shutter is swung over the window and locked down to sliding latches and carriage bolts with wing nuts through holes in shutter.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Inventors: Thomas Thompson, John Rasmus Thompson
-
Patent number: 6141913Abstract: Structure for maintaining a sliding window sash at an intended position with respect to a frame within which the sash moves. The structure serves to retain the sash at a position along an axis generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the window frame. An inwardly facing surface of the frame has formed therein an elongated trough which extends generally parallel to a direction of intended sliding movement of the sash. A blade is mounted within a cavity in the sash and disposed for pivotal movement between a first position, wherein the blade is retracted within an outwardly facing surface of the sash, and a second position, wherein the blade is extended through the outwardly facing surface of the sash into the trough defined within the inwardly facing surface of the frame. The blade is normally biased to the second position, but it can volitionally be retracted to the first position to enable tilting inward or removal of the sash from the window frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Marvin Lumber and Cedar CompanyInventors: Lenny Wong, Leslie B. Hendrickson
-
Patent number: 6141912Abstract: A window guard for a window opening to prevent a child or animal from passing through a window. The window guard includes side frames fastened to the sides of a window frame and a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse, tubular, width-adjustable crosspiece elements to form a grid pattern between the side supports to prevent passage of a child or animal. The crosspiece elements include user-removable, tension-biased, locking clips at each end, to lock the crosspiece elements in a locking position, but to permit easy removal, when required.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Automatic Specialties, Inc.Inventors: James A. Graham, Charles Flanagan
-
Patent number: 6112460Abstract: A horizontally extendable, two section gate assembly for use in restricting access through a wide opening that is defined by a pair of horizontally spaced and vertically extending walls. One end of the gate mounts hinges that are removably received within hinge brackets mounted on one wall. A swing stop allows the gate to swing in only one direction. The other end of the gate mounts a manual latch mating with a latch bracket mounted on the other wall. Two gate sections each include a horizontal upper support bar. Each upper support bar includes a horizontally extending open face slot that mates with the open face slot in the other support bar. Opposite ends of the two slots include a fixed position and extending slide block. Each slide block is fixed within one slot and is movable in the other slot, to provide low friction relative movement of the two gate sections, and to support the two gate sections in an extended position so that no gate sag is experienced.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.Inventor: Kurt P. Wagnitz
-
Patent number: 6112461Abstract: A safety gate for a doorframe, which is able to prevent small children from going into a restricted or dangerous area, has a lock that requires two different and independent steps to proceed the unlock process. Furthermore, after the lock is unlocked, the user still needs to lift the plate body before the pivotal movement of the plate body with respect to the first side bar is possible.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventor: Shu-Chen Cheng
-
Patent number: 6035848Abstract: A hinge assembly for an oven or range that allows a door to be attached to the cooking chamber, locked in place and removed as desired. The hinge assembly includes a hanger mounted to the door and a locking arm mounted to the hanger. The oven or range chamber has at least one pin for receiving a channel on the hanger. When the locking arm is pivoted to an unlocked position with the hanger channel open, the hanger can receive or disengage the pin. When the locking arm is pivoted to an unlocked position with the hanger channel closed, the pin is trapped and the door is secured to the cooking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Keith Ray, Kenneth L. Davis, Jeffrey H. Stachowski
-
Patent number: 6029401Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a panel, such as a shutter, adjacent and in parallel, spaced relation to a window set into a window frame that has first and second opposing walls includes a biased mount and a fixed mount attached to the panel in opposing relation to one another. The biased mount has a body fixedly attached to a surface of the panel at about an edge thereof. A reciprocating biasing assembly is carried by the body and includes a shaft operably connected to the body by a biasing element. The shaft has a first engaging element mounted to an end thereof that is movable away from and toward a selected one of the first and second walls of the window frame. The biasing assembly biases the engaging element toward the selected wall. The fixed mount has a body fixedly attached to the surface of the panel in opposing, spaced relation to the biased mount.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Donald H. Gale
-
Patent number: 5906068Abstract: A safety gate for restricting passage of a child through an access way such as a doorway or stairwell. The gate has two barrier panels in a parallel, overlapping arrangement that can be relatively adjusted to different combined widths to fit in different access ways. The gate is mounted on one side by contact pads or hinges, and can also be mounted pivotally on a telescoping pole vertically disposed on one side of the access way. The gate is frictionally secured or closed by extendable and retractable engagement feet adapted to forcibly engage the access way side wall. The engagement feet are controlled by an outwardly motivating extension mechanism connected via a reciprocating linkage with the engagement feet, which provides for reflexive engagement of both feet with approximately equal force, even in access ways having vertically uneven widths.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Inventor: Gerd Bode
-
Patent number: 5890320Abstract: A temporary barrier for an opening includes a frame which is securable in the opening and a gate which is connected to the frame to swing open and closed, the gate including a manually activatable locking device which can include an inverted U-shaped housing that straddles an upper member of the gate, an operating handle that is positioned beneath the upper member and between sides of the U-shaped housing, and a lock bar which extends downwardly from the operating handle to cooperate with a part of the frame to lock or unlock the gate relative to the frame, the operating handle being biased downwardly by springs.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Inventor: Finn Andersen
-
Patent number: 5832671Abstract: A security closure for covering an opening, e.g., a window, in a building includes a panel having a circumferential sidewall. A support member is securable to extend across the opening in fixed relation thereto, the support member being releasably securable to the interior of the panel away from one edge thereof by a releasable securing device. The support member is fixed at the one edge by a hinged fixing structure which allows the panel to pivot substantially along the one edge away from the opening when the support member is released from the releasable securing device. As a result, an emergency release of the panel can be accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Vacant Property Security LimitedInventor: David A. White
-
Patent number: 5829505Abstract: A safety gate for use in obstructing doorways, passageways and similar openings to restrict the movement of children and the like. The safety gate includes a panel that can be readily secured in and removed from the opening by extending and retracting one or more movable bumpers mounted on an outer rail of the panel. Each movable bumper is urged to the extended position in a horizontal direction by a spring that connects the bumper to a push rod which is mounted in the panel for horizontal movement in alignment with the bumper. Each push rod is connected to an actuator that is mounted in the panel for vertical movement between a lowered position and a raised position. Each movable bumper is independently urged to the extended position by its spring when its corresponding push rod is driven toward the bumper by lowering the actuator. The spring can be a compression spring having one end connected to the bumper and its opposite end connected to the push rod.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Safety 1st, IncorporatedInventor: Paul A. Brescia
-
Patent number: 5787657Abstract: The present invention provides a window screen having operators that secure the window screen relative to a window frame. A pair of single rail operators releasably secure the upper end of the screen relative to the upper end of the window frame. A pair of double rail operators releasably secure the lower end and sides of the screen relative to the lower end and sides of the window frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Andersen CorporationInventors: Charles J. Librande, Brian A. Jensen, Todd W. Bruchu, Jeffrey M. Lynn
-
Patent number: 5782039Abstract: A two-section portable gate carries a rotatable control handle at an upper surface thereof for purposes of installation and removal of the gate in a doorway. When the handle is rotated to an extended state, the two sections of the gate can be moved relative to one another to fill the opening in the doorway. When the handle is moved to an intermediate position, the gate sections are locked together and further relative movement is not possible. When the handle is moved to a closed or locked position adjacent to an upper surface of the gate, the gate sections are forced apart a predetermined distance thereby creating normal forces, and in turn frictional forces, which lock the gate into position in the doorway and resist its removal. Spring loaded bumpers can be used on edges of the gate sections to take into account non-square openings.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Scherer, David C. Brown, Michael C. Thuma
-
Patent number: 5765312Abstract: An access panel for installation over an opening in panelling of a wall or ceiling of a structure includes a plate having two opposite side edges and a positioning flange extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the plate, this flange being located inwardly from adjacent edges. The panel includes two elongate clamping elements, each extending towards a respective one of the side edges from a central region of the plate attached to a rear side of the plate. Each clamping element is made of a resilient springy material so that an outer end portion can be pulled away from the plate during installation. These elements are used to secure the panel to opposite sides of the opening. Preferably each clamping element has a special profile to enable fast and easy installation over the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventor: Jerzy Szyjkowski
-
Patent number: 5755487Abstract: An opening roof structure for a motor vehicle, the structure comprising a frame (2) secured around the edge of an opening formed in the roof (1) of the vehicle, a window (4) which in a first position forms a panel for at least substantially closing the opening, a hinge (6) for the window (4) which is integral with the front edge (2a) of the frame (2) to removably receive corresponding hinge elements (5) secured to the window (4) about its hinge (5, 6) to the frame (2), the control device extending between the rear edge (2b) of the frame (2) and the window (4) from which they can be separated, at least in part, in which both the frame (2) and the window (4) have coupling devices in waiting which are placed in mutual co-operation when, after the window (4) has been uncoupled from the hinge (5, 6) and at least partly separated from the pivot control device, the window (4) is placed in a second position in which it overlies the rear edge (2b) of the frame (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Farnier & Penin SNCInventors: Rene Chauvin, Jean-Marie Jeuffray
-
Patent number: 5722206Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible storm resistant system for installation in openings of a dwelling. The system consists of hinged support braces that are installed in the lateral walls of an opening. The braces have horizontally extending threaded bolts placed inwardly from their ends. The braces also have retainer pins at each of their ends to be received in bores of the lateral walls. A panel having a periphery larger than the opening is received onto the bolts of the braces and rigid splints having holes corresponding to the location of the bolts are received over the panel and over the bolts to sandwich the panel between the supporting braces and the splints. There are nuts at the ends of the threaded bolts to apply appropriate pressure to the above noted sandwich.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventor: Kenneth J. McDonald
-
Patent number: 5722555Abstract: The invention concerns a transport and storage container for package freights, the aim of the invention being to permit such freight material to be removed from containers through an opening in the side even when the containers are stacked one on top of the other. Disposed in one of the side walls (4) or face walls (6, 7) is a flap (8) the height of which is less than the height (16) of the opening by an amount at least equal to the vertical width of a mounting slot (13) in which the flap is mounted. The flap (8) is mounted by means of bearing pins (9) which fit in mounting slots (12, 13) so that it can move vertically and pivot and so that it can be locked in place in the opening by means of locking pins (10, 11). The container proposed also meets the requirements for ease of recycling by virtue of the fact that only a single material is use in its construction.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Steiner Freizeitmobel Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KGInventor: Franz Polzl
-
Patent number: 5704164Abstract: A foldable fence for confining babies includes a plurality of first supporting means, second supporting means, folding means, multiple tubes and supporting rods. The tubes each further have a mid-section with an eccentric member enclosed therein, so that when using the mid-section to extend the length of the tube is completed, turning the tube will make the eccentric member abut a peripheral side wall of the tube and therefore the length of the tube is fixed. The second supporting means provides a clearance for a rivet to move back and forth, so that when the second means abuts against a surface, such as a wall, a resilient member will provide a resilient force to further stabilize the abutting to the wall. The folding means connected between two supporting rods provides a folding mechanism to the foldable fence constructed in accordance with the present invention, such that the foldable fence is folded together to minimize the size when the use of the fence is finished.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Inventor: Li-chu Chen Huang
-
Patent number: 5669190Abstract: A detachable panel or grill for covering an opening in panelling of a wall or ceiling or in an appliance. The panel can be installed quickly and rigidly without the need for any special framing. The panel or grill can be installed or removed by the rotation of a single screw which passes through a threaded opening in an elongate fastening arm. The arm extends generally parallel to an inner surface of the panel during use thereof. The arm is pivotable relative to the panel between a first position usable for insertion of the arm into the opening and a second position used for clamping the panel to edge structure defining the opening. A slideway is connected to an inner surface of the panel and limits the extent of pivotal movement of the arm. The screw extends through a hole in the panel and connects the arm to the panel. A spring biases the arm so that it pivots towards the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Novera Products Inc.Inventor: Jerzy Szyjkowski
-
Patent number: 5666773Abstract: The present invention provides a window screen having operators that secure the window screen relative to a window frame. A pair of single rail operators releasably secure the upper end of the screen relative to the upper end of the window frame. A pair of double rail operators releasably secure the lower end and sides of the screen relative to the lower end and sides of the window frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Andersen CorporationInventors: Charles J. Librande, Brian A. Jensen, Todd W. Bruchu, Jeffrey M. Lynn
-
Patent number: 5657809Abstract: A security device for obstructing movement of children or animals through an entryway includes a barrier mounted on a frame. The frame is made of substantially linear and rigid bars which are pivoted together to form one collapsible parallelogram which extends substantially entirely across the entryway. A movable pressure member is mounted on a vertical bar of the frame for laterally outward movement when the vertical bar moves down relative to the pressure member. To facilitate collapse of the frame to a position where all of the bars are parallel, each of two diametrically opposed pivots has its axis inwardly offset from the longitudinal axis of one of the bars it interconnects, and the barrier member is a net in which rectangular openings are formed by members which are substantially parallel to the bars. A frame-supporting hinge has a generally vertical hinge axis to permit horizontal swinging movement of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Kids II, Inc.Inventors: Jose Longoria, Stephen P. Chininis
-
Patent number: 5638885Abstract: A security gate for positioning within an area way such as a doorway. The gate includes a support structure defined by a frame and a flexible panel supported by the frame. The frame includes horizontal members and vertical members detachable engaged with the horizontal members. One end of the horizontal members includes a lock assembly including a pivoting linkage defining a parallelogram structure for facilitating firm engagement of the horizontal members with opposing sides of the doorway.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Gerry Baby Products CompanyInventors: Theodore B. Freese, Blair S. Barnes, Maria D. Young
-
Patent number: 5632514Abstract: The invention encompasses a juvenile safety gate latch and housing which is handily mobile, its function being to render the existing gate secured, for intermittent passage of an adult through a gateway. It is especially useful for swinging such a gate from its open to closed position, and vice versa. It has specific utility for gates which are extendible and retractable. In their extended, closed position they compress against walls of a passageway for fixation against dislodging forces. The latch housing may be mounted upon a door stop or balustrade separately from the gate, but it is ideally portable with the gate from one passageway to another. It is characterized by its portability and versatile mounting without the use of any screws or other fixing devices. Once mounted it permits the adult to open and close the gate with one hand.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Inventor: Marvin B. Johnson, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5617674Abstract: An adjustable passageway gate that includes a thin generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped panel, a large, extendable, retractable, and generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped extension member, a pair of small, spaced-apart, extendable, retractable, and generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped extension members, an elongated and generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped cross member, and a bolt. The thin generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped panel is positionable in on one side of a wall. The large, extendable, retractable, and generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped extension member and the pair of small, spaced-apart, extendable, retractable, and generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped extension members are extendable to contact the wall when the passageway of the wall is wider than the thin generally rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Inventor: Timothy T. Terrill
-
Patent number: 5613451Abstract: An apparatus for covering the hopper of a material melting and dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover lid engageable with a cover base. A hinge arrangement allows pivoting between the cover lid and cover base, and also allows for non-destructive removal of the cover lid from the cover base upon over-extension of the cover lid in the open direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Jon C. Zook
-
Patent number: 5579604Abstract: A shutter is provided for attachment to window opening surfaces extending inward from a wall surface of a building. Mechanisms are provided to allow both the installation and removal of the shutter from outside the building. In a first version, a clamping mechanism feeds a bar into engagement with a surface of the window opening. The bar remains in engagement with this surface until a release mechanism is operated. In another version, a drive screw moves a compressible foot into and out of contact with the window opening surface. In yet another version, a toggle mechanism operates in such a way that increased engagement of an engagement surface increases the resistance to disengagement as the shutter is pulled away from the window.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventors: Joseph A. Holung, Jerry L. Leslie
-
Patent number: 5575116Abstract: Window vent stop devices are provided by this invention which include housing and stop block portions in which the stop block is pivotally mounted within the housing to provide a first position for permitting at least one of the sashes of a window to slide freely by the other, and a second position which causes the stop block to impinge against the other sashes to limit the sliding movement of the sashes. The stop block includes an integral spring arm to assist it in moving from the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: CertainTeed CorporationInventors: Dennis Carlson, Jeffrey B. Hersh, Dennis Westphal
-
Patent number: 5575113Abstract: A guard rail structure includes first and second vertical tubes, two first support members each mounted on one distal end of the first vertical tube, and two second support members each mounted on one distal end of the second vertical tube. Two first fastener members are each mounted on an associated first support member and two second fastener members are each rotatably mounted on an associated second support member. Two first horizontal tubes each have a first distal end mounted in an associated first fastener member. Two second horizontal tubes each have a first distal end mounted in an associated second fastener member, and a second distal end slidably received in an associated first horizontal tube. Two eccentric members each include a plug securely mounted in the second distal end of an associated second horizontal tube and each include an eccentric shaft extending from the plug thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Inventor: Li-chu C. Huang
-
Patent number: 5570543Abstract: An adjustable, removable child window guard includes a first panel, a second panel and a bolt and slot arrangement for slidably connecting the first panel to the second panel. A locking mechanism requiring two-handed operation to permit the relative sliding movement of the first and second panels is provided for selectably permitting and inhibiting relative sliding movement of the first and second panels. The window guard includes two sets of teeth affixed to the first panel and two sets of tooth engagement means mounted on the second panel. L-shaped brackets are provided to permit non-intrusive mounting of the window guard in a window frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1994Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Steel Creek Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Alvin Bishop
-
Patent number: 5551191Abstract: A removable lid for a pool skimmer, the lid including at least one, and preferably two, manually operated latches that prevent inadvertent removal of the lid and thereby eliminate a potentially hazardous condition posed by lids that can be removed by wind action, wave action, or by accidentally tripping on an incorrectly installed lid. Preferably, the lid has diametrically opposed latches, each having a bendable member with a camming surface that bends the latch to fit within a skimmer collar and then allows the latch to snap into a retaining position when the lid is completely installed. Access holes in the lid facilitate manual operation of the latches for removal of the lid for maintenance purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: KDI American Products CompanyInventor: Farid Maiwandi
-
Patent number: 5535552Abstract: A pressure-fit barrier such as a gate has a first panel member coupled to a partially overlapping second panel member so that the panels are slidable laterally relative to each other, thus changing the overall width of the gate. A carriage member is slidably mounted on the second panel for lateral movement relative to the second panel and a displacing mechanism is coupled with the carriage member and the second panel and is selectively operable to laterally displace the carriage relative to the second panel. An engagement mechanism is connected to the carriage for selectively engaging with and non-engaging with the first panel. When the engaging mechanism is non-engaged lateral movement of the carriage member with respect to the second panel does not cause relative lateral movement between the first panel and the second panel, and when the engaging mechanism is engaged lateral movement of the carriage member causes corresponding relative lateral movement between the first panel and the second panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Innova Development CorporationInventor: Carl M. Stern
-
Patent number: 5531258Abstract: A security gate for positioning within an area way such as a doorway. The gate includes a support structure defined by a frame and a flexible panel supported by the frame. The frame includes horizontal members and vertical members wherein the vertical members may be conveniently folded to a position parallel to the horizontal members whereby the gate is folded to a compact configuration for transportation or storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Gerry Baby Products CompanyInventors: Keith L. Poulson, Paul Fair, Robert M. Parker
-
Patent number: 5528859Abstract: A gate has a first panel member coupled to a partially overlapping second panel member so that the panels are slidable laterally relative to each other, thus changing the overall width of the gate. An over-center type toggle linkage has a pivot link and a handle link and is operable to laterally expand and contract the lateral distance between the ends. One end of the pivot link is pivotally connected to the first panel and the other end is connected to a medial portion of the handle link. One end of the handle link is pivotally connected to a sliding carriage that slides relative to the second panel and the carriage and handle link end are selectively engagable with the second panel by a releasable engagement mechanism. When the engagement mechanism is disengaged, the panels are free to slide laterally to change the width of the gate. When the engagement mechanism is engaged, operation of the toggle linkage expands or contracts the overall width of the gate.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Taylor, Mark E. Gerwitz
-
Patent number: 5507118Abstract: A window guard is provided for a window which may be removably mounted in a window frame to protect the window from storms. The window includes a window frame having frame members, two of which have holes formed on inwardly facing surfaces. The window guard includes a board sized to fit within the window frame and a brace or mounting mechanism pivotally mounted on the board which cooperates with the window frame holes to mount the window guard in the frame. The mounting mechanism includes a cross-member pivotally secured to the board and rods telescopingly received in the cross-member. The cross-member is made of two elongate pieces which are pivotally connected and which have blind bores formed in their ends which telescopingly receive the rods. The rods can thus telescope to a position in which they extend from the cross-member into the holes formed in the window frame and be retracted to a position in which they do not extend beyond the edges of the board.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1995Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Inventor: Gerald L. Brown
-
Patent number: 5487237Abstract: A security device for buildings comprises a barricade including a metal frame with a metal gridwork anchored thereto and extending across and covering the interior frame opening. The frame is configured to fit within a doorway or window opening. At least one positioning bar is disposed on one side of the frame and extends outward therefrom to beyond the frame perimeter, said positioning bar configured for placing into a receiving slot formed in the interior perimeter of the doorway or window opening. A locking bar is slidably journalled within guide track openings formed in guide tabs which are secured to the barricade. Said locking bar includes at least one perimeter locking end for slidable entry into a receiving slot formed in the interior perimeter of the doorway or window opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventor: Bill Martin, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5479984Abstract: A register of a forced air system is sealed by placing a heavy flexible magnetic panel over the register and adhering the entire panel to the entire register for preventing escape of forced air from the register. The flexible magnetic panel is used on wall registers, on floor registers and on ceiling registers.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Eastorac CorporationInventors: David Easterbrook, Michael Butorac
-
Patent number: 5446996Abstract: A portable security grill apparatus which may be installed in window openings of buildings includes two rectangular grill sections longitudinally telescopically fastened to one another. Opposite longitudinal ends of the two grill sections have beams disposed perpendicularly to the axis of longitudinal telescoping movability of the two grill sections, the beams having flat outer surfaces adapted to abut a window edge at one end of the grill apparatus, and a window frame edge, at the other end of the apparatus. At least one toggle clamp connected between telescopically joined members of the two grill sections is capable of exerting a large outward extension force when in a closed, clamped position, thereby exerting compressive forces on the window and window frame sufficient to prevent the grill apparatus from being removed from the window opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Inventor: Tim Lamont
-
Patent number: 5442881Abstract: A safety gate that has a continuously adjustable width for insertion across a lateral opening such as a doorway. The gate has a generally U-shaped gate frame including two tubular frame members that are slidably connected in a telescoping relationship. A latch is operable to displace the telescoping portions by a pre-selected displacement relative to each other, so that part of the tubes are deflected and the gate frame applies an outward lateral force to the doorway opening sides to retain the gate across the opening. The gate includes a walk-through door with a door latch for latching the door closed and an indicator for indicating when it is not fully closed and latched. A force-distribution bar on at least one side of the gate distributes the force from that side of the gate so that it is applied at two points on that side of the doorway opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Robert C. Barrett
-
Patent number: 5437115Abstract: A security gate apparatus for attachment across an opening defined by first and second vertical surfaces, including a first gate panel and a second gate panel slidingly connected to the first gate panel so as to permit horizontal extension and retraction of the gate apparatus to a desired horizontal dimension. A first vertical leg is pivotably attached to an outer vertical member of the first gate panel by a first link means and a second vertical leg is pivotably connected to an outer vertical member of the second gate panel by a second link means. The security gate apparatus also includes means for locking the first and second gate panels in the desired horizontal dimension and at least one contact pad on a surface of the first and second vertical legs opposite the outer vertical members of the first and second gate panels, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1994Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Gerry Baby Products CompanyInventors: T. Brent Freese, Robert M. Parker
-
Patent number: 5433040Abstract: A hopper-type window sash movable from a closed position within an opening in a frame to an open position in which the sash extends at an angle from one edge located in the frame opening. Hardware includes a pivot slide supporting such one edge of the sash for pivotal and sliding movement along integral tracks provided in the frame. Opposed control assemblies each include a frame pivot member directly mounted in an associated track and a sash pivot member directly mounted on the sash. A thin control strap is pivoted at one end on the frame pivot member, and at its other end on the sash pivot member. One pivot is releasable to allow easy access for mounting all hardware while the sash and frame are separated. The control strap moves through a narrow opening between the sash and frame, permitting multiple seals to effectively seal the window.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Inventor: Patrick A. Morrison