Starters Patents (Class 292/DIG72)
  • Patent number: 5997056
    Abstract: A locking device for opening or closing a door comprising a lock housing having a pair of holes formed in the front surface thereof; a slider which can slide within the lock housing; a pair of clamps, the base end of each of which is pivotally mounted on the front end of the slider, and the other end of each of which has a spring force acting outward, and the both ends of which are pushed from outward to inward in the direction where the both ends are compressed when the clamps go backward within the lock housing; a spring member for the clamps attached to the front end of the slider such that said pair of clamps are opened in an approximately V-shape; a spring member for the slider which is intervened between said lock housing and said slider and which applies a spring force to said slider in the direction forward to the hole of the lock housing; a heart-shaped groove which is carved in one side of said slider, has a plurality of differences in depth, and a recess provided on the bottom portion of the heart
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Tokyo Magnet Ohyo Seihin Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 5951068
    Abstract: A lock for the locking of a sliding closure. The lock includes a housing (10) with a pair of hook shaped locking elements (11) which are mounted for counter-rotation within the housing. A handle (26) is mounted for rotation on the housing and is coupled to a gear wheel (23) which meshes with a pair of rack elements (30,32) which are located for sliding movement in the housing (10). A projection (34) from each rack element (30,32) engages in a curved slot (35) of the locking element (11). Consequently, rotation of the handle (26) results in a sliding movement of each of the racks (30,32) which causes the locking elements to move between a first position where the locking elements are substantially retracted in the housing (10) and a second position where the locking elements can latchingly engage with a strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventors: Nathan Paul Strong, David Nicholas Allum
  • Patent number: 5860302
    Abstract: A lock structure for a container having a first part carrying a resilient latch and a second part carrying a latch retainer, the lock structure including a first housing mounted on the second part and having a chamber for containing the latch retainer, and a second housing mounted on the second part of the container and containing a key-operated latch-moving member for biasing the latch out of latching engagement with the latch retainer, the latch-moving member being of a configuration to be moved to a non-unlatching position by the resilient latch when the latch-moving member is not actuated to an unlatching position by a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Diversified Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent A. James
  • Patent number: 5816628
    Abstract: A latch system usable with a motor-vehicle trunk lid that is movable between an open position and a closed position has a latch engageable with the lid and having a control element movable between a latched position in which the latch retains the lid in the closed position and an unlatched position in which it allows the lid to move from the closed to the open position and a pusher engageable with the lid and displaceable between a down position with the lid in the closed position and an up position forcing the lid into the open position. A drive motor has an output engageable with the control element and the pusher and displaceable through a first position moving the control element into the unlatched position and a second position moving the pusher into the up position. A remotely operable controller operates the drive motor and displaces its output sequentially through the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Klaus Gotzen, Thorsten Torkowski
  • Patent number: 5794844
    Abstract: The invention comprises a multiple point latching system for use with postal box clusters. In particular, the multiple point latching system comprises a latch bar, a track member, a plunger assembly and a plurality of latch plates. The latch bar is slidably coupled relative to a center partition in the postal box and includes a plurality of latches thereon. The latch bar slides in a vertical movement within a track member which is coupled to the center partition of the postal box. The plurality of latches on the latch bar present a plurality of latch points which aggregate to achieve the securement of the postal box cluster. The multiple point latching system further comprises a plunger assembly which is coupled to the center partition and which supplies a force that acts upon at least one master door to thereby force at least one master door open upon an unlatching of the latches. Hence, a single lock having multiple latch points is used to access and subsequently secure the entire postal box cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Cutler Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5765882
    Abstract: An automobile decklid pop-up bumper for assembly with an apertured workpiece, such as the framework of an automobile engine compartment having an aperture and a helical internal marginal portion defined around the aperture, includes a housing with an enlarged end portion for engaging the automobile hood and a shank portion extending from the enlarged end portion adapted to be received through the aperture. The shank portion has a helical thread for threadingly engaging the helical marginal portion around the aperture when the bumper is assembled with the workpiece. The housing has an axial bore with a portion of reduced radius within the enlarged end portion. The portion of reduced radius defines a shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Trauscht, Philip A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5709421
    Abstract: An electromagnetic locking device comprises an actuating assembly including an electromagnet having an operative face and at at least one side thereof an abutment which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the operative face and projects beyond the operative face, and a cooperative assembly including armature mounted for movement towards and away from the operative face in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto when the electromagnet and armature are aligned and arranged so as to engage behind the abutment when the electromagnet is energized. The actuating assembly also includes at least one plunger which is mounted for movement substantially perpendicularly to the operative face between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the operative face and spring washers for driving the plunger into its extended position into contact with said armature to displace the armature clear of said abutment when the electromagnet ceases to be energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Newman Tonks Group P.L.C.
    Inventor: Peter James Gillham
  • Patent number: 5664811
    Abstract: A release mechanism for use with fuel filler door latch systems that provides superior control of door movement during the entire service life of the motor vehicle. The biasing mechanism of the present invention includes a kick-out spring that acts directly against the striker bar. As such, the kick-out spring is not exposed to over-stressing and does not cause undue wear of the automobile body. The kick-out spring is a leaf spring having a first end that is secured to the housing, an intermediate section routed between posts extending outwardly from the housing, and a cantilevered second end that is oriented to be engaged and resiliently deflected by the striker bar when the fuel filler door is moved toward its closed position. In the closed position, the striker bar forcibly biases the second end of the kick-out spring to a deflected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Lectron Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Martus, Douglas S. Lanyk
  • Patent number: 5622395
    Abstract: According to the invention a releasable mounting system for retaining a protective cover (i.e., security grill) over an opening (i.e., window or door) in a wall of a structure is provided. The releasable system of the present invention includes a latch pin adapted to be rigidly connected to the protective cover. A housing assembly for accommodating the release means and for receiving the latch pin is also provided. The release means provided by the instant invention are pivotally mounted inside the housing assembly and include a latch member having a lever segment and a catch segment. Further provided are separation biasing means that facilitate movement of the latch member from a release position to a cocked position. Invention separation biasing means additionally facilitate movement of the latch pin away from the housing assembly when the latch member is in a release position. Also provided are remote actuating means that are connected to the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventors: Jerry P. Shine, Richard W. Harrington
  • Patent number: 5593192
    Abstract: A door latch is disclosed herein having a base member with a forward angular and notched face and which includes a sleeve resiliently supporting a reciprocating plunger operable to releasably engage and disengage with a retaining opening provided in a latch member. A spring carried, on the latch member effects forcible separation of the latch member from the base member upon disengagement of the plunger from the latch member opening. Apertures in the base member allow mounting of the base member for either right or left hinge mounted cabinet doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Yoram Stuchinsky
  • Patent number: 5576929
    Abstract: A latch mechanism which engages with a main body is provided at pivoting edges of a keyboard and a cover which are provided at the main body so as to be openable and closable. The latch mechanism includes a latch member which is movable from a first position, at which the cover and the keyboard are engaged with the main body, to a second position, at which the engaged state of the cover and the keyboard with the main body is released. The latch member releases only the engaged state of the main body and the cover at a third position which is between the first position and the second position. Further, the latch member is usually urged to the first position by a compression coil spring which deforms upwardly in a convex shape at the second position of the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: International Buisness Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Uchiyama, Fusanobu Nakamura, Michio Suzuki, Tetsuya Ohtani
  • Patent number: 5522626
    Abstract: Lock including at least one latch (2) which can move against a spring (8) between a locked position and a retracted position, this displacement of the latch taking place against the spring which thus passes from a position known as the rest position to a position known as the tension position, this also including a means (6, 7) for holding the spring (8) in its so-called tension position, and a means (17) actuated by the keeper when it engages with the latch and actuating this holding device so as to release the spring, the lock being characterized in that it includes a means (26) actuated when the door is being opened so as to play a part in tensioning the spring (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: MGI-Coutier
    Inventor: Benoit Dominique
  • Patent number: 5294157
    Abstract: A closure device for a lower opening of a coke drum pressure vessel is quick acting. The opening has an annular flange. An annular movable support encircles the pressure vessel above the flange. A stationary support secures to the flange below the movable support. A number of coil springs are evenly spaced around the stationary support between the stationary support and the movable support. Hydraulic cylinders between the movable and stationary support move the movable support axially relative to the stationary support. A head will abut the flange. Hooks mounted to the movable support will engage the head and pull the head tightly upward into engagement with the flange when the retracting cylinders are released. Pivotal cylinders will pivot the hooks between engaged and disengaged positions. The bias of the springs is independently adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Smith, Joseph Fruchtbaum
  • Patent number: 5290076
    Abstract: A closure device for a lower opening of a coke drum pressure vessel is quick acting. The opening has an annular flange. An annular movable support encircles the pressure vessel above the flange. A stationary support secures to the flange below the movable support. A number of coil springs are evenly spaced around the stationary support between the stationary support and the movable support. Hydraulic cylinders between the movable and stationary support move the movable support axially relative to the stationary support. A head will abut the flange. Hooks mounted to the movable support will engage the head and pull the head tightly upward into engagement with the flange when the retracting cylinders are released. Pivotal cylinders will pivot the hooks between engaged and disengaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5273325
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a bolt projecting from a support and movable by an actuator between an advanced and a retracted position, and a housing movable between an open, a partially closed, and a fully closed position. A latch fork can engage the door bolt to retain same and lock the door. The servoactuator can, when the bolt is engaged with the fork, move the housing between the partially and fully closed positions. A pawl pivots on the housing between a holding position retaining the fork in the latched position and a freeing position permitting the fork to move out of the latched position. A release lever on the housing displaces the pawl from the holding to the freeing position. A opening lever on the housing operatively engageable with the support is coupled to the pawl for moving it from its locked to its unlocked position on movement of the opening lever from a cocked to a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Kiekert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 5255946
    Abstract: A flap door in the floor of an aircraft cabin has a mechanism for locking and unlocking the flap door from either side. A bearing block with a bellcrank lever pivoted to the block is attached to the flap door that hinges upwardly into the passenger cabin. The bellcrank lever is one-armed and has a lateral roller that engages into a lateral guide groove. Further, a locking member is provided on the one-armed bellcrank lever, which catches behind a spring biased stop member on the bearing block in the closed position of the flap door. A handle recessed in the upwardly facing surface of the flap door is connected through a flexible pull member for withdrawing the stop member out of its locking position to open the door from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Allerding, Thorsten Teichmann, Albrecht Seelhorst
  • Patent number: 5246131
    Abstract: A positive lift pin means is provided which operates to force open an aircraft drain valve door at least to an unsealed position when the door is released from its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Shaw, James Cline
  • Patent number: 5172945
    Abstract: A vehicle closure latch mechanism that prohibits relative movement between a latch bolt and a latch assembly so as to prohibit the creation of noise during random vibration caused by the operation of the vehicle. The closure latch mechanism restrains the latch bolt from moving in any lateral direction relative to its longitudinal axis and also restrains axial movement outwardly toward the open position, as well as resisting axial movement inwardly toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Terence M. Doherty, Michael G. Bogos, Jeffrey D. Polzin, Giovanni A. Perin
  • Patent number: 5150933
    Abstract: A latch assembly for latching and unlatching a pivotally movable closure panel of an automotive vehicle. A locking lever is pivotally supported by the vehicle for movement between a latched position in which an engaging portion thereof is latched to the striker on the closure panel to hold the latter in its closed position and an unlatched position in which the engaging portion releases the striker to allow the closure panel to be moved toward an open position. A detent lever is pivotally supported by the vehicle for movement between an engaged position in which a stepped portion thereof engages the locking lever to retain the latter in its latched position and a released position in which the first portion thereof releases the locking lever to allow the latter to be moved to its unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Myslicki, Hecham R. Khalid, Michael E. Aubry
  • Patent number: 5135271
    Abstract: An improved latching apparatus for an access opening cover member or door on a grain bin. When locked closed, the cover member engages the adjacent wall of the grain bin to integrate the cover member with the grain bin wall to thereby enable hoop stresses caused by the weight of grain being stored in the bin to pass through the cover member. Typically, a series of pins carried by the door frame engages openings in the edges of the cover member or door to structurally integrate the door into the bin. The integration of the cover member with the bin wall provides a greater structural integrity of the bin and cover member; however, due to the stresses placed upon the cover member and bin wall, the pins tend to bind, making it difficult to disengage and open the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Grain Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Bestwick
  • Patent number: 5127683
    Abstract: One side of the operation panel for audio equipment is supported by a projected strip of the audio equipment body and the other side is held by an engagement claw. The engagement claw is pivotally supported on a holder with a spring installed therebetween. The holder in turn is pivotally supported by the end of a first arm whose base end is rotatably mounted on the audio equipment body. The holder is also pivotally connected to a second arm, which is rotatably mounted on the audio equipment body. When the operation panel is moved between the installed position and the pop-up position, a change in the angle between the holder and the engagement claw is kept small by the action of the second arm, so that the spring force acting on the engagement claw does not increase greatly, permitting easy removal or installation of the operation panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Sato, Hideshi Nagaya
  • Patent number: 5106132
    Abstract: A closure device for suitcases, briefcases, or the like, has an opening-position security formed by means of a movable securing part. In order to minimize the number of parts without impairing dependable operation of the closure device, the movable securing part is developed as a rolling body (28), and is contained between surfaces (26, 27) of the push button (13) and the push button support (9) which are positioned in wedge shape with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: S. Franzen Sohne (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Laszlo Bako, Helmut Klein
  • Patent number: 5092637
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a door movably mounted on a frame is disclosed together with its method of operation, the assembly including a housing mounted on the frame adjacent an opening for receiving the door, a first pin mounted in a first passageway of the housing with a spring biasing the first pin into extended locking engagement with the door, a second pin being mounted in a second passageway intersecting with the first passageway, a spring biasing the second pin into extension for opening the door from the frame, retainers being interconnected with the first and second pins for securing each pin in a retracted position when the other pin is extended so that the first pin positively locks the door in a closed position retracting the second pin and the second pin positively opens the door when the first pin is retracted by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Kermit G. Miller
  • Patent number: 5078441
    Abstract: A vehicle with a retractable and extensible roof assembly including a ceiling for the vehicle having an opening formed at one end thereof, a load-supporting horizontally slidable closure member adapted to cover the opening in the ceiling, a vertically movable roof portion over the ceiling, movable between a fully extended portion and a retractable portion having flexible sidewalls between the movable roof portion and the ceiling, and utilizing both tension and compression spring biasing for aiding in the elevation of the roof to the fully extended position, and the lowering of the roof to the fully retracted position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Sportsmobile Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Borskey
  • Patent number: 5067271
    Abstract: A trap intended for capturing mice, rats, snakes or the like alive consists of a receptacle, preferably a household jar (6) and a cover (2,115). The cover (2,115) has an opening which is closed by a pivotally arranged grating (113). In order to manufacture a cover (2,115) which is readily adapted to various diameters and threads on the neck (7) of the receptacle (6) the connection means of the cover (2,115) are provided in the form of snap acting webs (4). So as to prevent a captured animal from escaping the cover comprises a stop latch (101) for holding the grating (113) into contact with the contact face on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Joergensen Henning
  • Patent number: 5033779
    Abstract: An improvement is provided in an electromagnetic door lock device. The device itself includes an electromagnet in a housing adapted to be connected to the top of a door frame and depend from the underside thereof above a door in the frame. The device also includes an armature block connected to the top of the door in a position near the electromagnet. The armature moves between a down inoperative position away from the electromagnet, facilitated by gravity, when the electromagnet is deenergized and an up extended operative position against the underside of the electromagnet housing when the electromagnet is energized. A locking plate connected to the housing has a tab which depends therefrom and abuts the armature when the latter is in the up position to lock the door closed in the door frame. The improvement prevents slow separation of the armature and tab and hesitant unlocking of the door when the electromagnet is deenergized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventors: Arthur Geringer, Richard Geringer, David Geringer
  • Patent number: 5018302
    Abstract: A burglar bar assembly for establishing a security barrier across a door or window opening composed of a plurality of horizontal cross bars held in vertically spaced relation by intervening and transversely related vertical members. Certain of the vertical members are fixed rigidly to certain of the cross bars, but slidably joined to others in a manner to provide for extension and retraction adjustment of the barrier to accomodate variations in door or window dimensions. The bar assembly is hingedly connected at one end to a window or door frame to provide for swinging opening and closing operation of the barrier. A safety latch is mounted adjacent one end of the bar assembly and comprises a spring loaded cam member pivotally moveable against spring bias by a remotely operated cable. The cam member serves to capture and lock the unhinged end of the barrier to a rigid locking channel secured to the window or door frame; such channel having spaced angulated slots receptive of the cross bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: John Sterling Corporation
    Inventor: Richard G. Kluge
  • Patent number: 4986581
    Abstract: An improvement in an electromagnetic door device. The door device includes an electromagnet secured in a housing to the underside of the top of a door frame, a door hinged in the frame for opening and closing therein, and an armature secured to the top of the door for movement betrween a resting position on the door top and an operative position upwardly magnetically attracted to the electromagnet when the latter is energized. In the operative position, the armature is intercepted by a locking plate depending from the housing, so as to lock the door until the electromagnet is deenergized and the armature drops away to the resting position. The improvement is a device which biases the armature upwardly so that it is, in effect, lighter, requiring less electromagnetic force to attract it and permitting the armature to be spaced, in the resting position, a greater distance therefrom for improved door-frame clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventors: Arthur Geringer, Richard Geringer, David Geringer
  • Patent number: 4978152
    Abstract: A positive position indicator that is used on a variety of non-rotatable, cabinet slam-action pawl latches is disclosed. The indicator uses stored spring forces, stored in a thin, twin-leafed flat spring having a plurality of spring bends therein, to react against a latch keeper attached to the cabinet frame. The stored spring forces cause a spring tab to dislodge the latch pawl from an adjacent flat surface and move the latch housing and cabinet door away from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Bisbing
  • Patent number: 4961601
    Abstract: A compact vehicle hood latch and pop-up device can be pressembled as a unit and mounted to a vehicle and cooperate with a single striker on the hood to effect latching, pop-up and unlatching of the hood. It includes a pivotal primary latch, a detent lever cooperable with the primary latch, a pop-up lever extending across the path of the striker to effect movement of the latter to a pop-up position when the primary latch is released and a secondary latch to release the striker from its pop-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kari A. Lindholm, James Bolsworth
  • Patent number: 4913476
    Abstract: A door latch and release apparatus is for moving a door into a finally closed condition with respect to a door frame and initially moving the door out of its closed condition to overcome the force of compressing or decompressing a continuous metallic gasket extending around the entire periphery between the door and the door frame. A handle on the door is linked to one end of a rocker arm which is pivotally mounted on the door. An antifriction rocker arm roller is rotatably mounted on the other end of the rocker arm in position to lie between a latch edge portion of the door frame and a latch plate finger fixedly supported with respect to the door frame latch edge portion. With the door handle in its open position, the door is closed until the roller contacts the door frame latch edge portion, and then the handle is manually moved to its closed position with the roller rolling on the finger to finally close the door with enough force to easily compress the metallic gasket between the door and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Crenlo, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan M. Cook
  • Patent number: 4890868
    Abstract: A safety door latch is provided for a door hinged to a door frame in a building having a first and second floor. The door latch is spring biased closed to keep the door in a secured locked position and can be manually released to unlock the door from the first and second floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventors: Edward Horvath, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4884368
    Abstract: An ice breaker arrangement of forcing open the door of an enclosure such as a radio frequency shelter for electrical equipment comprises a threaded stud (3) which, when turned by a key, is made to project from the door frame (5) so as to force a reaction plate (2) attached to the door (1) away from the frame, thus opening the door (1). Appropriate apertures (21, 73) are provided at each end of the stud (3) to allow access to the stud (3) by the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: The Marconi Company Limited
    Inventors: David J. Thornley, Moira A. Smith, Philip Dale, Samuel H. Leask, Ian M. Coutts
  • Patent number: 4863208
    Abstract: For a Corvette rear-seat storage compartment, a spring connected between the compartment frame and a latch on the cover and arranged when the cover is in its closed position to develop an opening force urging the cover in a direction away from the closed position. The opening force of the spring, after the latch is disengaged from the keeper on the frame and after the force depressing the latch push button is removed, causing the cover and latch to rotate upwardly away from the closed position at a rate great enough to prevent the latch from re-engaging with the keeper and at a distance sufficient so that the cover can be grasped by the fingers and moved to a fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Street Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Streett
  • Patent number: 4779907
    Abstract: A suitcase lock comprises a manually operable actuator mounted in a bowed handle of a suitcase to actuate a guiding means which incorporates a combination lock and which in turn moves a release plate. The release plate has two opposite ends connecting with two locking means which are unlocked upon moving the release plate. The guiding means is provided with a means that prevents the suitcase lock from unlocking when the suitcase is not in a correct position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Tatie Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 4773681
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for an insulated cabinet, having a cabinet door and a cabinet housing, includes a striker disposed on the housing and a slotted striker plate disposed on the cabinet door for receiving the striker. A latch spring is disposed within the cabinet door adjacent the slotted striker plate such that the slotted striker plate receives the striker and the latch spring releasably secures the striker. A latch rod assembly is adapted to cooperate with the latch spring to enable release of the striker and this assembly includes a latch rod having an operating handle and a lifter rod portion linked with the latch spring to lift the spring to release the striker. The assembly further includes a latch rod guide for supporting and guiding the latch rod for reciprocal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: InterMetro Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Albert Kolvites
  • Patent number: 4759580
    Abstract: A floor latching mechanism particularly adapted for attaching a bench seat to a motor vehicle floor which permits the seat to be conveniently removed from the vehicle. The floor latching mechanism includes a retractable actuation handle which drives a pair of hooks that are engageable with shafts attached to the motor vehicle floor. When the actuation handle is rotated, a cam partially lifts the bench seat and maintains the hooks out of engagement with the floor shafts. The floor latching mechanisms may be actuated to a parked position wherein the mechanism will not inadvertently reengage the floor shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis W. Berklich, Jr., Richard A. Furst, David W. Husted
  • Patent number: 4753466
    Abstract: A door locking device comprising a cam (3) and cam keeper (4), the cam (3) being provided with a lobe engaging (5), a fork (6) and projecting head (7), the keeper being provided with a U-shaped recess having a hook on one arm and sloped receiving surfaces (4a), (4a) and (4c) provided on the arms of cam keeper (4) engaging respectively with a sloped contacting surface (3b) on the upper surface of the lobe (5), a sloped contacting surface (3c) on the upper surface of the fork (6) and a sloped contacting surface (3d) on the lower surface of the projecting head (7) to effectively distribute loads applied to the door, to improve the durability and to make the door easy to open and close. It can be effectively applied to containers and van type vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Tokyu Sharyo Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Moriyoshi Umebachi, Isao Kirigaya
  • Patent number: 4660871
    Abstract: A latch device comprises a casing secured to a body with a door hinged thereto and a slide to be pushed, when the door is closed, by a strike projecting from the back side of the door into the casing so that the door is held closed with the strike retained in the slide. The slide has a heart-shaped cam groove formed in the top surface. A latch pin is provided with its one end received in the cam groove and its other end rotatably fitted in the casing. The one end of the latch pin is adapted to trace the cam groove with the movement of the slide, and is urged against the bottom of the cam groove by a retainer spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaru Arakawa, Yoshio Kaneko
  • Patent number: 4597599
    Abstract: A blind latching system is disclosed for securing a closure element to a storage structure. The invention comprises a keeper sub-assembly, a cooperating latch sub-assembly and a release mechanism. The keeper sub-assembly is mounted in a fixed position for engagement by the latch sub-assembly which is affixed to and moves with the closure element. Movable first biasing means are provided for urging a latch into locked engagement with a keeper and a second movable biasing means is provided for maintaining a secure and rattle-free engagement of the closure element and the storage structure and to assist in opening the closure when it is unlatched. The first biasing means also urges the second biasing means against one end of a release rod to provide for its return to normal position after the unlatching action. The release rod may be a push rod for disengaging the latch from the keeper or a torque and cam operator for carrying out the same disengagement function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Bisbing
  • Patent number: 4547006
    Abstract: A device for closing a piece of luggage comprising two parts connected by a hinge comprises an elongate case extending along a side of one part opposite the hinge and an elongate keeper extending along a side of the other part opposite the hinge. The case has spaced apertures to receive spaced hook-like hasps of the keeper and contains closing mechanism for releasably engaging the hasps to retain them in the apertures. In one form, the closing mechanism comprises an elongate member extending longitudinally in the case with detent portions to engage the hasps and a central push-button having a cam to engage the elongate member to move it longitudinally to release the hasps when the push-button is pushed in. In another form the closing mechanism comprises two elongate members extending in opposite directions from a central push-button having a cam for moving the elongate members in opposite directions to disengage the hasps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Superior S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Castanier
  • Patent number: 4544191
    Abstract: A plastic one-piece latch for locking a lid comprises a base provided on the underside thereof with a fastener leg, an engaging piece extending from one end of the base and bent abruptly in an oblique upward direction in a manner folded over itself and adapted to make fast engagement with a hook on the lid, and a compression piece extending from the base to a great enough length to collide into the inner surface of the lid at the time that the lid is on the verge of complete closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Daiji Nakama
  • Patent number: 4525004
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lid lock structure for a hinged lid of a recess which is made in a car body to conceal a fueling port. The lid lock structure includes a latch housing containing a bolt and having a plate spring at its head. The bolt catches a catch leg extending from the back of the hinged lid when closed, whereas the plate spring is yieldingly bent to constantly apply pressure to the lid while it is closed. When the bolt is retracted, the lid is unlatched to snap open. The built-in spring structure facilitates assembly work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Toshie Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4509779
    Abstract: A door locking device for a microwave oven of the present invention has a latch disposed on the rear surface of a door and pivoted clockwise by the urging force of a spring, and an engaging portion which stops a hook at the distal end of the latch. Upon closing operation of the door, the hook engages with the engaging portion to lock the door. For opening the door, a lock release actuator is moved upward to pivot the latch upward to release the locking state of the latch with the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takafumi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 4504167
    Abstract: A releasable joint structure comprises an engaging device, first and second biasing members, a receiving plate, a guide rod, and a stopper member. The engaging device is inserted into a main hole formed on the receiving plate in order to push back a plate member provided on the second biasing member against the force exerted thereby. The receiving plate is then pushed laterally relative to the engaging device by a force exerted by the first biasing member, until the engagement between the plate member and the stopper member is obtained. The engaging member in this condition is pivotally supported on the peripheral of the side hole. When it is required to remove the engaging device out of the receiving plate, the guide rod is operated to attain the engagement between the plate member and the stopper member. The engagement device is then automatically pushed out of the receiving plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai
    Inventor: Masahiro Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 4482175
    Abstract: Locking devices for kitchen doors, drawers or like closure structures comprise a locking mechanism fixed to the cabinet supporting the door and a key unit mounted on the door. The locking mechanism includes a heart-shaped groove having a recess in which a projecting member in the device lodges under spring bias when the device is in the locked position. Operation of the devices to lock a door is achieved by pushing the door toward the cabinet so the key unit engages the locking mechanism and the projecting member moves in the heart-shaped groove until it lodges in the recess to firmly lock the door. Opening such a locked door is achieved by first pushing the door further closed so that the key unit enters deeper into the locking mechanism to cause the projecting member to disengage from the recess which then allows the door to move forward to an unlocked position. Several embodiments of the devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Isshin Kenkyusho, Tokyo Magnet Ohyo Seihin Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Syuichi Sugie
  • Patent number: 4479675
    Abstract: A lid for the luggage compartment of a motor vehicle has a hinge pin with opposed ends supported in upwardly opening sockets mounted on vehicle body. Spring biased latches are carried by the sockets and have lugs projecting over the hinge pin to latch the hinge pin and enable pivotal movement of the lid about a hinge axis defined by the hinge pin. The latches are withdrawn to unlatching positions by handles integral with the latches. Springs carried by the sockets lift the end of the hinge pin out of the socket so that the ends of the hinge pin engage with the lugs to hold the latches in the unlatched position to enable subsequent pivotal movement of the lid about a second hinge pin provided at the other end of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt O. Zankl
  • Patent number: 4461597
    Abstract: A cover capable of being both locked in position within a valve box or manhole cover and lifted upwards to assist in its removal, having a rotating bolt therein which maneuvers a lever base upwards or downwards which lever base causes the rotation of a lock lift lever extending through a slot in the side of the cover and which, when moved downwards, causes the lock member portion of the lock lift lever to tighten against the valve box and which when raised, rotates a lift member portion against the seat of the valve box thereby jacking the cover upwards so that it can be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventor: Gerard F. Laurin
  • Patent number: 4435966
    Abstract: A lock for a motorcycle saddle bag container includes a key operated plug attached to a lock housing mounted on the inside wall of the container. The plug operates a pivotal and transversely movable shutter. The shutter, in turn, cooperates with a strike attached to the inside of the lid for the container. A rubber seal maintains the shutter and strike in a locked position until the lid is manually depressed to compress the seal and release the shutter from the strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Clark E. Craig
  • Patent number: 4397488
    Abstract: A closure control mechanism especially designed for a pivoted door of a cargo carrier, such as, a highway or off-highway truck or trailer, cargo container, tanker and the like. The closure mechanism includes a hinged lock shaft adapted to be connected to one or the other of two members one of which is hinged and adapted to be selectively secured in closed position relative to the other, a keeper member(s) having a base part adapted to be secured to the other of the first two mentioned members and a part spaced from the base part having a surface facing in the direction of the base part for engagement with the lock shaft when the lock shaft is pivoted in the direction to move the hinged member of the first two mentioned members away from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: John V. Pastva