Directly Seating Patents (Class 70/166)
  • Patent number: 11659907
    Abstract: A protective cover for a laptop computer having a screen portion and an attached keyboard portion. The cover has a bottom shell for placement on the keyboard portion, or a top shell for placement on the screen portion, or both a bottom shell and a top shell. The cover also has at least one removable locking clip that attaches to the bottom shell when the keyboard portion is placed in the bottom shell, or attaches to the top shell when placed on the screen portion. The locking clip has at least one protruding flange that inserts into a slot in the bottom shell or top shell to internally lock the shell to the keyboard portion or the screen portion. A tool can be inserted into the slot to compress the protruding flange to unlock the bottom shell or top shell from the keyboard portion or the screen portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Gamber-Johnson LLC
    Inventors: John R. Matthews, Jr., Walter P. Rothan, Steven M. Gibson
  • Patent number: 11261012
    Abstract: A secured storage apparatus includes a sleeve that receives a container/cap assembly therein. The sleeve includes a lock that selectively secures the container/cap assembly and the cap cannot be removed from the container when the assembly is locked in the sleeve. In one arrangement, the cap and sleeve include ribs that prevent rotation of the cap relative to the sleeve. In another arrangement, the container and cap of the assembly freely rotate together in assembled relation within the sleeve, but the cap cannot be rotated relative to the container and/or pushed axially relative to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Kenneth Anthony Loritz
  • Patent number: 10894643
    Abstract: A secure beverage container may include a body having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a first longitudinal side extending between the first end and the second end, and a second longitudinal side opposing the first longitudinal side and extending between the first end and the second end, the first end being closed, the second end being open. The body may define a cavity to receive a beverage fluid. The secure beverage container may include a lid to be received by the second end to seal the cavity in the body, and a powered locking device. The secure beverage container may include an access control device coupled to the powered locking device and configured to cause the powered locking device to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state based upon a security token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventors: Rhett C. Leary, Brett C. Leary
  • Patent number: 8967184
    Abstract: A locking fire hydrant includes a fire hydrant body having an internal channel extending between a main cap recess and an auxiliary cap recess defined therein. A plunger assembly including first and second plungers is disposed within the internal channel. The first plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into a main cap recess and the second plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into an auxiliary cap recess. When the second plunger is actuated by mounting a locking cap on the fire hydrant body, one of the ratchet teeth provided on the back side of the auxiliary cap engages the second plunger to prevent the auxiliary cap from being removed from the fire hydrant body. A locking cap, an opening tool, and methods of securing an auxiliary cap to a fire hydrant also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sigelock Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: George Sigelakis, Matthew Hayduk
  • Patent number: 8944263
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a prescription drug lock box consisting of a container and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The container has an integrally formed key post positioned above its open end. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it thus securing contents held within. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 8939301
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a combination locking storage container consisting of a tray and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The tray has an integrally formed key post at its uppermost position. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 8820126
    Abstract: An anti-theft fastener with locking feature includes a nut, a nut casing, a lock casing and a lock. An engaging ball of the lock casing gets embedded in an engaging groove of the nut casing. The lock and its' casing are positioned inside the nut casing. An abutting portion of the lock no longer abuts against a positioning ball of the nut. The positioning ball is no longer embedded inside a positioning engaging passage of the nut casing, thereby preventing the nut casing from driving the nut except idling. Under locked condition, the fastener is unable to be mounted. To dismount the fastener requires turning the lock with a key until the engaging ball falls into a curved groove of the lock and exits the engaging groove. The positioning ball is pushed outward and embedded inside the positioning engaging passage, thereby unfastening the screw element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Yu-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 8739585
    Abstract: A wheel lock for a vehicle wheel of the type comprising a body having a central attachment flange and studs passing through it. A security plate has a front side and a rear side; the rear side has a plurality of first circumferentially spaced-apart openings arranged to receive wheel studs; each of the first circumferentially spaced-apart openings is sized to receive a lug nut threaded on a wheel stud. There is at least one second opening where the second opening also sized to receive a wheel stud. The front side has a cover over the first circumferentially spaced-apart openings preventing access to lug nuts threaded on corresponding wheel studs. The front side has a receptacle concentric with the second opening for receiving a lock lug. The lock lug has a threaded hole for engaging a wheel stud and a key recess for engagement with a corresponding key lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Toby Jack Sims
  • Patent number: 8672079
    Abstract: An anti-theft guard for a vehicle component includes a housing adapted to substantially enclose a vehicle component which is to be protected from theft and an attachment mechanism carried by the housing and adapted for attachment to a structural element of the vehicle. The anti-theft guard is forming including a cavity for covering/receiving the vehicle component. The guard includes a plurality of mounting wings extending outward from an edge formed about a periphery of the cavity, wherein the mounting wings are provided to secure the anti-theft guard to the structural element of the vehicle. A suggested application of the anti-theft guard is a cover placed over an electronic control module of a diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Rafael Navarro
  • Patent number: 8517193
    Abstract: A combination locking bottle holder is disclosed comprising a base, a locking bar, and a plurality of tumblers. When a bottle is locked inside the device, features limit access to and prevent removal of the bottle's closure. When the tumbler rings with external indicia are properly aligned to a marker and display a predetermined code, the mechanism permits extraction of the locking bar and allows the bottle to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 8393188
    Abstract: A sanitary dispenser (1) has a housing (1) having an openable cover (20). A locking mechanism (7) locks the cover (20) laterally to the housing (1) and unlocks it by means of a key (25). The locking mechanism (7) has a push rod assembly (9, 14) having two centrally coupled rods (11, 16) which can be displaced in opposite directions and each of which ends at an insertion opening (6). The insertion of the key (25) on either of the two sides (4) of the housing in each case displaces both rods (11, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hans Georg Hagleitner
  • Patent number: 8297088
    Abstract: An enclosure includes a main body, a cover for covering the main body, a movable member movably attached to an inner surface of the main body, and a latch member. The main body defines a through hole. The cover defines a through hole aligning with the through hole of the main body. The movable member defines a locking hole. The locking hole includes a small part and a large part communicating with the small part. The movable member is moved to align the large part of the locking hole with the through hole of the second sidewall. The latch member extends through the through hole of the cover, the through hole of the second sidewall, and the large part of the locking hole. The movable member then is restored, thereby the latch portion engaging in the small part of the locking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang-Yi Zhang, Jia-Qi Fu, Pu-Yu Yao
  • Patent number: 8235349
    Abstract: A ceiling device system for securing a device in a ceiling. The ceiling device system includes a cover plate to simulate a ceiling and has a device opening to receive the device. The ceiling device system includes a sliding mechanism mounted on an inside surface of the cover plate. The sliding mechanism includes a sliding component which moves within an area about the device opening. The ceiling device system includes a lock mechanism connected to the sliding component. The lock mechanism connected such that movement of the lock mechanism moves the sliding component. The ceiling device system includes a device mounting plate with slide tabs to engage the device and mounted to the sliding component of the sliding mechanism. The slide tabs are shaped to slide within the device to lock the device in the device opening of the cover plate due to movement of the sliding component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Oberon Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky L. Conklin, Scott D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7673482
    Abstract: A wheel lock mounted for preventing removal of the wheel from the axle includes a cup shaped base portion with an opening to receive a wheel stud for threaded engagement with a lug nut to clamp the base portion to the wheel. A cup shaped cover portion nests within the base portion to enclose the stud and lug nut. A key actuated locking member extends simultaneously through the base and cover portions to prevent separation. The cover portion interlocks with the locking portion to prevent forced rotation of the cover portion relative the base portion. The contour of the base portion or the positioning of the locking member may be configured to prevent rotating the device about the stud. The cover portion may include a flange that bears against the rim of the base portion giving the wheel lock a contiguous exterior surface that is difficult to pry apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Duane Bosman
  • Patent number: 7587861
    Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Bongard
  • Patent number: 7448663
    Abstract: A guard structure for a vehicle seat lock includes a cable 54 operatively connecting between a seat locking mechanism (49) for a vehicle seat and a key device (51) adapted to be actuated by a key. The guard structure also includes a guard body (81) for blocking an access from outside of a vehicle body to the cable (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukinori Fujimoto, Katsuji Fujii, Ichiro Umetani
  • Patent number: 7356891
    Abstract: A concealed panel locking mechanism is provided which may be used to secure the contents of a container in a manner that is not discernable to an uninformed individual viewing the container. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes one or more channels formed into a central area of a panel of material. A locking member within the one or more channels is movable along the channel to either engage or disengage the locking member from a recess formed in a side wall of the container. In one embodiment, the locking member is not physically accessible from outside the channel by a human being but is formed from a ferromagnetic material that is moved within the channel by a magnetic force generated by a suitable strength magnetic key placed on the outside surface of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: William D. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7337638
    Abstract: An anchoring device positionable within the ground for tethering an object to the ground includes a base portion having a first diameter, and an access aperture having a second diameter. The first diameter of the base portion is greater than the second diameter of the access aperture. At least one wall connects the base portion to the access aperture. The device further includes a tether having a first end secured proximate the base portion and a second end positionable through the access aperture and connectable to the object to be secured. The tether is fully disposable within the anchoring device and is longer than the distance between the base portion and the access aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Gene Paul Tierney
  • Patent number: 7252204
    Abstract: A combination lock container (10), suitable for accepting a wine bottle, consisting of an upper housing (12), a lower housing (50), a plurality of tumblers (18A-18E), and externally applied indicia (24). Cylindrical walls, or skirt portions, of each housing nest and engage into one another. Each housing has a key-like feature, consisting of a linear array of tabs with gap spacing between, that projects radially from the outer cylindrical wall surface. The upper housing has a longitudinal slot opening in the cylindrical wall, adjacent to its set of tabs, which can accept the tabs of the lower housing. When the housings are fully assembled, matching tab and gap features on each housing are adjacent and in lateral alignment with respect to each other. A plurality of tumblers, each with an internal annularly formed locking rib, are placed concentrically around the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Publication number: 20030088954
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a cremation urn inside a columbarium chamber or to another appropriate wall surface and a hidden lock for a funeral chamber shutter system are disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a male locking member which is rigidly securable to a wall surface and a female receiving member in one of the top walls, bottom walls and sidewalls of the cremation urn. The female receiving member is securely interlockable with the male locking member. The locking mechanism also includes fastening means for securing the male locking member to the wall surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: MEMORIALIZATION SYSTEMS OF AMERICA
    Inventor: Patrick Mainville
  • Patent number: 6513352
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a cremation urn inside a columbarium chamber or to another appropriate wall surface and a hidden lock for a funeral chamber shutter system are disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a male locking member which is rigidly securable to a wall surface, and a female receiving member in one of the top walls, bottom walls and sidewalls of the cremation urn. The female receiving member is securely interlockable with the male locking member. The locking mechanism also includes fastening means for securing the male locking member to the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Memorialization Systems of America
    Inventor: Patrick Mainville
  • Patent number: 6321580
    Abstract: A device that fits over a fixture, such as a toilet. It uses a number of articulated members that align with the rim of the bowl. A center star gear is used to pull all the members inward, tightly against the rim. The members are designed to fit over the rim to ensure a tight fit that is not easily defeated by prying from the underside, for example. A lock is used to prevent removal of the device. Finally, the device can be designed to fit over sinks and urinals as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Gary W. Olson
  • Patent number: 6082601
    Abstract: A storage device provides for the secure storage of a gun in a vehicle, includes a rectangular base plate and a box-like cover having a rectangular top and sidewalls that form a chamber for storing a gun. The sidewalls enclose a rectangular area that corresponds substantially to the area of the base plate so that the cover forms a close fit around the base plate, which has a planar central portion joined to and surrounded by upwardly bent elongated edge portions. The base plate and cover each include an aperture, each slightly offset from a center point of the base plate central portion and top cover, respectively, but in vertical alignment with each other and with an aperture formed by the trigger guard of a gun stored in the device. The storage device also includes a rotatable pin that is sized to pass through the apertures in the base plate and cover and through the trigger guard of a gun stored in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas H. Standish
  • Patent number: 5842361
    Abstract: A motor vehicle security device for protecting against the cutting of an automobile steering wheel which includes a protective member made of cut-resistant material covering the steering wheel rim and a connector for attaching the protective member to the steering wheel rim. The protective member radially and circumferentially overlies the steering wheel rim to preclude access to the rim and protect against cutting of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventor: Mark W. Banez
  • Patent number: 5638705
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an anti-theft device for a personal watercraft which is powered by a gasoline engine-driven jet pump. The anti-theft device, having a nozzle cover, a cover holding mender and a cover locking member, is designed to be sealably attached to a jet pump steering diverter nozzle in order to prevent and deter theft of such a watercraft. The jet pump steering diverter nozzle, having an entrance and an exit end, is locked by mounting the nozzle cover to the exit end of the jet steering diverter nozzle, the nozzle cover is engaged in tight contact with the jet steering diverter nozzle with the cover holding member, whereby preventing movement of the nozzle cover in order to restrict the flow of water passing through the jet steering diverter nozzle, and the nozzle cover is locked to the jet steering diverted nozzle in order to prevent unauthorized removal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Michael Sean Buescher, Vicky Catherine Buescher
  • Patent number: 5613383
    Abstract: A motor vehicle security device for protecting against the cutting of an automobile steering wheel which includes a protective member made of cut-resistant material covering the steering wheel rim and a connector for attaching the protective member to the steering wheel rim. The protective member radially and circumferentially overlies the steering wheel rim to preclude access to the rim and protect against cutting of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventor: Mark W. Banez
  • Patent number: 5588316
    Abstract: A locking device for selectively preventing access to the valve handles of a domestic water tap. The locking device is adapted to prevent a child from playing with the hot water tap handle and potentially getting burned by the hot water emanating from the hot water tap. The locking device has a pair of handle enclosing components which are adapted to enclose the tap handles and prevent access to the latter. Each handle enclosing component has a substantially concave-shaped wall defining a substantially hollow body. Each substantially concave-shaped wall has a corresponding peripheral edge defining a lateral aperture. The handle enclosing components are linked together by a pair of connecting rods extending from the respective peripheral edges of the handle enclosing component. Both connecting rods are attached to a locking block positioned intermediate the handle enclosing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Steven Jones
  • Patent number: 5375440
    Abstract: A small and lightweight, and thus hand carried storage case for a handgun is provided in a plastic rectangular container having a lockable lid. The interior chamber of the case is sized and structured for securely retaining a handgun in a stationary position. The interior floor of the storage case has a hollow cylindrical post over which the trigger guard of the handgun must be placed when inserted into the case. An aperture located on the lid aligns with the hollow post, creating a passageway through the case. The passageway is structured for retaining a small lock bolt which is retained in position with a conventional padlock. Once the lid is affixed to the case and secured with the locking apparatus, the gun cannot be removed from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Scott D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5027627
    Abstract: A locking device for preventing access to a bolt or stud-nut which secures an equipment to a base. The device comprises three parts: a rectangular tube body, a slide member and a lock body. In use, the bolt is put through a hole in the tube body and the equipment, and tightened down. The slide member is then inserted in one end of the tube and slid over the head of the bolt or stud-nut and the lock body is inserted in the tube and locked by a key. This prevents the slide from being removed and prevents access to the bolt head or stud nut. The device is flat and compact, and may be used for a variety of applications where equipments are secured by bolts or stud-nuts, particularly in tight quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Jay S. Derman
  • Patent number: 4993246
    Abstract: An expansion plug including a cam lever with a securing portion, and a top plate with a flange. A first hole is centered in the securing portion and a second hole is centered in the flange. During engagement of the cam lever, the securing portion adjoins the flange, aligning the two holes. Thus, a lock may be inserted through both holes to securely fasten the cam lever to the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Kopper
  • Patent number: 4986099
    Abstract: A lock (1) is mounted to a door (2) of a safe. The lock (1) comprises a housing (4) slidably mounted to the door (1) and movable in the directions indicated by an arrow (3) between locked and unlocked positions upon actuation of the lock. A lock override system (15) is coupled with the lock (1) and is responsive to an override control signal to cause the housing (4) to move relatively to the door and thereby to cause the lock member (8) to move between its locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Lynx Business Machines Limited
    Inventors: Michael F. Johnson, Lyn M. Roberts, David E. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4862716
    Abstract: A device for locking a spare tire wheel which is mounted vertically on the back of a vehicle. The spare is mounted on studs that project from the back of the vehicle and is fastened in place with stud nuts. The device comprises three major metal parts: One part is a rectangular section tube that fits over one of the studs, with the stud protruding up through it. Another part is a locking assembly shaped to hold the stud nut in place. This assembly is inserted in the tube until it grasps the stud nut. The third part is a cylindrical lock plug which is inserted through a hole in the top of the tube and also through a hole in the locking assembly. Turning a key in the lock plug releases a lock pin that prevents removal of the lock plug. The stud nut can not now be accessed for removal, and the spare tire wheel is prevented from being removed by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Jay S. Derman
  • Patent number: 4825670
    Abstract: The vehicle auto security lock device includes an about upright frame adapted to be permanently connected to the interior of the driver compartment of a vehicle adjacent the vehicle's gear shift and radio, the latter mounted in the dashboard. The frame includes a pair of spaced upright plates positionable on opposite sides of a gear shift console and bridged by a horizontal bar. The inner faces of the plates adjacent their upper ends bear grooves adapted to slideably receive the ends of a u-shaped horizontal hasp extending toward the gear shift. A generally closed box slides down on the plates and seats on the crossbar. The rear end of the box bears a plate which covers the face of the vehicle radio. The box when seated is positioned immediately behind the gear shift lever. The hasp loops around the opposite end of the gear shift lever and in the operative position pins it against the box. The ends of the hasp slide into the front of the box and in the plate grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Michael A. Snow
  • Patent number: 4825669
    Abstract: A locking assembly for fastening a lug not cover on a vehicle wheel secured to a vehicle is disclosed. The mounting bracket and the lug nut cover both have elongated holes which makes them universal and allows them to fit a large number of lug bolt spacings measured from the center of the axle to the center of the lug bolt. A lug nut cover is fitted onto special lug nuts containing an extension to the lug nut. This mounting bracket which extends through the center of the wheel communicates with the locking mechanism thereby holding the lug nut cover firmly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Ernest Herrera
  • Patent number: 4823572
    Abstract: Locking apparatus for bottom connected electrical meters which, in one embodiment, includes a secondary cover over the meter terminal block and intermediate the primary cover and the meter base, the secondary cover being secured to the base by screws which are covered by the primary cover. The secondary cover has an apertured stud thereon which extends through the primary cover and receives a lock to prevent removal of the primary cover. The protruding end of the stud may be covered by an apertured block secured to the primary cover. In a second embodiment, the stud is omitted, and the lock extends through the primary cover and into an opening in the meter base, the lock having a portion which engages the primary cover and prevents removal thereof. In the second embodiment, a detector, such as a switch, within the base and operable by the lock indicates the presence or absence of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: John A. Signorelli
  • Patent number: 4779434
    Abstract: A device for securing the tailgate of a pickup truck, so that it can not be removed by unauthorized persons. The device is made of three steel assemblies, one of which is fitted over a tailgate extension, using the extension as an anchor for holding the device in place. A second assembly, acting as a clamp, is attached to the first by a fixed bolt and a nut. The clamp, presses on the side wall of the pickup truck, pulling the tailgate to it. Attached to the nut is a tube that holds a lock plug. When a lock plug is inserted in the tube, the nut can not be rotated and loosened. The lock plug is a cylinder lock, locked by a key and protected against weather by a plastic cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: Jay S. Derman
  • Patent number: 4658607
    Abstract: An outboard motor lock for boats wherein the outboard motor is secured to the boat transom by a split elongated housing which is retained in an assembled relationship by a lock disposed generally therein and which housing extends along and reinforces the transom and fully encloses the motor mounting bolts that extend from the motor through the transom thereby preventing any access to such bolts and thus preventing the unauthorized removal of the boat motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventors: Ira F. Muse, Jr, Jerrold L. Flowers
  • Patent number: 4446708
    Abstract: A locking assembly is provided that can be placed over a push-button keyboard to prevent unauthorized use. The entire keyboard is covered and a tumbler-activating key is inserted externally, rotated and withdrawn. When installed on a telephone, the device allow incoming calls to be received. If pried off of the keyboard to allow emergency use, no major damage would be inflicted to the keys, but the assembly could not be reinstalled without unlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Inventor: Laurice D. Ely
  • Patent number: 4361350
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing a housing cover, especially useful for securing a cover for a switch box having electrical switching devices therein includes at least one screwable element which can be threaded to the housing and which is secured undetachably on the cover by a stop on its shaft. The shaft extends through the cover, each of the screwable elements extending through a bottom of an indentation in a surface of the cover. A pre-stressed compression spring is disposed in the indentation between a shoulder of the screwable element and the base of the indentation. Each screwable element comprises a shaft nut, the shaft nut having a shaft with an indentation in its pressure-receiving face. The shaft engages with a threaded pin attached to the housing and rests against a structural part which is supported against a support attached to the housing. The screwable element is centered by a centering body positioned directly ahead of the support on the threaded pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: Frankl & Kirchner GmbH & Co. KG, Fabrik fur Elektromotoren u. elektrische Apparate
    Inventors: Herbert Palloch, Hans Erndt
  • Patent number: 4331012
    Abstract: Lockable meter retention rings for securing electric meters in meter boxes comprise an inner ring of multiple arcuate parts wherein the inner ring has spaced-apart inwardly extending flanges for holding the electric meter in the meter box and a steel outer ring which fits over and engages with the inner ring wherein the outer ring keeps the inner ring assembled. The outer ring has a lock enclosure which, together with a portion of the inner ring, defines an opening for receiving and retaining a barrel lock, the barrel lock securing the rings together. Bayonet and screw type engagements between the inner and outer rings are disclosed, with the barrel lock preventing relative rotation of the rings necessary to disengage them. Another form of engagement has a flange of the outer ring received by the inner ring, with the barrel lock securing the outer ring to the inner ring diametrically opposite the flanged engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Inventor: James A. Swisher
  • Patent number: 4280348
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle wheel cover locking means for use in deterring the theft of wheel covers, wheels and tires and also providing protection against the loss of wheel covers due to various road hazards, the locking means including a customized lock nut cooperating with a lock stem to releasably anchor a wheel cover to a wheel lug stud, and a customized wrench for applying the lock nut to and removing the lock nut from the lock stem to lock and unlock the wheel cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: Richard E. Teston
  • Patent number: 4161869
    Abstract: A tumbler housing coaxially mounted on a bolt including a lug nut on the other end thereof extends coaxially outwardly from one of the lugs of the wheel support of a vehicle. The end of the tumbler housing is accessible through a hole in the wheel cover through which part of a tumbler can pass so as to engage the tumbler housing and lock the wheel cover to the lug. The tumbler housing is adjustably mounted on the bolt so that the distance which it extends from the lug can be varied thereby accommodating various different wheel covers. A tab on the tumbler coincides with a complementary cut out in the wheel cover to prevent rotation of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1979
    Inventor: James R. Dixon
  • Patent number: 4073169
    Abstract: A locking device including a labyrinthic passageway through which a ball may be moved until arriving at a position adjacent an associated locking mechanism that is operable solely in response to the presence of the ball. In an exemplary embodiment, the labyrinthic passageway is concealed in the bottom of an open-topped walled container and the locking mechanism is in communication with a sliding plate member employed to close the container. With the plate member in its closed position and the ball placed at a starting location within the passageway, yet away from the locking mechanism, the container cannot be opened until the ball has been encouraged, by spatial manipulation of the container, to negotiate the labyrinth, arrive at a position adjacent the locking mechanism, and operate same solely by the impression of its weight thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Inventor: Lyle C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 3965708
    Abstract: A hub cap locking device is provided by a spoke hub cap cooperating with a hub-covering shell and a lock-carrying cap such that engagement and removal of the hub cap is controlled by key-actuation of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Inventor: Don A. Smiley