Abstract: An apparatus for moving a wheelchair having a pair of upright rear frame members has a support adapted to engage underneath the wheelchair in an upright condition of same with the chair pivotal on the support between erect and inclined positions. At least two endless tracks on the support carry same and the wheelchair thereon so that the tracks allow the wheelchair to move on an incline. A frame element pivotal on the support about a horizontal axis transverse to the tracks carries a vertically displaceable transverse mount having outer ends respectively juxtaposed with the wheelchair frame members. An adjustment spindle extending along and rotatable about a horizontal axis through the mount ends adjacent the frame members has oppositely threaded ends at the outer ends engaged in respective mounting blocks axially slidable in the outer mount ends and threaded on the adjustment-spindle ends.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent a tank, such as a scuba tank from rolling around on a supporting surface such as the bed of a truck or within the trunk of an automobile. The apparatus comprises a split ring-shaped band which is to be located about the exterior of the scuba tank. The band is attached in a tangential manner to a flat plate. The length of the flat plate is sufficient to laterally support the scuba tank when at rest on the supportive surface and prevent such from rolling around.

Abstract: A connecting fitting for releasably connecting two platelike furniture members, which extend preferably at right angles to each other comprises two fitting elements adapted to be secured to respective furniture members to be connected. One of said fitting elements is pin-shaped and provided with an enlarged head and adapted to be slidably inserted into an aperture or recess of the other fitting element until the fitting elements and/or furniture members engage each other. The other fitting element is provided with a spring-loaded locking member, which comprises a forked portion for straddling the first-mentioned fitting element below its head in order to lock the fitting members to each other.

Abstract: A connecting device is disclosed for joining a trailer to a towing vehicle for substantial horizontal and vertical pivotal movements, as well as longitudinal rotation, of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle. A shaft added to one yoke of a pair of yokes comprising a universal joint is journalled in a block for rotation through 360 degrees. A similar shaft having a stop at its outer end and secured to the other yoke of the universal joint is inserted into a split block which functions as a quick-release clamping device upon closing of the block to secure the shaft. The bearing block preferably is affixed to the tongue or tow bar of the trailer and the split block is secured to the towing vehicle, the connecting device may be reversed end-for-end.

Abstract: A mechanism for removably securing forks to a forklift truck and the like includes a hook shaped upper end for engaging a support shaft mounted on the forklift truck and a freely pivotal release mechanism attached to the shank of the fork having a first surface closely adjacent to the shaft on which the fork is mounted. The pivoting release mechanism precludes disengagement of the hook from the supporting shaft when the fork is in operating position. Upon pivotal movement of the fork about this supporting shaft the pivotally mounted release mechanism pivots under the effect of gravity to present a second surface adjacent to the supporting shaft thereby permitting disengagement of the fork from the shaft.

Abstract: An oil cooler is mounted to a radiator so as to be in series therewith. The oil cooler is provided with a framework having four holes therein arranged in a rectangular pattern. In one embodiment, the holes are transverse, with a lower pair being axially aligned, and in another embodiment the holes are vertical, with the pairs of holes at the opposite transverse sides being vertically aligned. Mounted on the radiator are four spring metal straps which respectively carry pins received in an associated hole. In the one embodiment, removal of the upper pair of pins permits the cooler to pivot about the lower pair while, in the other embodiment, removal of the pair of pins at one side of the cooler will permit the cooler to pivot about the pins at the other side.

Abstract: A luggage cart of the type which unfolds from its storage into its luggage-carrying condition and vice versa, and in which the extending and collapsing handle is the principal space-saver, having the improvements of (1) a spring-biased detent to hold the handle in its extended position and a detent release to cause withdrawal of the detent preparatory to collapsing the handle, and (2) a novel plastic hinge to establish and support the luggage-carrying platform of the cart.

Abstract: A connecting device for releasably securing an axle on a support plate comprising a bushing member rotatably receiving the axle, said bushing member being disposed in an aperture of a support plate, which aperture has an opening to the edge to form a narrow throat which has a dimension less than the diameter of the aperture. The bushing member has a cylindrical body with portions removed to form at least one flat surface and a retaining lever connected to the switching body in a relationship so that with the lever in a first position the body can be inserted through the narrow portion of the throat into the aperture and then rotate it to a second position locking the bushing member in the aperture.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a comparatively heavy exchangeable element there is provided a clamping device for the element with a bayonet coupling and with grips which can be folded down only after the bayonet coupling has been brought into an engaged position. When the grips are folded down, a spring is activated so that a locked clamping coupling is obtained.

Abstract: A coupling for inner and outer telescoping shafts comprises a one-piece sheetmetal clip having a sleeve portion slidably received on the outer shaft. A resilient leg portion extends longitudinally from the sleeve portion and is provided at its free end with an inwardly projecting locking hub and an outwardly projecting internally threaded collar. In its collapsed retained mode the locking hub extends through an aperture in the outer tubular shaft and flexes the leg portion biasing the inner shaft into frictional retained engagement with the outer shaft. Upon the shafts being axially moved to an extended locked mode the hub is snapped into an inner shaft blind bore. This aligns an inner shaft through bore with opposed holes in the outer shaft and the collar for threaded reception of a through bolt.

Abstract: A pair of ridge latch plates and cooperating latch pin is disclosed for joining together two beams of a constructional arch. The invention includes a latch pin which extends through one of the beams with the respective ends of the latch pin being engaged by latches pivotably mounted on latch plates secured on opposite sides of the other beam. Guides are provided on each latch plate for guiding the protruding ends of the latch pin into engagement with the distal ends of each latch.

Abstract: A connecting fixture is provided for detachably connecting two platelike furniture parts, which abut preferably at right angles to each other. The connecting fixture comprises two fixture elements, which are adapted to be secured to one of the furniture parts to be connected and one of which comprises a detent lever, which is mounted to be pivotally movable against the force of a spring and at its forward end carries a hook-shaped detent projection, which when the detent lever has been pushed into an opening of the other fixture element snaps with its rear side face behind a step or bar of the other fixture element, which step or bar has a supporting edge. The radial distance from said side face to the pivotal axis of the detent lever continuously decreases toward the root of said side face and the side face when snapped in lies on the supporting edge above the root of the side face.

Abstract: A stopping device in a spare wheel holding apparatus in which a spare wheel can be held to a support member by one stationary stopper and one movable stopper. The stationary stopper is mounted on one end of the support member and has a stopping surface in the shape of an inverted "L" adapted to hold the edge of a hole on a disk wheel of the spare wheel. The movable stopper is pivotably mounted on the other end of the support member and is held in an upright position by a spring. The upper part of the movable stopper, which extends above the support member, has a stopping surface in the shape of an inverted "L" adapted to hold the edge of a hole in the disk wheel and can tilt in the opposite direction from the stopping surface. Also, in a second embodiment, both of the stopping surfaces are movable.

Abstract: In a locking device for attaching implements to convertible machines, preferably for fixing attachments to lifting slides of forklift trucks which comprise plate- or rail-like supports, which are adapted to carry the implements or attachments, which have retaining claws for interengaging with the supports, a locking member is rotatably mounted and axially immovably mounted on a disc-shaped axle, which is adapted to be connected to the implement or attachment, and said locking member is pivotally movable between open and locking positions and in its locking position is adapted to be positively coupled to the axle by a retaining element.

Abstract: Dummy bars with a detachable end comprising: an end portion which has a hook of a smaller width and is an integral part of the dummy bar and a lodgement groove stretching lengthwise in said dummy bar, a detachable head which bears on its outside a connection for attachment of the billet and has within itself a lengthwise groove containing an inside crosswise attachment pin, whereby the groove can lodge the hook of the dummy bar, and whereby said hook cooperates from above with said attachment pin, abuttments provided on the lower side between the end portion with hook and the detachable head and which enable the detachable head to rotate in one direction in relation to the end portion, a latch which pivots within the lodgement groove and can close from below against the attachment pin, a bar to actuate the latch provided and hinged at the end of the latch, and a tension spring connected at one end to the inner end of the bar and at their other end to the body of the dummy bar.

Abstract: An anchor connector incorporating a flexible joint (16) for securing the tension legs (14) of a tensioned leg platform. A latch dog head (34) engages a first recess (26) on the fixed member (22) of the flexible joint and a template recess (30) to prevent disconnection when the dog heads (34) and latch carrier (40) are in a lower position. With the latch carrier (40) in an upper position the latch dog heads (34) fit within a second recess (44) in the fixed member with the dog heads claring shoulder (32) of template recess (30), whereby the connector may be released.

Abstract: The combination of a storage bin, such as a dumpster container for trash and refuse, with a compactor adapted to convey a solids or particulate material thereto, wherein the compactor incorporates a compactor ram having a face plate releasably latched to the forward or head end of the ram. When the dumpster container is full, the face plate is adapted to be detached from the ram and concurrently fastened to the storage bin to constitute a closure for the material inlet opening of the container so as to prevent spills of trash therefrom.

Abstract: A fork for a fork lift vehicle, which is formed with an integral head, created by forging the same, into a hooked shape form, the rest of the fork being of generally conventional configuration, the fork further including special devices to effect latching of the same in position for use and to make positive the positioning and release of the fork for movement into various transverse positions with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column includes both tilting and telescoping movement. For telescoping, the steering column and to a telescope latch device which selectively engages one of a series of telescope detents. The tilt adjustment includes a slide component pivotally connected to the steering column and movable with respect to fixed vehicle structure, there being a series of detents in an edge of the slide component. Two or more separate and individually movable latches are provided on a pivotal actuating rod adjacent to the detents of the slide component. The spacing between adjacent latches is different from that between adjacent detents, so that only one latch is engaged in a detent at any one time. All latches are retracted by pivotal retracting movement of the actuating rod, and when the tilt is adjusted, a different latch engages in a detent before the just-disengaged latch reaches the next detent in the direction of movement.

Abstract: A coupling for coaxially joining pipe or rod sections employed with an earth boring drive unit includes telescopically interengageable male and female members having mating irregular cross sectional portions drivingly cooperable to transmit torque between said members and releasable locking means carried by said members to lock them against axial separation from each other, such locking means including an outwardly biased latch pivotally mounted in a pocket on the exterior of the male member and an inwardly opening recess on the interior of the female member into which the latch moves and lockingly engages when the members are telescopically interengaged for transmitting axial tension loads through the coupling.

Abstract: A weaving loom comprises a plurality of interchangeable sections forming the loom frame. The sections are separably connected together in end-to-end abutment. The connection between abutting sections is an unique tab and slot construction preventing them from being pulled apart axially but causing the sections to disconnect when one section is twisted downwardly relative to the other section about their abutting ends. Pegs project upwardly from the frame sections, and when the loom is in use, yarn woven around the pegs back and forth between opposite sides of the loom frame prevents the loom sections from becoming disconnected.

Abstract: A device for connecting a speedometer to a flexible shaft has an annular groove provided round the outer circumference of the stem of the meter, the stem being pierced by a rotating shaft which is connected to the inner shaft of the flexible shaft and is arranged to be rotated by the rotation of the inner shaft; a connecting tube consisting of a front tube part which is arranged to be fitted onto the stem and is provided with a pair of piercing holes confronting each other and a rear tube part which is coupled with the front tube part and is secured to the end of the flexible shaft; and a U-shaped embracing or arm member which is made of an elastic material and is provided with a pair of confronting claws at both ends thereof. The arm member is arranged to be fitted onto the outer circumference of the front tube part in such a way as to embrace it with the claws engaging the piercing holes. The claws are arranged to enter and engage the annular groove when the front tube part is fitted onto the stem.

Abstract: A rollable golf bag having an elongated golf bag container with a collapsible rolling assembly coupled to the container. The collapsible rolling assembly is movable between an extended position to permit rolling of the container, and a folded position to facilitate carrying of the container. Wheels connected on the rolling assembly are detachable and can be stored within a storage compartment of the container.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application, a retainer for sockets especially useful in connection with socket wrenches and accessories. The retainer, which is added to a male member includes a spring-pressed lever which is depressed as the mating female member or socket is introduced over the lever and then locks into the interior of the socket with a self-energizing form of engagement to resist withdrawal until the spring pressure is overcome to release the lock.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a starter jaw coupling member to the accessory shaft of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fastener, attached to the starter jaw coupling member is inserted into an internally splined bore formed in the end of the accessory shaft. A pair of pivotally connected arms are rotated in opposite direction with a forward arcuate motion by advancing a bolt passing axially through the starter jaw coupling member. The rotated arms engage the rear ends of the accessory shaft's internal splines locking the starter jaw coupling member securely to the end of the accessory shaft.

Abstract: A chuck assembly which is adapted for quick and easy engagement and disengagement with work arbors having various working tools mounted thereon. The chuck assembly comprises an elongate cylindrical chuck member having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough. One end of the chuck member is adapted to be attached to the shaft of a drive motor and the other end is adapted to receive a work arbor in concentric engagement therewith. Means are provided in combination with the chuck member for positively locking the work arbor in engagement with the chuck member when the chuck member and arbor are in rotational movement about their longitudinal axes. When the chuck assembly is at rest, the arbor is easily and quickly disengaged from the chuck member by moving the locking means to its disengaging position and pulling the arbor from the end of the chuck member.

Abstract: A device for rapidly securing and releasing a helicopter is provided. The vice effects positive haul down of an aircraft from a landing attitude above a landing pad aboard ship to a predetermined landing position on the pad, among other uses, through a plurality of rotatable spring-loaded over-center dogs clamped onto the free end of a haul-down cable and a sliding, cylindrical spring-loaded latching device which maintains the dogs in clamped relationship with the haul-down cable. The haul-down cable is instantly released upon freeing of the dogs.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a device for connecting togetheer two optical devices, and is primarily intended for quick connection and disconnection of two optical devices such as an endoscope and a viewing tube or two lenses.

Abstract: A conveyor system including an overhead conveyor rail system for a plurality of traction members each having a depending tie rod provided at its lower end with a snap coupling for releasably receiving the outer end of a handle rod of any of a plurality of wheel supported carts belonging to the system, for moving the carts on the floor along a predetermined path. The snap coupling an elongate extension member on the tie rod having adjacent its top end a snap latch arrangement for receiving an outermost transverse standard handle bar on the handle rod, and the lower end of the extension member having a transverse portion for abuttingly engaging the adjacent portion of the handle rod itself, when the handle bar is received in the snap lock arrangement, such that by stoppage of the traction member the cart is prevented from moving further by its inertia, without the handle rod having to be of any special design for being usable in the system.

Abstract: An exercising machine having vertical tracks, a vertically reciprocative carriage guide by the tracks, weights to bias the carriage downwardly and a lifting arm removably connected to the carriage, and having a failsafe mechanism for automatically interlocking the lifting arm and the carriage to prevent accidental decoupling thereof.

Abstract: A snap-on handle structure for attachment to an operating shaft having detent notches and cam members including a handle with an internal recess, and a generally U-shaped spring member in the handle recess with a pair of spaced-apart arms with free ends extending toward an open end of the recess. Each of the arms has a generally V-shaped hook portion intermediate the central base of the spring member and the free ends of said legs with a pair of inclined legs to coact with the cam members on placement of the handle on the operating shaft and coaction with the detent notches for retention of the handle on the shaft.

Abstract: A two-stage locking or latching mechanism for releasably connecting an endoscope and a urological instrument. In the first latching stage a body portion of the endoscope is fully received within a socket of the urological instrument and is restrained by a cooperating lug and socket against all movement except limited outward axial movement into the second latching stage. In the second latching stage the parts are secured against further axial separation unless they are first rotated with respect to each other to cam a spring out of latching engagement with the body portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: One component, such as a rear cowling of a turbojet engine nacelle, is held o another component, such as a flange of the engine housing, by a plurality of lockbolts. The lockbolts are synchronously controlled to effect attachment or detachment of the cowling or other component. Each lockbolt includes a strap which may be fixed with respect to the stationary component such as the flange. Each lockbolt also includes a tie bar having a hook at one end for cooperation with the associated strap and a pivot shaft at the other end. The pivot shaft rides in a slide track which may be disposed in a second support attached to the removable component. There is a moving part which may be carried by the second, stationary support, the moving part including a cam which cooperates with the pivot shaft of the tie bar to impart translational movement to the tie bar. The cam has a dwell portion which enables the moving part to move beyond the position at which the hook of the tie bar is fully withdrawn.

Abstract: An unthreaded, slip-on fitting for connecting a length of structural pipe to another length of structural pipe and/or to a stationary structural member such as a floor or wall, which is usable in building scaffolding, shelving, railing and the like. The body of the fitting has extending from it a pair of spaced parallel arms between which a locking element is pivotally mounted on a transverse pin spanning the arms. A set screw which is accessible from the exterior of the fitting body when the arms are inserted into the interior of a pipe to which the fitting is connected, engages a portion of the pivotal locking element extending into a cavity in the fitting body communicating with the slot. When the set screw is advanced inwardly, the locking element is pivoted, moving outwardly in opposite directions a pair of pipe clamping projections on the locking element, to grip the interior of the pipe, thereby securing it to the fitting.

Abstract: The plastic coupling unit includes oppositely directed tubular body portions, each having a circular opening at one end leading into its bore for receiving therein one end of a pole. Each tubular body portion is provided with a resiliently mounted tongue carrying at its free end a latch member that projects through a rectangular side opening into its bore so as to be engageable with a notch in the inserted end of the pole. A longitudinal key is contained in each bore and each inserted pole end has a keyway for receiving a key. In addition, the bores are formed with resilient ribs having sawtooth splines thereon that press against the pole end so that the two pole ends are firmly held by the coupling unit. Any number of coupling units can be employed in order to connect a desired number of poles in an end-to-end relationship.

Abstract: Hole saw consisting of a hardened metal tube with ground teeth at one end and a plastic cap at the other end.

Abstract: A handle arrangement particularly for a paint pad adapted for releasable engagement with a channel provided on the structure to which the handle is to be applied consists of an apertured base plate a handle member extending upwardly from such base plate and a manually actuable locking means supported within the handle member and adjustable between a first position wherein a part thereof extends through the aperture in the base plate and a second position wherein such part is retracted through such aperture.

Abstract: A telescopic walking cane with spring-loaded telescopic members that can be easily telescoped to provide a cane compact for carrying purposes and which likewise can be readily telescoped to full length by activation of a hand switch for walking purposes, the telescopic walking cane being provided with a concealed latch that can be readily opened for fastening to a person's belt or other convenient location on the person's wearing apparrel for ease in carrying or storing said walking cane when not in use, a thermometer built into the side of the walking cane for convenience in reading air temperature as particularly useful for individuals with certain handicaps affected by the weather, the walking cane being further provided with a scale or ruler markings along its length, and, additionally, a battery operated light at the tip of the walking cane operated by a switch in the handle, said light being useful when necessary for a handicapped person to look in dark corners or areas.

Abstract: A portable stage having plural separable stage units with means for holding adjacent stage units in fixed relation and at the same or different heights, including a pair of elongate grooved members associated one with each stage unit and with clamp mechanism positionable within the grooves of both of said members for imparting rigidity to the adjacent stage units and for holding said stage units locked to each other.

Abstract: A spindle and latch combination for removably retaining a reel. Keys drive the reel. Oppositely, a slot in the spindle holds the latch and a spring there urges the latch against the reel. Engagement or disengagement of the reel and spindle by one hand is possible. The latch may be embodied to pivot inboard or outboard of the reel.