Abstract: The spherical joint with internal brake has a controlled actuator that selectively brakes relative motion between interior members and an outer shell of the spherical ball joint. A shaft extending from the internal members can be stopped at any rotational position relative to the shell. The internal members may include a central spherical sectioned member sandwiched by a pair of symmetrically opposed peripheral spherical sectioned members, which selectively act as brakes when an actuator in the central member is energized. The energized actuator has a dual piston that pushes outwardly on the pair of opposed peripheral segments, which increases friction between the peripheral segments and an interior wall of the spherical shell to brake the system. The shaft extends from the central spherical sectioned member through an aperture in the shell. The size of the shell aperture determines the range of rotational motion of the shaft.

Abstract: A locking and unlocking apparatus using an engagement pin with beveled surfaces designed to be inserted between two bodies. As the engagement pin is extended axially into a gap between the two bodies, it moves in a transverse direction to wedge tightly between the first and second body, locking them tightly together. When the engagement pin is retracted, the second body is able to move relative to the first body. A plurality of engagement surfaces placed into one of the bodies allows the mechanism to be locked into a plurality of set positions. These engagement surfaces on the first and second bodies also serve to locate the engagement pin when in the fully locked position, thereby reducing the need for tight tolerances.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the length of a tension tie mounted on a deployable antenna based on a cable network structure includes a cable retainer provided with a retaining hole, a cable being connected to the cable retainer; a retaining case coupled to the outer periphery of the cable retainer and provided with a plurality of retaining holes; and a retainer positioned inside the cable retainer and configured to extend through the retaining hole of the cable retainer and through one of the retaining holes of the retaining case so that the cable retainer and the retaining case are prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A continuously variable positioning device includes a first body having a first engagement surface. At least part of the first engagement surface is covered with a pattern of movable actuators. A second body has a second engagement surface in contact with the first engagement surface. At least a part of the second engagement surface having an actuator engaging profile, at least some of the movable actuators being depressed and others of the movable actuators being extended to conform to the actuator engaging profile. A drive assembly is provided for creating relative movement of the first body and the second body while maintaining the first engagement surface continuously engaged with the second engagement surface, the movable actuators moving axially during relative movement of the first body and the second body.

Abstract: A stroller includes a handle switchable between a front inclined position and a rear inclined position, an article holding accessory, and at least one adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes a sleeve component secured to the handle, an axle ring component connected to the article holding accessory and coupled rotatably to the sleeve component, and a positioning plate. The axle ring component has first and second engaging parts corresponding to the front and rear inclined positions, respectively. The positioning plate is coaxially secured in the sleeve component and has a positioning part engageable with a selected one of the first and second engaging parts with respect to an axis of rotation of the axle ring component, so as to provide a substantially horizontal position of use for the article holding accessory when the handle is at either one of the front and rear inclined positions.

Abstract: A joint assembly includes a base unit, a pivot unit, and a latch unit. The pivot unit is coupled pivotably to the base unit, and is rotatable relative to the base unit between folded and unfolded positions. The latch unit includes a latch member coupled pivotably to the base unit, a latching groove formed in the pivot unit, and a latching protrusion formed on the latch member. When the pivot unit is disposed at the unfolded position, the latch member is rotatable relative to the base unit to a latched position, where the latching protrusion engages the latching groove, thereby preventing rotation of the pivot unit to the folded position. A foldable furniture piece to which the joint assembly is applied is also disclosed.

Abstract: The spherical joint with internal brake has a controlled actuator that selectively brakes relative motion between interior members and an outer shell of the spherical ball joint. A shaft extending from the internal members can be stopped at any rotational position relative to the shell. The internal members may include a central spherical sectioned member sandwiched by a pair of symmetrically opposed peripheral spherical sectioned members, which selectively act as brakes when an actuator in the central member is energized. The energized actuator has a dual piston that pushes outwardly lo on the pair of opposed peripheral segments, which increases friction between the peripheral segments and an interior wall of the spherical shell to brake the system. The shaft extends from the central spherical sectioned member through an aperture in the shell. The size of the shell aperture determines the range of rotational motion of the shaft.

Abstract: A nonrotatable grip assembly for a handlebar that includes a tubular grip body, a pair of compression split rings and a pair of end caps configured to attach to the grip body. As the end caps are secured to the grip body, the compression split rings collapse and pinch against the handle bar to prevent the grip body from turning.

Abstract: A base assembly is provided that includes a base and a coupler. The coupler includes a sleeve for receiving an umbrella pole, a lower portion comprising a side surface, and a locking member coupled with the side surface. The locking member is configured to move toward or away from a longitudinal axis of the sleeve such that the locking member engages the base to prevent rotation of the coupler relative to the base.

Abstract: A quick attachment apparatus for use in association with orthopedic instrumentation and/or tools for releasable connection to a device, including a coupling member defining a passage extending generally along a longitudinal axis and sized to slidably receive a connection portion of the device, a locking member transitionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a biasing member engaged between the coupling member and the locking member to bias the locking member into engagement against the connection portion to substantially prevent relative axial movement between the coupling member and the connection portion, and wherein application of a lateral force onto the locking member results in displacement of the coupling member generally along a transverse axis wherein the locking member is disengaged from the connection portion to allow relative axial movement between the coupling member and the connection portion.

Abstract: A front wheel of a golf cart includes a supporting component, a round rotating member, and a joining shaft coupling the rotating member to the supporting component; the supporting component includes a holding part, which has an outer stopping protrusion, a polygonal portion, and a round portion adjoining the polygonal portion; the shaft includes a shank partly held in the holding part; a spring biases the shaft to such a position that the shaft is prevented from rotating by the polygonal portion; a fixing component is secured around other end of the shank, and contains the stopping protrusion; the fixing component has a polygonal hollow portion to fit closely around the polygonal portion to prevent the shaft from rotating; the round rotating member can be turned together with the shaft to fold the front wheel after the polygonal hollow portion is relocated around the round portion.

Abstract: A cam-actuated connection device joins rail mounting members of a photovoltaic panel array. The connection device slides within channels of mounting members until the members are in a properly positioned grid. When in position, the connection device is rotated to lock the mounting members in a rigid grid network. The connecting device can be subsequently loosened, repositioned and locked into position. The rail-mounting members create a grid for installation of multiple PV panels. The mounting rail allows the unit to remain relatively compact in nature but still covers a wide range of PV panel thicknesses. The rail system has a hinged connection with the mounting rail that allows an installer to assemble the module in a near perpendicular fashion to the mounting rail, make the required electrical connections and then lower the PV module into its working position. The unit is then locked into its working position.

Abstract: The inventive technology may relate to a retention apparatus (1) that in at least one embodiment comprises a compression sleeve element (2) established at least partially 5 around portions of a first elongated member (6) that telescopes from a larger elongated member (8) in which it may nest. A relative motion obstruction element (4) may disallow only certain types of motion, e.g., rotational and axial, of the compression sleeve element relative to the elongated members around which it may be at least partially established. As it instead may be the compression enhancement element (3)—which may be used to generate a retaining compression force element—that prevents perpendicular displacement of the compression sleeve element, deactivation and effective disengagement of the compression enhancement element may allow for a quick removal of the compression sleeve element without requiring that it be slid off an end of either elongated member.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for securing shuttering panels. A clamp including two mutually opposed substantially L-shaped members pivotably connected to an intermediate holder supporting the side profile sections of the panel frames to be secured, wherein the two L-shaped members are pivotably interconnected via a central shaft extending through the intermediate holder and said L-shaped members are further pivotably connected to said intermediate holder via two further transverse shafts extending through respective mounting apertures in the intermediate holder.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: An elongate flexible track is flexibly positionable from an initial straight configuration to a non-straight configuration having a horizontal, vertical or compound curvature in which it is lockable with locking elements. The track has a plurality of stud receiving components each being formed with a horizontal base wall having a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge, a side wall on a first side of the track and a side wall on a second side of the track, the side walls extending vertically from respective longitudinal edges of the base wall. The base and side walls define a space in which a stud end of an elongate stud can be mounted. Adjacent stud receiving components are joined by linking elements which include pivot elements about which the linking elements are adjustable in one or more directions. At least one locking elements passage is provided on each side of the track.

Abstract: A quick-acting telescopic tube has a stationary tube, a detent lining, an extension tube, a lock activating assembly, a bottom plug, an activating rod, a spring and a ball. The detent lining is mounted securely in the stationary tube and has multiple detents. The extension tube is mounted movably in the detent lining and has a top and a bottom. The lock activating assembly is mounted around the top of the extension tube and has a lever extending into the extension tube. The bottom plug is mounted securely in the bottom of the extension tube and has a transverse through hole. The activating rod is mounted in the extension tube, connects to the lever and has a locking piston with an annular recess. The ball is mounted in the transverse through hole and selectively in either one of the detents or the annular recess.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A curved metal track for receiving a series of metal studs and forming a part of a curved metal wall. The track comprises a plurality of sections with each section being pivotally connected to an adjacent section. Structurally each section comprises a base plate having opposed first and second end portions. Formed in the first end portion is a slit or opening. The second end portion of each section is adapted to be inserted into the slit or opening of an adjacently disposed section. A pivot connector is utilized to pivotally connect the first end portion of one section with the second end portion of another section. There is also provided a pair of opposed stud tabs that extend normal to the base plate and which are adapted to be secured to the sides of a stud. By pivotally connecting the individual sections of the track, the track can be curved and accordingly can be configured to form a part of a curved metal wall.

Abstract: A connecting device for securing a down pipe to a wall comprises a first part fixable to the surface and a second part attachable to the first part and forming an at least partial enclosure for the pipe, the attachment of the second part to the first part being selectively adjustable, whereby spacing of the pipe from the wall is adjustable. Co-operative formations prevent slidable movement of the second part relative to the first part, in a given direction along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, but permit slidable movement of the second part relative to the first part in an opposite direction, along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, once the second part has been slidably attached to the first part.

Abstract: The mechanism includes two discoidal parts, including a ratchet and crown mounted on an unattached axle, each of their opposing faces with cogged sections. The positioning of the ratchet on the axle allows it to move axially to facilitate the separation of the teeth. The separation of the teeth is carried out by a separator element that is set up between the ratchet and crown, the ratchet being able to be manually operated to carry out the separation. The ratchet is required to activate the position of engagement with the crown by means of a spring that is supported by an external disk that in turn presses on a limit plate pierced by the axle and mounted on the ratchet.

Abstract: An extension arm (1) is provided, especially a pivotal and adjustable-tilt extension arm for a supporting system, for the suspended fixing of preferably medial devices (2-5) through a joining element (6-9) fastened to a fixing piece (17) of the extension arm (1). The extension arm includes a securing element (34), which is guided through an opening (35) of the fixing piece (17) and secures the fastening of the joining element (6-9) to the fixing piece (17) by engaging inside a groove (36) of the joining element (6-9). The extension arm also includes a securing bush (26), which at least partially surrounds the fixing piece (17) and the joining element (6-9) and which secures the securing element (34) through the use of a spring element (40).

Abstract: An adjustable stop attached to the smaller of two nested telescoping tubes. The stop is in the form of a sleeve that is axially and rotationally adjustable on the smaller tube. The sleeve is smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the larger tube, and it has a detent for a pin extending inward from a tube clamp on the larger tube. The detent receives and releases the pin in both axial directions. This provides a detent at a selected relative extension and rotation position of the tubes, yet it also allows the smaller tube to fully retract into the larger tube. The tube clamp is used to fix the tubes at the detent position. The tube clamp is used conventionally to set a desired detent position.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A clamping device for two telescopic tubes (1, 2) comprises a ring (7) which is longitudinally split and thus defines a longitudinal spacing (8) located in a plane intersecting the ring (7) longitudinally, said ring (7) being extended towards the outside by two wings (9, 11) facing each other on either side of the longitudinal spacing (8), at least one rod forming an axis (A) arranged transversely in relation to the plane and passing through the two wings (9, 11), and an arm (12) which is fixed and pivots in relation to the rod forming an axis (A), so as to make possible clamping of the ring (7) by reduction of the longitudinal spacing (8), the two wings (9, 11) being brought towards one another. The arm (12) is divided into two branches (13, 14) each having a free end through which the rod forming an axis (A) passes, the two branches (13, 14) and also the free ends coming to lie on either side of the two wings (9, 11) of the ring (7) in order to enclose said two wings (9, 11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose tool for use in connection with vehicle adjustments and repairs when it is required, in the course of repair or maintenance work, that the steering wheel, brake pedal or accelerator pedal (or clutch pedal, if present) be placed and retained in a particular position while appropriate work is performed. The tool comprises a plurality of parts selectively assemblable to carry out the desired one of a number of possible procedures.

Abstract: A stageless adjusting/locating device for various kinds of sticks enables both right-handed user and left-handed users to conveniently stagelessly adjust the length of a stick. The stick is composed of multiple telescopic fitting tubes including mother fitting tubes and daughter fitting tubes nested in the mother fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device is disposed at each of the mother and daughter fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device includes a screw member formed by a threaded rod having outer threads and a locking member composed of two semicylindrical bodies mating with the threaded rod. A fastening ring is fixedly fitted around the locking member. The inner circumferential faces of the two semicylindrical bodies are formed with inner threads. An upper and a lower end of the inner threads are formed with thick sections converging from thin sections. The inner wall faces of the thick sections are formed with semielliptic arch faces.

Abstract: A handlebar joint, comprises a disc seat, a rotating disc and a clutch disposed between both of them and having flexible element that passes through a handlebar. In a normal coupling position, the two end of the clutch is coupled to the disc seat and the rotating disc so as to keep the handlebar relatively unmoved; and in the releasing position, the clutch does not couple with the disc seat, therefore, the handlebar can be bent. Also, in the coupling position, when the movements of the flexible element are executed, the clutch can be rotated to drive the deflectable element, so the movements cannot be influenced when the handlebar is bent.

Abstract: An arm connection apparatus for an artificial model comprises two flat bases, a lock disk, a lock bolt, and a fixing disk. Each base has a recess hole with a contour composed of circular arc parts to join with a lock hole of the lock disk and a polygon lock part on the lock bolt such that an arm of the artificial model can be detachably connected to a shoulder part thereof easily and firmly. Next, the arm can be arranged to connect with the shoulder part in different positions by way of a changeable engagement between the lock hole and the polygon lock part. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the lock hole by way of changing the angular position of the lock disk during being attached to the base to make the arm be a point of load while the model is hung up.

Abstract: A wheel seat assembly of a roller skate includes a sole body fixed on the bottom of a shoe. The sole body is provided with receiving chambers for securing casings therein. The casing defines an axial hole and at least two positioning holes. A roller seat is pivotally mounted in the casing by a pivot member. The pivot member is fitted with a catch member and an elastic member. The catch member may be selectively locked into one of the positioning holes of the casing by an urging action of the elastic member. The roller seat has a roller rotatably mounted therein by a rotation shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preferably rod-shaped and variable-length connecting element for transmitting traction or pressure forces between at least two points of application of force, from and to assemblies connected to the connecting element, with fastening elements located on the free ends of the connecting element for fastening the connecting element to the assemblies. The invention is based on the object of improving a connecting element of this kind so that it can be assembled more easily and accurately. According to the invention, it is proposed that the connecting element be of essentially two-part design, having a receiving element and a plug-in element that can be inserted into the receiving element in a manner at least permitting longitudinal displacement and that can be fixed in the receiving element in a desired position relative to the receiving element.

Abstract: A cable assembly (11) has a conduit (12) and a core element (14) passing through the conduit (12). A terminal assembly (15) is secured to one end of the core element (14). The subject invention incorporates both an interlock device (46) and an adjustment device on the same cable assembly (11). The interlock device (46) is disposed adjacent the terminal assembly (15) and is movable between a release position allowing relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46) and an engaged position preventing the relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46). The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing (20) partially disposed about a base portion (28) for allowing axial adjustment of the base portion (28) to tension the core element (14).

Abstract: A support stand includes a locking unit for adjusting its height and a support unit for angular adjustment in a horizontal plane. The locking unit includes a center bar fixed to the lower end of an outer pipe, a mesh sleeve unit having a mesh sleeve, upper and lower sliding bushes respectively connected to the mesh sleeve, a coil spring arranged between the upper and lower sliding bushes, a spacer sleeve arranged above the upper sliding bush and loosely fitted on the center bar and in the inner pipe whose lower end is fixed to the lower sliding bush, and an actuator sleeve provided around the inner pipe and connected to the inner pipe in a manner movable with the aid of a cross pin passing through axially elongated apertures formed in the inner pipe.

Abstract: A locking device for two components of a height- and tilt-adjustable motor vehicle steering column, that has components that are displaceable in relation to one another, is disclosed. One component is fixed on a bracket stationarily connected to the body of the motor vehicle and the other component is part of a steering column housing accommodating the steering column, with at least two toothed surfaces each fixed on the components that are displaceable in relation to one another. The toothed surfaces have each at least one row of teeth with a plurality of teeth arranged next to one another. The free tips of the teeth of the two rows, which free tips face one another, are mutually repelled by magnetic forces.

Abstract: A baby stroller having a switchable handle, a tray accessory, and an attachment device for attaching the tray accessory to the handle.

Abstract: A pole holder is provided which has an outer annular ring, an inner C-shaped partial ring having a circular cross-section with an opening therein, and a screw for exerting pressure on the outer surface of the C-shaped partial ring whereby the size of the opening is reduced with a corresponding reduction in the circumference of the partial ring, causing the partial ring to non-slidably grip the pole. The pole holder permits simple adjustment of the height of an object attached to a pole and can be easily adapted for use with poles of different diameters by changing the partial ring which grips the pole.

Abstract: A bar (25) for holding open a cover (4) hinged on the nacelle enclosing an aircraft engine (7) comprises two sections (26 and 28) of unequal length, one of which is hinged (27) on the cover (4) and the other (30) on the engine (7). The mechanism for locking or unlocking the sections (26 and 28) is controlled by a handle adjacent to the cover hinge (27). The bar can therefore be controlled by the very operator who is responsible for raising the cover (4).

Abstract: An axle mount for attaching a quick-release wheel to a wheelchair, which axle mount has a split-sided cylinder with a pair of flanges extending laterally from the edges of the split, the flanges defining bores for receiving fasteners to clinch the split-slided cylinder together and a mounting flange for receiving fasteners through bores for securing the axle mount to a chassis of a wheelchair.

Abstract: To connect a large and a small diameter pipe, a pipe connector has a tightening bush with a cut through it and is compressed around the pipe and has a main body with a receptacle for the tightening bush. The tightening bush has first axial ribs on a circumferential region of the periphery. The main body receptacle has cooperating complementary second internal ribs engaged by the first ribs so that as the bush is tightened, it does not rotate in the receptacle. A large pipe holder extends down from the receptacle for the bush and receives the large diameter pipe. An auxiliary bush may be disposed inside the large pipe in the radial space between the large and small diameter pipes.

Abstract: A tube tightening structure for collapsible vehicles includes a tube tightening member provided with a handy wrench and being disposed at an end portion of a main tubular element of a telescopic tube body. An auxiliary tubular element is fitted into the main tubular element. The main tubular element is provided with a groove along an axial direction at one end where the auxiliary tubular element is fitted into the main tubular element. The tube tightening member is disposed at the groove, and has a securing bolt threadedly provided thereon to abut against the wall of the main tubular element. The auxiliary tubular element has a lower section formed with a recessed groove along a direction corresponding to the direction of the groove of the main tubular element such that a lower end of the recessed groove is a distance away from a lower end of the auxiliary tubular element.

Abstract: An adjustable receiver tube includes an elongated tube having a flat resilient strap extending within the tube from the upper end of the cylindrical side wall. A flange at the bottom of the tube will support an IV pole within the tube, and a threaded shaft threaded through an aperture in the side of the tube will move the strip into engagement with an IV pole to hold the pole snugly within the receiver tube. A cushion is preferably mounted in the tube on the flange, to frictionally engage the lower end of the IV pole and prevent rotation, horizontal movement, and prevent damage to the lower end of the IV pole.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly (10) for an integral shifter cable interlock is provided. The assembly includes (10) a cable assembly (11) having a conduit (12) defining an axis and a core element (14) disposed within the conduit (12) movable along the axis. A terminal assembly (15) is secured to a portion of the core element (14) and has an aperture (37). An interlock housing (24) is supported by the cable assembly (11) with the terminal assembly at least partially disposed within the interlock housing (24). An interlock device (46) is disposed within the interlock housing (24) and has an armature pin (48) transverse to the aperture (37) for coacting with the aperture (37) and preventing axial movement of the core element (14). The adjustment assembly (10) is characterized by a removable clip (50) interposed between the interlock housing (24) and the terminal assembly (15) for locating the aperture (37) relative to the armature pin (48).

Abstract: A clutch depressing tool for holding a clutch pedal in an engaged position while work is performed on the clutch system. The clutch depressing tool includes a bar extending between the steering wheel and the clutch pedal. The bar has a first end and a second end. A clutch pedal engaging bracket is fixedly mounted to the first end of the bar. The clutch pedal engaging bracket has a hook portion thereon, which opens away from the bar. The hook portion is adapted to rest over an upper edge of the clutch pedal. A steering wheel engaging bracket for resting the second end of the bar on the steering wheel has a generally J-shaped configuration. The steering wheel engaging bracket has a long portion and a hook portion. The long portion has a first bore therein. The first bore has a shape adapted to slidably receive a portion of the bar. A plurality of notches for holding the steering wheel bracket is in the bar.

Abstract: A connecting rod includes first and second ball joints made of ball-shanks and holders tiltably connected with the ball-shanks. A connecting portion, which connects the holders of the first and second ball joints, adjusts the distance between the centers of the ball-shanks. The connecting portion includes first and second connecting arms integrally formed with the holders of the first and second ball joints and on which a plurality of positioning concaves and convexes which are meshed with each other are respectively arranged in a longitudinal direction. A fixing device engages the first and second connecting arms with each other in the condition where the positioning concaves and convexes of the first and second connecting arms mesh with each other.

Abstract: An improved locking device for adjustable garment racks including an inner tube slidable in and out from an outer tube. The improved locking device includes a sleeve having a simplified locking tab for engaging and locking the inner tube in a position relative to the outer tube and a touch tab by which an operator may easily and safely manipulate the sleeve to an unlocked position for adjustment of the inner tube relative to the outer tube and again lock the inner/outer tube combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a length-adjustable tube for ski poles or walking sticks, comprising on outer tube and a telescopically foldable inner tube which be inserted into the outer tube to adjust the length of the tube. Also included, is a expansion device with an expansion element which is held on the insert section of the inner tube and which can be pressed apart by exerting a quasi-radial pressure. The expansion device enables the inner tube to be axially and tightly clamped in the outer tube. In order to ensure that the expansion device engages inside the outer tube in all cases, it is provided that the expansion element pertaining to the expansion device if fitted on the area where it can be pressed apart by exerting a quasi-radial pressure with at least one soft-elastic friction element compensating diameter tolerance between the inner and outer tube and protruding above the outer periphery.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator comprising a screw that is driven in rotation, a nut that is driven in translation by rotation of the screw, and a guide rod which is driven in translation by the nut, the actuator having a plurality of rollers interposed between the guide rod and the nut, said rollers having a succession of annular grooves and ridges, while the outside surface of the nut and the inside surface of the guide rod have respective pluralities of complementary grooves and ridges, the grooves and ridges of the rollers co-operating with the grooves and ridges of the nut and of the guide rod to transmit axial force on the guide rod to the nut when said rollers are in an engaged position, the nut and/or the guide rod having release channels in angular positions that are designed to coincide with the positions of the rollers when they are declutched, said channels being such that they enable at least some of the grooves and ridges to be disengaged so as to release the guide rod to move in translation relat

Abstract: A stick-used stageless adjusting device for both left-handed and right-handed users to conveniently adjust the length of the stick. The stick is formed by an upper fitting tube and a lower fitting tube fitted into the upper fitting tube. The stageless adjusting device is disposed at top end of the lower fitting tube and includes a movable body and a brake body. The movable body includes two conic bodies and a thread rod connected between the conic bodies. The conic faces of the conic bodies are opposite to each other. The brake body is formed with an annular groove on outer circumference for a rubber ring to insert therein and composed of two semicylindrical halves. Each half is disposed with a thread for screwing with the thread rod of the movable body.

Abstract: A fixing device, for fixing a linearly displaceable machine part relative to a fixedly supported machine part, has a guiding block (11), a bar member passing through the guiding block (11) in a bar guiding mechanism (14). The guiding block (11) has a controllable setting device and clamping members (21) which are provided with through-holes (24) for the bar member. The clamping members (21) in the guiding block (11) are settable by the setting device, between a first position in which the members (21) clamp the bar member and a second position in which the members (21) release the bar member. The clamping members (21) constitute a plurality of congruent plate elements (21) with parallel surfaces. In the release position, the plate elements (21) are located so as to be approximately normal relative to the central axis A1 of the bar guiding mechanism (14) and, in the clamping position, assume corresponding angular positions relative to the central axis A1 of the bar guiding mechanism (14).

Abstract: The tiltable component in a tilt type vehicle steering column can be locked in selected positions of adjustment by an external locking mechanism that includes an elongated rod having pivot connections with the stationary and movable components of the column. A rotatable locking sleeve encircles the rod to form a rigid connection between the rod and one of the pivot connections. Meshed teeth on the rod and sleeve prevent the rod from moving in the longitudinal direction. By rotating the sleeve on the rod it is possible to shift the teeth out of mesh, such that the rod can move longitudinally to set the movable component of the steering column in a new selected position of adjustment.