Members Locked In Axial Alignment Patents (Class 403/102)
  • Patent number: 5964545
    Abstract: A folding device mounted between two sections of one rail of a playyard to achieve a folding of the playyard is disclosed. The folding device includes a sheet body bent to integrally form front plate, a rear plate opposed to the front plate and a middle arcuate plate coupling top edges of the front plate and the rear plate. A press button has a rectangular pedestal with a stepped portion received in an channel defined in the rear plate and a protrusion integrally extending from the stepped portion of the pedestal and selectively projecting beyond a hole defined in the front plate of the sheet body. A spring is compressed between the rear plate and a back of the pedestal for selectively urging the press button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Cheng
  • Patent number: 5934153
    Abstract: A rod linkage includes a mount member, a pivotable body, a handle rod, and a front rod. The mount member has left and right lateral walls extending rearwardly from two ends of an upright front wall, an upward abutment wall between the left and right lateral walls, and an upright rear wall which extends downward from a distal side of the upward abutment wall to define an upright bore extending in a first axial direction for receiving an upper end of the front rod. The mount member further has left and right rear lateral walls which extend respectively from the left and right lateral walls and which are disposed below the upright rear wall to form seat portions. The pivotable body includes an elongated member provided with a second upright front wall, and a lower abutment portion supported on the seat portions. The elongated member has a through-hole to permit extension of the handle rod such that a lower end of the latter is pivoted on the rear lateral walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Chih-Huang Yang
  • Patent number: 5906014
    Abstract: A bed frame assembly has a lower frame, an upper frame, and four longitudinal rods disposed between the lower frame and the upper frame. The lower frame has four lower corner seats, four elongated bars, four short bars, two link devices, two joints, and a tube device. The tube device has two telescopic tubes and a knuckle. Each telescopic tube has an inner pipe and an outer pipe. Each link device is connected to the inner pipe and two short bars. Each joint is connected to a support leg and two elongated bars. The knuckle is connected to a support post and two outer pipes. The upper frame has four upper corner seats, four couplers, four elongated rods, and four short rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Lin Zhuang
  • Patent number: 5906013
    Abstract: A pivotal device for a playpen includes a connecting member which pivotally connects two siderails of the playpen. Each of the siderails has a spring received therein which has a protrusion extending through the siderail and the connecting member and a pushing end being accessed via a hole of the connecting member. An operation plate mounted to the connecting member with a slidable member biasedly disposed therebetween. The operation plate has flexible plate and a head with a tapered surface extends laterally from the flexible plate, the slidable member having one end thereof slidably located below the head so that when the slidable member is shifted, the head is pushed to push the pushing ends of the springs to withdraw the protrusions from the connecting member to allow the siderails to be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 5904344
    Abstract: A floor lock assembly for a playpen prevents collapse of the apparatus when it is occupied by a child, whereby a potential safety problem is obviated. In a typical playpen collapsible frame, a lower frame assembly is comprised of a pair of parallel connecting rod units pivotally joined to a pair of crossing rod assemblies. The floor lock assembly extends between the pivoting intersections of the crossing rod units, and includes a pair of rigid linking members extending in opposed relationship from a lock bracket, each linking member pivotally joined to one of the pivoting intersections of the crossing rod units. Each linking member is limited in angular range in its pivoting relationship to the lock bracket, whereby the lock bracket may be supported by the linking members (when the lower frame is in a deployed configuration) in a generally horizontal overcenter disposition beneath a medial portion of the floor panel of the playpen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Lenard E. Pope, Robert John Warner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5895024
    Abstract: A mounting for warning devices includes a body having one or more outwardly extending finger portions. Mounting staffs aligned with the finger portion are secured thereto with a sliding collar which surrounds both the mounting staff and finger portions. The mounting staffs may be pivotally joined to the body, adjacent each finger portion. The body portion may be mounted from an upright support member, secured to a stationary or mobile support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Williams, Grant D. Dicke
  • Patent number: 5867911
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting a first member relative to a second member comprises a button with two sets of teeth and movable between first and second positions. When in the first position, both sets of teeth engage sets of teeth carried by the first and second members to prevent relative movement of the first and second members. When in the second position, one of the sets of teeth carried by the button disengages one of the sets of teeth carried by one of the first and second members to allow relative movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: McCulloch Corporation
    Inventors: Jan B. Yates, John F. Searle, Gregory A. Trees
  • Patent number: 5868459
    Abstract: A bouncer device having a base frame and infant seat frame pivotally connected to each other and held in an erected position by a pivot arm assembly which includes a movable locking sleeve which precludes a pivot arm assembly from collapsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Welsh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5857229
    Abstract: A hinge positioned at the intermediate extents of the adjacent rail components to hold such components in an aligned orientation including a saddle with a central button aperture, interior plate apertures and exterior end apertures with associated rail pins for pivotally coupling the saddle and the adjacent interior ends of associated rail components, a pair of hinge plates each with a plate pin coupling the upper end of each plate to a plate aperture of the saddle, each plate having an opening extending therethrough, the plates urged away from each other, a liftable block with an elongated slot and with an associated block pin for slidably coupling the block to the saddle, the button having inclined bearing surfaces on their edges and an inwardly facing projection located at the adjacent interior edge of each adjacent rod segment, each projection having an upper curved surface and a lower planar surface receivable by the bearing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Tom J. Magnani, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5845962
    Abstract: A foldable chair has a seat support, a seat plate disposed on the seat support, a first support pipe disposed beneath the seat support, a second support pipe disposed beneath the first support pipe, a first knuckle connected to a first end of the first support pipe, a second knuckle connected to a second end of the first support pipe, a third knuckle connected to a first end of the second support pipe, a fourth knuckle connected to a second end of the second support pipe, a first leg tube connected to the first knuckle, a second leg tube connected to the second knuckle, a third leg cube connected to the third knuckle, a fourth leg tube connected to the fourth knuckle, a first leg pad connected to the first leg tube, a second leg pad connected to the second leg tube, a third leg pad connected to the third leg tube, a fourth leg pad connected to the fourth leg tube, a fifth knuckle connected to the seat support, a sixth knuckle connected to the seat support, a first spindle connected to the fifth knuckle, a sec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Forever Young Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 5842808
    Abstract: A spring-loaded hinge for a training golf club comprises first and second hinge members (10, 20) pivoted to each other by a transverse pivot pin (30). Member (10) has a tongue (13) terminating in a generally circular arc (14) having a depression (15) therein, and member (20) has a pair of arms (23, 24) forming a fork between which the tongue (13) of member (10) is received, the pivot pin (30) passing through both arms and the tongue. Member (20) has an axial bore (25) containing a spring-loaded detent element (27) which bears against the circular arc (14) and engages in the depression (15). Member (20) is threaded externally at (43) towards the end opposite the pivot pin (30) and is slotted at (41) in the same region to provide communication with the bore (25) containing the spring (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: George Arthur James Potter
    Inventors: George Arthur James Potter, Michael Godfrey Harman
  • Patent number: 5803650
    Abstract: A joint structure for releasably joining two bars of a playpen frame. A leaf spring with projections on its legs locks the frame in position. A user presses the projections to allow the frame to collapse. A releaser with movable flaps covers the joint body to protect the user's fingers from being pinched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Sung-Tsun Wu
  • Patent number: 5781945
    Abstract: A portable, foldable bed rail adapted for use with an associated bed having a mattress thereon includes a rail member having first and second substantially identical, mirror image end rail portions and a central rail portion. The end rail portions are hingedly mounted to the central rail portion by respective rail hinge members having parallel axes of rotation. The end rail portions are foldable toward one another adjacent to the central rail portion for storage. The end rails each include a support member having a support leg. The support members are independently hingedly mounted to a respective one of the end rail portions by support hinges. The support hinges have parallel axes of rotation and are rotatable in a direction transverse to the rail hinge members. Each of the support hinge members is independently movable toward and away from its respective end rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig S. Scherer, Michael C. Thuma, David Corbett Brown, Brian James Woodard, Michael Scott Garner
  • Patent number: 5761755
    Abstract: A crib having a number of upper rods, lower rods and poles securely connected therebetween. The crib is further provided with foldable devices each pivotally connected between two distal ends of the upper rods, plates each pivotally receiving the other two distal ends of said upper rods and securely receiving a distal end of the pole, seats each securely receiving the other end of the pole and pivotally receiving two distal ends of the lower rods, pivoting blocks each pivotally receiving the other two distal ends of said lower rods and a cover enclosing all of the upper rods, the poles and the lower rods and provided with a handle disposed thereon, such that a user is able to fold the crib by lifting upward the handle of the cover after the foldable devices are activated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Li-chu Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5761756
    Abstract: A portable bed rail is provided including first and second foot members, each having a first end dimensioned for insertion under a mattress and a second end spaced from said first end, and a side panel positioned to provide a barrier to falling from the bed. The side panel includes first and second vertical members extending upwardly from the second ends of the foot members, first and second spaced horizontal rails extending between the vertical members to define a frame, each of the rails having a first and second end, which ends are received by the first and second vertical members, and a flexible cover removably mounted on the frame. The flexible cover is dimensioned to extend around the first and second ends of the horizontal rails and thereby retain the ends in engagement with the first and second vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph M. Nowak, John B. Morse
  • Patent number: 5749387
    Abstract: A portable ice fishing hut consisting of sturdy plastic roof and floor shells secured together by collapsible supports. The walls of the hut are manufactured from a flexible skin, and the entire structure can be collapsed together for convenient storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Todd Thompson
  • Patent number: 5745954
    Abstract: A hinge positioned at the intermediate extents of the adjacent rail components to hold such components in an aligned orientation including a saddle with a central button aperture, interior plate apertures and exterior end apertures with associated rail pins for pivotally coupling the saddle and the adjacent interior ends of associated rail components, a pair of locking plates each with a plate pin coupling the upper end of each plate to a plate aperture of the saddle, each plate having an opening extending therethrough the plates urged away from each other, a liftable button with an elongated slot and with an associated button pin for slidably coupling the button to the saddle, the button having inclined bearing surfaces on their edges and an inwardly facing projection located at the adjacent interior edge of each adjacent rod segment, each projection having an upper curved surface and a lower planar surface receivable by the bearing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Shogan, David J. Stroud, Mark Dawley
  • Patent number: 5746533
    Abstract: A lockable hinge mechanism includes a hinge member and a pair of elongated tubular members with respective ends pivotably joined to the hinge member for movement of the tubular members between generally parallel and collinear relative positions. In one embodiment, a single hollow cylindrical cuff at least partially surrounds the hinge member and is coaxially rotatable relative to the tubular members through a range of about 180 degrees and precludes relative movement of the tubular members from the collinear position to the parallel position when in one location and allows relative movement of the tubular members from the collinear position to the parallel position in another location. The cuff cooperates with an abutment near said respective ends of the tubular members and has opposed semicylindrical extensions for engaging the abutments. The hinge member also has a pair of opposed semicylindrical end portion for engaging the abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Todd W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5730542
    Abstract: A joint for a playpen includes a main base, two wing base at two sides of the main base and fixed with two frames of a playpen, a press block, and two plate hooks. The two plate hooks, fixed on the press block, have two barbs to engage a position pin of each wing base in a spread position of the playpen, preventing the joint from being collapsed even if the press block is accidentally pressed when the playpen is in the spread position, keeping the playpen in the spread position in a quite safe condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Top Fortune Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 5685660
    Abstract: A collapsible frame assembly comprises a first frame, a second frame, a first coupler disposed at an end of the first frame, and a second coupler disposed at an end of the second frame. Two angle plates are extended from two sides of a distal end of the first coupler. A press plate is extended from the distal end of the first coupler and positioned between two angle plates. A snap hole is formed on the press plate. A sleeve is inserted in the spacing between two angle plates. Two wing lugs are extended from two sides of a distal end of the second coupler to match the corresponding angle plates. A lower portion of a snap button is inserted in the second coupler and the second frame to match the corresponding snap hole. An inner block is inserted in the second frame to surround the lower portion of the hollow snap button closely. A spring is inserted in the snap button. The second coupler is positioned beneath the press plate. A rivet passes through two wing lugs, two washers, two angle plates and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 5683195
    Abstract: A foldable frame assembly comprises a first frame, a second frame, a coupler, a hollow bracket, a ferrule, a hollow snap fastener, and a socket pipe. The socket pipe is disposed on the lower end of the first frame. The socket pipe has a plurality of round holes. A hollow press plate is fastened on the lower end of the first frame. The hollow press plate has a snap hole and a bevel. The ferrule is disposed on the hollow bracket. The hollow snap fastener is inserted in the ferrule. An elastic element is inserted in the hollow snap fastener. A hollow seat is inserted in the hollow bracket beneath the elastic element. The upper end of the second frame is inserted in the hollow seat. The coupler has a slot and two parallel lugs. A plurality of through holes are formed on the coupler. An upper portion of the second frame is inserted through the slot. The socket pipe is positioned between the parallel lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 5681045
    Abstract: A goal joint structure includes a first section and a second section pivoted to each other. The first section has a hook member provided thereon. The second section has two spaced walls define therebetween a distance large enough to receive therein the hook. Each of the walls has an elongated slot formed thereon to be in alignment with each other and each has two expanded lengthwise ends defined by circular holes. A retaining bar extends through the two slots and is dimensioned to be movable along the slots. An expanded section that has a diameter substantially corresponding to the circular holes and larger than the width of the slots is provided on the retaining bar. The retaining bar is spring-biased to have the expanded section located within one expanded ends of the slots so as to make the retaining bar fixed in the lengthwise direction of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Grace Liao
  • Patent number: 5611634
    Abstract: A pivotal device for a playpen which has at least two siderails pivotally connected to the pivotal device comprising a connector with two open ends for the corresponding siderail to be pivotally engaged therein by a first pin extending therethrough, a resilient element received in each of the siderails and having a first protrusion extending through a fifth hole defined in the siderail, the connector having a first elongated slot, a second hole below the first elongated slot and two third holes respectively defined therein, a locking member slidably mounted to a top of the connector and having a sixth hole and a second elongated slot defined therein, a second pin extending through the first elongated slot and the sixth hole, a third pin extending through the second hole and the second elongated slot, when folding the playpen, the first protrusions are pushed inwardly by being pressed, each of the siderails can be rotated about the corresponding first pin and the second pin is moved downwardly by the siderail
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 5605409
    Abstract: A collapsable stroller for transporting a passenger includes a frame movable between a collapsed position and an operating position. The frame includes rotatably mounted wheels for providing the stroller with mobility. A passenger seat is provided for receiving the passenger. At least a portion of the passenger seat is movably mounted on the frame between a first position and a second position. A latch is mounted on the frame and the seat. The latch releasably holds the seat in the first position. The latch, seat and frame are configured such that when the seat is in the first position and the frame is moved from the operating position to the collapsed position, the latch automatically releases the seat and the seat moves to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Haut, James A. Sack
  • Patent number: 5588771
    Abstract: A connector couples a pair of elongated rods in axial alignment for transmitting axial and rotational forces along a longitudinal axis of the rods through the connection. The connector includes interfitting male and female sections projecting in longitudinal extension from their corresponding respective rods, with the male section including an elongated transversely polygonal member having a transversely extending notch. The female section comprises an elongated channel having a cross-section configuration for complementally receiving the male section for rotation with the latter and having a transversely extending segment configured to be received in the notch when the rods are in axial alignment to lock the rods together for axial movement as a unit. The female section also includes a pair of elongated apertures respectively positioned on opposite facing surfaces of the channel relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Kejr Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Scott, Melvin P. Kejr
  • Patent number: 5577799
    Abstract: A foldable tubular rocking chair frame comprises an elongate generally open rectangular back unit having parallel long side elements and parallel upper and lower end elements, the long sides being interrupted by selectively foldable aligned hinges. The hinges include knuckle elements which permit 180.degree. folding, and folding in one direction only. The hinges, when the chair is erected, include a supporting sleeve which circumposes the interruption and prevents folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Robert J. St. Germain
  • Patent number: 5544864
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable child's play-pen, which may be foldably collapsed onto two half-members which are pivotably coupled together along an axis and which together form a base for the play-pen, which may then be subsequently folded together to form a compact portable unit. First and second frame members, each pivotably coupled to the base along parallel but mutually opposite edges of the base, form one set of opposite side walls of the play-pen. Each of the first and second frame members are provided with a respective pair of first and second pivotable linking arms. One end of each of the first pair of linking arms is pivotably coupled to a first frame member, and similarly one end of each linking arm of the second pair of linking arms is pivotably coupled to the second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Quinn Wise & Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Gabriel-Lacki, Andrzej Krysztofowicz
  • Patent number: 5539957
    Abstract: A mesh net supporting framework for a hockey goal which is readily collapsed for transportation or storage has elongated tubular members hinged together at their respective ends and locking mechanisms at those hinges for securing the tubular members in mutually perpendicular configurations. The locking mechanisms may comprise an elbow with one of the tubular members and a short tube extending therefrom perpendicular to one another. There is an abutment on the short tube, and a cylindrical cuff surrounds the other of the tubular members, with that cuff having a semicylindrical extension for engaging the abutment. The other tubular member also has a semicylindrical end portion for engaging the abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Todd W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5540007
    Abstract: A regulatory flexible highway sign of rectangular configuration that may be rolled up for transport and for storage is disclosed. The rolled up "sign" package and a foldable sign stand for securing the sign in a message display position are disclosed. When the flexible highway sign is arranged in a display position, it is vertically supported by means of a pair of angularly oriented, long flexible members by a holding assembly constructed and designed to permit pivotal movement of the two flexible members between an angularly oriented sign displaying position and a side by side disassembled position whereby the pivot for the flexible members does not bear a load. The sign per se is maintained in a display position by frame members secured thereto including a pair of longitudinal members pivotably secured to the sign so that when longitudinally aligned secure the flexible sign in a display position. This is achieved by means of a sliding C-clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
  • Patent number: 5525000
    Abstract: A releasable coupling assembly is provided for rib members or other members having a flat stock or bar-like configuration. The releasable coupling is provided for members which are at least partially overlapping one another, with the opposing mating surfaces of the members preferably being planar. One member carries a retaining clip defining a pocket for receiving the other rib member. Various embodiments are provided in which moveable or stationary pins extend into the pocket to engage the cooperating rib member to engage the rib member to prevent dislodgement from the overlapping condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Todd Belobraydich, Jeffrey A. Williams
  • Patent number: 5517884
    Abstract: A speed wrench is formed by threadedly connecting a handle extension to the end of a ratcheting wrench handle opposite the wrench head for increasing torque of the handle. The wrench handle opposite the head is centrally bored for slidably receiving a rod member hingedly connected with the handle extension permitting the handle extension to be disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of the handle and moving the wrench handle in speed wrench fashion through a selected arc in tightening or loosening a nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Alton W. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5509747
    Abstract: An articulation arrangement connects individual elements of a folding structure which consists of two or more individual elements and is configured to be unfolded and locked in an unfolded position and swivellably disposed on a central body. The arrangement comprises two hinge parts each rigidly fastened at one of two adjacent individual elements and swivellable about a common hinge axle, a slotted disk provided with a slot and forming part of one of the two hinge parts, a lever swivellably disposed on the other of the two hinge parts and provided with a pin. The pin is configured and arranged such that, before the unfolded position is completely reached, the pin slides on an edge of the slotted disk and, in the completely unfolded position at which locking occurs, the pin is engaged in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace AG
    Inventor: Helmut Kiendl
  • Patent number: 5497517
    Abstract: A control device for folding and expanding a base portion of a playpen includes four block members each fixed on a base portion which is mounted on a mediate portion of the playpen and each pivotally engaged with one of four drive posts each of which is mounted on one of the four corners of the playpen, four fastener members each mounted on a mediate portion of one of the drive posts, two transmission assemblies each including a bracket member mounted in a mediate portion thereof, a pair of linking rods each having a first end pivotally engaged with one of the fastener members on associated drive post and having a second end pivotally engaged with the bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 5496054
    Abstract: A folding collapsible frame including a main frame, a first bag cradle and a second bag cradle mounted on the main frame at two opposite ends, a handle frame pivotably connected to a handle bracket on the main frame by a connecting block, a locating block fixedly mounted on the handle frame for connection to the first bag cradle to hold the handle frame and the first bag cradle in the respective operative positions, The first bag cradle is turned about a pivot on the main frame, and has a locating bolt transversely disposed at the bottom the locating block has a curved locating groove, which engages with the locating bolt on the first bag cradle to hold the collapsible folding frame in the operative position when the first bag cradle and the handle frame are respectively extended out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Ching-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 5490688
    Abstract: A control device is provided for folding and extending a baggage cart which includes a substantially U-shaped support member having a horizontal first bight and two parallel vertical legs, a substantially U-shaped handle portion having a horizontal second bight and two parallel elongated stands each respectively pivotally engaged with a corresponding one of the vertical legs, a base member pivotally engaged with the support member, the control device including a movable sleeve member which is movably mounted on the pair of elongated stands and has a top plate, a pair of lug portions each laterally formed on the movable sleeve member and each having a vertical passage longitudinally defined therein for receiving a corresponding one of the elongated stands, the sleeve member having an opening facing downwardly for receiving the pair of vertical legs therein with the first bight of the support member abutting against the top plate of the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Chin-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 5483710
    Abstract: A foldable baby crib having a joint, which is located at the center of each top rail of the foldable baby crib, is disclosed. The joint consists of a cover, which pivotally connects the inner ends of the two round tubes of the top rail; a fixed member, which is received and centered within the cover by means of pins; and a movable member, which is movably hung on a fixed shaft of the fixed member. The fixed member has two spring wings with elongated through hole provided on the ears thereof for allowing the pins to pass therethrough and thereby fix the fixed member to the cover. When the two round tubes of the top rail are extended to become a straight line, the pins passing through the ears are extend into a space just below the inner ends of the two round tubes so as to support the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Te-Erh Chan
  • Patent number: 5478035
    Abstract: A height-adjustable support leg for furniture has an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion. A pivot is provided for pivotably connecting the upper and lower leg portions. The lower leg portion is pivotable from a horizontal position, in which the lower leg portion rests on the floor, into a stretched position of the support leg in which the lower leg portion is aligned with the upper leg portion. A latching mechanism for securing the lower leg portion in the stretched position against pivoting is provided. The latching mechanism has at least one latch-shaped release element that is automatically moved into a latching position upon pivoting the lower leg portion from the horizontal position into the stretched position. The lower leg portion is non-slidably connected to the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Krause GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl Kneile
  • Patent number: 5474404
    Abstract: A foldable rail assembly includes a first shell including a first wall defining a cutout and two apertures, a second wall defining two apertures and a top formed between the first and second walls. A second shell includes a first wall defining two apertures and a passage, a second wall defining two apertures and a top formed between the first and second walls thereof. A lock defines two apertures and includes an upper portion and a lower portion of a greater length thus defining two shoulders. Two pins are inserted through the apertures defined in the first and second shells and the lock. Three springs are compressed between the lock and the second wall of the second shell. Two rails are pivotally linked to the first shell and each include an end with a block raised therefrom. The blocks are supported by the shoulders when the lock is against the first wall of the second shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Jina Manufacturer Thai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Lung Chien
  • Patent number: 5457828
    Abstract: A joint joins together two tubular rails of a playpen. The joint includes a shell. A first block and a second block are pivotally received in the shell. A first tubular element and a second tubular element are each secured in one of the tubular rails. Each of the tubular element defines a first axial passage and a second axial passage. A first bolt with a head is inserted through the second axial passage defined in the first tubular element while the head thereof is retained in the first axial passage defined in the first tubular element. The first bolt is secured to the first block. A second bolt with a head is inserted through the second axial passage defined in the second tubular element while the head thereof is retained in the first axial passage defined in the second tubular element. The second bolt is secured to the second block. The first block defines a longitudinal recess and a longitudinal slot in communication with the longitudinal recess defined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Sieno T. M. Huang
  • Patent number: 5427402
    Abstract: A folding device stroller includes a positioning seat securely mounted to an upper end of each of two front members and a retainer seat securely mounted to an associated end of a handle of the stroller, the associated end of the handle being pivotally mounted to the positioning seat. The positioning seat includes a transverse positioning ring formed on an upper end thereof and a spring-biased button partially received in the positioning ring. The retainer seat includes a cutout defined therein thereby forming a handgrip and a transverse bore defined in a lower end thereof through which the button is passable. The button is biased to a position partially received in the bore to retain the stroller in an extended position, and the stroller is foldable when the button is pressed inwardly to disengage from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Li-Chu C. Huang
  • Patent number: 5380113
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fish landing net having a handle and elongate first and second frame members, the outer ends of which are joined by a hinge-like mechanism. In the improvement, the outer ends extend along an axis and the mechanism is mounted for pivoting movement about the axis. The mechanism pivots between a first position preventing folding the frame members and a second position permitting folding such members. The mechanism is urged toward the first position by a coiled spring, the twisting force of which is manually overcome to fold the net. The net also has a similar novel hinge-like mechanism joining the inward ends of the frame members. The spring-biased hinge mechanism per se is also disclosed for joining tube-like pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: George L. Boehm
  • Patent number: 5372420
    Abstract: A device comprising a housing including first and second housing members. The first housing member is selectively rotatable relative to the second housing member between first and second operating positions. The longitudinal axis of the first housing member is disposed at a substantially 90.degree. angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first housing member when in the first operating position. The longitudinal axis of the first housing member is disposed substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second housing member when in the second operating position. An actuator includes a locking arm selectively engagable with the first housing member for retaining the member in a selected operating position when in engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Van Deursen, Tony Tam, Daniel Kwok
  • Patent number: 5364201
    Abstract: A hinged strut construction has a pair of elongate, rigid strut members and a hinge structure connecting adjoining ends of the members to each other. A slide device releasably locks the strut members in an aligned, extended position. The slide device consists of an extendable and retractable locking pin which is axially movable on one strut member and which can be extended into or pulled out of an axial socket of the other member. A collar that is movable on one strut member connects with the locking pin to effect the movement of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Norco, Inc.
    Inventor: Berger A. LaBarre
  • Patent number: 5328286
    Abstract: A tent frame binding device permitting speedy assembling and disassembling is disclosed. A binding body is provided with a plurality of slots angularly separated around it, and a pair of fastening recesses are formed at the side walls of each of the slots, the recesses being open upwardly. At the rear portion of each of the slots, there is formed an engaging step, and a frame member fastening part which is coupled with each of the slots is provided with a supporting shaft, the supporting shaft being coupled with the recesses of the slot. At the rear of the supporting shaft, there is formed an inclined portion which is to be coupled with the inclined engaging step of the slot. Tent frame members are inserted respectively into the holes of the frame member fastening parts, and the frame member fastening parts are assembled into the slots of the binding body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Bae Jin Corporation
    Inventor: Yong K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5308100
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a trailer to a vehicle includes a first channel adapted to be connected to the tongue of the trailer and a second channel adapted to be connected to a hitch member. The hitch member is adapted to be connected to the hitch of a vehicle. The first and second channels are joined together by a pair of links which are pivoted about two spaced apart vertical axes. The hitch member can swing about the links so as to permit alignment of the hitch member with the hitch on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventors: Merle J. Heider, Dale J. Heider, Leon J. Heider, Craig J. Heider
  • Patent number: 5293656
    Abstract: A foldable frame assembly for a children's playpen, including an upper foldable rail mechanism composed of four upper rails each of which is foldable at a joint thereof, and a lower foldable rail mechanism composed of a chassis seat and four lower rails pivotally connected therewith in a radial pattern, wherein the upper rail mechanism is formed by simple components while the lower rail mechanism is provided with support-enhancing members to insure the safety in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Te-Erh Chan
  • Patent number: 5255994
    Abstract: An adjustably tensioned snap-release joint for use as a golf club swing training device is described which includes an upper shaft insert, a lower shaft insert, a screw inserted into a first bore in the lower shaft insert and inserted into a correspondingly threaded second bore in the upper shaft insert, the screw defining a rotation axis of the lower shaft member in relation to the upper shaft member to a transverse axis from a longitudinal axis defined by a linear alignment of the upper and lower shaft inserts in the golf club, an indentation positioned in a co-linear axis with the longitudinal axis of the golf club on an interior surface of the upper shaft insert, and an adjustable spring-biased hollow screw assembly having a ball positioned at the tip of a threaded shaft, capable of exerting pressure on the indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel R. Stein
  • Patent number: 5251359
    Abstract: A high strength offset tube hinge is provided for coupling tubing or rods. The hinge has a limited range and prevents overextension with a built-in stop feature that prevents any angles over the limited range. The application for the hinge lies in convertible tops for automobiles and boats as well as awnings or similar applications where it is desirable to have two coupled tubes or rods with limited pivoting range in a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Anthony W. Finkl
  • Patent number: 5239977
    Abstract: An improved elbow used to attach accessories such as stabilizers to archery bows is disclosed. The elbow comprises: an extended arm having a threaded-end capable of being attached to the bow (facilitated in the preferred embodiment by a nut) with the other end having a spherical bevel surmounted by a flat-portion, a saddle shaped wrist capable of receiving the threaded end of the accessory and encompassing the arm, and a hinge coupling the arm and wrist. The hinge uses a special pin that passes loosely through the arm and tightly through both sides of the wrist, and that also functions as a spring. The elbow has two modes of use: an extended mode, when the attached accessory and arm are in line and the attached accessory is essentially parallel to the arrow; and a folded mode, where the attached stabilizer is pivoted down or up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Archery Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5226658
    Abstract: An improved position-retaining bar for a toy stroller. The position-retaining bar is folded or extended consistently with the toy stroller and consists of two pivotally combined strips. One of the strips has a flexible security buckle extending therefrom for restraining the other strip when the position-retaining bar is folded to a predetermined extent. Therefore, the toy stroller can only be folded to a predetermined extent when front wheels of the toy stroller are hindered during a stroll therewith, thereby protecting a child who pushes the toy stroller from tumbling and falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Ming-Tai Huang