Spring Biased Patents (Class 403/109.3)
  • Patent number: 7217057
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Arnold Keller
  • Patent number: 7198425
    Abstract: A steering shaft coupling for an automotive vehicle includes first and second shaft sections which are both serrated and which may be telescopically engaged. The shaft sections are locked together with an elastically deformable locking ring which is positioned within internal and external grooves formed on the shaft sections. The shaft sections are resiliently biased so as to resist unwanted vibration while in use in a vehicle by means of an elastomeric load and seal ring positioned between the assembled shaft sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lars Bergkvist, Lars Mogren, Markus Nyman, Mathias Petersson, Andreas Svensson
  • Patent number: 7186048
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for coupling nestable drive shanks of a tool includes a housing presenting a locking pin movable between a normal locking position and a release position. First and second bias means cooperate to urge a free end of the locking pin in extension outside the housing so as to extend between aligned shank apertures and join the same. Upon user disengagement of one bias means on the locking pin, the locking pin is urged to a release position towards a location within the housing so as to withdraw the pin from the aligned apertures. The latching mechanism enables drive shanks to be connected at user selectable lengths therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Troy L. Robins
  • Patent number: 7175137
    Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a spacing defined by first and second guiding surfaces, the spacing being sized to receive the terminal end of a trough member into the spacing. One or more springs are carried on the couplers and may be at least partially disposed within the spacing between the first and the second guiding surfaces. The springs urge the terminal end of the trough member against the coupler upon insertion of the terminal end into the spacing. One or more locking elements are coupled adjacent to the springs to move between a locking position and a released position. The locking elements may slide longitudinally or move perpendicularly to the couplers. A first trough member may be released from the couplers independent from a second trough member coupled to the couplers. Methods for use of the couplers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ferris, Timothy J. Haataja
  • Patent number: 7174908
    Abstract: A multipurpose net frame which is provided with a positioning device, the positioning device is slidably disposed on a control cord of the net frame; the user can set up the net frame by easily pushing the positioning device, when folding the net frame, the user can pull the positioning device and control cord to make positioning device move downward along the control rod, the respective rods and levers pivotally connected to the movable member are easily folded inward, and thus to prevent the user from being pinched when folding the net frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Chen
  • Patent number: 7144181
    Abstract: A joining device joins first and second bodies. The joining is simple and can be well-maintained, between a first and a second body that are, for example, parts of a food processor, whereby the first wall forms the bottom and the second wall is an outer wall. The first wall of the first body extends substantially at a right angle to the second wall of the second body. A detent projection, which is placed on an inner side of the first wall that is encircled by the second body, is pushed into a detent opening inside the wall by the force exerted by a connection device, particularly a screw, that is joined to the first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Marko Areh, Henrik Pavlovic, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 7097380
    Abstract: A positioning structure of a beach umbrella is provided that includes a positioning apparatus to connect with a lower tube of the umbrella. The apparatus has a flat plate for forcing the lower tube being inserted into ground easily. A handle has a rod to engage with apertures on the tubes of the shaft that can adjust the height of the beach umbrella as desired for increasing utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Youth Lee
  • Patent number: 7073228
    Abstract: A telescoping handle having a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes characterized by relative sliding stiffness between each of the tubes and having a similar resistance to rotation, the handle comprising a plurality of stiffeners having an outside diameter sized to fit snugly within an inside diameter of an associated tube. Each stiffener is positioned in an end of the associated tube remaining within an adjacent larger diameter tube when in an extended state. Each stiffener has an axial length at least as long as an overlap length of the associated tube and the adjacent larger diameter tube when in the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Pro Line Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert James Light
  • Patent number: 7069940
    Abstract: A crutch has an adjustable crosspiece between two upright tube portions thereof, which includes a main body having tunnels lengthways extending along two end portions, two engaging pins respectively in the tunnels, springs for making the pins project out from the tunnels, two control members positioned next to and movable along the end portions of the main body, and two linearly displaceable bars on lateral sides of the main body, each of which connects a respective one of the pins to a respective one of the control members such that the pins are displaceable together with the control members; immediately after the control members are moved further away from each other, the pins will be retreated into the tunnels and disengaged from the uprights, and the crosspiece is adjustable; after the crosspiece is moved to a new position, the control members are released for the pins to engage the upright tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Mu-Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7066676
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7040832
    Abstract: A locking device has an enclosure partially securely mounted on a peripheral edge of the outer tube and having a lever pivotally connected to the enclosure; and a positioning rod securely connected to a side of the lever to be driven by the lever and having a head formed on a free end of the positioning rod to correspond to one of the adjusting recesses of the inner tube such that pivotal movement of the lever is able to drive the head of the positioning rod to selectively move away from the corresponding adjusting recess to allow the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6971290
    Abstract: An adjustable extension for driving tools has a telescoping body. The telescoping body has an outer member which may be driven by a conventional driver, such as a ratchet handle or by a powered driver. The outer member drives a longitudinally extending inner member which is telescoped within the outer member. The inner and outer members have detents or a rack and pawl to firmly position the members at the desired length. The inner and outer members may be spaced to prevent binding of the elements when subjected to heavy torque loads and have stops to limit the telescoping movement of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Luis M. Ybarra
  • Patent number: 6959629
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a retractable shank, a handle, an elastic member, and at least one fixing pin. Thus the rod assembly of the retractable shank can be retracted into and expanded outward from the receiving chamber of the handle so as to adjust the distance between the retractable shank and the handle, so that the working length of the hand tool can be can be easily, rapidly and arbitrarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6938869
    Abstract: A plastic pedestal with a height adjustment function is employed to support an LCD monitor. The plastic pedestal has a rail module, a plastic upper housing and a plastic lower housing. The rail module has a leaf spring, an inner rail and an inner block. The plastic upper housing docks with the rail module while the plastic lower housing docks with the plastic upper housing. Thus, the plastic upper housing is sandwiched between the rail module and the plastic lower housing so as to provide enough rigidity for the LCD monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang Lin, Shih-Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 6913231
    Abstract: A telescopic stand is described and comprises at least two legs (2) and, for each leg, at least two elements (5, 6, 7) which are slidable telescopically relative to one another, locking means (12) on each leg (2), the locking means (12) being switchable between a locking condition and a release condition in which relative sliding between the elements of the respective leg (2) is prevented at least in one direction, or is unrestricted, respectively, and the locking means being switched to the release condition in at least one predetermined condition of relative positioning of the legs (2). The locking means comprises respective facing and opposed appendages (24b) which project towards one another from the respective legs (2) and, when pressed against one another, can interact with one another in the release condition when the legs (2) are gathered together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Lino Manfrotto & Co. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
  • Patent number: 6886839
    Abstract: There is provided a jogging stroller having a collapsible frame transformable from an erected position to a collapsed position, the frame including a base structural assembly and an upper structural assembly, the base assembly having a rear axle with a wheel coupled at each end, a fork assembly pivotally coupled thereto having two tubes extending to support a front wheel, and a pair of upright support members fixedly coupled thereto. The upper structural assembly includes a handlebar member having extending handlebar tubes, the other ends of the handlebar tubes slidably engaged with a respective interconnect member pivotally coupled to the free end of a respective upright support member, and further has two additional tubes each having first ends fixedly attached to respective interconnects and second ends connected at the front wheel to respective tubes extending from the fork assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Richard C Everett
  • Patent number: 6869243
    Abstract: A cotter is used for locking or latching tubes or extensions together, and includes a shank having a lower end, a handle attached to top of the shank, a ferrule slidably attached onto the shank and arranged between the handle and the lower end of the shank and having a portion applied with an indicating layer. A spring may bias the ferrule toward the handle, to have the handle to selectively shield the indicating layer of the ferrule, and to indicate whether the ferrule has been suitably biased toward the handle or not, and to indicate whether the tubes and the extensions have been safely locked or latched together or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Roger C. Teeter
  • Patent number: 6854916
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: David Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6811348
    Abstract: A device for locking a position of a moving part with respect to a fixed part. The moving part is positioned with respect to the fixed part isostatically. The device generates a force opposing the loss of contact of all the points of isostatic contact between the moving part and the fixed part so as to lock the position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Thales Avionics S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Meyer, Jean-Marc Darrieux
  • Publication number: 20040208687
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne Sicz, Arlen Wisseman
  • Patent number: 6796529
    Abstract: A strut for propping open the door of an aircraft including an outer tube connected at one end to the aircraft and a telescoping inner member connected to the aircraft door. The inner member is extended out of the outer tube when the door is fully opened and automatically locks in place. The strut can be unlocked by grasping a sleeve mounted on the outer tube, pulling it downwardly while rotating the same clockwise. The strut remains locked until the door is lifted upwardly until it stops thereby unlocking the strut. Lowering the door returns the strut to its stowed position with the inner member received within the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Avibank.Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Duran, Edward Avetisian, William D. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6786669
    Abstract: A positive lock quick release pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disclosed. The pin also includes a ball retention mechanism located in the handle portion that is moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of an opening formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the ball mechanism extends no further than the outer edge of the opening. The ball retention mechanism is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by reciprocation and rotation of the shaft member within the handle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Walter Tsui, J. Steve Mills, James M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6782903
    Abstract: The present stick is comprised of first and second tubes telescopically connected together. The tubes are biased away from each other by a coaxial coil spring. A shaft is positioned within the first tube, and is biased outwardly from an outer end of the first tube by another coaxial coil spring. A cam is attached to an inner end of the shaft. Holes are arranged on the first tube adjacent the cam. Balls are positioned inside the first tube between the cam and the holes. Detents are arranged along the second tube. When the shaft is released, the balls are forced outwardly through the holes and into detents which are aligned with the holes to lock the first and second tubes together. When the shaft is depressed, the balls are retracted by the cam away from the detents and allow the first and second tubes to telescope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Jarman, Harold C. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20040141803
    Abstract: A locking pin assembly includes a button that can be moved in a first direction from a first position to a second position, and a first biasing member for biasing the button to be normally in the first position. The locking pin assembly also includes a locking pin member that engages the button and is movable in a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, from a third position to a fourth position when the button is moved from the first position to the second position. The locking pin assembly also includes a second biasing member for biasing the locking pin member to be normally in the third position. The locking pin assembly can be used in a collapsible canopy frame to adjust the height of a telescoping side pole by fixing upper and lower sections to each other and/or to fix the edge scissor assemblies and the side poles in an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Dong Woog Seo
  • Patent number: 6749227
    Abstract: A locking mechanism interconnects telescoping outer and inner tubes between extended and retracted lengths, such as for a trek or ski pole. A detent or pin movably extends between the outer and inner tubes to secure the tubes with respect to one another. A connector sleeve can be disposed on one tube, and movably receive the other tube therein. A button can be carried by the sleeve, and is depressable to force the pin away from the outer tube, allowing the inner tube to slide. The button can be formed on an annular band that deforms when the button is depressed, and the resiliently returns to its initial shape when released to bias the button away from the detent or pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan Margid
  • Patent number: 6718589
    Abstract: A push broom having an extendable handle with an upper section slidably mounting a lower section with a compressible coil spring mounted therebetween for urging the lower section forward or away from the upper section. The lower section includes a bristle brush with an attachment fitting for threadably coupling with the lower section. Bushings carried on both the upper section and the lower section permit a smooth sliding relationship between the sections. A protective boot of the bellows type has opposite ends secured to the upper section and the lower section respectively and encloses the compressible coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chris R. Kimbro
  • Patent number: 6676326
    Abstract: A square lamp post insertional conjoinment structure comprised of a slip-mount tube and a casing tube fitted onto the slip-mount tube. The slip-mount tube has disposed at one end an internal binding sleeve and, furthermore, an insertional conjoinment section of a stepped arrangement is formed between the exterior of the internal binding sleeve and the interior of the slip-mount tube at two opposing sides and a spring is installed in each insertional conjoinment section. The casing tube has engagement blocks aligned with the springs. When the casing tube is fitted onto the slip-mount tube, its engagement blocks press inward against the springs to facilitate the sleeving on of the casing tube. After the casing tube engagement blocks have passed the springs, the springs rebound to their original positions, locking the casing tube onto the slip-mount tube and thereby achieving the fixed coupling of the casing tube and the slip-mount tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6676092
    Abstract: A trash bag holder includes a base and a plurality of posts are pivotally connected to the base. A flexible ring is connected to respective second ends of the posts. The posts each includes an outer tube and a rod which is received in the outer tube. A trash bag is received in the space enclosed by the posts and the open top of the trash bag is folded outward onto the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Bi-Hau Tsai
  • Patent number: 6640395
    Abstract: A telescoping and tensioning connecting device for fabric vehicle covers assembled from a number of inter-received tubular members, which are slidably connected to a primary housing tube. A coiled compression spring, positioned within the primary housing tube provides tension and hook devices at each end of the apparatus engage “eyelets” of a fabric vehicle cover thus snugging and holding the cover to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: James Newman Bush
  • Patent number: 6595226
    Abstract: A stick structure. The stick structure is resiliently extensible and adjustable in length. The adjustment of length of the stick can be easily achieved by both right-handed and left-handed users. The stick includes multiple fitting tubes nested in each other and an adjusting/locating device and a resilient extensible device disposed at the fitting sections of the fitting tubes. When rotating clockwise or counterclockwise any of the fitting tubes, the rotary body is rotated to forcedly stretch apart the damper to tightly abut against the inner circumference of another fitting tube so as to easily adjust the length of the stick and fix the stick. In addition, depending on use in different environments, the stick is freely and resiliently extensible to a certain extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Crystal Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Uemura
  • Patent number: 6592231
    Abstract: A mirror assembly has a pair of telescoping tubular supports extending between a support base and a mirror head to provide adjustment of the mirror head toward and away from the support base. Friction shoes within the tubular supports releasably hold such supports against unintentional telescoping movement. Cooperating stops on the telescoping supports limit outward movement of the mirror head and prevent complete separation of the telescoping supports. The tubular supports are hingedly attached to the support base for rotation about a vertical axis, and cooperating detents and spring elements on the supports and support base releasably hold the supports against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Home, Paul R. Henion, Peter Robert Rothe, David Henderson Woollard, Barry Whitford, Trevor Fimeri, Simon Orme
  • Patent number: 6585220
    Abstract: A support apparatus for rollout awnings is provided for stabilizing the support legs of an awning for recreational vehicles, mobile homes and campers. A pair of post stabilizing members includes an inner member telescoping inside an outer member for varying the length of each post stabilizing member. The inner member and the outer member are of a linearly elongated cylindrical configuration. An L-shaped stake is positioned transversely and perpendicularly along the centerline of each post stabilizing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel T. Shemuga
  • Patent number: 6571884
    Abstract: A novel solution for changing sweeps or knives on a cultivator or other soil working tool is the subject matter of the present invention. In today's farming world, where labor is at a premium and time is of the essence, a sole operator or farmer in preparing the fields for planting, summer fallow or other operations will sometimes need to change the sweeps or knives which till the ground several times for different crops or operations. The novel invention herein provides for an apparatus for quickly removing the sweeps (2) on cultivator shanks and replacing them with other soil openers of different width or configuration. A simple press button (7) releases the sweep (2) from an adapter bolted to a standard cultivator shank. The present invention eliminates the problem of sweeps falling off shanks due to lack of friction or difficulty in removing sweeps because of over friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: F. P. Bourgault Tillage Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonard Horvath, Linus Yeager, Ricky William Schemenauer
  • Patent number: 6551226
    Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for adjusting the position of a member on an exercise machine has an inner tube with a series of spaced pinning holes and an outer tube telescopically engaged over the inner tube and having a locator hole for alignment with a selected pinning hole. A lever has a pinning section pivotally mounted on the outer tube to extend across the locator hole, and a hand engaging section extending at an angle to the pinning section. The pinning section is pivotable between an operative position in which a pinning button projects through the locator hole and an aligned pinning hole in the inner tube to secure the tubes together, and a retracted position in which the pinning button is spaced from the locator hole. A handle is mounted on the outer tube to extend in the same general direction as the hand-engaging section such that a user gripping the handle can engage the hand-engaging section and urge it towards the handle to pivot the pinning section into the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge
  • Patent number: 6532846
    Abstract: A tool includes a shank, a handle slidably mounted on the shank and encompassing an outer periphery of the shank, thereby forming a closed state, and a positioning structure mounted between the shank and the handle for positioning the handle on the shank. The positioning structure includes at least one positioning portion formed on the shank, and at least one positioning body formed on the body. The positioning body may be locked and positioned on the positioning portion when the handle is compressed, thereby positioning the handle on the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Chorng-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 6520192
    Abstract: An extensible positioning device of the shank of an umbrella includes an outer tube, an inner tube, an adjusting cylinder and a fixing cylinder. The inner tube may telescope in the outer tube. The outer tube has holes spaced apart horizontally in a lower portion for compressing members of positioning arms of the fixing cylinder to move in and out. The adjusting cylinder has female threads formed in a lower end, and the fixing cylinder has male threads engaging the female threads after the adjusting cylinder and the fixing cylinder fit around the outer tube. When the adjusting cylinder is screwed tightly around the fixing cylinder, the compressing members of the fixing cylinder moves gradually in the holes of the outer tube and further compress the inner tube tightly to keep the inner tube at an adjusted position relative to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Albert Chong-Jen Lo
  • Patent number: 6485213
    Abstract: A system including a retaining member passing through an element and connected at one end to a structure and bearing at the other end on an external side of the element; a separating mechanism for separating the member from the structure to move the element from a folded position to a deployed position; and a drive mechanism for pulling the corresponding part of the retaining member outwards after actuation of the separator mechanism. The system has a device which includes a barrel receiving the retaining member concentrically, cut-outs in the wall of the barrel forming spring tongues adapted to be bent wholly or partially towards the inside of the barrel in order to come into contact with the part, an enlargement of which is adapted to cooperate with the tongues to hold the member after actuation of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Daniel Viale
  • Patent number: 6467747
    Abstract: A signpost assembly includes a spring-loaded connector designed for connecting a signpost to an anchor member, the signpost being designed to shear off when struck forcefully. The signpost has at least one opening. The connector has a bracket with at least a first support side defining an opening and a second support side, and a base connecting the support sides. The connector also has at least one pin which is spring biased. The pin has an alignment knob at one end. The spring biases the pin between a first compressed position and a second expanded position. The opening in the support side allows the alignment knob to protrude through. The assembled connector is held in place by the spring's tension against the spring side of the stop flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Western Highway Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven James Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 6412737
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Moridaira Musical Instruments
    Inventor: Yoichi Minagawa
  • Patent number: 6408560
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus permitting single handed extension of a telescoped net handle such that the fisherman grasps the net handle, steps on the most distal portion of the net frame and draws the net handle through a handle guide aperture and counter bore in the handle guide and locking apparatus and toward the extended position. A locking pin assembly presents a spring extended locking pin positioned proximal the handle first end which encounters a chamfer at the fish net handle guide and locking apparatus top side; the chamfer causing the locking pin to depress and enter a locating counterbore which terminates at a locating shoulder. As the net handle is extended further the depressed locking pin terminates extension of the net handle when it encounters the locating shoulder at which point the fisherman's rotation of the handle will cause the locking pin to encounter and enter a locking aperture in the locking assembly thus placing the fish net in condition for secure operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: John Bloom
  • Patent number: 6409412
    Abstract: Adjustable locking and unlocking structure for a telescopic tube, including two locating members mated with each other, an actuating push plate, a restoring spring, a main restricting plate, a subsidiary restricting plate, several restricting rings, a compression spring and an adjustment rod. The inner face of each of the locating members is formed with a central arch channel for the adjustment rod to pass therethrough. A middle rear section of the arch channel is cut with a trapezoid restricting cavity. A front and a rear walls of the tapered restricting cavity are formed with slope sides. Each of the main and subsidiary restricting plates includes a circular restricting ring section and a bent press section integrally connected with upper side of the restricting ring section. The restricting ring section is formed with a central restricting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Chien-Jen Huang
  • Patent number: 6371686
    Abstract: An improved central shaft for collapsible umbrella includes a plurality of telescopic tubes. Each pair of adjacent tubes are overlapped and engaged by a circular perimeter section and a flat indent plane, or a flat indent plane and an inside concave section formed at the ends of the tube. The overlapped engagement sections of the tube may be made at a selected length desired to obtain strong engagement strength. The tube number may be increased to five so that each tube may be shorter to make the umbrella compact and convenient to carry and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Tsun-Zong Wu
  • Patent number: 6339856
    Abstract: A collapsible playyard having a frame capable of being in an extended position and a collapsed position comprises one or more latches provided on upper frame member, lower frame member, and vertically extending rail of the frame respectively wherein vertically extending rail further consisting of a support tube and a sliding tube slidable in the support tube. Tubes are releasably attached together by a locking device. By utilizing this, the purpose of reducing height in addition to the reduction of width and length after collapsed is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventors: Er-Jui Chen, Pao-Shan Huang, Huang-Yi Cheng
  • Patent number: 6302611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting piece which can be pivotally connected both to the jib of an excavator and to a setting cylinder connected to a jib, and which is intended for linking up a tool, such as an excavator bucket, for example, to the end of the jib. A connecting wedge is connected to the connecting piece, in which two pins extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the wedge and being guided in the connecting piece are mounted. An adjusting element is connected to the connecting piece, by means of which the connecting wedge can be moved in a direction transversely to its longitudinal direction. The connecting piece comprises a screw spindle, which is journalled in the connecting wedge and which is screw into a nut-shaped member connected to the connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Metaalwarenfabriek A.P. Verachtert B.V.
    Inventors: Gertrudis M. G. de Gier, Adrianus M. C. M. Van Doornmalen
  • Patent number: 6234509
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling a trailer which has a trailer tongue mount attached to the trailer and a coupler attached to the trailer tongue mount. The coupler has an outer tube assembly, an inner tube assembly slidably received by the outer tube assembly, and a return spring having a first end attached to the outer tube assembly, and a second end attached to the inner tube assembly for drawing the inner tube assembly upwardly toward the first end of the return spring. The inner tube assembly may include an inner tubular member which has a plurality of height adjusting holes, a top end and a bottom end. The inner tube assembly may also include a female coupling member attached to the bottom end of the tubular member. A locking handle assembly may be attached to the inner tube assembly to prevent the coupler from disengaging from the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Hammerblow Corporation
    Inventor: Hector Lara
  • Patent number: 6213672
    Abstract: A telescoping self-aligning tube having an inner tube dimensioned and configured to fit within an outer tube which is equipped with a guide slot for receiving a snap button, thereby preventing rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The guide slot allows the telescoping tube to self-align such that the user does not have to twist and maneuver the inner and outer tubes when changing the tube length in order to align a detent button with its detent hole. Embodiments include detent holes located both within and radially opposite with respect to the guide slot. A Foam insert may be located on both ends of the inner tube allow the telescoping tube to be buoyant. A special layer of rubberized or polymer coating protects the cleaned surface from abrasions due to contact with the telescoping tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: George J. Varga
  • Patent number: 6196758
    Abstract: An accessory receiver is adapted for mechanical engagement with a level sensing device such as a carpenter's level or with other similar tools. The accessory receiver provides a receiver body for engagement within a box frame structure by spring action so that surfaces of the receiver and the level are forced into intimate contact. A pair of springs forces a receiver body into a flush position on the face of a box frame. A keyhole slot in the receiver is adapted for receiving a shaft for an accessory and for capturing it with snap-action onto an alignment upset for true alignment of the accessory with the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Patent number: 6179514
    Abstract: A telescopic tube joint has a sleeve, which is adapted to securely coupling an outer tube and an inner tube, and defines a locking chamber therein. At least two locking rings are received in the locking chamber of the sleeve, the locking rings are forced apart by a biasing member between the locking rings and cause the locking rings to press on the outer wall of the inner tube to hold the inner tube in place with respect to the outer tube. When a user squeezes the locking rings, the inner tube will slide freely in the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kun-Chia Cheng
  • Patent number: 6179513
    Abstract: A clamp for securing a canopy to a telescoping rafter while simultaneously securing the rafter is provided by the present invention. A handle is pivotally mounted on a rafter arm used to support and extend a retractable awning canopy. When the handle is rotated to a first position, the clamp is disengaged and a rafter arm may be extended freely. When the handle is rotated to a second position a spring lock is engaged by a cam attached to the handle, such that the spring lock secures the position of a first member relative to a second member of the telescoping rafter. At least one end of the handle includes a pair of clamping jaws for securing a canopy to the handle. The clamping jaws are tightened or loosened by a thumb screw connecting the jaws. The thumb screw may also be used to secure the handle to the rafter when the handle is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Albert P. Marasco