Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-08-29)

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application:

Listing of Claims:

1\. (currently amended) A lock apparatus capable of locking a second member with respect to a first member, and also capable of releasing the lock, the lock apparatus comprising:a rotation body that is rotatable and located on one of the first member and the second member;
a pair of lock bodies that are movable along a first axis, and in which one end portion side of each is inserted into and removed from a pair of lock receiving portions provided in the other of the first member and the second member by respective movement; and
a connecting portion that rotatably connects the other end side of one lock body to one side with respect to a rotation center of the rotation body, and rotatably connects the other end side of the other lock body to the other side with respect to the rotation center of the rotation body,
wherein at least one connecting portion includes a rotation body-shaped protrusion portion provided on one of the rotation body and the lock body,
a cylindrical holding wall portion that holds an outer peripheral surface of the protrusion portion and a retaining portion that protrudes from the holding wall portion, and
an insertion portion that is recessed in the other of the rotation body and the lock body to rotatably receive the protrusion portion, andthe holding wall portion and the retaining portion are set in pairs in a direction that is inclined with respect to the first axis and a second axis orthogonal thereto, when viewed from an insertion direction of the protrusion portion into the insertion SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.160.55

wherein the insertion portion comprises a pair of notch portions arranged to face each other, each being provided between the holding wall portions.

2\. (currently amended) The lock apparatus according to The lock apparatus according to wherein the holding wall portion and the retaining portion are set in pairs in a plurality of directions that are inclined with respect to the first axis and the second axis, and are directions symmetrical to each other in the first axis when viewed from the insertion direction of the protrusion portion into insertion portion.

3\. (currently amended) The lock apparatus according to The lock apparatus according to wherein at least one connecting portion has gap portions continuous to the insertion portion and located between the holding wall portions in the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

4\. (original) The lock apparatus according to The lock apparatus according to wherein the protrusion portion has a spindle shape.

5\. (original) A storage apparatus comprising:a main body portion that is a first member having an opening portion;
a lid member that is a second member capable of opening and closing the opening portion; and
the lock apparatus according to claim 1, which is provided on any one of the main body portion and the lid member, and locks the lid member to the main body portion in a state of closing the opening portion.

6\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion comprises a pair of slit portions arranged to face each other, andthe pair of notch portions and the pair of slit portions are provided in a vertical orientation.

7\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation body is biased toward a locked position by a spring disposed between a base body and the rotation body.

8\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the base body is formed as a separate member from the second member and is attached thereto.

9\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lock apparatus further comprises an operated body attached to a base body, the operated body being operated by a user to rotate the rotation body.

10\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of lock bodies extend in the first axis.

11\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical holding wall portion comprises a plurality of gaps extending in an insertion direction of the protrusion portion.

12\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retaining portion is provided as a claw portion protruding from the holding wall portion.

13\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion portion and the insertion portion are configured such that the protrusion portion is inserted with interference fit.

14\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion includes gap portions continuous to the insertion portion and located between the holding wall portions in the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

15\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation body is rotatably supported by a support shaft integrally formed with a base body.

16\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gap portions between the holding wall portions in the first axis and the second axis are formed to allow elastic deformation of the holding wall portions.

17\. (new) The lock apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:an operating body including a pressing portion,
wherein the pressing portion is configured to:
move the first lock body in the first axis;
rotate the rotation body, thereby move the second lock body in the first axis in conjunction with the rotation body, such that one end portion of each of the pair of lock bodies is simultaneously removed from the pair of lock receiving portions.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
The Amendments filed August 5, 2025 have been entered.  Claims 1-17 remain pending in the application.  Applicant’s amendments have overcome the 35 USC § 112(b) rejections of claims 1-5 previously set forth in the Non-Final Office Action mailed June 11, 2025.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: The prior art does not teach or fairly suggest the lock apparatus as claimed in independent claim 1of the instant application.  The examiner can find no motivation to combine or modify the references of record without the use of impermissible hindsight and/or destroying the references.
Regarding claim 1, the prior art of record; Minnich et al., US 20220341224 A1, Nakasone, US 12044049 B2, and Nakasone, WO 2018008598 A1; teaches lock apparatus relevant to the claimed invention, but fails, both individually and in combination, to teach a lock apparatus having each and every limitation of the claims.
Specifically, regarding claim 1, while Minnich teaches it is known in the art for a lock apparatus capable of locking a second member with respect to a first member, and also capable of releasing the lock, the lock apparatus comprising: a rotation body that is rotatable and located on one of the first member and the second member; a pair of lock bodies that are movable along a first axis, and in which one end portion side of each is inserted into and removed from a pair of lock receiving portions provided in the other of the first member and the second member by respective movement; and a connecting portion that rotatably connects the other end side of one lock body to one side with respect to a rotation center of the rotation body, and rotatably connects the other end side of the other lock body to the other side with respect to the rotation center of the rotation body, wherein at least one connecting portion includes a rotation body-shaped protrusion portion provided on one of the rotation body and the lock body, a cylindrical holding wall portion that holds an outer peripheral surface of the protrusion portion and a retaining portion that protrudes from the holding wall portion, and an insertion portion that is recessed in the other of the rotation body and the lock body to rotatably receive the protrusion portion, and the holding wall portion and the retaining portion are set in pairs in a direction that is inclined with respect to the first axis and a second axis orthogonal thereto, when viewed from an insertion direction of the protrusion portion into the insertion, wherein the insertion portion comprises a pair of gap portions arranged to face each other, each being provided between the holding wall portions, one of ordinary skill in the art would not find it obvious to modify the gap structures of Minnich to be notches as claimed in the instant application wherein the insertion portion comprises a pair of notch portions arranged to face each other, each being provided between the holding wall portions without the use of impermissible hindsight and/or destroying the references.
Therefore, the prior art of record does not disclose the claimed lock apparatus.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSClaims 1-17 are pending in the application upon entry of the amendments.Favorable reconsideration in light of the amendments, the new claims, and the remarks which follow is respectfully requested.The Amendments Claim 1 is amended to clarify the movement of the pair of lock bodies as "movable along a first axis", in accordance with the Examiner's suggested interpretation. The phrase "with respect to the first direction" is amended to "with respect to the first axis". Additional language is included to support structural clarity, including the presence of a pair of notch portions provided between the holding wall portions.New claims 6 to 17 are added. Support for these claims is identified in the specification, as detailed below:New claim 6 is supported in paragraphs [0024] and [0025] of the present specification.New claim 7 is supported in paragraph [0026] of the present specification.New claim 8 is supported in paragraph [0021] of the present specification.New claim 9 is supported in paragraphs [0021] and [0023] of the present specification.New claim 10 is supported in paragraph [0022] of the present specification.New claim 11 is supported in paragraph [0027] of the present specification.New claim 12 is supported in paragraph [0024] of the present specification.New claim 13 is supported in paragraphs [0012] and [0013] of the present specification.New claim 14 is supported in paragraphs [0010] and [0028] of the present specification.New claim 15 is supported in paragraph [0023] of the present specification.New claim 16 is supported in paragraphs [0014] and [0028] of the present specification.New claim 17 is supported in paragraphs [0021] and [0029] of the present specification.No amendments are made to the specification as the amended claim language is fully supported by the original disclosure.The Indefiniteness Rejection Claims 1-5 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) for indefiniteness with regard to unclear expression regarding the direction of movement of the pair of lock bodies. The claims are amended so that the metes and bounds thereof is clear and understandable to one skilled in the art with reasonable certainty.More specifically, claim 1 is amended as described above to recite that the pair of lock bodies are "movable along a first axis". This language directly aligns with the Examiner's interpretation provided in the Office Action, and clarifies that the pair of lock bodies move in opposite directions along the same axis (i.e., the first axis) for simultaneous engagement with and disengagement from a pair of lock receiving portions.The amendments also address the Examiner's concern that the original language could imply that each lock body moves in the same direction for both insertion and removal, which was not the Applicant's intention. The amended claim now accurately reflects the operation of the invention as described in the specification (see paragraphs [0022] and [0026]), where the lock bodies extend in the left-right direction and move in opposite directions through rotational actuation.Furthermore, since claims 2-5 depend from amended claim 1 and the basis of their rejection was dependency on an indefinite claim, the amendments to claim 1 also overcome the rejections of dependent claims 2-5.Accordingly, Applicant respectfully submits that the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) is fully overcome.The Novelty Rejection Claims 1-5 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) over Minnich (U.S.Patent Pub. 2022/0341224). Minnich relates to a vehicle glove box latch sub- assembly including a rotor that is pivotably connected to a rotor mounting portion of a housing, and at least one pawl rotatably coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends. The rotor includes a body, a post disposed on the body, and rotation limiters extending from the post. One end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes an engagement portion that is configured to be engaged with an opening in the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted, and the other end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes a socket that is mounted to the post of the rotor for securing the pawl to the rotor. The socket includes a rotation limiter that is configured to bear on the rotation limiter of the post upon relative rotation between the post and the socket.To establish anticipation, each and every claim feature must be disclosed in a single cited art document. Claim 1 is amended to further clarify a distinguishing structural feature of the invention.Specifically, the amended claim now recites:"... wherein the insertion portion (e.g., 33b) comprises a pair of notch portions (47b) arranged to face each other, each being provided between the holding wall portions (e.g., 43)," as illustrated in Fig. 1 B of the present application.4763 holding wall portions (43) S3b 47,
7 a pi)  r  f notch paor1n  (47  ) Fig. 1 B of the present application While Minnich discloses certain cutout or notch-like features (see Annotated Fig. 61 of Minnich below), those features are clearly positioned adjacent to slit portions, and are not located between cylindrical holding wall portions. Instead, the notches in Minnich appear to be offset from the primary retention structure and serve a different mechanical role.In contrast, in the present invention, the pair of notch portions (e.g., 47b) are explicitly disposed between the pair of holding wall portions (e.g., 43).This arrangement contributes directly to the structural function of the holding mechanism by stabilizing the protrusion portion (e.g., 32b) and reliably suppressing rattling or looseness at the connecting portion. This is a critical technical advantage of the claimed configuration, which is neither disclosed nor suggested in Minnich.Accordingly, since Minnich does not disclose each and every element of claim 1, Minnich does not anticipate the invention as now claimed, and the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) should be withdrawn.Newly added claim 6 and Distinction Over Minnich Newly added claim 6 further specifies that:(1) the insertion portion comprises a pair of slit portions (e.g., 47a) arranged to face each other; and (2) the pair of notch portions (e.g., 47b) and the pair of slit portions (e.g., 47a) are provided in a vertical orientation.Minnich does not disclose or suggest these specific structural features. While certain grooves or contours may be observed in the figures of Minnich (e.g., Annotated Fig. 61), there is no disclosure or teaching of a configuration in which a pair of slit portions and a pair of notch portions are arranged to face each other and vertically aligned with respect to the insertion direction of a protrusion portion.In contrast, the present invention employs such a paired and vertically aligned structure (see Fig. 1A and 1 B of the present application), which facilitates improved flexibility of the holding wall portions and contributes to smooth insertion and enhanced stability of the connection. These effects are neither taught nor inherently present in Minnich.Accordingly, the subject matter of claim 6 is not disclosed by Minnich, and the claim should be considered novel under 35 U.S.C. § 102.Newly added claim 7 and Distinction Over Minnich Newly added claim 7 recites that the rotation body (e.g., 11) is biased toward a locked position by a spring (e.g., 20) disposed between a base body (e.g., 10) and the rotation body (11).Minnich does not disclose or suggest this configuration. In particular, although Minnich may include components such as pawls and rotors (e.g., 2006) for latch control, there is no disclosure of a spring element disposed between a base body and the rotation body that actively biases the rotation body toward a locked position.In contrast, the present invention utilizes a spring (e.g., a torsion spring) specifically disposed between the base body (10) and the rotation body (11), as shown in Fig. 5 and described in paragraph [0026] of the present specification.This spring ensures that the rotation body is normally urged toward the locked state, thereby enhancing the reliability of locking without requiring continuous external force from the user.Minnich lacks any such teaching or functional equivalent. Therefore, claim 7 is not anticipated by Minnich, and its subject matter is novel under 35 U.S.C. § 102.Newly added claim 8 and Distinction Over Minnich Newly added claim 8 further specifies that the base body (e.g., 10) is formed as a separate member from the second member (e.g., 5) and is attached thereto.Minnich fails to disclose or suggest such a structural relationship. In Minnich, the latch assembly appears to be mounted directly to the door or the surrounding panel (see, e.g., Fig. 2; paragraph [0106]); however, there is no clear teaching that the base of the rotation mechanism is formed as a separate member and then attached to the second member (e.g., the door 102).In contrast, the present invention distinctly defines that the base body is a discrete, separate component that is independently manufactured and later attached to the second member. This modular design facilitates improved manufacturing flexibility, easier assembly, and potential component interchangeability.Because Minnich does not teach or imply such separation and attachment, the subject matter of claim 8 is not anticipated under 35 U.S.C. § 102, and patentability should be acknowledged.Newly added claim 9 and Distinction Over Minnich Claim 9 recites that the lock apparatus includes an operated body (e.g., 13) attached to the base body (e.g., 10), which is operated by a user to rotate the rotation body (e.g., 11).Minnich does not disclose such a user-operated component directly connected to the base and configured to rotate the rotor. While Minnich shows latch actuation, the structure for user operation is not clearly separated or defined as an operated body attached to a base body.In contrast, the present invention includes a clearly defined operated body (13) mounted to the base body (10) and designed specifically for user manipulation to rotate the rotation body (11), as shown in Fig. 1 and described in paragraph [0021].Accordingly, claim 9 is not anticipated by Minnich, and novelty under 35 U.S.C. § 102 is maintained.Newly added claim 10 and Distinction Over Minnich Claim 10 specifies that the pair of lock bodies (e.g., 12a, 12b) extend in the first axis.Minnich does not clearly disclose that the pair of pawls (2002, 2004) extend along a common axis, or more specifically, along a defined first axis as recited. While movement along an axis may occur, Minnich does not describe the structural extension of both lock bodies in alignment with such an axis.In contrast, the present invention explicitly defines both lock bodies as extending along the first axis, which contributes to the symmetrical and coordinated locking operation. This structural arrangement is neither taught nor suggested in Minnich.Therefore, claim 10 is not anticipated, and patentability should be recognized under 35 U.S.C. § 102.Newly added claim 11 and Distinction Over Minnich Claim 11 recites that the cylindrical holding wall portion (e.g., 43) includes a plurality of gaps extending in the insertion direction of the protrusion portion (e.g., 32b).Minnich does not disclose such a feature. While certain contours or surfaces are shown (e.g., in Fig. 61), there is no teaching of multiple gaps formed in the holding wall portion that extend along the direction of protrusion insertion.In contrast, the present invention includes slit-like gaps formed in the cylindrical wall, extending in the insertion direction, to allow elastic deformation and ensure smooth insertion of the protrusion portion. This configuration is essential to the present invention's function and is absent from Minnich.Accordingly, claim 11 is novel over Minnich and should not be rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102.Newly Added Claims 12-17 and Distinction Over Minnich Claim 12 recites that the retaining portion (e.g., 46) is provided as a claw portion protruding from the holding wall portion (e.g., 43).Minnich does not disclose any claw-shaped retaining feature protruding from a cylindrical wall. The engagement structures in Minnich lack this claw-based retention geometry.Therefore, claim 12 is not anticipated by Minnich.Claim 13 recites that the protrusion portion (e.g., 32b) and the insertion portion (e.g., 33b) are configured such that the protrusion portion is inserted with an interference fit.Minnich does not describe or imply an interference-fit relationship between the protrusion and the corresponding receiving portion. Any engagement appears to rely on other forms of retention.Thus, claim 13 remains novel over Minnich.Claim 14 recites that the insertion portion includes gap portions continuous to the insertion portion and located between the holding wall portions in both the first axis and the second axis.Minnich does not disclose any gap structure positioned and oriented as such in relation to the holding wall portions.Accordingly, claim 14 is not disclosed in Minnich.Claim 15 specifies that the rotation body (e.g., 11) is rotatably supported by a support shaft (e.g., 15) that is integrally formed with the base body (e.g., 10).While Minnich includes a rotor, there is no teaching that the support shaft is integrally formed with the base structure. The structural integration claimed here is not found in Minnich.Therefore, claim 15 is novel over Minnich.Claim 16 recites that the gap portions between the holding wall portions are formed to allow elastic deformation of the holding wall portions.Minnich fails to disclose any such functionally intended gap structure that allows elastic deformation of the holding walls. Thus, claim 16 is not anticipated by Minnich.Claim 17 includes an operating body (e.g., 13) with a pressing portion (e.g., 51), the pressing portion (e.g., 51) is configured to:move the first lock body (e.g., 12a) in the first axis;rotate the rotation body (e.g., 11), thereby move the second lock body (e.g., 12b) in the first axis in conjunction with the rotation body, such that one end portion of each of the pair of lock bodies (e.g., 12a,1 2b) is simultaneously removed from the pair of lock receiving portions.Minnich does not disclose such a multi-stage coordinated mechanical operation initiated via a pressing portion attached to an operating body. The claimed mechanism and functional sequence are absent from Minnich's disclosure.As a result, claim 17 is novel over Minnich.Accordingly, Applicant respectfully submits that the rejections under 35 U.S.C. §§ 112(b) and 102(a)(1) are fully addressed and overcome, and respectfully requests withdrawal of the rejections and allowance of the application.In the event any fees are due in connection with this document or the Office Action, the Commissioner is authorized to charge those fees to Deposit Account No. 50-1063.Should the Examiner believe a telephone interview would be helpful to expedite favorable prosecution, the Examiner is invited to contact applicants' undersigned representative at the telephone number below.Respectfully submitted, AMIN, TUROCY & WATSON, LLP/Greg Turocy/ Gregory Turocy Reg. No. 36,952 200 Park Avenue, Suite 300 Beachwood, Ohio 44122 Telephone (216) 696-8730 Facsimile (216) 696-8731


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20220341224A1: Claims:
A vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly for a vehicle glove box, said vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly comprising: a housing that is configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box; a rotor that is pivotably connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing, the rotor including a body, a post disposed on the body, and rotation limiters extending from the post; and at least one pawl rotatably coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends, wherein one end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes an engagement portion that is configured to be engaged with an opening in the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted, and the other end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes a socket that is mounted to the post of the rotor for securing the pawl to the rotor, wherein the socket includes a rotation limiter that is configured to bear on the rotation limiter of the post upon relative rotation between the post and the socket to either limit or prevent rotation relative rotation between the post and the socket beyond a pre-determined rotational angle.
a housing that is configured to be connected to the vehicle glove box;
a rotor that is pivotably connected to a rotor mounting portion of the housing, the rotor including a body, a post disposed on the body, and rotation limiters extending from the post; and
at least one pawl rotatably coupled to the rotor and having opposing ends, wherein one end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes an engagement portion that is configured to be engaged with an opening in the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted, and the other end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes a socket that is mounted to the post of the rotor for securing the pawl to the rotor,
wherein the socket includes a rotation limiter that is configured to bear on the rotation limiter of the post upon relative rotation between the post and the socket to either limit or prevent rotation relative rotation between the post and the socket beyond a pre-determined rotational angle.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein each rotation limiter of the post comprises a gusset that extends radially outwardly from the post.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein a shoulder is formed on each side of the gusset, and the shoulder is configured to bear on the rotation limiter of the socket.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein the post is a spherical surface.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein the socket of the pawl includes an annular portion and the rotation limiter of the pawl extends in an axial direction from the annular portion.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rotation limiter of the socket comprises a flexible and resilient prong that is configured to be connected directly to the post.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 6 further comprising two rotation limiters disposed on the socket that are positioned on opposite ends of the socket and face each other.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rotation limiter of the socket includes a rounded surface for receiving the post, and the rotation limiter of the socket is circumferentially spaced apart from the rounded surface of the socket.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 8 , wherein a geometry of the rounded surface mimics the geometry of the post.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a user operated paddle that is pivotably connected to a paddle mounting portion of the housing, the paddle configured for movement between a home position and a deployed position.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least one striker that is configured to interact with an elongated body of the pawl.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a bearing surface disposed on the rotor that is spaced from the post and positioned adjacent an exterior surface of the pawl, wherein, in the event of application of force applied onto the pawl, the exterior surface of the pawl is configured to bear on the bearing surface of the rotor in order to limit the application of force applied onto the post by the pawl.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 13 , wherein the paddle is configured to be operated as a side-pull paddle.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 13 , wherein the paddle is configured to be operated as a vertical-lift paddle.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 13 , further comprising: a deadbolt that is movable with respect to the paddle between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position of the deadbolt, the deadbolt is positioned to prevent the paddle from moving from the home position toward the deployed position, and, in the unlocked position of the deadbolt, the deadbolt is positioned to permit the paddle to move from the home position toward the deployed position; and an actuator that is engaged with the deadbolt and configured to move the deadbolt between the locked position and the unlocked position.
an actuator that is engaged with the deadbolt and configured to move the deadbolt between the locked position and the unlocked position.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 16 , wherein the actuator is a lock that includes an electric motor having an output shaft and a gear that is non-rotatably coupled to the output shaft.
The vehicle glove box latch sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein the post includes a cylindrical base portion, a hemi-spherical head portion at a free end of the post, and a shoulder defined at the intersection of the cylindrical base portion and the hemi-spherical head portion, wherein a resilient prong defined on the socket is configured to bear on the shoulder of the post in an assembled configuration.
A pawl for a vehicle glove box latch for a vehicle glove box, said pawl comprising: an elongated body having opposing ends, wherein one end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes an engagement portion that is configured to be engaged with an opening in the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted, and the other end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes a socket that is configured to be mounted to a rotor for securing the pawl to the rotor, wherein the socket includes a rotation limiter that is configured to bear on a surface of the rotor upon relative rotation between the rotor and the socket to either limit or prevent rotation relative rotation between the rotor and the socket beyond a pre-determined rotational angle.
an elongated body having opposing ends, wherein one end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes an engagement portion that is configured to be engaged with an opening in the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted, and the other end of the opposing ends of the pawl includes a socket that is configured to be mounted to a rotor for securing the pawl to the rotor,
wherein the socket includes a rotation limiter that is configured to bear on a surface of the rotor upon relative rotation between the rotor and the socket to either limit or prevent rotation relative rotation between the rotor and the socket beyond a pre-determined rotational angle.
The pawl of claim 19 , wherein the socket of the pawl includes an annular portion and the rotation limiter of the pawl extends in an axial direction from the annular portion.
The pawl of claim 19 , wherein the rotation limiter of the socket comprises a flexible and resilient prong that is configured to be connected directly to the rotor.
The pawl of claim 21 further comprising two rotation limiters disposed on the socket that are positioned on opposite ends of the socket and face each other.
The pawl of claim 19 , wherein the rotation limiter of the socket includes a rounded surface for receiving the post, and the rotation limiter of the socket is circumferentially spaced apart from the rounded surface of the socket.
Ref US12044049B2: Claims:
A lock device for an opening and closing body that is attached to an opening portion of a fixed body in an openable and closable manner, the lock device comprising: a lock portion provided on the opening portion of the fixed body or the opening and closing body; a lock member configured to operate via an operation member to be engaged with or disengaged from the lock portion; an attachment hole formed on a front side of the opening and closing body or the fixed body; and a base member inserted and attached from a front side of the attachment hole and including a rotation support portion rotationally supporting the operation member, wherein the operation member includes a base end portion rotationally supported to the rotation support portion and a gripping part provided on a tip end-side, and is configured to slide the lock member in a direction of not engaging with the lock portion by rotating the gripping part in a direction of separating from the base member, one end-side of the base member located on the gripping part-side of the operation member is provided with a hook configured to be engaged with a peripheral edge on a rear side of one end-side of the attachment hole, the base member is provided with elastically deformable elastic engaging claws configured to be engaged with the peripheral edge on the rear side of the attachment hole on a further other end-side opposite to the one end-side than the rotation support portion, each elastic engaging claw is provided to the base member on the other end-side opposite to one end-side of the attachment hole so as to be engaged with a peripheral edge on a rear side of the other end-side, the other end-side of the base member is formed with an other-end wall part including an outer surface facing an inner periphery of the other end-side of the attachment hole and a concave portion further recessed toward one end-side of the base member than the outer surface of the other-end wall part, each elastic engaging claw is received in the concave portion positioned at the one end-side than the other-end wall part when the elastic engaging claw is bent toward the one end-side of the base member than the other-end wall part, the operation member includes an operating lever that causes the lock member to slide in the direction of not engaging with the lock portion when the operation member rotates in the direction of separating from the base member, the concave portion is provided on each of both sides of the operating lever, a pair of sidewall parts which are located on the operating lever side of each of the concave portions are provided at the other end-side of the base member, the sidewall parts are connected to the outer surface of the other-end wall part, and when viewed from the other end-side of the base member, each elastic engaging claw is mounted inside the concave portion.
a lock portion provided on the opening portion of the fixed body or the opening and closing body;
a lock member configured to operate via an operation member to be engaged with or disengaged from the lock portion;
an attachment hole formed on a front side of the opening and closing body or the fixed body; and
a base member inserted and attached from a front side of the attachment hole and including a rotation support portion rotationally supporting the operation member, wherein
the operation member includes a base end portion rotationally supported to the rotation support portion and a gripping part provided on a tip end-side, and is configured to slide the lock member in a direction of not engaging with the lock portion by rotating the gripping part in a direction of separating from the base member,
one end-side of the base member located on the gripping part-side of the operation member is provided with a hook configured to be engaged with a peripheral edge on a rear side of one end-side of the attachment hole,
the base member is provided with elastically deformable elastic engaging claws configured to be engaged with the peripheral edge on the rear side of the attachment hole on a further other end-side opposite to the one end-side than the rotation support portion,
each elastic engaging claw is provided to the base member on the other end-side opposite to one end-side of the attachment hole so as to be engaged with a peripheral edge on a rear side of the other end-side,
the other end-side of the base member is formed with an other-end wall part including an outer surface facing an inner periphery of the other end-side of the attachment hole and a concave portion further recessed toward one end-side of the base member than the outer surface of the other-end wall part,
each elastic engaging claw is received in the concave portion positioned at the one end-side than the other-end wall part when the elastic engaging claw is bent toward the one end-side of the base member than the other-end wall part,
the operation member includes an operating lever that causes the lock member to slide in the direction of not engaging with the lock portion when the operation member rotates in the direction of separating from the base member,
the concave portion is provided on each of both sides of the operating lever,
a pair of sidewall parts which are located on the operating lever side of each of the concave portions are provided at the other end-side of the base member, the sidewall parts are connected to the outer surface of the other-end wall part, and
when viewed from the other end-side of the base member, each elastic engaging claw is mounted inside the concave portion.
The lock device for an opening and closing body according to claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing body has a concave portion for accommodating configured to accommodate the operation member, the concave portion for accommodation is provided with a protruding portion protruding from an inner surface of the operation member located on the base end portion-side toward an inner side of the concave portion for accommodation, and a protruding end face of the protruding portion forms an inner peripheral edge of the attachment hole, and an end face of the base end portion of the operation member is located on a further outer diameter-side of the attachment hole than the protruding end face of the protruding portion.
the opening and closing body has a concave portion for accommodating configured to accommodate the operation member,
the concave portion for accommodation is provided with a protruding portion protruding from an inner surface of the operation member located on the base end portion-side toward an inner side of the concave portion for accommodation, and a protruding end face of the protruding portion forms an inner peripheral edge of the attachment hole, and
an end face of the base end portion of the operation member is located on a further outer diameter-side of the attachment hole than the protruding end face of the protruding portion.
The lock device for an opening and closing body according to claim 1 , wherein the base member has a spring support portion connecting the pair of sidewall parts each other, and an urging means for urging the base end portion of the operation member in a direction of separating from the base member is arranged on the spring support portion.
the base member has a spring support portion connecting the pair of sidewall parts each other, and
an urging means for urging the base end portion of the operation member in a direction of separating from the base member is arranged on the spring support portion.
Ref WO2018008598: Claims:
A shaft provided on one of the rod and the rotor, a shaft hole provided on the other of the rod and the rotor and capable of supporting the shaft, and the shaft and the shaft hole. A step of integrally forming the rod and the rotor, including a connection portion connected coaxially; And a step of pushing the shaft portion toward the shaft hole portion to break the connection portion and inserting the shaft portion into the shaft hole portion. 2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein a distal end portion of the shaft portion is positioned so as not to interfere with an inner surface of the shaft hole portion in a state where the shaft portion is inserted into the shaft hole portion. Manufacturing method. A pair of first wall portions formed on the rod and facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the rod; A second wall portion formed on the rod and facing each other in a direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the pair of first wall portions; The said 1st wall part is plate | board thickness thicker than the said 2nd wall part, and it connects to the said connection part in the process of forming the said rod and the said rotor integrally, The said connection part is characterized by the above-mentioned. Method of manufacturing the locking device. The method of manufacturing a lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the step of integrally forming the rod and the rotor, the pair of rods are arranged in parallel.
A shaft provided on one of the rod and the rotor, a shaft hole provided on the other of the rod and the rotor and capable of supporting the shaft, and the shaft and the shaft hole. A step of integrally forming the rod and the rotor, including a connection portion connected coaxially; And a step of pushing the shaft portion toward the shaft hole portion to break the connection portion and inserting the shaft portion into the shaft hole portion.
The locking device according to claim 1, wherein a distal end portion of the shaft portion is positioned so as not to interfere with an inner surface of the shaft hole portion in a state where the shaft portion is inserted into the shaft hole portion. Manufacturing method.
A pair of first wall portions formed on the rod and facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the rod; A second wall portion formed on the rod and facing each other in a direction orthogonal to a facing direction of the pair of first wall portions; The said 1st wall part is plate | board thickness thicker than the said 2nd wall part, and it connects to the said connection part in the process of forming the said rod and the said rotor integrally, The said connection part is characterized by the above-mentioned. Method of manufacturing the locking device.
The method of manufacturing a lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the step of integrally forming the rod and the rotor, the pair of rods are arranged in parallel.