Abstract: A portable medical balance and support apparatus and its use as a system is disclosed which includes a telescoping bar which is fitted with end-caps and an extension and retraction module. The apparatus includes a grip fitted to the bar to facilitate its use as a balance and support aid. The apparatus is intended to be portable. A user may set up the apparatus by placing one end-cap on the floor of a dwelling and then operating the extension and retraction module, which may be configured of a crank, a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor or a detent mechanism, to extended the vertical telescoping bar so that the top end-cap is pressed against the ceiling of the dwelling and the apparatus is secured between the floor and ceiling. After the apparatus has been used the extension and retraction module is used again to retract the telescoping bar and the apparatus can be moved to a different location.

Abstract: A telescopic device includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a sustaining rod, an elastic body, and a locking device. The outer tube receives the inner tube for axial traveling. A positioning portion is formed opposite to the locking device on the inner tube, the inner tube is free to axially travel inside the outer tube and only stopped by the engagement of the locking device and the positioning portion. The sustaining rod is arranged inside the outer tube, an end thereof is fixed to a retaining seat of the outer tube and another end serves to sustain the elastic body. The elastic body is arranged inside the inner tube, the two ends thereof are fixed to the opposite sides of an end of the inner tube.

Abstract: A wheel lock apparatus for a wheeled vehicle, said vehicle having a tire, the wheel lock apparatus comprising at least one tooth, wherein the at least one tooth is moveable between a first position, against the tire, and a second position, remote therefrom, such that, in the first position, the at least one tooth is oriented to substantially prevent forward rotation of the tire by engaging the tire, whilst in the second position, the tire is free to rotate.

Abstract: A sliding bearing for axial and/or radial arrangement of a first bearing member in relation to a second bearing member, comprises a second bearing member, which has a bearing recess provided with a second slide face; a first bearing member, which is lodged in the bearing recess and which is mounted axially and/or radially, the first bearing member having a first slide face, which is opposite the second slide face and spaced therefrom by a clearance; at least one sliding/guiding element, which is disposed between the first and the second bearing members and fixed in relation to one bearing member, for guidance of a motion of the first relative to the second bearing member; an equalizing compound, which is disposed between the at least one sliding/guiding element and the bearing member relative to which is fixed the at least one sliding/guiding element, for adaptation of the guide clearance between the at least one sliding/guiding element and the slide face that is displaceable in relation thereto, the equalizi

Abstract: A locking arrangement includes an inner element (1) and an outer element (3), (302), where the inner element (1) is axially shiftable relative to the outer element (3), such as a shaft of a tool, one end of the outer element (3), (302) has a locking member (4) for locking the inner element (1) and the outer element (3), (302) relative to one another, the locking member (4) is maneuverable by a maneuvering member (5) that is remote from the locking member (4) in a direction toward another end of the outer element (3), (302) via an affecting member (301) that is shiftable along or rotatable about an axis that is parallel to a lengthwise axis of the outer element so that the affecting member has a tube (301) that completely or partially encloses the outer element (302).

Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.

Abstract: A height adjustable accessory structure includes a C-shaped ring disposed in an engaging sleeve including a main sleeve body and an assistant sleeve body engaged with each other for allowing insertion and positioning of an engaging rod with a plurality of engaging portions. The bottom of the engaging rod includes a tightening section and an engaging member whose size is between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the engaging sleeve. The tightening section allows free deformation of elastic hooks at the bottom of the engaging sleeve, thus allowing the elastic hooks to successfully pass through the sleeve and enabling the elastic hooks to be positioned below the engaging sleeve after inserting through the sleeve. The engaging member will be stopped against the engaging sleeve, and the engaging rod cannot be pulled away from the engaging sleeve.

Abstract: A height adjustable accessory structure includes a C-shaped ring disposed in an engaging sleeve including a main sleeve body and an assistant sleeve body engaged with each other for allowing insertion and positioning of an engaging rod with a plurality of engaging portions. The bottom of the engaging rod includes a tightening section and an engaging member whose size is between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the engaging sleeve. The tightening section allows free deformation of elastic hooks at the bottom of the engaging sleeve, thus allowing the elastic hooks to successfully pass through the sleeve, and enabling the elastic hooks to be positioned below the engaging sleeve after inserting through the sleeve. The engaging member will be stopped against the engaging sleeve, and the engaging rod cannot be pulled away from the engaging sleeve.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a rolling element 7 for rotating upon relative movement of both shafts 1 and 2 in the axial direction is disposed between three pairs of axial grooves 3 and 5 which are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft 1 and on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft 2, respectively, a raceway surface element 9 which is in contact with the rolling element 7 and an elastic member 10 for pressurizing the rolling element 7 against the male shaft 1 and the female shaft 2 through the raceway surface element 9 are interposed between the axial groove 3 on the male shaft side 1 and the rolling element 7, and a sliding member 8 for slidably moving upon relative movement of the both shafts 1 and 2 in the axial direction is disposed between another three pairs of axial grooves 4 and 6 which are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft 1 and on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft 2, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is a cleaning device comprising of a shaft. The shaft has a hollow section and a lower end with a rim. The rim defines an opening at the bottom end of the shaft. The opening is located about the longitudinal axis and is in communication with the hollow section. The shaft also has one or more apertures that extend through the side of the shaft and are in communication with said hollow section. The shaft also has one or more slits that maybe in communication with the one or more apertures. The slit(s) run parallel to the longitudinal axis and may terminate before reaching the rim. The cleaning device is designed in such a way to easily allow a user to employ any flexible fabric or other suitable material in the cleaning device.

Abstract: An apparatus for abducting a patient's legs is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of two cuffs connected by a telescoping rod that is adjustable and lockable. The apparatus is used by a caregiver to tend to the personal needs of a disabled patient. The apparatus is positioned between the patient's legs, and the telescoping rod is locked thereby providing a fixed amount of abduction. In an alternative embodiment, a fixed length, preferably disposable support arms is used in conjunction with the cuffs for providing a low cost solution for leg abduction. Preferably, an articulating joint allows the upper cuff to adjust to a patient's body type improving comfort. Also, a flange on the base cuff improves stability of the apparatus allowing for hands-free operation.

Abstract: A front wheel support for a wheel chair, the front wheel support having a curved tube for attachment to a frame member of the wheel chair and a curved part. The curved part has a first portion with a curvature identical to the curvature of the curved tube, and a cross section allowing the first portion of the curved part to fit inside the curved tube. The curved part further has a second portion with a wheel fork seat for mounting a front wheel fork of the wheel chair.

Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).

Abstract: A leg for use in supporting geometric equipment includes a first leg section and a second leg section for telescoping receiving the first leg section. A locking device includes an actuator and an engagement portion. The locking device is operable in a lock position in which the engagement portion bears against the second leg section on the interior thereof with a force selected to lock the first and second leg sections with respect to each other, and an unlock position in which the engagement portion is spaced from the second leg section such that the leg sections are free to move in telescoping relation with respect to each other.

Abstract: A riser for a motorcycle having a front wheel coupled to a steering assembly that is movable to pivot the front wheel and steer the motorcycle. The riser includes a first portion that is adapted to be coupled to the steering assembly and defines an axis. A carrier is adapted to engage the handlebar such that the carrier and the handlebar are fixedly attached to one another. The carrier is movably coupled to the first portion such that the carrier is movable along the axis.

Abstract: An adjustable lift support apparatus includes a base, a sleeve attached onto the base, at least one meshing device, a shaft, and a support attached at the shaft. At least one groove is formed on an inner surface of the sleeve along a first axial direction. Each meshing device corresponds to one of the at least one groove and includes a flexible protrusion. The shaft is inserted into the sleeve. At least one rack is provided on an outer surface of the shaft along a second axial direction, such that the flexible protrusion of the meshing device is meshed between two neighboring teeth of the at least one rack. The support is lifted or lowered by an external force to make each of the at least one rack move with respect to the flexible protrusion of the corresponding meshing device, so as to adjust the height of the support.

Abstract: A locking arrangement includes an inner element (1) and an outer element (3), (302), where the inner element (1) is axially shiftable relative to the outer element (3), such as a shaft of a tool, one end of the outer element (3), (302) has a locking member (4) for locking the inner element (1) and the outer element (3), (302) relative to one another, the locking member (4) is maneuverable by a maneuvering member (5) that is remote from the locking member (4) in a direction toward another end of the outer element (3), (302) via an affecting member (301) that is shiftable along or rotatable about an axis that is parallel to a lengthwise axis of the outer element so that the affecting member has a tube (301) that completely or partially encloses the outer element (302).

Abstract: A bracket assembly for a portable unit. The assembly is pivotally mounted to the back of the unit and includes a frame member secured to the pivotally mounted member. A cover assembly is releasably secured to the frame member and can be moved to various positions with respect thereto. The cover assembly includes a locking assembly for locking and unlocking the cover assembly relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A telescopically adjustable pipe includes an outer tube, an inner tube, an inner bushing, a sleeve, a push member, a mounting bracket, a positioning member, and a retaining member. Thus, the positioning member is moved by movement of the push member and is detachably locked in the respective positioning hole of the inner tube to lock the inner tube in the outer tube, so that the inner tube is locked in and cannot slip from the outer tube.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a cover, a shaft with a multi-sectional structure, a notch, a runner, main ribs, stretchers, other coordinating multi-sectional ribs, or optionally, in addition, an auxiliary runner, a compression spring between the auxiliary runner and a plurality of stretching ribs. Around the notch is a plurality of pivotally disposed main ribs for supporting the cover, and around the runner is a plurality of pivotally disposed stretchers for supporting the main ribs. A locating tube is disposed below the notch which is pivotally connected to the main ribs. The locating tube has an upper end thereof fastened with the notch, and the auxiliary runner and the runner are accommodated around the locating tube, such that the runner is capable of firm up-and-down sliding movements on the locating tube, thereby steadily stretching the umbrella.

Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.

Abstract: A telescoping leg particularly adapted for use in supporting geomatic equipment is capable of locking in different selected positions of extension. A lock is provided for holding the leg at the selected position of extension. The lock is biased to a lock position, but is capable of being moved and retained in an unlock position by operation of a single thumb on one hand so that locking and unlocking the leg for telescoping movement occupies only one hand.

Abstract: A camming coupler for removably attaching a music desk or other object to an upright support leg. The camming coupler includes an inner sleeve for receiving the upright support leg. The inner sleeve has at least one longitudinal slit formed therein, and preferably has four substantially equidistant longitudinal slits. The inner sleeve also has a cammed exterior surface. An attachment member extends from the inner sleeve, and is attachable to the music desk or other object. The camming coupler further includes an outer sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a cammed interior surface that corresponds with the cammed exterior surface of the inner sleeve. In use, the camming coupler is secured to a music desk or other object. An upright support leg is inserted in the inner sleeve, and the outer sleeve is rotated to compress the inner sleeve.

Abstract: Device for locking two elongated elements the first of which slides in the second telescopically, comprises members for locking in the longitudinal direction the first element relative to the second element, which include a lock washer arranged around the first element and whereof a circumferential portion is placed between two longitudinally opposite supports of the second element and an elastic return member placed between the second element and the washer and acting on the washer in a point distant from said supports so as to bring the lock washer into an extreme inclined position relative to the first element wherein the two opposite parts of said washer are in contact with the first element so as to lock the first element relative to the second element in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holding device including: a telescopic handle having axially opposed front and rear ends and constructed of at least two separate shafts, of which a front-side separate shaft axially fits within a rear-side separate shaft being a hollow cylinder; and a support member provided at the front end of the telescopic handle for attachment of a cleaning wiper. The front-side separate shaft has an axially extending elastic arm and an engaging projection provided at a leading end of the elastic arm, while the rear-side separate shaft has a through-hole passing through a cylinder wall thereof, in which the engaging projection engages when the front-side separate shaft projects from the rear-side separate shaft by a predetermined length. Pressing the engaging projection, which engages in the through-hole, from outside the rear-side separate shaft permits release of the engaging projection from the through-hole.

Abstract: A surgical implant or instrument has two parts, one sliding on the other, the lower part being provided with a threaded bore and the upper part being provided with a passage orifice for receiving a fixing screw. The set screw can be received over its entire length beneath the upper part in the threaded bore and includes, at its upper end, a dog point which is thinner than its threaded part and which is provided with a slit, groove or hexagon socket for a screwdriver, the diameter of the passage orifice being smaller than that of the threaded part and larger than that of the dog point. An elastic device is provided for the implant or instrument which pushes the fixing screw into the fixing position.

Abstract: An adjustable torque rod comprising includes an adjusting sleeve, a housing and a rod. The adjusting sleeve includes a center surface, a first end and a second end. The housing has a receiving end that is rotatably connected to the second end of said adjusting sleeve. An attachment end of the housing, opposite the receiving end, includes a bushing for use in connecting the housing to a vehicle. A clamp is positioned proximate the receiving end for fixing the adjusting sleeve into a position in the receiving end of the housing. The rod has an adjustment end and a mounting end. The adjustment end is rotatably connected to the first end of the adjusting sleeve. The mounting end, opposite the adjustment end, includes a bushing for use in connecting the rod to a vehicle. The torque rod is extended and retracted by rotation of the adjusting sleeve.

Abstract: A nut assembly for quick adjustment of axial position relative to a threaded shaft. The nut is formed in two, physically separate sections, each having a surface portion with threads for mating engagement with the shaft. Each nut section is pivotally mounted to a bushing which surrounds the threaded shaft for movement of the nut threads into and out of engagement with the shaft threads. The sections are moved about their pivotal mountings by movement of a second bushing axially with respect to the first bushing through cooperative conical surfaces on the second bushing and on each of the nut sections. In one embodiment the second bushing is physically separate from and is moved linearly with respect to the first bushing, and in a second embodiment the first and second bushings are threadedly connected to one another with relative rotation of the two producing the relative axial movement.

Abstract: A stabilizser for tripods and the like. The stabilizer includes a rod for each tripod leg, arranged for connection on one side to the corresponding leg and converging, on the other side, in a common connection. The rods each comprise at least two rod members slideable telescopically one with respect to the other in an axial direction, and an arresting component for reversibly locking the rod members one with respect to the other according to the pre-selected adjustment, wherein the arresting component is of a unidirectional type, active in only one direction between the rod members for releasably blocking their relative axial sliding in one direction and for permitting free axial sliding in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A unique structure for an indoor exercise bike that provides strength in its design, as well as the flexibility to create an aesthetically appealing frame structure. The monocoque frame design, including two symmetrical halves joined together, forms a very strong, light shell that can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. The seat structure, handlebar structure, drive train and support platforms are all able to be readily attached to the primary frame structure to provide an exercise bicycle that is sturdy, easy to manufacture, and light enough to easily move when necessary.

Abstract: Two telescopic lifting beams are loaded in their protruded position and are driven from a retracted position to a protruded position. In order to improve the bending strength of the lifting beams, the lifting beams are surrounded by two telescopic tubes, one of the tubes being fixed to the outer end of the telescopic first lifting beam and is slideable on the second telescopic tube, which extends inwardly on the second lifting beam.

Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).

Abstract: A support particularly adapted for supporting a geomatic pole has telescoping legs, each having telescoping leg sections which can be locked by a locking device in a selected position of extension, fixing the length of the leg. The locking device is easily actuated and released and is biased toward a locked position. In an unlocked position, the locking device is positively positioned to inhibit contact with the released leg section so that movement is smooth and unnecessary wear is limited. The locking device has an engagement portion which is constructed to promote locking, but also to facilitate release and limit unnecessary wear of the engagement portion.

Abstract: A locating device for a retractable strut of a tent or a closet includes an engaging device, a sliding bracket, an upper strut and a lower strut. The sliding bracket is secured onto the lower strut. The upper strut is inserted into the lower strut and has an elastic buckle therein. The sliding bracket comprises a through hole for insertion of the elastic buckle. The engaging device has a pair of extension plates at respective sides and a stud at the inner center wall. The sliding bracket comprises a pair of slots at respective sides for insertion of the extension plates of the engaging device. By pressing the engaging device, the elastic buckle is urged to retract from the through hole of the sliding bracket.

Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.

Abstract: An adjustable height bicycle seat post assembly comprises a hollow seat post for supporting a bicycle seat slidably supported on plastic shims inside a hollow tube. The hollow tube clamps into the frame of a bicycle. A main spring forces the post upward, but a locking mechanism interconnects the post with the tube in various fixed positions relative to the tube. The locking mechanism includes a foundation and a projection extending from the foundation having a counterbore for guiding a plunger into holes on the post. The locking mechanism adheres to the outside of the tube to bear shearing forces on the plunger. An endcap on the locking mechanism and a top cap on the tube protect the assembly from foreign debris. The locking mechanism may be manipulated remotely using a magnetic switch assembly or manually using a manual assembly.

Abstract: A fabric covered structure such as for use as a gazebo or pavilion includes plural generally vertical support columns connected to roof beams which support a fabric roof. Opposed ends of the beams are each connected to one of the support columns and are each provided with a hook element for attachment to a cable or rope attached to the periphery of the fabric roof such as by being disposed in a peripheral hem of the fabric roof. Each roof beam is further provided with telescoping end portions to each of which is attached one of the hook elements for extending the end of the beam and maintaining the cable under tension and the fabric roof in a stretched condition.

Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.

Abstract: A telescopic mechanism, especially for steering columns of motor vehicles, with an internal element (10), which has a flattening (12) at least on one side, and an external element (14), which is complementary to the internal element (10) and in which the internal element is guided with roll barrels, which roll at the flattening (12), wherein at least some of the roll barrels are constructed as hollow elasticity bodies (18).

Abstract: A lock for securing first and second telescoped pole sections includes a base defining a through-bore for receipt of an end of a first pole section. A neck projects from the base and a collar is connected to the neck. The collar defines an opening aligned with the bore of the base. The collar receives a second pole section that is telescoped into the first pole section. A fastener is connected to the collar and a threaded end thereof projects from the collar. A lever control member is mated with the threaded end of the fastener and is movable to selectively radially constrict the collar. The fastener is rotatable relative to the collar but is frictionally engaged with the collar to prevent its unintended rotation. As necessary, the fastener is rotated relative to the collar to adjust the amount that the lever is advanced thereon.

Abstract: A changeable-length fourth axis of a delta robot has a first bar (82) and a second bar (83), which can be displaced parallel to one another in a slide bearing (84, 85). They are connected to articulation heads (80, 81) for leading in an incoming torque and for leading out an outgoing torque. The first and second bars (82, 83) are arranged here such that the incoming torque runs in a direction which is parallel to, but offset from, the direction of the outgoing torque. This fourth axis allows precise torque transmission, but is nevertheless of straightforward construction, has a high bending strength and relatively low weight and can easily be cleaned by being washed down.

Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.

Abstract: A fabric covered structure such as for use as a gazebo or pavilion includes plural generally vertical support columns connected to roof beams which support a fabric roof. Opposed ends of the beams are each connected to one of the support columns and are each provided with a hook element for attachment to a cable or rope attached to the periphery of the fabric roof such as by being disposed in a peripheral hem of the fabric roof. Each roof beam is further provided with telescoping end portions to each of which is attached one of the hook elements for extending the end of the beam and maintaining the cable under tension and the fabric roof in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A metal stud and clip assembly is designed for use in a non-load-bearing wall to allow a horizontal ceiling to vertically float thereon. This is accomplished by an elongated receiving channel on the stud spaced inwardly from its edges. A clip member has an elongated stabilizing bar slidably inserted into the channel, and the stabilizing bar itself then is secured to a horizontal ceiling or a track system mounted to the ceiling. Thus, relative movement of the ceiling with respect to the wall allows the stabilizing bar to move up and down in the receiving channel on the stud member.

Abstract: A device for locking two elongated elements the first of which slides in the second telescopically, comprises members (12, 22) for locking the first element (2) longitudinally relative to the second element (4), a lock washer (13) arranged around the first element and whereof the circumferential part is placed between two longitudinally opposite supports of the second element and an elastic return member (18) placed between the second element and the washer and acting on the washer in a site at some distance from the supports so as to bring the lock washer in an extreme inclined position relative to the first element wherein the two opposite parts of the washer are in contact with the first element so as to lock the first element (2) relative to the second element (4) in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for clamping a system adjusting the position of a member (30) relative to a support assembly (6). The adjustment system can adjust in height and/or in depth an automobile vehicle steering column body-tube considered as the member. The member is disposed inside two vertical uprights (11, 12) of the support assembly. The clamping axis (5) is perpendicular to the two uprights. The device comprises a bracket (20) consisting of a base (21) and two tie-rods (22, 23) which are connected by a closure and support member (56) on one (12) of the uprights, and an external clamping rod (19) mounted on the base. A locking assembly (40), an intermediate member bearing on the upright (11) and disposed between the base (21) and the locking assembly (40), and an axial retention assembly (47) for the locking assembly that is adjusted to obtain clamped and unclamped positions, are mounted on the external clamping rod (19).

Abstract: A retractable rod assembly includes outer and inner tubes, and a positioning device. An outer tube wall of the outer tube has two outer radial holes formed therein. An inner tube wall of the inner tube has two inner radial holes formed therein. The positioning device includes a mounting block and two spring-loaded retainers. The mounting block is disposed in the inner tube, and is formed with a pair of retainer passages respectively aligned with the inner radial holes. Each of the spring-loaded retainers, which are disposed respectively in the retainer passages, includes a retaining pin and a biasing member for biasing the retaining pin to extend out of aligned ones of the inner and outer radial holes to releasably secure the outer and inner tubes in an extended state.

Abstract: A first stopper supporting member (31), supporting a stopper (35) which controls movement of a second tubular member (22) of a telescopic unit (15) along a first tubular member (21), is disposed around the outer surface of the first tubular member (21). A second stopper supporting member (31a), supporting a stopper (35) which controls movement of a third tubular member (23) along the second tubular member (22) is disposed around the outer surface of the second tubular member (22). A facing end (71) of the first stopper supporting member (31) and a facing end (72) of the second stopper supporting member (31a) have nearly the same outer diameter. The resulting telescopic unit (15) is both attractive in appearance and free from the problem of being inadvertently caught by another object.

Abstract: A color toner composition including at least toner particles including at least a binder resin; a colorant and a release agent dispersed in the binder resin; and a titania as an external additive, wherein the colorant has an average dispersion particle diameter not greater than 0.5 ?m; the release agent and the binder resin are insoluble to each other; the toner particles satisfy the relationship: 0.05?Dw/D4?0.4, wherein Dw represents an average dispersion particle diameter of the release agent and D4 represents a weight-average particle diameter of the toner particles; and the titania has a segregation rate of from 0.5 to 5%.

Abstract: A pull pin assembly includes: a first pole having a first hole; a second pole having a second hole, and sliding in the first pole; a main body having a central hollow containing the first pole; a pull pin body extending radially from the central hollow, and having a space extending into the central hollow; a pull pin, having a circumferential stop, disposed in the space to move from a first position extending into the central hollow through the first hole to a second position outside the central hollow; a pull pin plug fit into the space and having a hollow containing the pull pin; and a biasing member biasing the pull pin toward the second first position to lock the first and second poles; wherein the biasing member is disposed to bias the pull pin between the circumferential stop and the pull pin plug.