Shackle Is Integral With Or Independently Attached To Proximate Side Of Plate Or Other Side Patents (Class 403/386)
  • Patent number: 11627692
    Abstract: Quick-change system for a sweep comprising a sweep with a neck and a removable wedge, wherein the neck serves to couple the sweep to a cultivator shank and comprises an inner surface with at least one lug that fits in at least one hole of the cultivator shank, and side flaps configured to clasp the cultivator shank, the removable wedge being inserted between the side flaps and the cultivator shank and holding the cultivator shank against the inner surface of the neck, so that the combination of the lug fitted in the hole of the cultivator shank and the removable wedge inserted in the neck makes it possible to retain and fasten the sweep to the cultivator shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: NATT Tools Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Joseph Sanderson
  • Patent number: 11009151
    Abstract: A vertical pipe deployment system that includes a flexible pipe deployed vertically in a non-linear manner. A first clamp couples to and supports the flexible pipe. A second clamp couples to the flexible pipe. The second clamp laterally changes a direction of the flexible pipe as the flexible pipe descends vertically between the first clamp and the second clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew David Ethridge, David Michael Gregory, Mark Douglas Kalman
  • Patent number: 9010864
    Abstract: A support mechanism (20) for mounting a wheelchair back to a wheelchair post including at least one generally horizontally extending support pin (30), the support mechanism (20) comprising a hanger arm (24) having a downwardly opening hook (26) defining an upper support point and a self-locking latch (34) pivotally mounting to the hanger arm (24), the latch defining a locking notch (40) and a stop notch (42), the latch (34) being pivotal between a locked position in which the latch locking notch (40) and the hook (26) define a substantially closed hole around the support pin (30) and an unlocked position in which the pin (30) is seated in the stop notch (42) such that the latch (34) is secured open so the hanger arm hook (26) can be connected to or removed from the wheelchair post support pin (30); the latch (34) is shaped and weighted such that the latch can be moved to the locked position under the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Roho, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory W. Goeckel
  • Patent number: 8562238
    Abstract: A pipe handle holding structure wherein force for holding a bar handle in a holder is minimized, the holding performance whereby the bar handle is held by the holder is improved, and the bar handle and holder are maintained in an appropriate state even in cases in which the bar handle is frequently attached to and detached from the holder. The pipe handle holding structure comprises a round pipe-shaped bar handle, and a holder for holding an external peripheral surface of the bar handle. The holder has a plurality of concealing parts for concealing the external peripheral surface of the bar handle and elastically deforming the external peripheral surface in a pipe diameter direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Hasei, Mai Ohba, Katsuhisa Ichikawa, Kouhei Okaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090169296
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows a user to secure a fall arrest system to equipment in locations not originally intended to be used for fall safety equipment. By utilizing non-conventional anchor points to secure the fall arrest system, a user can provide adequate and compliant fall arrest protection on equipment without violating the environmental or structural integrity of the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Ralph W. Wager, Maurice G. Andreula, Harry J. Schmidt, Douglas J. Struyk
  • Patent number: 7478971
    Abstract: A shelf connector includes a sliding sleeve and a locking sleeve. The sliding sleeve is formed with a locking body thereon. The locking body is provided with an open groove along the axial direction of the sliding sleeve. The locking body is provided on both sides of the open groove with clasping portions. The locking sleeve is provided with a locking groove thereon. After the clasping portion is inserted into the locking groove, the width of the open groove can be reduced. With the above arrangement, in assembling, the sliding sleeve can be conveniently positioned to any suitable position of the supporting rod and locked thereto with the insertion of the locking sleeve. Since the locking sleeve itself has mounting portions for mating with the frame body of the shelf, or the locking sleeve itself is the end portion of the frame body of the shelf, the connection of the whole shelf becomes very simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Xiangming Li
  • Patent number: 7318687
    Abstract: An assembly comprises a male component and a female component which connect together to form a mechanical connection, the female component being adapted to at least partially receive an end portion of the male component. The female component has at least one bore which is adapted to receive a clamping pin which can be tightened to clamp the female component around the male component. A guide is provided which is carried by the male component and which defines at least one blocking region and one opening region, the opening region being aligned with the at least one bore in the female component to permit insertion of the clamping pin into the bore when the male component and female component are correctly aligned and the blocking region otherwise preventing insertion of the clamping pin when the male component is inserted into the female component with an incorrect alignment. The guide assists in achieving correct alignment of the male and female components during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: TRW LucasVarity Electric Steering Limited
    Inventors: Michael Appleyard, Stephen David Butler, Mark Anthony Wilkes
  • Publication number: 20070297853
    Abstract: The method is for attaching an attachment plate to an elongate member. An attachment plate (10) is provided that has a spiral shaped cutout forming a fastener (22). The fastener (22) is pulled out and away from a bottom surface (14) against a biasing force of the fastener (22). An elongate member (30) is inserted into the fastener (22) so that the elongate member (30) is captured between the fastener (22) and the bottom surface (14). An outer end (24) at least partially wrapped around the elongate member (30). An inner edge (32) of the fastener (22) bears against the elongate member (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Sharp
  • Patent number: 7066679
    Abstract: A shaft coupling element comprising a first portion configured for connection to a shaft and a second portion configured for connection to a secondary component. The first portion comprises first and second spaced apart side walls with a partial cylindrical portion extending therebetween to define a shaft receiving slot. A safety notch extends through the partial cylindrical portion adjacent the axial opening in to the shaft receiving slot to define a radial opening from the shaft receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Timken US Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Audibert, George David Collon
  • Patent number: 6974276
    Abstract: A connecting part for attachment on a mounting rail has a fastening part with an at least approximately rectangular cross-section. The fastening part has legs and surrounds when mounted a mounting rail on all sides by having a matching cross-section formed by the legs. The fastening part has clamping devices for effecting a clamping fixation of the connecting part on the mounting rail. A cross-sectional plane of the fastening part has two diagonally opposed corners and the clamping devices are arranged on the two diagonally opposed corners, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Halfen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Kirchner, Michael Binna, Beate Görtz, Andreas Hanke, Renate Neumann
  • Patent number: 6942132
    Abstract: A stiffening assembly is provided for stiffening an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine to discourage the flexing thereof. The stiffening assembly includes an elongated rod and a clamping piece defining a vertically extending inner face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A jaw element is operatively connected to the clamp piece so as to define a clamp cavity therebetween. The jaw element is movable between a clamping position for retaining a portion of the elongated rod in the clamp cavity and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 6796474
    Abstract: A jogger is provided for aligning carton blanks die cut from a sheet supported on inner grid mounted to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The jogger includes a plate member defining inner and outer faces. The plate member having a recess formed therein and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A jogger element is positioned within the recess and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A fastening element extends through the bore through the plate member and is receivable in a corresponding slot in the outer frame to interconnect the plate member to the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 6712254
    Abstract: A stiffening rail support is provided for attaching a stiffening rail to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine to discourage the flexing thereof. The stiffening rail support includes a clamping piece defining a vertically extending inner face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A jaw element is operatively connected to the clamp piece so as to define a clamp cavity therebetween. The jaw element is movable between a clamping position for retaining a portion of the stiffening rail in the clamp cavity and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 6708858
    Abstract: A clamp piece is provided for interconnecting an inner grid to an outer frame of a frame assembly of a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The clamp piece includes a plate member having inner and outer faces and a cavity formed therein for receiving a portion of the bar that makes up the inner grid. A bore extends between the inner face and the outer face of the plate member along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A screw extends through the bore and into the outer frame to interconnect the clamp piece to the outer frame. A clamping structure is positioned within the cavity and is movable between a clamping position for retaining the portion of the bar in the cavity of the plate member and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 6588971
    Abstract: A fastener clip assembly for forming a substantially concealed joint between panels of furniture, a shelf assembly or the like includes a pair of clips telescopingly assembled with one another to form a joint which prevents rotation between the clips and joint members. The clips are secured to respective joint members and assembled with a portion of the second clip received through the slot of the first clip such that offset engagement sections overlap one another while a resilient, flexible inclined section on at least one, but preferably both, of the engagement sections draws the clips and joint members together. An engaging member which resists disassembly of the clips may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Modular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Montgomery J. Welch, Kevin M. Wigger
  • Patent number: 6582150
    Abstract: A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis includes a chassis suitable for receiving a device. The chassis has a first side and a second side, the first side oriented generally perpendicular to the second side. A retention member is mounted to the first side of the chassis to enable the retention member to exert a force against a device, thereby applying the force from the retention member to the device and to the second side of the chassis, thereby securing the device in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, David D. Williams, Daniel C. Castillo, Jorge A. Moriel, John J. Daly, James Foster Knutson
  • Patent number: 6547482
    Abstract: A hook strap comprises a transverse arm formed as a ribbon for abutment on an top flange on a formwork girder. The ends of the ribbon are provided with hook-shaped retainers for engagement below parts of a waler and tension elements for fixing the hook strap. The ribbon has a small thickness to prevent obstruction of the elements bordering the top flange and the upper surface of the top flange. The hook strap may be mounted at any location of a formwork girder or of a waler to interconnect formwork girders and/or connect formwork girders to a waler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Peri GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Schwörer
  • Publication number: 20020136601
    Abstract: To fasten an object (8) to a surface (4) such as in a booklet, the object (8) is fastened to the surface (4) which is subsequently, optionally, bound like a page into a booklet. The time-consuming action of inserting the objects (8) into bags and fastening the bags to the predetermined pages of the booklet is thus avoided. It is consequently simple and economical to carry out the method according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Walter Schlutius
  • Publication number: 20020061225
    Abstract: A socket and rail clamp apparatus for securing a surgical accessory to a rail of a patient support device includes a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw. One of the first and second jaws is movable between a first position in which the socket and rail clamp assembly is attachable to and detachable from the rail and a second position in which the clamp grips the rail. A socket assembly includes among a plurality of components a socket adapted to receive a portion of a surgical accessory. The plurality of components are movable between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Michael M. Boucher, Kip P. VanSteenburg
  • Patent number: 6254302
    Abstract: A connector is provided for use in selectively connecting an associated plate member to an associated support member. The connector includes a first connector member (1) including a first base portion (10) adapted for connection to the associated plate member. An elongate holding element (4) is adapted for connection to the associated support member and also for selective connection to the first connector member (1). An elastic region (11) is arranged on the first connector member (1) to engage a first free end of the elongate holding element when the first connector member and the holding element are disposed in an intermated rest position. In one form, the elastic region includes a holding zone (15) adapted to surround the free end (20) of the elongate holding member. The holding zone is supported relative to the first base portion by a set of spiral arms that extend radially outwardly from the holding zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6145173
    Abstract: An article attaching device is used for attaching, for example, a rear seat to an under panel of an automobile. The article attaching device is inserted into an attaching hole of the under panel to be fixed thereto, and then a hook fixed to the rear seat is inserted into the box portion to engage engaging portions provided on opposed inner sides of the box portion. The engaging portions opposing each other are shifted in the horizontal direction not to overlap each other. Thus, an article, i.e. hook, can be easily inserted into the article attaching device while providing a high extracting force of the article, which results in good workability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Suzuki, Yasuhiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 6131505
    Abstract: A dual-use roaster includes a housing having a receiving space and a peripheral rim, a first heater disposed inside the receiving space, a rotatable spit assembly mounted on the housing for supporting food items inside the receiving space, and a tray assembly including a tray panel for supporting food items, a peripheral downward flange mounted detachably on the peripheral rim of the housing, and a second heater disposed beneath the tray panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6122989
    Abstract: A pedal apparatus provides quick and secure assembly of a pedal lever and an interconnecting mechanism. The pedal apparatus includes the pedal lever (18) and a fixed end (32) of a cylindrical member (30) is attached to the pedal lever. An interconnecting mechanism (40) is disposed between the device to be actuated by the operators efforts on the pedal lever and has a first end attached the cylindrical member. A snap lock (50) is provided having a body portion (52) disposed adjacent to a free end of the cylindrical member. The snap lock also includes at least one retaining leg (54) projecting outward from the body portion toward the pedal lever. The retaining leg has a predetermined length and width to allow installation of the first end of the interconnecting mechanism onto the cylindrical member and retention thereafter of the first end of the interconnecting means between a tip of the retaining leg and the pedal lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Barnes, Leonard Murray Brown, Jiao J. (Peter) Huang
  • Patent number: 6082240
    Abstract: The invention provides clamps for providing a compliant mounting surface which protects the edges of brittle materials, which can be constituent components in armor panels. Thus the invention prevents concentrated loads around the armor. The invention is modular and allows for modular placement of a plurality of spaced apart armor panel layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Albert Middione, Ron Eugene Musante, James Robert Turner
  • Patent number: 6009681
    Abstract: A truss bracket 28 for securing a spanning member of a truss fixedly to a wall plate member of an interior wall of a building such as a residential house. The truss bracket 28 includes a base portion, an inside upright portion extending perpendicularly of the base portion, a top portion extending a perpendicularly from an upper end portion of the inside upright portion, and an outer lip portion extending perpendicularly of an outer edge portion of the top portion and also parallel to the inside upright portion. The outer lip portion includes at least one "L"-shaped spike portion which is adapted to be engaged to penetrate the spanning member, thereby preventing the spanning member from moving either horizontally or vertically relative to the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Larry Alexander Kozloff
  • Patent number: 5966892
    Abstract: A ready to assemble construction system for erecting small structures such as houses, sheds, garages, etcetera. Comprising specially designed connecting plates which both secure laminate sections of lumber to each other to form constructive elements and also act as a rigid connecting means between the elements to enable the structure to be easily, quickly, and inexpensively built and later disassembled if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: R. Terry Platt
  • Patent number: 5887672
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to use the smallest possible number of bosses, screws, and nuts to install a shield plate to a front grille. To achieve this object, protruding members of grille protruding toward the rear of a vehicle body are provided at the upper edge of a back-side opening of a bumper grille. A protruding portion is provided at the end of the respective protruding member. An engagement hole vertically penetrating the protruding portion is provided in the protruding portion, and a step portion protruding downward from the height of the engagement hole is provided at the lower part of the end of the protruding portion. The shield plate is provided with insertion holes into which the protruding portions are inserted. A tongue is formed at the lower center of the insertion hole. The transverse movement of the shield plate is restricted by the insertion of the tongue into the engagement hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yuzuru Kimura
  • Patent number: 5868519
    Abstract: A thumbscrew apparatus for fastening a first device to a second device. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a screw attached to the second device and a first cylinder screwed onto the screw for fastening the first device to the second device. The first cylinder has an outboard end with a one-way slot feature that allows a screwdriver to be used to loosen the first cylinder while inhibiting the use of the screwdriver to tighten the cylinder. In a second embodiment, the shaft of the screw has a first portion smaller in diameter than a second portion. The first portion also has a thread pitch smaller than that of the second portion. A second cylinder contained within the first cylinder is screwed onto the second portion of the shaft while the first cylinder is screwed onto the first portion. A pin is used to lock the first cylinder to the second cylinder such that both cylinders are turned at the same revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Albert Rachui, Donald Lee Thompson
  • Patent number: 5865004
    Abstract: A molded rubber recreational block locking system, wherein a molded rubber recreational surface block includes an upper surface and a resilient supporting structure below the upper surface. At least one recessed shoulder is located below the upper surface and intersects a marginal edge of the molded rubber recreational surface block. A fastening device interconnects adjacently positioned recessed shoulders in adjacent molded rubber recreational surface blocks for securing same together. Typically, at least one generally vertically directed through hole extends through each recessed shoulder and a flexible fastening device, such as a fastening strap, interconnects the through holes of adjacently positioned recessed shoulders in adjacent molded rubber recreational surface blocks. A cap covers the fastening device and recessed shoulders of adjacently positioned molded rubber recreational surface blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: SpectraTurf, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven G. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5768850
    Abstract: A method for assembling floor boards includes the steps of: (a) providing a supporting joist fixedly mounted on a floor; (b) providing a plurality of floor boards on the supporting joist; (c) providing a plurality of fastener members each mounted on the supporting joist for securing each of the floor boards on the supporting joist; and (d) combining each of the floor boards consecutively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Alen Chen
  • Patent number: 5762436
    Abstract: A toolbar bracket assembly for mounting an agricultural rig or row unit on different toolbars includes a bracket having a pair of upright fore-and-aft extending plates with stepped cutouts or notches defining at least two toolbar-receiving areas of different sizes. The plates are supported in parallel relationship by a transversely extending upright connecting plate which is apertured to receive U-bolts or the bolts of a strap assembly which conform to the dimensions of the toolbar. A larger notched area is defined for embracing a portion of a toolbar of first cross section. A second smaller notched area is defined at a location centered with respect to the larger area for embracing a portion of a toolbar with a smaller cross section. The bracket can be attached to either toolbar by simply using a correctly sized U-bolt or a bolt and strap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Mosdal
  • Patent number: 5694997
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exhibition stand comprising a plurality of panels having side edges and openings adjacent a pair of opposite side edges, the panels being arranged vertically with said pair of opposite side edges vertical and in two or more rows and two or more columns, a plurality of connector units connecting together the panels, at least some of the connector units comprising an intermediate member having a plurality of apertures therethrough and at least two pins projecting therefrom, each pin comprising two pin parts releasably connected to one another and passing through a said aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: John Errol Styger
  • Patent number: 5692852
    Abstract: A quick connect system for attaching excavator buckets and other tools to the arm of a hydraulic excavator. The excavator bucket has a first and second mounting plate connected thereto in a spaced parallel relationship. Each mounting plate has a front and rear mounting assembly aligned to receive the front and rear pins respectively of the arm of the hydraulic excavator. Each mounting assembly has a U-shaped opening formed therein for receiving one end of one of the respective front and rear pins and has facilities for securing the respective pins to the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Entek Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Vearl L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5678374
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a concrete made construction comprising the steps of provisionally disposing a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction, forming holes at the lower surface of a concrete made construction, and inserting fixtures into the holes to fixate the reinforcement member onto the lower surface of a concrete made construction so that the fixture imparts tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane of the reinforcement member. For instance, a fixture includes a device for applying tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane thereof by moving at least a part of the fixture in a direction perpendicular to the reinforcement member. The invention ensures fixation of a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction such as a bridge to which repeated live loads are always applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kyouryou Hozen Inc.
    Inventor: Katsumi Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 5670734
    Abstract: The invention provides elastomeric clamps for providing a compliant mounting surface which protects the edges of brittle materials, which can be constituent components in armor panels. Thus the invention prevents concentrated loads around the armor. The invention is modular and allows for modular placement of a plurality of spaced apart armor panel layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Albert Middione, Ron Eugene Musante, James Robert Turner
  • Patent number: 5666764
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator hinge assembly which provides for maintaining the proper adjusted position of a refrigerator door with respect to its associated cabinet. A factory setting of the refrigerator door can be accurately maintained with precision even after the hinges are removed for field installation of the refrigerator such as to pass a refrigerator through narrow doorways. A tap plate is located behind the cabinet cladding and has "wrapper" or hinge screw holes for clamping the position of the external hinge with hinge screws, while allowing for factory adjustment of the door position. After the door is factory adjusted in position, a supplemental mechanism is applied to fix the tap plate in the factory position independent of the hinge screws, such as an epoxy application or a separate and independent drill screw applied through the cabinet and engaging the tap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Beatty, David Foss, James L. Willis
  • Patent number: 5655740
    Abstract: A sturdy, easily constructed shelving support system for homes, stores and offices. The system uses shelf hangers and wall brackets, employing a novel, push-fit interlocking connector. The shelf hanger is fabricated as a rigid wire member, bent into a V-shape and connected at its ends to a right angled upright member by the push-fit connector locked into a square opening formed In the upright. The lower leg of the shelf hanger is suspended by the support leg, with its end portion flush against the upright wall, so that It does not rotate, to provide a stable support for a shelf end. The push-fit connectors are easily locked into the openings In the upright member, and may be quickly removed and re-positioned, enabling quick and easy construction of an entire shelving system within minutes, or easy alteration of its layout. A feature of the invention is that in addition to its support function, the support leg acts as a shelf book-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Abraham M. Lazarus
  • Patent number: 5649783
    Abstract: A retainer for seat which can be molded by a pair of metal molds and which prevents water from entering into a portion which locks a hook member. The retainer for seat comprises: a box-shaped leg body with an opening being inserted through a mounting hole; a flange extending outwardly from a vicinity of the opening; pawl portions protruding from outer surfaces of the leg body, and the peripheral edge of the mounting hole is held between the pawl portions and the flange; and retaining bodies protruding from the inner surfaces of the leg body in the direction of approaching each other, and resiliently retaining a hook member which is inserted through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Kouji Ichikawa, Seiichi Yuda
  • Patent number: 5636891
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory has a mounting wall with an elongated slot which slideably receives a snap-in fastener which is fixed in the orthogonal direction of installation of the snap-in fastener. The fastener cooperates with an elongated slot formed in a vehicle support structure which slot extends orthogonally to the slot in the vehicle accessory such that the fastener can be moved into alignment on two axes to align with the aperture in the vehicle for insertion of the fastener and installation of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Nels R. Smith, Dean T. Miller
  • Patent number: 5632542
    Abstract: An interlock apparatus for connecting a drawer slide member having a planar connecting surface to a slide receiving member having first and second substantially parallel surfaces is provided. The interlock apparatus includes a plurality of male interlock members integral with the drawer slide member, each interlock member defining a loop extending out of the plane of the connecting surface and having a first bearing surface thereon. The apparatus also includes a plurality of apertures disposed in the slide receiving member, each aperture defining a single uninterrupted second bearing surface. Each interlock member extends through an aperture to a mounted condition with the first and second bearing surfaces in contact with each other to connect the drawer slide and the slide receiving member together. The loops are retained in the mounted condition by pins therethrough or by retaining surfaces thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert Krivec
  • Patent number: 5561960
    Abstract: A modular wall panel system in which individual panels are constructed with a lightweight aluminum frame. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is substantially filled with a foam core material and decorative display surfaces are affixed to opposite sides thereof. One edge of the panels contains a plurality of specially shaped connector pins, while the opposite edge has a plurality of connector slots having a "dogbone" configuration. Therefore, a similar panel placed adjacent to the first panel may be mated thereto by engagement of the connector pins with respective connector slots in the other panel. The pins/slots are shaped and sized so that the connector pin may enter/exit the connector slot at either end of the dogbone but not in the center slot of the dogbone. Secure coupling with fast assembly/disassembly is thereby achieved, without tools or detachable components. Furthermore, the dogbone shape of the slot allows panels to be removed from either side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The Exhibit House, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Minnick, Stephen L. Mitchell, Daniel L. Weddle
  • Patent number: 5558458
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed that comprises a catch within a tab extending from one component that locks into a receiving opening on another component. The second component slides between the tab on the first component and the first component from which the tab extends and locks when the catch is received by the receiving opening of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley Mechanics Tools
    Inventors: Gary Silvis, Thomas E. Howland, Steven R. Snoke
  • Patent number: 5539599
    Abstract: A movable fastener that permits, among other things, the interlocking of 3.5 inch flexible disk cartridges or "floppy disks." The fastener can project from the flexible disk cartridge when desired to fasten to another flexible disk cartridge. The fastener can be placed anywhere within the flexible disk cartridge where it will not interfere with the magnetic media, the shutter, the write protect hole and tab, the disk size indicator, or any other feature integral to the proper functioning of the flexible disk cartridge. Mortise and tenon, interference, and friction fit type fastener configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Blue Ridge Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert E. Wilder
  • Patent number: 5536102
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for the head tube of a bicycle in which the two ends of the head tube are respectively provided with a horizontal race and a vertical race. The horizontal race is provided for the handlebar to feed through, and the vertical race cooperates with a vertical tube for locking. The wall of the vertical race is provided with a feed-through lateral passage, which communicates with the vertical race through an intersecting hole. A stop member is placed inside the intersecting hole, and the two sides of the stop member are respectively provided with a push member. The side of the stop member facing the vertical race is provided with a recessed arc surface, and the opposite side is a V-shaped protruded portion, which is provided with a fixed ring. The two push members are respectively provided with a screw hole for a stove bolt to feed through so that the fixed ring can be locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Yu-Chen Kao
  • Patent number: 5470168
    Abstract: A speedy fixing device for tubes and bars of various shapes and sizes, having two elongate upright parallel teeth plates and an engaging base. The teeth plates are fixed firmly on an object which is to be affixed to the tube or bar, and have a plurality of longitudinal teeth in two vertical parallel slots of the engaging base. The engaging base has an inverted V-shaped bottom surface to contact an upper surface of a tube or a bar. The engaging base slides inward gradually to compress tightly the tube or the bar placed under the base and between the two plates. An elastic cushion is used to inhibit slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Union Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 5470099
    Abstract: A method and steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel comprising a preselected material continuously molded onto at least a driver's side thereof to conceal the air bag when the air bag is mounted to the steering wheel. The preselected material covers at least a driver's side of a rim section, a center section and a spoke section which joins the rim and center sections. The invention provides an integral construction which permits a steering wheel manufacturer to provide a steering wheel having a continuous molded construction on at least a driver's side thereof. This also enables steering wheels to be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Duane D. Williams
  • Patent number: 5450910
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a snow thrower which has a motor, a wheeled support for the motor, an auger, and a support for the auger. The apparatus converts the snow thrower to a lawn care apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of lock assemblies connected to the auger support on opposite sides of the auger, support, a rollable lawn care assembly, and a pair of strut members connected at opposite ends of the rollable lawn care assembly. The strut members are adapted to connect with the lock assemblies on the auger support. Each of the lock assemblies includes a base plate attached to the auger support. A first bracket member is attached to the base plate and receives a portion of one of the strut members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Harold J. Strzyzewski
  • Patent number: 5421649
    Abstract: A movable base board for an optical scanner includes a handle being disposed on a rectangular opening formed on the bottom of the movable base board. A concave recess is formed on the handle for hand grasping. The handle is fixed on the movable base board by means of latch studs and snap pin engaging with openings formed on the movable base board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Umax Data Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ting Shia
  • Patent number: 5328289
    Abstract: A system for positioning and retaining in place an article of modular furniture in the form of a slab upon the upper face of a rest block comprises an intermediate piece and a fastener. The intermediate piece has a horizontal plate an arcuate heel extending upwardly from the upper face perpendicular to the plate at one end thereof, the shape and dimensions of the heel being the same as a concave recess provided in the external edge of the slab. The lower face of the plate includes a locking mechanism for locking the plate into a recess in the upper face of the rest block. The heel has a hole therethrough positioned to align with a hole in the concave recess in the external edge of the slab. The fastener includes a locking stud and a head, the head having a vertical planar part and a horizontal part which fully close the concave recess in the external edge of the slab when the stud is forced into the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Steelcase Strafor (S.A.)
    Inventor: Philippe Fussler
  • Patent number: 5234654
    Abstract: A concrete forming system including an elongated member for extending from an exterior portion of the forming system to an interior portion of the forming system whereby the concrete or other pourable formable material exerts pressure on the interior portion of the elongated member and secures it with respect to the form members. A slidable member fits onto the exterior portion of the elongated member, the elongated member and the slidable member are secured to one another through perforations provided in both and through use of a securing pin to hold them rigid with respect to the formed border.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Clifford D. Brooks