Abstract: An articulating joint is provided for use in a foldable frame for a stretcher for example, which is capable of being selectively locked against upward, downward, or lateral folding by rotating the joint relative to the folding frame member.

Abstract: A folding joint for a foldable playyard having a base frame having two connecting members pivotably secured at the inside for holding two rails permitting them to be held in a longitudinally aligned position or folded up into a collapsed position. The connecting members each have an axial hole at one end for inserting either rail, two through holes on two opposite side walls thereof, and a track connected between the two through holes. The rails each have a pivot hole secured between the two through holes by a headed pin. The two rails are held in the longitudinally aligned position when the head of the headed pin is engaged in one through hole; and the two rails are allowed to be folded up when the head of the headed pin is rotated to the other through hole.

Abstract: A rotatable stock for a crossbow having a barrel and a pistol grip portion is disclosed. The stock comprises a body portion and a first end on the body portion adapted to butt against a user's shoulder. A second end on the body portion is spaced distally from the first end. The stock further comprises a mechanism, located at the second end, for rotatably connecting the stock to the barrel at an end adjacent the pistol grip portion, wherein, upon actuating the rotatable connecting mechanism, the stock may be selectively rotated between an open, first locked position and a closed, second locked position.

Abstract: A general utility child seat apparatus includes a one-piece contoured child car seat, a mobile carriage assembly, a handle assembly, and a sunshade assembly adapting the child seat apparatus for multiple uses, for instance, as a stroller, carrier, or rocker, in addition to a car seat. The child seat is a contoured body of one-piece rigid molded structure, having a seat portion and back portion integrally formed in an inclined relation to the seat portion. The mobile carriage assembly is mounted to a rear side of the body and is capable of adjustment between an erected condition for movably supporting the body and a collapsed condition for storing on the body. The handle assembly and sunshade assembly are pivotally mounted about a common axis to opposite sides of the body and have inverted U-shaped configurations permitting them to arch over the body.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a ceiling fan blade is cut into two separate pieces that are pivotally interconnected to one another so that the blade is pivotal in either of two directions about the pin. A lock ring is positioned radially outwardly of the pivot point to lock the blade into its operable position. Rotation of the lock ring until a slot formed in the lock ring is in alignment with the mounting bracket neck frees the mounting bracket to pivot downwardly, facilitating cleaning of the blade. In a second embodiment, a mounting bracket releasably couples together inward and outward parts of the mounting bracket so that the fan blade is completely detachable from the motor assembly to facilitate cleaning of the blade. In a third embodiment, a bag having cleaning pads at its mouth is used to clean either the pivotally mounted blade or the releasably coupled blade.

Abstract: A stretcher for a medical patient has at one end two L-shaped handles which each have first and second legs and which are each supported at the outer end of the first leg for 90.degree. pivotal movement between a position in which the first leg is horizontal and approximately level with the top surface of the stretcher and a position in which the second leg is horizontal and located vertically higher than the top surface of the stretcher. The stretcher has two spaced vertical openings therein, and the first leg of each handle has an extension, each extension being received in a respective opening in the stretcher for lengthwise sliding movement between a first position in which the extension is disposed substantially within the opening and a second position in which the extension is disposed substantially outside the opening.

Abstract: A removable litter chair insert adapted to be used with a standard ambulance cot and effectively enables emergency personnel to remove patients from narrow or confined spaces such as when transporting patients from a second floor to a ground floor especially when it is necessary to negotiate steps and landings in the steps, narrow doorways, hallways and the like. The device includes a framework with a canvas type liner connected to the framework and a removable pad or mattress secured to the liner with the insert being capable of orientation in a straight line condition for use as a regular stretcher and convertable to a chair configuration to facilitate extrication of emergency patients from confined areas by ambulance personnel.

Abstract: Side rail members for supporting bed means in spaced relationship to a floor. The side rail members include first and second elongated side rail sections of generally L-shaped cross section disposed in substantially aligned end-to-end relationship. The side rail sections are interconnected by a knuckle member pivotally secured to the adjacent end portions thereof. The side rail sections are movable between a first in-use position wherein the side rail sections are disposed in an end-to-end relationsip and a second storage position wherein the first side rail sections are disposed in a side-by-side and generally parallel relationship, without the use of releasable extraneous fasteners or tools.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle in which the towed vehicle has a towing bar. There is a telescopic arm received within the towing bar with an end of the telescopic arm pivotally connected to an articulating arm. The other end of the articulating arm has mounted to it a trailer hitch adapted for connection to a trailer hitch ball. There is an anti-pivot collar which encircles the point where the telescopic arm and the articlulating arm are pivotally connected. By selectively extending the telescopic arm and moving the anti-pivot collar to permit articulation between the pivotal and telescopic arms, the coupling device can simplify connection between a towed and towing vehicle. There is further provided locking means for securely locking the coupling device in its locked position.

Abstract: A Kelly bar adapter for use with earth anchor driving machinery is disclosed. The adapter allows for pivotal connection of an earth anchor or earth anchor extension rod thereto. Thus, a vertically hanging Kelly rod may be attached to an earth anchor or its associated extension rod while the same is diagonally extending out of the ground. A tool for removing earth anchors having an integral eyelet or an eyelet which is threaded onto an earth anchor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved play yard having a lower horizontal support formed of rails, an upper horizontal support formed of rails and vertical support rails pivotably coupled therebetween, a central hub pivotably coupling the radially interior ends of the rails of the lower horizontal support and hinges coupling the rails of the upper horizontal support at intermediate locations. The hinges are adapted to be rotated about their axes between a locked position wherein the play yard is secure for operation and use and an unlocked position wherein the upper rails may be pivoted and the entire play yard collapsed upon the raising of the hub. Also disclosed is the hinge per se.

Abstract: A connection arrangement with profiled parts contains, in at least one hollow chamber in a profiled part, a connecting element by means of which a connection with the other profile part is effected. The purpose of the invention is to provide, at low manufacturing cost, a reliable connection and to eliminate any after-treatment of surfaces in the vicinity of the connection. It is proposed that the connecting element be secured to the web of the first profiled part and that a length thereof projects, prior to welding, beyond the front surface; and that, after welding, the weld-zone be arranged in the hollow-chamber in the second profiled part and be at a distance from the adjacent front surfaces of the profiled parts.

Abstract: An improved folding bicycle comprising a folding hinge mechanism as well as a set of foldable handle-bar and a collapsible seat structure. During normal use, the folding hinge mechanism is easily associated with multi-securing effect to ensure the safety of ride. While stored, it can be alternatively unlocked and separated manually, enabling the bicycle to be folded up for reducing the storing room. Furthermore, the set of handle-bar and saddle adjusting device can be used to simply adjust the dimensions of the bicycle to meet the requirement of any use.

Abstract: A foot for furniture, in particular kitchen furniture, is restrained to a fixing device on the underside of a piece of furniture in a manner that permits it to be tucked upwards from a vertical operative position to a substantially horizontal inoperative position adjacent to the said underside, wherein the fixing device protects both the foot and the underside of the piece of furniture. Between the foot and the fixing device means are provided for disengageably locking the former stably in the vertical operative position.The said locking means preferably consists of at least a coupling with grooved profiles.

Abstract: A multifurrow reversible semi-mounted plough comprising a large number of plough-bodies fixed on a beam. The beam is constituted by at least two elements (12) connected two by two via an articulation (13) about an axis (16), horizontal in the working position of the plough, with structure (20, 21) for locking the articulation or articulations, the articulation (13) being preferably provided in the central portion (7) of the beam substantially in line with the wheel support group (8-10) of this central portion. The invention allows having a ploughing depth of the ploughshares almost equal on all the ploughshares in spite of the large width of the plough.

Abstract: A bicycle with collapsible frame, which incorporates front and rear frame posts and at least one cross-beam interconnecting said frame posts. The bicycle, which with one of a few simple hand manipulations, in a few seconds, can be folded into a compact unit. The bicycle has an absolutely rigid frame when the bicycle is in its position of use, and in collapsed position it is only little bulky with a substantial extension in one direction only. The cross-beam of the frame is a two-part cross-beam. The two parts of the cross-beam are articulatedly connected to each other and to the frame posts. The two parts of the cross-beam at folding of the frame are pivotable towards the front and the rear frame posts respectively.

Abstract: A firearm support which can be quickly and easily set up securely supports a firearm, such as a rifle, while permitting that firearm to have freedom of movement in several planes. The support also can be stored adjacent to the firearm without tangling the shoulder strap associated with the firearm.

Abstract: A rigidity control device is provided to change the natural resonance of an entire building by varying the rigidity of selected structural members such as pillars, beams, braces or floor and pillar, wall and pillar or beam connection members, joints and the like. The rigidity of a structural member is controlled by restraining or releasing a member from restraint or by applying a controlled force to the member. These processes are selectively combined so that the rigidity of the whole building and each section thereof is controlled by a computer according to earthquake forecast analysis. Thus, the proper rigidity of a building is determined and provided responsive to earthquake detection to prevent the building from destructive resonance caused by earthquake tremors.

Abstract: A chair structure has a lower chair seat section and an upper chair back section. The chair back section has a U-shaped upper back frame member and two lower back frame members. Each of the lower back frame members is connected to the upper back frame member by an upper connector and a lower connector which are respectively secured to the upper back frame member and the lower back frame member. The upper and lower connectors are rotatably interconnected by a pivot member and releasably interlocked by a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism may be either a spring biased ball unit or a nut and bolt unit. When the lock mechanism is released, the upper back frame member may be folded to rest on the lower back frame members.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for coupling the component parts of a foldable device is provide. The hinge apparatus comprises a moveable sleeve adapted to tightly fit a guide and stop bushing operably connected with the support components of the foldable device. With the foldable device is in the use extended position, the moveable sleeve may surround and provide support to a hinge link. The hinge link is adapted to permit folding of the foldable device when the moveable sleeve is not surrounding the hinge link. A folding crutch comprising the hinge apparatus is provided. The folding crutch, comprising the hinge apparatus, provides the crutch user with safe, firm and sure support.

Abstract: A support post for a curtain sided trailer comprises an elongate member arranged to be hung from an overhead rail on the trailer. The elongate member has a roller assembly at one end allowing the post to be displaceable along the rail. A leg is secured to the other end to pivot about a knee joint. The leg is securable to the base of the trailer. A locking member locks the knee joint with the elongate member and leg extending in a straight line so that the post supports the roof of the trailer.

Abstract: A coupling set for interlocking objects. The set comprises first and second oupling elements each having an integral stud by which it is anchored in one of two objects to be interlocked. The first locking member has a swingable latch comprising a notch and a spring member. In the locking position the notch of latch engages the stud of the second locking member and the spring member snaps into a cavity in the head portion of the second locking member.

Abstract: A folding tubular frame structure and subcombination for use in a folding beach and deck chair and in a folding table. The subcombination comprises a cast or machined joint member having the concentric combination of a male insert or stub member and, surrounding said member, an annular groove seat. A tubular strut such as a chair leg fits snugly into the seat and telescopes loosely over the male insert member. A connector member is pivotally pinned into a slot in the end of the stub and receives one end of a tension spring at the outboard end thereof. The tension spring runs through the tubular strut and is fastened to an insert portion of a terminal member such as a foot. The tension spring resiliently urges the foot into the outboard end of the tube and further resiliently urges the tube into the annular slot. However, the spring permits the tube to be pulled from the slot and rotated along with the connector member and spring into a folded position.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling used to connect two members of a linkage in such a manner as to form a rigid coupling capable of transmitting push, pull or rotational forces, and allow quick and easy manual disconnection without longitudinal or rotational movement of either member or loosening of components which would affect linkage adjustment. An eye and clevis are provided with two holes therethrough. In each hole is a placed a spring pin connector comprising a pin for insertion into the hole, a snap for attachment to the body of either the clevis or eye, and a strap connecting the snap and pin.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow is disclosed which has a body with a foldable rear section and stable front section, a rack, and front wheels fixed on both ends of a wheel axle. The wheel axle is supported at both its sides with a flexing case which provides elastic movement to the wheel axle by means of a spring and a pushing plate. A braking device for the front wheels is also disclosed, as well as auxiliary rear wheels. The wheelbarrow has three different configuration and is capable of safe movement while reducing the amount of force necessary for its use.

Abstract: A foldable stroller includes a safety lock for maintaining the stroller in an unfolded use condition. The stroller comprises side frames which are connected together by scissor frames to move the side frames between open use positions and closed folded positions. To maintain the side frames in a spread use position, a two-part spreader bar is provided. A lock in the form of a spring loaded slide on one of the spreader bar parts includes a lock and guide pin which engages a detente in the other spreader bar part to maintain the spreader bar part in an aligned condition. This avoids an inadvertant folding of the stroller. To permit folding of the stroller this slide is pushed to the side disengaging the pin from the detente and permitting the spreader bar parts to be lifted. This allows the side frames to collapse toward each other resulting in the folding of the stroller.

Abstract: A crutch of tubular construction has two crutch bows with straight parallel lower ends, between which is a leg carrier tube held by an upper fastener and lower rivets, and a crutch leg telescoped in the carrier tube. Weak points are avoided by gradually flattening the bows from a cylindrical cross section at the upper fastener through intermediate partially flattened bow portions to fully flattened bow ends at the lower rivets.

Abstract: A height adjustable crutch comprised of a one piece member which can serve as the combination of the bow and the carrier without any bolt and pins used in conventional types for securing them, so the structure of the height adjustable crutch is simpler and stronger than the conventional types that we can find today.

Abstract: This invention discloses an improvement in and relating to the banisters of baby carriage, in which three segments of banisters, i.e., left-hand banister, right-hand banister and front banister, are engaged in a locking relationship in such way that the front banister may be freely assembled and disassembled at front ends of left-hand and right-hand side banisters. The assembling and disassembling procedures are simple and convenient. Moreover, after the front banister is disassembled the left-hand and right-hand side banisters keep a smooth and neat appearance without any other accompanying disassembled elements.

Abstract: A toy block constructed into one geometrically regular block formed from at least two nestingly interengagingly configured three-dimensional components having adjacent pairs of couplers interconnected by a generally H-shaped unitary hinge, the hinge having first and second opposing sides with an interconnecting web and a transversely extending plate portion. The sides are provided with axially aligned pairs of inwardly extending pivot stub projections. The plate portion includes a pair of oppositely extending, generally resilient, aligned catch arms with depending tangs which engage detents formed between the couplers for retaining the components in preferred position. The blocks may form humanoid objects, quadrupeds, or articles such as vehicles or furniture, or the like.

Abstract: A hinged butt joint for connecting struts to multijoint fittings used in space structures is disclosed as two end fittings pivoted together, one of which is bifurcated and the other having a cammed butt end extending between the bifurcation with a pivot pin through aligned openings so that the fittings are rotatable to a desired angular position. Nominal manufacturing tolerances are used throughout. A wedge is forcibly fitted into the base of the bifurcation when the fittings are colinear, and bonded to the base in that position during manufacture or assembly, to preclude freeplay in the joint under alternating compression and tension leads and to create a solid mechanical path though which load is transmitted and heat and electricity conducted.

Abstract: A collapsible ski skate is provided with front and rear portions each having ends pivotally connected by means of first and second pairs of parallel strips with the first pair connected to the ends of the second pair of strips with the second pair of strips being pivotally connected to a spindle member and pairs of complementary bevel surfaces on the respective front and rear portions of the skate which interengage when the skate is fully unfolded.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a divided grip rod of a foldable baby carriage permits automatically locking the grip rod in an unfolded state and this locking can be canceled by a simple operation. The grip rod (2) is divided into two portions (2a, 2b), which are interconnected at their ends while being supported for rotation around the axes of parallel rotary shafts (6). Lateral surfaces of the ends of the portions of the grip rod intersect the rotary shafts. Each lateral surface has a locking recess (12). A locking plate (4) is movable axially of the rotary shafts so that it can fit simultaneously in the two locking recesses when the grip rod is in its straight state. The locking plate is urged by a spring in the direction in which it fits in the locking recesses for normally maintaining the locked state. An unlocking member (5) is provided to for disengaging the locking plate from the locking recesses against the force of the spring to permit folding of the grip rod.

Abstract: A self-erecting joint for a pair of hinged, tubular members in which the hinging is located at corresponding portions of the members and the opposite edge portions are connected by spring-biased toggle links which in the unfolded position of the members are nested against one of the members in substantial alignment and over-center for securely locking the joint in the unfolded condition.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking two foldable sections (2a, 2b) of a grip rod (2) of a baby carriage has two gears (26) meshing with each other. The grip rod sections are foldably interconnected by a coupling (12) which supports the gears (26) for rotation around their respective axes. One end surface of each gear (26) is formed with a locking recess (29) for receiving a locking plate (20) in the locked state. The locking plate is movable axially of the gears (26) for unlocking. The locking plate (20) is urged by a spring (32) into the locking recesses (29) to maintain the locked state. A push button (23) moves the locking plate (20) out of the locking recesses (29) against the force of the spring (32) to permit the folding.

Abstract: Flexible joint, including at least two plate spring members (3, 3'), located separated from each other and extending substantially parallel in relation to each other, attached in connection to first and each other adjacently located end portions against a first element (1') and having opposed end portions movably attached against a second element (1). By introducing a substantially similar first displacement movement for the plate spring members (3, 3'), the elements (1, 1') can be separated from an abutting and linearly extending position, and by means of a continued and different displacement movement, the first element (1) is pivoted to an angularly different position of extension in relation to the second element (1).

Abstract: An articulation, or knuckle joint, which may be housed within two tubular sections to define a concealed fixing element enabling the sections to act as a single member, and which facilitates the folding or collapsing of the two sections by simply pulling them apart and rotating them about the articulation or knuckle joint.

Abstract: A foldable swing set includes a crossbar whose opposite ends are supported by pairs of legs. Each pair of legs is secured to the associated end of the crossbar by a bracket which forms sockets sized to slidably receive the upper ends of the legs. Each leg is rotatably and slidably secured to its bracket socket enabling the leg to be swung perpendicular to the crossbar and telescopically received in that socket to help support the swing set in its erected position and to be withdrawn from that socket and swung parallel to the crossbar in order to fold the swing set into a compact package.

Abstract: A device for connecting, rotating and locking together a pair of structural half-columns 11 is disclosed. The device is composed of an identical pair of cyclindrical hub assemblies 12,12a connected at their inner faces by a spring loaded hinge 20; each hub assembly having a structural half-column attached to its outer end. Each hub assembly has a spring loading locking ring 14,14a member movably attached adjacent to its inner face and includes a latch 32,32a member for holding the locking ring in a rotated position subject to the force of its spring. Each hub assembly also has a hammer 36,36a member for releasing the latch on the opposing hub assembly when the hub assemblies are rotated together. The spring loaded hinge connecting the hub assemblies rotates the hub assemblies and attached structural half-columns together bringing the inner faces of the opposing hub assemblies into contact with one another.

Abstract: A buffer coupling for rail vehicles comprises a first coupling part which has a receiving shoulder adjacent its end with a first cylindrical portion spaced from the end of said first coupling part of increased diameter from said shoulder and forming a rib in a second cylindrical portion of smaller diameter than the rib forming a cylindrical slide surface over which a sleeve is slidable. The sleeve is urged away from the rib by a spring so that it projects outwardly from the second cylindrical portion of smaller diameter so that it may engage over respective legs of a forked end of the second coupling part which engages with the first coupling part so that the shoulder of the first part fits within the legs of the second coupling part. The sleeve is urged by the spring to engage over the outer cylindrical surface of the second coupling part.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive means removably mountable to a wheel chair. An auxiliary frame includes a wheel rotatably thereto which is driven by a hand crank and chain combination. A hand crank is mounted to a pivotally and telescopically adjustable steering post. A pair of chains connect the hand crank to the wheel. The auxiliary frame is mounted to the vertical posts of a wheel chair and includes a pair of threaded members to adjust mounting brackets provided on the auxiliary frame facilitating mounting of the frame to different configured wheel chairs.

Abstract: A swing-around side stowable jib for crane booms is safely supported at all times during movement from its use position to its stowed position, and vice versa. In the short transitional movement of the jib following its release from its nose assembly pivot and immediately prior to re-engaging this pivot, the jib is always securely held by a strongly biased safety latch in supportive engagement with a side mounting assembly located between the nose assembly pivot and a second mounting assembly on the boom rearwardly of the first mounting assembly. The safety latch at proper times is easily released by operation of a hand lever near ground level. Locks for the safety latch and its release lever are also provided. The safety latch is swiveled and biased to meet the swing-around jib squarely as it approaches the stowed position.

Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse in novel ways, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Unique quick-release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are specially designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.

Abstract: A portable hand control device for operating the brake and accelerator foot pedals of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of collapsible control rods, each swivelingly connected at one end to a respective foot pedal clamp and at the other end to an elongate handle adapted to be held in either hand of the user. The handle and control rods are free of any operative connection to the motor vehicle apart from the foot pedal clamps.

Abstract: A two-piece hinge which is spring biased in both its folded position and in its unfolded or deployed position to provide built-in deployment power for structural members and which is provided with trigger/locking mechanisms which are held in an unlocked position when the hinge and the structural members are in their folded position and which triggers and releases the locking mechanisms to lock the hinge in its unfolded or deployed position for positive locking capability. Two trigger-locking mechanisms are used for redundancy.

Abstract: A joint for interconnecting confronting end portions of two elongate members so that the elongate members are movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the elongate members are releasably locked in a coaxial, erect supporting position in which confronting end portions of the members are closely spaced from each other. In the second position, the elongate members are spaced from and substantially parallel to each other. The hinge includes a central block member having a generally U-shaped profile, with guide surfaces and cam slots in its flanges. Guide members having similarly shaped guide surfaces and cam slots are connected in pairs to opposite ends of the block member and cooperate with the guide surfaces and cam slots to control movement of the tubular members between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The side rails of the chassis of a fixed bed truck are cut at the front end of the rear springs and pivotally interconnected using hinges incorporating hinge pins which are positioned below those side rails. A deck is secured to the rear section of the chassis for movement between a rearwardly inclined position and a lowered position in which it extends over the front section of the chassis. An apron is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the deck for movement between an extended ramp position and a retracted position in which it depends downwardly from the deck. Hydraulic apparatus are provided for tilting the deck, extending the apron and latching the deck in its lowered position. The hinges and the latching systems are constructed so that the truck can still be driven safely even after structural failure of both hinge pins.

Abstract: A multi-element connection for structural members adapted to connect the structural members in co-linear arrangement and to automatically lock these members in such position, which connection is adapted to be rotated or folded to bring such structural members into such co-linear or lapped position with respect to each other, the connection being comprised of a latch element secured or integral with one of the members and a clevis element secured or integral with another of said members, the latch element having a cam surface and an arcuate notch with end abutments whereby a latching member in said clevis element may ride on the cam surface and be brought into engagement with said notch to lock said elements and co-joined structural members.

Abstract: A puppet controller including a hand manipulatable frame, a pair of arms mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame and to each other, the arms being connectible to parts of the puppet for animating the same by arm movement, and a slidable member which in one position permits movement of the arms relative to each other and to the frame and in another position constrains the arms to simultaneous movement relative to the frame.

Abstract: A lockable joint for releasably locking two relatively articulated members in longitudinally aligned, load-bearing relation to one another is disclosed. The articulated members are connected together by a shaft carried by one member which shaft pivotally engages a cam slot carried by the other member. The confronting ends of the members are provided with a plurality of interdigitating or nesting surfaces which interlock with each other upon application of a longitudinal force applied to one or both of the members. The cam slot and shaft are designed and constructed to cause relative angular articulation of the members in response to the longitudinally applied force.