For Lock Or Latch Patents (Class 81/15.9)
  • Patent number: 11311997
    Abstract: An adapter is arranged to secure to a rotary device. The adapter includes a handle rotatable about an axis, and a coupler extending from and coaxial with the handle. The coupler is adapted to engage the rotary device via traction elements for simultaneously rotating the rotary device and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Valgeir Petursson, Stefan Orn Stefansson, David Sandahl
  • Patent number: 10500702
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisted buckle release employing a generally C-shaped or U-shaped assistive device adapted to depress a buckle's release button, such as a button typical of a child car seat restraint harness, and thereby assist in unlocking the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Rebecca Davison, Barbara Heilman
  • Patent number: 9032604
    Abstract: A safety tool is specifically adapted to aid in opening hinged rear doors of industrial containers safely, while also ensuring that the operator of the safety tool remain outside the potential zone of danger whenever the rear door has the potential to swing open. The present safety tool not only provides convenience and leverage for commonly performed door opening procedures, but also ensures that the operator's body and hands remain safely distanced from the direction of door travel and the potential discharge path of material contained within the cargo box. In addition, the present safety tool is lightweight and compact, allowing the tool to be easily stowed in or around a cargo box and/or truck to and thereby ensure that the safety tool is available whenever it may be needed to aid in opening and/or closing the cargo box door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Keith Steven High
  • Patent number: 9003928
    Abstract: A modular access tool for operating door handles and door locks of motor vehicles from the exterior of the motor vehicle. The access tool is provided in sections which are removably attachable to one another such that the overall operative length is adjustable in discrete steps. A working head, such as a loop, a hook, or a magnet is attachable at the end of the access tool. Optionally, an illumination light may be attachable at the end of the access tool. Sections join together by threadless interference based detent devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Aurelio A. Vigil
  • Patent number: 8857030
    Abstract: A leverage hand tool for opening doors of a conventional cargo container provided with a latch mechanism having locking brackets and pivotal levers engaged with the locking brackets. The leverage tool is designed to amplify the lever arm formed by the pivotal container handle and make it easier to release the arm from the locking bracket. The tool has an elongated tool handle with a longitudinal axis and an engaging member secured to the tool handle at an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal axis. The engaging member has a through opening of sufficient size to slide over a pivotal lever of the cargo container while transmitting pivotal force from the tool handle to the pivotal lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph H. Stutson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140123814
    Abstract: A modular access tool for operating door handles and door locks of motor vehicles from the exterior of the motor vehicle. The access tool is provided in sections which are removably attachable to one another such that the overall operative length is adjustable in discrete steps. A working head, such as a loop, a hook, or a magnet is attachable at the end of the access tool. Optionally, an illumination light may be attachable at the end of the access tool. Sections join together by threadless interference based detent devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Aurelio A. Vigil
  • Publication number: 20130247351
    Abstract: A leverage hand tool for opening doors of a conventional cargo container provided with a latch mechanism having locking brackets and pivotal levers engaged with the locking brackets. The leverage tool is designed to amplify the lever arm formed by the pivotal container handle and make it easier to release the arm from the locking bracket. The tool has an elongated tool handle with a longitudinal axis and an engaging member secured to the tool handle at an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal axis. The engaging member has a through opening of sufficient size to slide over a pivotal lever of the cargo container while transmitting pivotal force from the tool handle to the pivotal lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph H. Stutson, JR.
  • Patent number: 8539862
    Abstract: A buckle release tool includes a housing element having a convex back surface ergonomically sized to conform to a human hand and a tool element. The housing element includes a rounded perimeter surface having several shallow slots. A tool element dome is provided on the front surface. The tool element dome includes a soft plastic tip surface. A seat belt cutter and a window hammer are housed in an embodiment of buckle release tool. A separate, storage element for the buckle release tool is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: MiiG Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlene G. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130180086
    Abstract: Spring band clip, removal tool, and method of operating spring band clip. The spring band clip includes an annular curved clip band having a first end portion and a second end portion, which are arranged to form an overlapping region and which are spaced radially from the clip band. A locking device, at least partially integrated in the first end portion, is structured and arranged to lock the clip band in an expanded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Norma Germany GmbH
  • Publication number: 20120312127
    Abstract: A simple, handheld instrument 4 for re-setting multiple brands of user re-settable lock cylinders, including and in particular, Schlage Securekey™ cylinders. The instrument generally comprises a graspable flat piece of steel with one or more multi-tine combs fashioned into the end or ends of the instrument. By guiding the comb into the lock cylinder's access ports and depressing the internal slides of the lock, it is then possible to rotate said cylinder to it's reset position where a new key can be inserted and learned. In addition to a comb or combs fashioned into the handle end, the instrument includes an opposing protruding barb 3 off one end for depressing an internal reset shuttle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Overby Jones
  • Publication number: 20120011968
    Abstract: A U-shaped apparatus comprised of a tube with a hook on one end which can be actuated from the other end. The device is used to manipulate the lever mechanism of a locked door from outside of the locked room by sliding said device underneath a door, guiding the device into a position where the hook is above the door lever and pulling on a cable from the other end of the device. The cable being pulled causes the hook to descend grabbing the door lever, pulling it downward and releasing the lock mechanism. The use of the device allows for access to locked rooms when electronic locking devices fail or master keys are unavailable and access to locked rooms becomes necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Gary M. Handerhan
  • Patent number: 7832309
    Abstract: A door unlocking tool capable of unlocking doors utilizing a lock requiring either a pushrod tip or a flathead tip for disengaging the lock mechanism through an aperture associated with the door knob. The door unlocking tool includes a flat elongated body that defines a first end and a second opposing end. The door unlocking tool also includes a first shaft extending from the first end of the flat elongated body. At the distal end of the first shaft is a pushrod tip. The door unlocking tool also includes a second shaft extending from the second end of the flat elongated body. The second shaft includes a distal end having a flathead tip. The flat elongated body includes an electrical component housing with an illumination device for use in the dark and in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael D. Robins
  • Publication number: 20100199733
    Abstract: A programmable lock for unlatching a bolt or a latch, that can be programmed for use with one or a set of main user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers. The lock can also be programmed for operation with a temporary access key, associated with the main user key, which can operate the lock. The operation of the lock with the temporary access key can be canceled by again inserting the main user key into the keyway and operating the lock. The lock can also be automatically configured to operate with a second successive main user key that has a different though complementary configuration, by inserting and rotating the second successive main user key in the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Rodrick A. HERDMAN
  • Publication number: 20100192651
    Abstract: A pin tumbler lock having a housing with a series of holes running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bore in the housing. The holes are bored through the housing, and a first end of each hole opens to one of each of the chambers in the housing, between the first and second ends of the corresponding chamber, and a second end of each hole opens to the outside of said housing. A tool having a body comprising a tumbler-lock-housing receiving cavity, for receiving the housing therein, wherein the body comprises a first and second series of channels for creating the holes in a conventional pin tumbler lock housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Rahamim Komemi
  • Patent number: 7685852
    Abstract: A tool for loading pin stack elements into a pin tumbler lock includes a cylindrical shank of diameter similar to the diameter of the lock plug, a loading groove extending along at least a shank portion corresponding to the length of the set of pin chambers and intersecting with the shank axis; a set of parallel loading bores formed in the shank, extending between the loading groove and the outer surface of the shank, each loading bore dimensioned to contain pin stack elements, the loading bores further having a spacing along the shank in a direction parallel to its axis equal to the spacing of the chambers; and a loader element mounted within the loading groove in adjustable positioning with respect to the loading bores, operative for selectable transfer of a pin stack element from each loading bore to a chamber in axial registration therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Rahamim Komemi
  • Publication number: 20100037733
    Abstract: A door unlocking tool capable of unlocking doors utilizing a lock requiring either a pushrod tip or a flathead tip for disengaging the lock mechanism through an aperture associated with the door knob. The door unlocking tool includes a flat elongated body that defines a first end and a second opposing end. The door unlocking tool also includes a first shaft extending from the first end of the flat elongated body. At the distal end of the first shaft is a pushrod tip. The door unlocking tool also includes a second shaft extending from the second end of the flat elongated body. The second shaft includes a distal end having a flathead tip. The flat elongated body includes an electrical component housing with an illumination device for use in the dark and in an emergency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: MICHAEL D. ROBINS
  • Publication number: 20090139288
    Abstract: The invention is a device for opening a pin tumbler type of lock, wherein the pin tumbler type of lock has a number of driver pins and a number of key pins, each of the key pins aligned with one of the driver pins. The device has a housing with a key end and a spring end. A spring inside the housing is located at the spring end of the housing. A slide has a first end fitting inside the housing and abutting an end of the spring. A trigger mechanism is attached to the housing and engages the slide. A key holder is attached to a second end of the slide. A bottom cut key is inserted into the key holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Pettey
  • Patent number: 7478851
    Abstract: A vehicle hand tool and method of use for opening and closing a vehicle door and performing various additional functions. The hand tool includes a hand gripper, a first rod and a second rod. The first rod includes a first end and a second end and the first end is fixed to the hand gripper. The second rod includes a third end and a fourth end and is movably mounted to the first rod. The second rod is movable from a storage position wherein the fourth end is adjacent the first rod and an extended position wherein the fourth end is spaced from the first rod. An attachment mechanism is mounted to the fourth end and a tool is removably mountable to the attachment mechanism. A release button is mounted to the hand gripper or the first rod and is movable to secure or release the vehicle hand tool from the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Geller
  • Publication number: 20090000427
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening tool used to unlock a vehicle door from outside the vehicle. It is made from a rod with an angle bend off center toward the handle. The handle is made with its plane perpendicular to a plane passing through the angle bend and the axis of the rod. A hock is formed at an end opposite the handle for use with the inside door latch to open the vehicle door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Kath Pihlaja Lacina
  • Patent number: 7467571
    Abstract: An apparatus including an elongated rod adapted for sliding under a bottom of a locked door. The elongated rod includes a main section, a curved section, a handle end and an actuator end. The handle end, the curved section and the actuator end extend away from the main section in the same direction such that the handle end, the curve section, the main section, and the actuator end define a plane. The elongated rod is separable into a handle section, an actuator section and a center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Heath
  • Publication number: 20080256997
    Abstract: A security key tool for unlocking and locking a manhole security device that secures a manhole access opening. The security key tool includes a longitudinal body portion and a handle portion. A security key at a first end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to engage a security lock on the security device for actuating a locking mechanism on the security device to an unlocked position. A slidable member may be used to help engage the security key to the security lock or to protect the security key. A latch release tool at a second end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to release a latch on the manhole security device for actuating the locking mechanism to a locked position. Optionally, the latch release tool may be disposed on a tool head that also includes a lifting tool adapted to engage and lift the security device away from a manhole frame after the security device is unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7281450
    Abstract: Vehicle unlocking tool for unlocking vehicle doors from the outside of the vehicle comprises at least two rod sections which are coupled together one rod section having a handle for manipulating the overall rod tool and the other rod section having an end portion that is used to push or pull or otherwise manipulate a lock actuator. The first rod section is stiffer than the second rod section which is made to be flexible to avoid scratching the interior of the car, such as the door panels, seats or dash but still has sufficient stiffness to transfer the force necessary to unlock the door. Additional sections may be added to the rod to lengthen its reach as needed by the tool operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Weinraub Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam S. Weinraub
  • Patent number: 7255023
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an elongated rod and a strap. The elongated rod is generally adapted for sliding under a bottom of a locked door. The elongated rod generally includes a main section, a curved section, a handle end and an actuator end. The handle end, the curved section and the actuator end generally extend away from the main section in the same direction such that the handle end, the curve section, the main section, and the actuator end define a plane. The strap is generally adapted for engagement with an opening mechanism of the locked door. A first end of the strap is attached to the actuator end and a second end of the strap is attached to the main section by a first connection device. The first connection device is generally adapted to slide along the main section of the elongated rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Bernard Heath
  • Patent number: 7028594
    Abstract: A guidance channel radiating from each side of clip holding chamber centered on a flat plate. A prying tool slideably and rotatably held within each guidance channel by a spring strip. A split ring held snugly within the holding chamber. The tool tips are forced between the split ring coils, which are separated further by simultaneous rotation of the prying tool handles 90-degrees in opposite clock directions. A pellet placed inside folded bag material forms a bump. The material with bump is placed between the separated coils into the split ring interior. Reverse 90-degree handle rotation partly closes the coils around the bump. Withdrawing the prying tools completely allows the coils to fully close, capturing the pellet-containing material. Tool stops prevent the tool tips from entering the split ring interior too far into or away from the clip holding chamber. Suspension of the tool and bags facilitates production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Mentken
  • Patent number: 7004051
    Abstract: A kit and method for use in opening a locked door with panic bar, the kit comprising a rigid generally J-shaped rod, a circular grab ring in one end of the rod, a generally straight extension on an opposite, bottom end of the J, a drill bit and hole plugs, whereby a door is drilled, the rod inserted, the door unlocked, and the holes filled with plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Benjamin Orner
  • Patent number: 6966238
    Abstract: With the advent of this new and unique spring-loaded slot door latching bar the individuals involved in the operation of removing the contents of the moneyboxes and the like will have at their disposal a device that by inserting and pushing down on the bar handgrip, the latching mechanism will be set and then, by turning the three separate keys the latches will be relocated in place holding the door mechanism. This rapid and safe operation will easily speed up the operation and eliminate a lot of skinned knuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
    Inventors: David J. Panek, Al Silva
  • Patent number: 6874390
    Abstract: With the advent of this new and unique spring-loaded slot door latching bar the individuals involved in the operation of removing the contents of the moneyboxes and the like will have at their disposal a device that by inserting and pushing down on the bar handgrip, the latching mechanism will be set and then, by turning the three separate keys the latches will be relocated in place holding the door mechanism. This rapid and safe operation will easily speed up the operation and eliminate a lot of skinned knuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Yiejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
    Inventors: David J. Panek, Al Silva
  • Patent number: 6802542
    Abstract: An unlocking device for a supplemental door lock of the ball hook and U-shaped catch type is disclosed. The unlocking device consists of a thin elongated resilient member. The resilient member is designed to engage the perpendicular corner formed by the standard door stop and associated door jamb. The resilient member has a resilient integral compression recoil arm that exerts force on the U-shaped catch as the door is closed. Upon closing the door, the resilient member causes the U-shaped catch to release the ball hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: John B. Laufer
  • Patent number: 6742415
    Abstract: A remotely operable opening mechanism for potentially booby-trapped latched panels has a clamp member for clampable engagement with a fixed structure on the panel. A displaceable actuator is mounted on the clamp member. The displaceable actuator has a protruding element engageable with a latch on the latched panel and a coupling element for connection to a line to permit remote activation of the actuator to release the latch member and thereby permit the latched panel to be opened from a safe distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by the Solicitor General acting through the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
    Inventor: Gordon D. Scott
  • Patent number: 6591473
    Abstract: A method of releasing the door lock of an automotive vehicle is disclosed, using as a prying tool a wedge of dense plastic material and an elongated rod-like probe with a short tip, at the end of the probe to be inserted, extending generally perpendicular to the length of the probe, and a handle at the other end of the probe to facilitate manipulation of the probe. By inserting the prying tool into the gap between a door and its door frame on the vehicle body, at a location opposite the door hinges, and using the tool to pry out a portion of the perimeter of the door sufficiently to achieve access to a resilient weatherstrip between the door and door frame, to release pressure locally on the weatherstrip sufficiently, it s possible to insert the probe past the weatherstrip, at the locality where pressure is released on the weatherstrip, into the interior of the vehicle without damaging the weatherstrip or the door or the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Steck Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Child
  • Patent number: 6536307
    Abstract: Boxes containing banknotes are secured by a mechanism utilizing a latch plate that can be removed and replaced automatically by a device of which the parts include a top slide equipped with a pivoting arm and a pusher designed to hold the latch plate steady and in tension from two points of contact; the device is also equipped with a bottom slide carrying a gripper of which the two jaws operate in concert one with another and with the pusher and the arm to release the latch plate from the position in which it secures the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Currency Systems International
    Inventors: Armando Neri, Paul Gray
  • Patent number: 6536500
    Abstract: Banknotes are placed for transportation purposes in cassettes comprising a container and a hinged lid, made secure by applying a seal composed of two parts that can be coupled non-releasably and are provided with latch elements appearing as curved teeth positioned to locate in the holes of lugs associated with the container and with the lid. The seals, loaded into a magazine with the two parts spread, are fed and applied to the cassettes by a unit comprising a clamp assembly with retaining pins designed to pick up the seals from an outlet of the magazine and transfer them to a gripper head presenting a pair of arms by which the two parts are taken up and restrained; the arms are mounted to respective pivots on the gripper head so that when the head is made to assume a final operating position adjacent to the lugs on the cassette, the arms can be rotated toward one another, causing the two parts of the seal to couple together with the curved teeth engaging the holes of the lugs, securing the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Currency Systems International
    Inventors: Armando Neri, Paul Gray
  • Publication number: 20030000346
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remotely operable opening mechanism for potentially booby-trapped latched panels, comprising a clamp member for clampable engagement with a structure on said panel, and a displaceable actuator mounted on said clamp member, said displaceable actuator having a protruding element engageable with a latch on said latched panel and a coupling element for connection to a line to permit remote activation of said actuator to release said latch and thereby permit said latched panel to be opened by remotely pulling on said clamp member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Gordon D. Scott
  • Publication number: 20020112570
    Abstract: A portable power tool having a housing (10, 11) with an angle drive chamber (30), a rotation motor, an output spindle (18) and a grease lubricated angle drive (15) located in the angle drive chamber (30) and including a drive pinion (16) connected to the motor and a bevel gear (17) connected to the output spindle (18), and an output spindle (18) arresting device (24) comprising a number of recesses (25) in the bevel gear (17) and a latch pawl (26) movably supported in the housing (10, 11) for movement between an inactive position and an active position to engage the recesses (25) in the bevel gear (17), wherein a grease moving element (32) is connected to the latch pawl (26) to be moved and displace grease from one part of the angle drive chamber (30) to another as the latch pawl (26) is shifted from its inactive position to its active position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO TOOLS AB
    Inventor: Tobias Axel Lindback
  • Patent number: 6360637
    Abstract: A rod having bends to facilitate engaging a vehicle door locking mechanism including at least one flat surface lying in the plane of the bends. To increase efficiency, the portion of the tool engaging the locking mechanism can be gnarled. The cross section of the tool can have two flat sides opposing one another. As the tool is inserted into the door, the flat sides allow for less pressure on the door, seal, and window than other comparable tools having a substantially circular cross section. Furthermore, the rod remains at a sufficient thickness to be manipulated within the door and still transfer the force necessary to unlock the door. The tool is made by a process of cutting a rod to a desired length, grinding at least one side flat, bending the rod to a desired shape in the same plane as the ground side, and heat treating the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Weinraub Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam S. Weinraub
  • Patent number: 6298539
    Abstract: The breakdown services have many task involving the unlocking of automobile doors. The problem is normally solved by pressing a wedge-shaped element down between the door window and the rubber sealing strip which abuts against the window, whereby access can be gained for the insertion of an unlocking tool without having to remove the sealing stip. However, the downwards insertion of the wedge-shaped element can give rise to damage to the sealing strip. This is avoided with the process according to the invention, in that instead of the wedge, use is made of a flat, inflatable pillow element of flexible, distensible material. The flat pillow element is easy to insert downwards, and by a subsequent inflation it will press directly outwards on the sealing list without at the same time scraping against the list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Claus Hornstrup Dissing
  • Patent number: 6244634
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening the locks of a cassette, wherein the cassette is comprised of a plurality of structural elements, and wherein the locks have an actuation area, comprising a base, an actuation element and a plurality of positioning elements wherein at least one of the positioning elements is disposed upon the base such that when at least one structural element of the cassette abuts the positioning element, the actuation element may contact the actuation area of the locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Robinson